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1959 Turner 950S: Past Racer?

Rare Racer

The only Turners I’ve seen in the flesh have all been restored vintage racing cars or current SCCA racers. As a lightweight alternative to a Spridget, these little cars are surprisingly quick around road courses. Thanks to Robert R. for this neat find! This particular 950S is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is for sale here on eBay with a buy-it-now of $8,500, but best offers are invited. Turners were produced from 1951 to 1966, with the 950S made from 1956 to 1960. According to the seller, this is a previously “unknown” car to the Turner Register and brings the total known worldwide number of 950S survivors to 68. Signs of a past racing career include ancient Dunlop racing tires, holes where a roll bar used to be, and a set of tubular headers. Inside the car, however, is a bit of a surprise.

turnerinside

There’s no floor! Or at least none for the passenger. I found an image of what the frame should look like here, and it’s pretty easy to tell that there should be a sill member on the right hand side that either isn’t there or the cross tube should connect to what is there. Either way, you’re going to have to do some major reconstruction on the passenger side frame. Let us know if this would scare you off from this rare racer project!

Comments

  1. Avatar Dolphin Member

    I’ve also seen Turners run in the small bore races against other small fry, and they were usually at or near the front because they are light and can handle. But when you got up next to them in the pits they started looking a bit crude, and with the passage of time things haven’t improved for this poor fellow.

    I think I would rather have that white Midget from the other day for a fraction of the cost of this Turner. I think if this Turner sells it will probably be to an ex-racer-owner who’s gotten nostalgic

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  2. Avatar rolymo

    As an old Turner enthusiast and racer I emotionally want to save this car but realistically one needs to know when to pull the plug on a loser, this seems to be a parts car because the cost of restoration would not be justified over and above the sale price.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Ross W. Lovell

    Greetings All,

    Give the seller credit for at least having the “Best Offer” option. Doubtful this would go for his “Buy Now” price.
    Lot of work here and paying a premium to own a car that will be a pain to get parts for AND not be upside down with is the one of the reasons these made good racers.
    Going to have to sell the sizzle more than the steak in this one.

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  4. Avatar Michael Member

    The frame is nothing to replace if you have welding skills, the mechanicals are from about ANY spridget doner and then there’s the nose!If you want it to look original, it would REALLY be nice to have a mold!, maybe the club has one The price???I didn’t pay that for a DB-2!

    Like 0

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