A Vintage Model T Track Roadster

Wallpaper Description:

'Track Roadster.' That's what they called these 1940s-1950s racing machines. Their external appearance certainly was unique to say the least. But appearance aside, these machines were fast, sometimes faster than the hot rods of the period, the sprint cars.

There was a great popularity of these hand-crafted racecars in certain parts of the where country and the Ohio-Indiana area was certainly one that had great activity. Their speed was certainly illustrated by big-time driver Dick Frazier, who set a world speed record, also had a roadster division and two Indy 500 winners in Troy Ruttman and Jim Rathmann raced these cars early in their careers.

Taking a look at these flimsy-appearing racecars, it's easy to understand that they were very dangerous with a number of drivers paying the ultimate price. Quite simply, they were stripped down passenger cars converted into open wheel racecars. Chevy and Ford roadsters with their tops cut off were favorites. These were the racecars that would eventually evolve into the wild-and-crazy sprint cars of today.

Some of the interesting characteristics of these cars can be seen by this example. Obviously it can be called an open wheel machine as all the wheels are outside the constraints of the body.

Even in these early days, the car had protective nerf bars which helped prevent another car jump a tire and go flying.

With this Number 93 car, there is a surprisingly-modern look which is interesting since the body came from a 1923 Ford Model T Roadster. Also, many of the period suspension parts were used including period Ford front and rear axles, cross spring suspensions, and lever-style brakes.

This was state-of-the-art for the time period.

The powertrain is quite typical for the post World War 11 time period. The Ford flatheads were extremely popular with this car carrying a 1948 version. The engine had a factory rating of one hundred horsepower, but current owner Mike Swain of Dayton, Ohio figures with the upgrades that were made, it's probably double that figure. Upgrades included Offenhouser cylinder heads, a pair of Wico mags and an Evans intake.

The car was successfully driven by Pete Allen who got a track championship with the car.

His best accomplishments, though, with the car came with the famous Little 500 race which he ran three times with a best finish of third in 1951. The car was raced a lot and its career covered four states, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana.

Reportedly, the car was built by four men from Dayton, Ohio and the welding was done by Broadway Welding of the same race-crazy town.

It was a time of many decades ago, but you might find yourself wishing that you could have been a part of it. I know that I sure do!