John Kirkwood Special
Located in Granby, CT
Spectacular aluminum bodied special
In late 1959, John Kirkwood started to build his dream race car. Looking to race against the Ferraris and Maseratis of the day.
Not satisfied with the fiberglass styling of the kits of the day, Kirkwood, an aluminum specialist and master fabricator, decided to build a wider, lower, better-proportioned aluminum alloy body in the Superleggara style (such as that used by Ferrari).
He added, a tubular frame, fully-adjustable coil over independent suspension all around, created the cars unique alloy fuel tank, and installed 4 wheel Airheart disc brakes.
He also fitted the car with a bored and stroked 283ci Chevrolet Corvette V8 with three two barrel carburetors (now producing 550HP).
John Kirkwood completed his dream car in mid 1961 and then raced in SCCA West Coast club events.
The special was sold to a Bakersfield dealer in 1965, who converted the car for street use, replacing the engine with a 327ci unit.
In the mid 1970s, the car is believed to have been owned by an enthusiast in the Mid West, before BB Exports purchased it in 1990.
The Special was stored in a warehouse in North Hollywood, and after resurfacing, underwent a complete ground-up restoration by a LA car collector. The restoration was completed in 2010.
The car was raced on Phillip Island in Australia in 2011 during the Australian GP supporting vintage races. It has since raced at Willow Springs, the California Speedway and the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca.
In 2013, Kim Baker purchased the John Kirkwood Special.
The car has a rebuilt (Corvette) Muncie 4 speed transmission
Powered by a fresh 356 CI Chevrolet V8 producing 550 hp
Riding on four Alloy Pin Drive Halibrand Knock Off Wheels
Externally adjustable coil over shocks
Adjustable sway bars
Fully heim jointed adjustable independent suspension
Alloy radiator and oil cooler
Aluminum body
Spares include 4 extra wheels and removable three point roll bar.
Car has just had a new custom tonneau cover installed
It has just had its white race car exterior completely refinished in a show winning, metallic red two-stage paint.
It also has a new stainless steel exhaust that is equipped low restriction mufflers
