1935 Adams-Pearson Sta-Lube Special

The Great Depression did not discriminate when distributing financial devastation. As sales of road-going vehicles declined, limited resources hampered mechanical development, leaving ingenuity to fill the void. Motorsports faced the same unique challenges during the burgeoning global financial depression, as companies had little money available to field worthy competitors or engineer replacements. So from 1930 to 1935, the stopgap solution was the so-called 'Junk Formula,' which opened Indy to relatively economical 'specials' based on modified stock passenger-car chassis, with engines of up to 366 cubic inch displacement.

As ingenuity and creativity gained prominence in the cash-strapped racing scene, racing specials began to dominate local and regional raceways. Across California's Bay Area, one of the dominant ARA 'Big Car' racers specials was the Sta-Lube Special built by Gil Pearson of Ocean Park, California. Built in late 1934, the chassis of Sta-Lube Special was constructed by Clyde Adams, and its body paneling by Frank Kurtis. Its engine was derived from the Miller-Schofield/DO Cragar engine with a 215 cubic-inch displacement, five main bearings, a special crankshaft, dry-sump lubrication, and dual overhead camshafts.

Beginning in 1935 and continuing through 1940, the 'Sta Lube' Special scored numerous victories, including eight at the Oakland Speedway plus five additional podium finishes. Drivers who piloted it across the finish line include Bud Rose, Tex Petersen, Hal Cole, and Louie Webb.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024