1922 Ford Model T Dirt Track Roadster

This Dirt Track Roadster was built by Tommy Garland of Buellton, California. It has a body shell from a circa 1922 Ford Model T with the rear turtle deck and lid sourced from a 1914 Model T. The heavy-duty steering wheel epitomizes the ingenuity and creativity of this car, as it is from a discarded and cut-down circular saw blade. It has a pressurized fuel system and a fabricated rollbar. The grille shell is from a 1932 Chrysler unit. It has a custom-ground camshaft, a distributor from a 12-cylinder Cadillac, triple manifolds built by Garland, and a special dual racing exhaust system.

This Ford Dirt Track Racing Special was completed in 1948 and campaigned for about six years at Porterville, Bakersfield, Lompoc, Old Ascot, and the Thunderbowl. At a few of the races, the car was campaigned by future Indy car driver Chuck Hulsey. The car's regular driver was Lee Hammock.

The car was stored for around 30 years beginning in the mid-1950s. It was then purchased 'Slick' Gaines who put it on display in a local museum.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2016