c1960 Midget Open Wheeler / Club Racer / Hill Climber (998cc)

Description

Australia has a long history of self-built ‘Specials’ constructed by racers on a tight budget, determined to get onto the track no matter what. Many of these Specials were literally home built from whatever was lying around at the time or was accessible and affordable. This practice was never more prevalent than in club racing and hill climbing, where many self-built cars continue to set the pace even today. Our home-made machine here circa 1960s is of unknown origin, but it is not without merit. It is built around a study and quite professional looking silver-painted steel spaceframe chassis, in the back of which now sits a Ford 105E Kent engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox from a VW Superbug. However, period race programs suggest it was originally powered by a HRD motorcycle engine. Drum brakes all ‘round attest to its age and affordable derivation, as do the steel wheels and the Jerry Can used as a fuel tank! It’s all semi-clothed in a derivative body finished in Gulf Racing colours.