(from Greg
Cunningham) This Model A Ford speedster was purpose built
in the winter/spring of 2003 by myself, Greg Cunningham, to compete
in endurance TSD rallies. The chassis is of Model A design with
modifications abiding to the strict confines of Great Race
regulations. With a Miller Overhead Valve conversion head and highly
modified internals, the original four cylinder engine puts out over
four times the horsepower it had when it left the assembly line in
1928.
I competed with this car
in the Great Race for three consecutive years culminating with a
Grand Championship in 2005. Following the win, I hand made a new,
streamlined body consisting of chromoly tubework and polished
aluminum alloy skins for the 2006 GR. Last summer, while defending
our title, we did not fair so well as we endured mechanical
difficulties throughout the event. However, we were recognized with
the "Never Say Die" Award for our determination to cross the finish
line in San Rafael, CA. This summer, with the sponsorship of Coker
Tire, the car will compete in the 25th Anniversary Great American
Race from Concord, NC to Anaheim, CA.
Last fall, the car
competed in the Chattanooga Hill Climb. Surprising many other
contestants who raced with modified chassis', modern transmissions,
and fat tires; it won it's SP-2 (Speedster Overhead-Valve) division
in it's Great Race set-up. Look for this car to compete in the
Chattanooga Hill Climb again in the fall. For this run, I will make
some mods to vie for the "King of the Hill" title.
Many youngsters get
excited to see such an interesting car and are not shy to come to me
and ask quesions like: What is it? How fast will it go? Did you make
that? It's great to see such enthusiasm from a kid which is
sparked by simply driving a cool car. Old-timers can associate with
the Model A race car. Many tell stories of taking their driver's
test behind the wheel of an old Ford. Some can even recognize
modifications that they too may have made back in the day...or even
tell me what I "shoulda' done".
So, how fast will it
go?...I don't know...it has more speed than I have guts. 90 mph
seems awfully fast in a Model A. Those guys must have been nuts to
do 150mph plus in the late teens and early twenties!
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