The idea for this is the confluence of several ideas/goals.

The first was a long term project that could be worked on in my basement in small bites. Some may know that several years back I assembled a Factory Five Cobra replica in my basement so I've worked out all the logistics there. Besides, I can run down there in my PJ's if I want.

Second, was cost. Starting with a $300 investment for the Postal Jeep, I could buy or build as I go. I ended up selling the unneeded Jeep body for $100.

Finally, after having the opportunity to "experience one" a few years back, there is the desire to replicate the experience of riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The wind in your face, the noise, vibration, the smells - can all enjoyed at speeds legal on a daily commute. The narrator in this video clip about Aston Martins of the period says it much better.

Of the many fun cars I've owned over the years, it's not the "fast" ones I remember enjoying most. For me it's a balance of many things.

You can click on an image to view full size.

As a basis for the car, I decided to use the humble United States Postal Jeep. It shares many of the basic elements of what I needed to replicate a racing car of the Pre-War era. This beauty was in the backyard of a house near Annapolis, MD. It had 3 flat tires. Reed helped get it home, but not without a blowout after crossing the Woodrow Wilson bridge back into civilization. But that's another story.

Without the body, you can better see some of these elements. Ladder frame , drum brakes, right-hand drive, straight 6 cylinder engine (not in the picture, but it had one), straight axle with leaf type springs front and back. Leaf springs began appearing on carriages in England after 1750 and are still used today on some trucks.

This is the basic theme or design I'm looking to replicate. That said, as yet, I have no formal design for the body of the car. The more I get into this project the more varied and diverse I find these cars were. In the 30's there were dozens of independent car manufacturers and many had a unique way of doing things. So to pin my design goal to one at this point just isn't happening.

The Project

Build a replica/tribute of a Pre-War (late 1930's early 1940's) racing car.

The idea for this is the confluence of several ideas/goals.

You can click on an image to view full size.