If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a pre-war Indy car—but without the seven-figure price tag or the stress of 90-year-old mechanicals—this custom-built tribute might be the perfect machine. Painstakingly hand-fabricated by respected race car builder Jim Mann of Elkhart, Indiana, this car was completed in 2023 and is currently listed here on Facebook Marketplace. It’s modeled after the mid-1930s racers that ran at the Indianapolis 500 and is ready for shows, parades, or vintage racing events.
At first glance, this car could pass for a genuine ’30s champ car—thanks to its fully hand-formed aluminum body, period-correct components, and meticulous attention to detail. The only notable deviation is the engine: a 1951–52 Buick straight-eight. Chosen for reliability, it mimics the look of earlier mills but benefits from improved internal components. It remains stock internally, save for a custom-built dual-carb intake and a hand-fabricated header that perfectly suits the period style.
The transmission is a modified 1939 Ford 3-speed, mated to the Buick via a custom-machined adapter and aluminum flywheel. Power is sent to a 1931 Ford Model A differential, upgraded with period-correct Dayton knockoff racing hubs. Original Dayton wire wheels wrapped in new Lester tires complete the vintage rolling stock.
The front axle and hydraulic brakes come from a 1932 Chrysler—components often favored by actual 1930s racers for their durability and geometry. The brass radiator, aluminum fuel tank (with period-style filler), and vintage Ross steering box further sell the illusion. No corners were cut here—everything was built to evoke authenticity, from the grille to the hand-formed cockpit.
While the car is technically a one-off replica, it captures the spirit and style of a golden era in American motorsport like few others. It’s said to run and drive well, and the seller notes that Jim Mann himself is available to discuss the build with its next caretaker.
Whether you’re a collector, vintage racing enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates handcrafted history, this car is a rolling work of art that belongs in the spotlight.
Would you parade it, track it, or just display it as the ultimate garage conversation piece?
Cool 😎
Drive it. Wasn’t the early thirties the time of the “junk formula”? Do I recall Studebaker 8’s were used?
Drive it. Wasn’t the early thirties the time of the “junk formula”? Do I recall Studebaker 8’s were used?
That’ll turn some heads at the local cars n coffee. Nice details and build.
Very nice build, you can tell a ton of time was spent building this. It must be a blast to drive with the big Buick straight 8 and such light weight. Absolutely beautiful!!!
I wonder how you would ever register it to be able to drive it on the road ?
Will a model A diff handle that engine?
Yes, easily. And, it will accept any of the internal upgrades available for Ford “banjo” rearends used up until 1948.
This is professionally built, not a half-baked amateur job, so you’re buying the knowledge and skills of its creator. Straight-eight Buicks are known for smoothness and torque (have spent thousands of miles behind one in a ’36 Century). This would be fun for car shows and Sunday tours, but what else could you do with it? Would it be acceptable for the Milwaukee Mile? Probably not for the Monterey Historics or the Colorado Grand…
Still, it would be great fun to drive!
Very nice build, other than display not too much you could do with it, that’s the downside. Sorry don’t know what else it’s you are gonna do with it and it’s a fairly accurate replica, so….
Lots of tracks now have vintage race car days where you could show and “exercise” this car.
I know it would be sacrilege, but I’d be tempted to custom build a windshield frame put a taller windshield on it with an old style windshield wiper mounted at the top. And have a fold down by hand top with side curtains made up. And drive this car and really enjoy it.
Not a sacrilege at all, as it’s a modern re-creation and not a historic vehicle!
It would also need fenders, lights and turn signals to be driven on public roads (all easily removable).
Most states you could get away without fenders. Lots of street rods are :fenderless:” I live in Ohio and have a friend that drives a licensed sprint car regularly on the streets with no fenders.
I like it …