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History Identify this mystery 1950s Sports Car?

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by inliner2318, Oct 7, 2020.

  1. inliner2318
    Joined: May 9, 2008
    Posts: 386

    inliner2318
    Member
    from Tyler, TX

    Anybody know the history behind this sports car? Looks to be early 50s??? I’m sure it ran a flattie with a 39 trans?
     

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  2. 51504bat
    Joined: May 22, 2010
    Posts: 4,755

    51504bat
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    The cowl looks like it could be a modified MGTD but the frame doesn't look like a MG. Back in the '50's flathead 60's were swapped into MGTD's for more speed. Other than that I've got nothing.
     
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  3. inliner2318
    Joined: May 9, 2008
    Posts: 386

    inliner2318
    Member
    from Tyler, TX

    Looks too well built to be a home job.
    Kinda like a Kurtis Kraft sports car?
    But, the cowl is unique and the doors slope down.
     
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  4. TCTND
    Joined: Dec 27, 2019
    Posts: 543

    TCTND
    Member

    If it has an SCCA race history it would be very cool (and worth more) to see it restored to original rather than just made into a toy. Lots of "specials" were built and vintage racers love them when they turn up.
     

  5. The37Kid
    Joined: Apr 30, 2004
    Posts: 30,629

    The37Kid
    Member

    STEP ONE with vintage race cars or the remains of one: Do some research, were was it from, were did it race? Is the cowl aluminum? Track down anyone that has any knowledge of it. I found out the history of two cars and one engine AFTER I sold them, not a happy feeling. Bob
     
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  6. scrap metal 48
    Joined: Sep 6, 2009
    Posts: 6,079

    scrap metal 48
    Member

    Doubt it was a flathead as it looks to have side engine mounts...
     
  7. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 13,174

    Budget36
    Member

    The cowl doesn’t look homemade, but with the skills of some it would not surprise me. The frame looks very well crafted. The arcs look like a factory job. All the evenly spaced holes look like it was set up well to hold the rest of everything down. That cowl does look familiar, but not being a guy who knows much about stuff like this, I’d suggest instead of a “what’s this” , change to “can you ID this cowl/chassis race car”.
    Might peak the interest of some others
     
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  8. inliner2318
    Joined: May 9, 2008
    Posts: 386

    inliner2318
    Member
    from Tyler, TX

    51504bat... agreed that the cowl looks like a early 50s
    MGTD. but, there’s a hump in the middle? Maybe to clear the carbs?

    the rails appear to be an early car maybe Chevy or Mopar? The trans mount looks like a ford 3 speed and the engine mounts are forward like a ford. Not on the side as mentioned.

    probably just a home built 1950s sports car?
    Budget36... I’ll change the title to spark more interest.
     
  9. Can't identify your car, but here is one my brother owns that is running and driving with its original flat head and Lincoln Zephyr transmission. 20200913_160542.jpg 20200920_094609.jpg
     
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  10. gnichols
    Joined: Mar 6, 2008
    Posts: 11,345

    gnichols
    Member
    from Tampa, FL

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  11. redo32
    Joined: Jul 16, 2008
    Posts: 2,137

    redo32
    Member

    This car is smaller than you first think. The wheels are 12" midget race car based on Model T 6 bolt hubs. The rearend resembles a Crosley but has 5 bolt instead of 4 bolt torque tube flange. I think the body and belly pan are custom built aluminum. The frame rails are similar to '40's midget also. Here's a pic showing the wheels and similar frame rails.
    [​IMG]
     
  12. 51504bat
    Joined: May 22, 2010
    Posts: 4,755

    51504bat
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Maybe a Singer? But still no explanation for the hump in the middle. singer2.jpg singer1.jpg
     
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  13. fleetside66
    Joined: Nov 20, 2006
    Posts: 3,003

    fleetside66
    Member

    The gauges might give you a hint, but they can't really be seen from the pictures you supplied. Any better shots of that?
     
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  14. 42merc
    Joined: Dec 19, 2010
    Posts: 894

    42merc
    Member

    I see it as a home built, maybe with a little help with the aluminum.
    I see a 6 spline driveshaft cobbled to the pinion, early Ford trans mount & flat head motor mounts. Pictures are not clear, but maybe a Ford tube axle on the front.
    Frame rails appear to be a stock configuration pinched at the cowl, with home built cross members.
     
  15. scrap metal 48
    Joined: Sep 6, 2009
    Posts: 6,079

    scrap metal 48
    Member

    The Allard had the same style cowl and different engines were used.....
     
  16. BamaMav
    Joined: Jun 19, 2011
    Posts: 6,709

    BamaMav
    Member
    from Berry, AL

    Don't know what it is, but it's cool! Did you get the hood with it?
     
  17. inliner2318
    Joined: May 9, 2008
    Posts: 386

    inliner2318
    Member
    from Tyler, TX

  18. SR100
    Joined: Nov 26, 2013
    Posts: 1,130

    SR100
    Member

    As Red032 said, this is smaller than it appears. If those fronts are 400/12, they're 20 inches high. Eyeballing the car based on that, I'm guessing the wheelbase to be 80", give or take. An MG TC, which is a fairly small car, is 94". The cowl is probably not a production piece. I've never seen a production cowl where there weren't doors that came up to, or at least near, the cowl. Probably a G-Modified or H-modified sports car.
     
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  19. SR100
    Joined: Nov 26, 2013
    Posts: 1,130

    SR100
    Member

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  20. 56sedandelivery
    Joined: Nov 21, 2006
    Posts: 6,695

    56sedandelivery
    Member Emeritus

    That's an early CORVETTE!!! Well, it does have early Corvette tail lights, and maybe rear bumperettes. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
     
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2020
  21. Man I'd buy the shit out of that if it was closer!
     
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  22. The37Kid
    Joined: Apr 30, 2004
    Posts: 30,629

    The37Kid
    Member

  23. The history of that sporty little thing is FUN !!!!


    Someone, at some point fad a lotta fun with that little nibbler !
     
  24. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 13,174

    Budget36
    Member

    Dang I'm glad the kids are grown up, Reno isn't that far!
     
  25. sdluck
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 3,186

    sdluck
    Member

  26. inliner2318
    Joined: May 9, 2008
    Posts: 386

    inliner2318
    Member
    from Tyler, TX

    I guess some one picked it up.
     
  27. Torana68
    Joined: Jan 28, 2008
    Posts: 1,415

    Torana68
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Australia

    someone probably told him it was an early Corvette and worth brazillians.
     
    inliner2318 likes this.

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