1957 Bangert Teverbaugh-Kirkland Bonneville Special

John Teverbaugh had driven a Bangert Roadster special to a speed of 156 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1955, earning him the record in the D Modified class. Hoping to improve upon this achievement, Teverbaugh acquired a second fiberglass body from Bangert Enterprises and made minor modifications to improve its aerodynamic efficiency. Using inspiration from European and American sports cars of the era, it was given a cockpit cover, a full undertray, fender skirts, and a headrest with a unique dorsal fin. The windshield and headlight covers were created from plexiglass, complementing the lightweight fiberglass coachwork.

With assistance from Robert Kirkland, an innovative chrome-moly tube frame was created, and a 368 cubic-inch Mercury V8 engine was installed. A 6-71 GMC blower, Hilborn mechanical fuel injection, and custom-fabricated headers and manifold were attached to the powerplant. A Cadillac transmission sent power to the rear wheels via a Halibrand Quick Change rear end. Disc brakes from an army surplus aircraft provided the stopping power, along with an emergency parachute.

This 'Special' holds the distinction of being the first Bonneville racer to use an emergency parachute, meant to straighten the car if it strayed from the course.

Before it was brought to Bonneville, the Teverbaugh & Kirkland Special was shown at the Grand National Roadster Show, where it won an award.

When it arrived at Bonneville, the hope was to achieve 200 mph. Due to the Mercury engine blowing up when RPMs exceeded 5500 RPM, its fastest run was clocked at 163.93 mph. The intended top speed was 200 mph, its theoretical top speed was 175 mph, and its official speed was just under 164 mph. The top speed runs were completed in 1957 and 1958, after which it was sold. It would pass through several owners over the years and was even misidentified as a Devin SS.

A thirteen-year restoration by Steve Prewitt was completed in 2005, but instead of Mercury power, the restored car now housed a Chevrolet powerplant. Several other mechanical improvements were implemented, including a more triangulated chassis, a rack and pinion steering system, a Super T-10 four-speed transmission, Coleman drilled brake rotors, a larger aluminum radiator, and Carrera three-position coilovers.

The restoration was performed with insight from its creator, Dr. Teverbaugh, who was reunited with the car after nearly five decades of absence.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2023