Vehicle Description
Board Track and early speedway racing in the early days was
something that can be described as wild and loose. Some say that
the birth of automotive racing began when the second motorcar was
produced. Since the beginning, someone was always looking for an
edge, to try something new...more speed. Board Track and early
Speedway racing was all about going faster and less about safety.
Big wheels, different gear ratios, lower suspension and high
compression heads all root back to these days of racing glory. The
people who designed these cars were creating technology, not
building on what has already been done. Cars of this era were all
different as rules and regulations were liberal and the drivers who
campaigned them stretched the limits of courage and skill. During
the early 20's Board Tracks began popping up all over the US as
demand for the spectacle grew, they were relatively in expensive to
build, however the cost of maintenance was high and the life of a
board track rarely lasted over 3 years. The excitement was high and
but the era was short. Speedway racing on the other hand lives on.
May 2017 will mark the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 and to
this day remains "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing".
We are pleased to offer this enthusiast inspired, 1922 Indy
Speedway / Board Track Race Car. The inspiration to build this car
came from a local collector and enthusiast when he acquired an
original set of 5, 30 inch Phelps racing wheels that are said to
have run in the Indianapolis 500 in 1922. The history and mystique
of these wheels inspired some research, and a project to build a
classic racer from the early 20's was born. The car is built with
nearly all vintage parts from the 20's that were carefully acquired
over some time. The car is built on an early 20's chassis, The
engine is a Ford Model T fortified with an authentic RAJO overhead
valve head, Warford reversible overdrive transmission that has two
set ups: Board Track and Speedway overdrive, Authentic Frontenac
front spring perches which were specifically designed for cars that
ran Indianapolis during that era allowing the car to set lower to
the ground, rear spring perches had to be fabricated but patterned
from an original piece, 1 Ton Model T truck king pins, Winfield
Carburetor, Rocky Mountain Brakes, Whippet Radiator, Black Leather
2 Person Cockpit etc. The body of this car is stunning. It was
constructed and hand formed in aluminum done by Jim Mann. Jim Mann
is the premier classic and vintage Indy car restorer on the planet.
His restorations have received world recognition and his had
crafted tributes have the reputation of being the best. This one
off body was formed and crafted to best represent a Harry Miller
style body of early 1920's. It best represents a 1922 vintage
Miller Board-Track / Speedway racecar. 1922 was the last year for
this type of racecar, which was designed and built as a 2-seater
for driver and mechanic. The car was completed in the early 90's
and the result was stunning; a working and performing authentic
recreation of a 1920's speedway / board track racer. Since
completion, the car was maintained and campaigned for nearly 15
years. Not just used in shows and parades, but was also driven at
speed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Berlin Raceway in Grand
Rapids, MI. The car is configured in its board track set up which
will reach speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour, and will achieve
much higher speeds in Speedway set up. The driver is quoted that
the car is very stable and handles great at these speeds. The
Warford reversible overdrive transmission enables to change set ups
relatively easily. Today the car remains in excellent mechanical
and cosmetic condition. The motor fires right up and sounds
magnificent through its long tube straight pipe exhaust.
One must appreciate the thought, design and effort that went into
the build of this car. The parts used are nearly all, authentic
performance parts of that era: Wheels, chassis, engine,
transmission, brakes, spring perches...the entire running gear.
Researched, tracked down, hand picked, and masterfully refurbished
to build this masterpiece. This is a great addition to any
collection and this car is well received at any classic and
collector venue. Your can not come close to building this car to
this level at the price offered here. THIS CAR IS BEING SOLD AS A
RACE CAR AND SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY.
To see over 80 photos of this car, including under carriage please
visit our website www.grautogallery.com
Gr Auto Gallery, LLC and our sister company, Wheelz Sales and
Leasing Inc. makes every effort to represent each vehicle
accurately and with integrity. We also welcome third party
inspections when necessary. Although we try to do our very best to
be accurate in our description writing we are human and do make
mistakes. Unless otherwise noted, All vehicles are sold AS IS, No
Warranty Expressed or Implied. All sales final.
