1961 Sabel MK1 Sports Racer

This Sabel-Porsche is chassis number 001 - the prototype. It remained in the care of its creator until 1966, when it was sold to Ralph 'Bud' Williams, who continued to expand its racing resume. Mr. Wiliams replaced the original engine with a heavier but more powerful Chevy Corvair flat-six. The combination of svelte and lightweight coachwork, a potent engine, and a skilled driver resulted in a successful racing career. Williams earned enough points in 1967 to qualify for the American Road Race of Champions at Daytona, ultimately taking 2nd place in the D/SR class.

In 1968, Ralph Williams sold it to Richard Williams (no relation), who qualified for the 1969 SCCA Runoffs but was unable to attend the event. In 1970, the Sabel MK1 was sold to Gordon Kerr, who placed the car into storage, where it rested for 34 years. In 2004, Sean Kalil discovered the Sabel. A restoration was planned but an illness forced its sale. IMSA racer Chuck Goldborough became the car's next owner, who later sold it to Michael Ballo, who treated it to a restoration. The work was handled by Pennsylvania-based specialists Dawe's Motorsports Developments. At the start of the restoration, the car retained the Corvair engine fitted in the 1960s and was largely complete.

During the restoration, the car's original builder was contacted - John Sabel - who was living close by in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The information was helpful in returning it to its former glory. The work was completed for its debut in 2014 at the Hershey Grand Ascent Hillclimb – 50 years after the car's inaugural run. The following year, it was shown at the Rennsport Reunion V at Laguna Seca. In 2016, it was acquired by its current caretaker.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2024