What exactly is this? Well, it appears to be an interesting mash-up in the form of a custom racer powered by a 1955 Crosley CIBA engine. It’s certainly an interesting sight but a bit difficult to pinpoint as to its origins. Constructed in the 1950s for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) competition, this custom racer is located in Newton, New Jersey and is available, here on Barn Finds Classifieds or here on Bring a Trailer for a current bid of $7,777.

Purchased a few years back by the previous owner, this SCCA H-class fiberglass racer features a tube chassis and comes with its body molds, an unusual inclusion! The body design isn’t reminiscent of anything in particular and there is no specific definition of what it is other than to say that it is “a sports racer constructed in the ’50s“. The finish and fiberglass work still presents perfectly in spite of this car’s participation in 51 sporting events – the driver managed to keep it out of a wall or mix it up with other participants. The most notable feature may be the rollbar with a tiny head restraint that is affixed to a specific location – wonder if it’s moveable to accommodate different sized drivers? There is a cut-down windscreen but it’s a pretty minimal affair.

The most recognizable feature here, to some, might be the 1955 vintage Crosley engine. Originally starting life as a 26 HP, 724 CC, in-line four-cylinder unit, it now displaces 759 CC’s and probably generates quite a bit more power thanks to a “single Weber 40 DCOE carburetor, a forged crankshaft, Pauter connecting rods, Arias pistons, Manley valves, Honda valve springs, tubular headers…” The rear wheels, which are 12″ in diameter, are engaged by a Fiat four-speed manual transmission and front disc brakes return this custom to a stop when the caliper pistons aren’t sticking. Unfortunately, there is no description as to how this diminutive road racer performs but there is a spare Fageol/Crosley race engine that is included in the sale.

The interior is about what one would expect to find in a car of this nature. Besides its tight quarters, one will find, “A three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a Stewart Warner 10k-rpm tachometer and a custom instrument panel with auxiliary gauges and toggle switches for vehicle functions“. It’s an all-business-looking environment, designed strictly for track use. From what can be seen, the work and modifications appear to have been professionally executed.

Back to the opening line, the big unknown here is, what is this thing? Yes, we’ve figured out the powertrain but the rest appears to be self-constructed, but from what? Plans, an existing kit car from the day perhaps, or perhaps just one’s imagination? It’s all a big unknown and the question is whether or not the lack of pedigree will hinder a potential sale. It probably won’t though it might make finding a new caretaker more of a challenge wouldn’t you agree?