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1959 Kellison J-4R

Jim Kellison, a former Korean War fighter pilot, founded Kellison Engineering in 1954. The company would become one of the premier manufacturers of Fiberglass cars in the United States. Their first production car was the J-4 which sold for $6,700 in turnkey form.

Kellison served as a fighter pilot during World War II, and his closeness to aerodynamic designs undoubtedly influenced his streamlined and attractive race car bodies. The company sold its product in a variety of guises and completion.

In comparison to the Corvette, the Kellison J4 was more powerful and lighter, yet was priced more than $2,000 over the price of a new Corvette.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: 3970020

This Kellison was purchased new by SCCA executive director Don Rodimer. The car would remain with him until his death, at which time it passed to Rich Taylor in 1985. Mr. Taylor had the entire chassis rebuilt by Chassis Dynamics in Edison, New Jersey. It was further updated with a NASCAR-style roll cage, a 15-gallon fuel cell, and a multitude of safety features. The engine was tuned to produce 497 horsepower and 463 ft/lbs of torque.

The current owner acquired the car in 2001. It was made fully street-legal with lights, turn signals, and a windshield wiper. It has taken part in the New England 1000, amongst other events. It has a full SVRA Group 4 logbook (SVRA Group 4 consists of limited-produced sports cars, racing specials, and GT cars built or in production prior to 1960).

by Dan Vaughan