1959 Kellison J-5 Roadster

This is one of two 'factory' roadsters and the 14th J-5 model supplied in 1959. The frame is a Chuck Manning design (similar to Corvette but with extra cross-bracing). It was originally built to run at the Salt Flats powered by a Chrysler Hemi. Renewed with Corvette power, it was California street registered in 1961. It was next converted into a drag car, last competing in 1965. It then remained non-operative in the same family until the current owner purchased it in 1998. The Corvette engine, period worm and sector steering, along with drum brakes, were retained. Circa 1958, the coil-over suspension was added. It was completed in 2009 as a street-legal roadster, but while fine-tuning, the current owner was convinced it could be a potent vintage race car. It was raced in the 1956-1959 class at Elkhart Lake, Monterey Historics, Circuit of the Americas (Austin), Sebring, Homestead, Indianapolis, and Watkins Glen. While a very competitive race car, it retains its street license and is driven regularly.