Great people often do great things, and this was true for Roy Richter whose mechanical talents were put to use building Midgets and racing components. He later proved to have a knack for business, buying Bell Auto Parts for $1,000. He had worked for the company since graduating from high school, and he eventually transformed it into the preeminent speed shop of its time. In 1954, he started Bell Helmets and later opened Cragar Industries, makers of the famous S/S custom wheels.
by Dan Vaughan
Racer
This particular Midget racer was built by Richter in 1938 for Bob Elgin, with Paul Swedberg initially tasked with driving duties. As 1938 was coming to a close, it was acquired by Sam Hanks of Alhambra, California, who had recently been crowned Midget champion. He had the car painted black and put his earned number '1' on the tail. With Hanks at the wheel, this Richter would earn numerous victories and be among the most successful midget racer of its period.
By the mid-1970s, the car was in the care of Pete Snyder when it was acquired by Donald L. Weber. At the time, the car was incomplete, so he had Hanks authenticate it. Hanks recognized enough of the components to validate its authenticity.
While in Mr. Weber's care, the car was given a restoration by Chuck Porter.
This Midget racer is equipped with a 110 cubic-inch Offenhauser DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with twin Winfield sidedraft carburetors and produces an estimated 125 horsepower. There is an Offenhauser In-Out gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes. In the front is a tubular axle with radius rods and transverse leaf springs. A Halibrand Quick Change axle is in the back with radius rods and transverse leaf springs.
by Dan Vaughan