Anybody know the history behind this sports car? Looks to be early 50s??? I’m sure it ran a flattie with a 39 trans?
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
When all else fails, check here for vintage sporty car / specials stuff. https://www.undiscoveredclassics.com
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.
The gauges might give you a hint, but they can't really be seen from the pictures you supplied. Any better shots of that?
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.
Cool stuff. If someone wants it’s for sale cheap in Reno. Not mine but thought I’d share. https://reno.craigslist.org/pts/d/reno-vintage-car-project/7208891386.html
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.
That's an early CORVETTE!!! Well, it does have early Corvette tail lights, and maybe rear bumperettes. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
The history of that sporty little thing is FUN !!!! Someone, at some point fad a lotta fun with that little nibbler !