1950 Von Neumann MG Special

John von Neumann was a talented businessman who was actively involved in America's post-War racing scene. His contributions to the sport were some of the catalysts that sparked the rapid growth during the 1950s. He owned and ran Competition Motors on Ventura Boulevard in Hollywood, California. Among other things, the shop began selling and servicing MGs. Von Neumann had been racing a TC since 1948, and he continued to race MGs to showcase the company's preparation abilities.

Using an MG TD, von Neumann transformed it into a racing special. The front section of the frame was cut at the radiator and a portion of the front coils were removed which lowered the vehicle. In the back, leaves were removed from the semi-elliptic springs and trailing traction bars were added. Larger drum brakes were added to help with braking. 16-inch Borrani wire knock-offs graced all four corners.

The body modifications were handled by Emil Diedt. Most of the body was reworked, and new alloy fenders and doors were added.

The MG Racing Special's first outing was at Pebble Beach in November of 1950. Von Neumann won the Cypress Point Light Car Race for cars of 750cc to 150cc displacement and in February of 1951, he won another class race at Carrell Speedway. It won its class at the Sandberg Hillclimb in mid-1951.

The car proved to be a potent and successful competitor. By the start of the 1952 season, it had earned seven victories. The car is currently actively racing in vintage competition.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2017