This may look like a busted up old kit car body stashed away in a garage, but there is much more to this 1958 Devin SS than that. It was originally raced by David Deck back in the 1960s. Many years later the same David found the car in this garage in New Hampshire. Now the car is now located in Flagstaff, Arizona and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding is at $5,900 with three days left.
Devin started out by producing lightweight fiberglass bodies for the do it yourself sports car enthusiast. They sold quite a few bodies, but had never produced a complete car. That is until they teamed up with Malcom MacGregor. Malcom had engineered a chassis, but he needed a body. A deal was made and about fifteen chassis were shipped to the Devin headquarters in California where they were assembled. Powerful Chevy V8s were installed up front and gave the lightweight racer enough power to complete with much more expensive machinery. Bill Devin wasn’t nicknamed the “Enzo of Okie Flats” for nothing!
Presumably this is one of those original SS cars built by the factory. The seller claims that the car was originally powered by a 327 V8 which is no longer with the car. If it really is a true SS, this car could be worth a substantial amount of money restored. We are not Devin experts, but that tube frame chassis does look impressive and we doubt too many home brew frames in the 60s looks that good. Can anyone here confirm or disprove if this is a real SS?
This is not going to be an easy project. The body is rough and many of the missing parts will need to be fabricated. It will also be expense, but not nearly expensive as those Ferraris which will only be seeing this view of you out on the track. If this really is a SS, then we almost have the whole family lineup for sale on eBay right now. There is a Devin-D, Devin-C, and an estate sale mystery car here.
Here’s a pretty good shot of a real Macgregor chassis: http://thegarageblog.com/garage/curiosity-killed-the-cat/dscf0749/
This is a Devin special, not an SS. If you follow the link and scroll down to Devin SS, you can see some pictures of the SS frame. This is still a very cool car. With some time and money it could be great again.I have heard, that there are no SS cars unaccounted for.http://www.devinspecial.com/old-articlesads.html
Here are some shots of a real Devin SS in action: http://www.tamsoldracecarsite.net/BrophyMore.html#MoreBrophy
Does not look like the original frame producted in Ireland, However if does have race history that pretty cool, does anyone know who Dave Derk was?
The few DEVONs in South Africa were all TRIUMPH TR 3/ 3A based. Most had the chassis of the Triumph as well, but some had a simelar layout to the advertized car.
This car is a vintage race car that was raced in the early 60s. I have located the original owner along with the original race history and documentation. The car was raced with a Buick nailhead engine with six strombergs. I am in process of restoring the car and plan on racing it again in the vintage races.
@Dan – Please keep us updated on your progress. We would love to do a few features on the car.
The 1958 Devin has come along ways but still a little more to go. We have located the original owner along with the car’s original racing history With the old pictures.
I can send some pictures of the progress if you tell me where to send them.
Please email us a few shots and we will do an update on the post: mail@barnfinds.com
Past time for updates on this car.
As an aside, I believe that there is a “nailhead” engine sitting in a shop I spend time at. Was pulled from a ’56 Olds, is being replaced by a 350 Chevy.
Here is the current status of the “Buick Special”. I have the original racing documentation for the car as well. The Devin was also raced and known as the “Tashjian Special”
Another picture
I would have a hard time putting a body on it. that chassis is so nice without it.
Another pic
Last picture
WOW.
That does not even look like the same car!
What a beauty.
Based on what I can see in those nice photos, someone working on the car is great at sheet metal fabrication. Beautiful finish on the body, and the formerly cut-up wheel wells have been healed. It appears as though you have elected to go with an auto trans, and the engine is a big V8 with downdraft induction. Did you stick with a Nailhead engine? The wire wheels look excellent. The seats appear to be comfortable and supportive. Looks like you opted to delete the body fairing/pod behind the driver. Based on relative light weight and small size, this will be a sterling performer. One comment: Although retro in style and great in appearance, if you drive the car much, you’ll not like that steering wheel. there are plenty of more modern options which will be more comfortable, while maintaining the period look.
Congratulations, this is fantastic! Every project should turn out so well. Let us know when you get the finished car into a magazine, as a featured restoration. :-)
The fairing is still there and the transmission is still a t-10 four speed. I have done the metal fabrication myself in the garage. Here is a more recent picture of the body.
Thanks, Dan
You may notice that the car has two different hoods. One that lets the strombergs out and one that doesn’t.
Thanks, Dan
The engine is the original style 1959 Buick Nailhead 401.
Thanks, Dan
Wow Dan! That looks great! We had better run an update so everyone can see the transformation. Thanks for sharing.
Great idea, Jesse.
Each of the cars featured on BF could only hope to be brought back like this one.
If only every BF reader/contributor/participant could have such success with a resurrection as this. Dan Vargus sets a high bar for us all. Nice of him to come back and show the results of some hard work, time, and money spent to make a truly special result from an inauspicious beginning. Kudos!
Dan, do you have any pictures to post of the car in action? Just a great looking car and must be a blast to drive. I came across yours while researching “Devin D” Corvair cars.
Factory Devin C type . number 12 of just over 20 built .
The Devin is finished. The car was known as he “Tashjian Special”
More pics
1959 Buick Nailhead 401 as raced in the day.
A picture of the interior