1934 Ford 'Gilmore Special' Single Seater

149ci OHV Inline 4-Cyilnder Engine
2 Winfield Model S Carburetors
Est 60bhp at 3,300rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Leaf Spring Suspension
Rear Mechanical Drum Brakes

*Offered from the Austin Automobile Collection
*Fitted with desirable overhead-valve conversion
*Beautifully presented, with much chrome and glistening paint
*Exciting garage art or a thrilling drive on an old oval circuit


THE EARLY SPRINT CARS

Sprint car racing emerged as a hugely popular new sport in 1930s America, leading countless enterprising, mechanically inclined young people to build their own racers from widely available parts. Usually, this prescribed the use of Ford frames and engines, though heavily modified for suitability to the harsh, competitive conditions of early paved and dirt track ovals.

Eventually, many of sprint car's finest drivers and builders gravitated towards Indy, helping to foster the uniquely American concept of the high-level pro-am racer/constructor exemplified by characters like Carroll Shelby, Smokey Yunick, Dan Gurney, Andy Granatelli, and countless other adventurous individuals. This hot rodder's spirit persists in sprint racing to this day, on dozens of dirt ovals across America.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1934 Ford-Gilmore special typifies the early breed of sprint cars. From its heavily modified, OHV head-equipped Ford four-cylinder, to its narrow, single-seat cockpit, instantly recognizable raked, wheels-forward stance, and general shape still recognizable in today's sprint machines (albeit under massive wings).

Low, lithe, aggressive, and somehow simultaneously elegant, the 1934 Ford-Gilmore special looks perfectly at home photographed on loose gravel, and it's easy to imagine the little car being flung violently sideways around a local dirt oval packed with screaming racefans.
Typically, the car features the barest minimum of safety equipment; there's what looks like a surplus US Army Air Corps seat belt, but no roll cage, no padded steering wheel, and no front brakes. The concept of extreme simplicity continues throughout the car, from its absolutely minimal bodywork to its complete lack of a starter, clutch, or transmission. The lever situated between the driver's legs operates an "in and out box", merely selecting in or out of gear, and starting is achieved by pushing.

Power is delivered by a period Ford four-cylinder equipped with an exotic aftermarket OHV crossflow speed head and dual carburetors, exhausting through a lovely polished exhaust manifold and artfully formed pipe running the full length of the car's right side. Drivers are advised to watch their arm placement!