Roadster

It's hard to conceive that this razor-nosed streamlined race car began life as a humble 1927 Model T Ford Roadster. A four page article in the January 1959 issue of Hot Rod Magazine was entitled 'T Masterpiece.' The story stated that the space frame built from 1.75 inch diameter tubing 'would do credit to an Indy Roadster.' The engine is a highly modified 467 cubic inch 1957 Chrysler Hemi featuring a Vertex magneto and eight Stromberg 97 carburetors. The steel roadster was streamlined with a hand-formed aluminum nose, hood, and belly pan by Claude Hampson. At its first run at Bonneville in 1957, the 1956 Dodge metallic blue roadster achieved its best speed of 212.76 mph.

In 1958 at more than 200 mph, a rear axle broke causing the car to flip. Testimony to the SCTA rules and the quality of construction is the fact that Khougaz's only injuries were arm burns suffered when he extinguished the ensuing fire in the carburetors. Following the 1958 Bonneville Nationals, Khougaz stored it in his shop for over forty years. It was discovered by collector Richard V. Munz of Madison, WI, who was able to convince Khougaz to sell it. A multi-year restoration was completed by Jim Busby in 2008. The car was shown at the Grand National Roadster Show and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. In 2015 the car was generously donated to the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, CA, where it is part of the permanent collection.