1963 Kellison J-2

Jim Kellison created Kellison Engineering & Manufacturing Company in 1954. The operation was based in California and specialized in kit car creation. Kellison served as a fighter pilot during World War II, and his closeness to aerodynamic designs undoubtedly influenced his streamlined and attractive race car bodies. The company sold its product in a variety of guises and completion.

Jim Kellison's designs were futuristic. The J-2 Coupe was introduced in 1956 with the bodies built as light-weight racing bodies. Most found their way onto Corvette chassis or Kellison's own in-house chassis. These cars enjoyed much racing success, primarily on the west coast, throughout the 1960s.

This Kellison J-2 is one of the very few examples of the lightweight 'double-bubble' coupe racing body designed to fit Triumph / MG / Austin-Healey and other chassis. Total production is believed to have reached eight units, with just three examples remaining today.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2011