Vehicle Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Auburn Spring event, 11 -
12 May 2018.
Estimates:
$120,000 - $140,000
Well-documented exampleMeticulously restored; fabrication work by
Steve Moal and Jackie HowertonDriven by the likes of Pat O'Conner,
Bobby Grimm, and Len Sutton1957 Trenton, New Jersey, winner, Pat
O'ConnerOnce owned by Chapman Root, heir to the Coca-Cola bottle
design fortuneAACA certified class 24-A
Chapman S. Root, heir to the Coca-Cola bottle design fortune, and
his friend Donald E. Smith founded Sumar Racing in Terre Haute,
Indiana, in 1952. The name Sumar comes from the wives of the two
men, Susan Root and Mary Smith. Their well-known racing cars, the
Sumar Specials, were a major force in IndyCar racing. Through 1960,
the blue-and-white machines often paced the pack at sanctioned
events such as Milwaukee, Langhorne, Phoenix, DuQuoin, Las Vegas,
Sacramento, and even Monza, Italy.
This Sumar Special was completed in 1956. It was built on a chassis
by legendary builder Edward Kuzma and is powered by a strong
running example of the legendary 255-cu. in. Offenhauser engine. It
is known to have been driven by Pat O'Connor in his 29 September
1957 win at the Trenton 100 in Trenton, New Jersey. This win would
turn out to be O'Connor's last before tragically losing his life
the following year at the Indianapolis 500. Following O'Connor's
death, the car's number was changed from O'Connor's frequently used
#12 to #48 and driven by several other high-profile drivers,
including Len Sutton, Bobby Grim, and Gene Hartley, among others.
The car finished its career carrying #92.
The car was recently restored to an impeccable standard with
fabrication work by Steve Moal and Jackie Howerton. It bears the
original Sumar Special livery of striking blue with white accents.
Period-correct Halibrand wheels complete the classic look. With the
other three Sumar Specials housed in the Daytona Museum of Arts and
Sciences, it is unlikely that another example will be offered for
sale soon, making this an unrepeatable opportunity. It is offered
with extensive documentation, period photographs, and is ready to
take part in any number of historic racing events.
Please note this vehicle is being sold on BOS only
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/AS18.
