Jim Khougaz Bonneville D Modified Roadster 1957

[Tsukishima]

Jim Khougaz Bonneville D Modified Roadster '57

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It's hard to conceive that this razor-nosed streamlined race car began life as a humble 1927 Model T Ford Roadster. A four page article in the January 1959 issue of Hot Rod Magazine was entitled 'T Masterpiece.' The story stated that the space frame built from 1.75 inch diameter tubing 'would do credit to an Indy Roadster.' The engine is a highly modified 467 cubic inch 1957 Chrysler Hemi featuring a Vertex magneto and eight Stromberg 97 carburetors. The steel roadster was streamlined with a hand-formed aluminum nose, hood, and belly pan by Claude Hampson. At its first run at Bonneville in 1957, the metallic blue roadster achieved its best speed of 342,4 km/h.

In 1958 at more than 320 km/h, a rear axle broke causing the car to flip. Testimony to the SCTA rules and the quality of construction is the fact that Khougaz's only injuries were arm burns suffered when he extinguished the ensuing fire in the carburetors. Following the 1958 Bonneville Nationals, Khougaz stored it in his shop for over forty years. It was discovered by collector Richard V. Munz of Madison, WI, who was able to convince Khougaz to sell it. A multi-year restoration was completed by Jim Busby in 2008. The car was shown at the Grand National Roadster Show and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. In 2015 the car was generously donated to the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, CA, where it is part of the permanent collection.

Specs:

 

[BunBunMaru]

Interesting, a one-make racing series with this thing could be fun.

 

[Famine]

I'm just curious what makes it a "Ford" anything. I mean, if we take this:

It's hard to conceive that this razor-nosed streamlined race car began life as a humble 1927 Model T Ford Roadster.

it would suggest that the title should start "Ford" and end "1927", as a modified car.

But...

A four page article in the January 1959 issue of Hot Rod Magazine was entitled 'T Masterpiece.' The story stated that the space frame built from 1.75 inch diameter tubing 'would do credit to an Indy Roadster.'

would suggest that the chassis has nothing to do with a 1927 Ford, instead being a custom spaceframe and

The engine is a highly modified 467 cubic inch 1957 Chrysler Hemi featuring a Vertex magneto and eight Stromberg 97 carburetors.

would suggest that the engine has nothing to do with a 1927 Ford either.

So if neither the chassis, engine nor body are from a 1927 Ford, it's not a 1927 Ford...

Personally, I'd omit the word "Ford" entirely from the title. Maybe, since it's a competition car, go with "Jim Khougaz Bonneville D Modified Roadster 1957"?

 

[Tsukishima]

I'm just curious what makes it a "Ford" anything. I mean, if we take this:it would suggest that the title should start "Ford" and end "1927", as a modified car.

But...would suggest that the chassis has nothing to do with a 1927 Ford, instead being a custom spaceframe andwould suggest that the engine has nothing to do with a 1927 Ford either.

So if neither the chassis, engine nor body are from a 1927 Ford, it's not a 1927 Ford...

Personally, I'd omit the word "Ford" entirely from the title. Maybe, since it's a competition car, go with "Jim Khougaz Bonneville D Modified Roadster 1957"?

This car was entered at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance - Class U - Hot Rods: Lakesters and Bonneville Racers as the "Jim Khougaz Ford Roadster", but I knew it wouldn't be the most correct title for it to be indexed here and I couldn't come up with a better name due to the lack of sources of information. I guess the title you came up with is the one that makes the most sense. Thank you for your help.