Racer

Ever since the creation of the automobile, the design, and mechanical components have continued to evolve and improve. Fuel sources, engine sizes, suspension, weight distribution, aerodynamics, braking, and more have all been experimented with and undergone rigorous testing and development. It is only suitable that at the local racing circuit, eager individuals were continuing this development in efforts of securing themselves a podium finish. To compete in races during the early years of the automobile, all that was required was a vehicle that could compete. Those who had more money often had more resources at their disposal and could take their vehicle to the next level in terms of power and performance.

At the time, the Ford Flathead V8 was an excellent resource to utilize. Parts were in abundance, power was plentiful, and it was fairly reliable. To fuel the fire, Fred Frame appeared in a 1934 Ford ad declaring 'I picked a Ford V8 for 1933… it brought me home in front. It takes a lot of automobiles to average 80.22 miles per hour for 200 miles over a course like that.' Alone, this may not have meant much, but coming from the winner of the 1932 Indianapolis 500, it was a solid endorsement.

This 1935 Ford Racing Special has many names for which it is known. It was raced by John C. Reuter in 1935 and has set records in many of its races, including twice at Auto Road. Its time of 12 minutes and 46.6 seconds would stand until Lem Ladd drove the same vehicle in 1938 to an even faster time of 12 minutes and 17.6 seconds.

It is known as 'Old Glory' and more commonly, the 'Old Gray Mare'. After racing in the pre-War era, it was laid to rest in a barn, where it would stay for over 40 years. When it was brought out of retirement, it was treated to a restoration. Upon completion, it was brought the 2004 Climb to the Clouds. Since then it has competed in numerous vintage events, including the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and the Rolex Monterey Historic Races.

by Dan Vaughan