c.1936 Ford V8 Sprint Car

Manufactured to an exceptional standard in 2014, this faithful recreation uses many original, period Ford parts, is fully road registered, and is an absolute hoot to drive.

It features aluminium and fibre-glass mouldings, incorporates various components from a Model ‘A’, axles from a Model ‘B’, and has a custom radiator, new brakes, tyres, steering elements, and an aluminium fuel tank. 

Powered by a 1936 2.2-litre 17 stud Ford Flathead V8 mated to a 4-speed manual Amazon gearbox, it is solid, rattle-free and, to borrow a phrase from our cousins across the Atlantic, it is ‘built to the hilt’.

And, because this very compact single-seater is powered by a lusty V8 and weighs less than Twiggy’s shadow, it goes like a nervous cheetah at a fireworks display. 

Oh, and it also makes a noise like Brian Blessed shouting across a canyon.

During a thunderstorm.

Splendid.

The body panels combine aluminium and fibre-glass to optimum effect, ensuring the perfect balance of lightness, rigidity and strength.

The light blue paintwork is delightful, in excellent condition and, to our eye, has a distinctly ‘Goodwood’ look and feel to it.

The long bonnet has open sides, affording you a clear view of the engine, and the long side pipes, clad in exhaust barrier wrap, accentuate the car’s low, sleek lines. 

The wheels are very good, the tyres are fine, and there are no dinks, dents, scrapes, creases or outbreaks of rust or bubbling anywhere that we can see.

The lights, lenses, badging, trim, ‘Brooklands’ screen and other exterior fixtures and fittings are all in very decent order.

Basically, it’s all good.

It’s a similar story of excellent preservation and exemplary build quality on the inside.

This is an homage to a race car, so there aren’t any creature comforts to speak of.

What’s there, however, is uniformly of the highest quality and in fine fettle throughout.

The bespoke blue leather upholstery is largely untroubled by use, abuse or the passage of time.

The battery and some of the running gear can be accessed under the removable seat cushion.

The period dials, knobs, levers, buttons and switches are all good, although we believe the speedometer and rev counter are currently not connected.

The engine bay is dry and tidy, and everything seems to be in its right and proper place. 

The undersides look to be possessed of plenty of structural integrity throughout.

This car comes with plenty of invoices, receipts and bills, plus a clear HPI report, a V5 and a couple of old MoT certificates from its previous incarnation as a donor car. 

Forget your flashy Ferraris, your steroidal, bulging M3s, your ‘Oh look…another one’ 911s.

No, if you really want to get noticed, turn heads and leave passers-by with stunned expressions, this is the car for you.

People who see it coming will grin and applaud.

People who hear it at the last moment will drop to their knees and make the sign of the cross, silently mouthing “What the ****?”

This is just about as much fun as you can legally have on the open road.

What’s more, this is no amateur-hour bodge job that’s been knocked up in a shed somewhere by a bloke called Geoff.

This is a properly engineered, properly built, and properly usable custom build performance car.

Frankly, we want it ourselves.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £25,000 - £35,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.