1958 Devin SS Roadster

Bill Devin owned and raced Ferraris in California in the 1950s. Not unlike others, he was intrigued with a new material called fiberglass and set about developing his own powerful, lightweight sports car.

An independent enthusiast constructed the 1958 Devin Special, combining attractive styling, European suspension, and handling with American V8 horsepower coupled to a four-speed synchromesh transmission. Bill Devin's lightweight fiberglass bodies were built in California, emulating a 1952 Ermini designed by Scaglietti. The Austin-Healey running gear, coupled with a modified Corvette engine, exemplifies 1950s sport racer design and construction. The engine utilizes the era's 'hot rod' technology: a high lift camshaft plus three Rochester carburetors that sit atop the only known Devin '3 x 2' intake manifold. Devin valve covers, gauges, steering wheel hub, etc., join innovations like a generator that runs backwards to reflect American sports racers' creativity in the 1950s.

With over 300 horsepower propelling the 1800-pound Devin/Chevrolets, Specials were potent. One achieved 0 - 60 in 4.4 seconds and another reached 202.72 MPH at Bonneville. This level of performance made Devin Specials competitive road racers well into the 1960s.