Hi Gang…
First I thought this was a Byers SR-100. Then….a modified Meteor SR-1. But…in consulting with Erich Schultz and Guy Dirkin, we now think it’s a one-off body either pulled and modified from another sports car or cast uniquely – most likely in Mexico. There are just two photos of it and a short article. Let’s see what the article had to say.
Mexican-Ford Special
Motor Life: April, 1958
The Italian-looking machine displayed on this page actually is based upon U.S. production components (largely Ford) and is the dream of Juan Lerdo de Tejada, a grandson of a former president of Mexico. The chassis originated as a competition special, built by an American resident in Mexico, which was taken over by the present owner who supplied many major refinements including the plastic body.
The engine is a Mercury of unknown vintage, bored out to 310 cubic inches and using 9.5-to-1 compression ratio and three Holley carburetors. Just about everything else in the power train and running gear is Ford. Inspiration for the front fenders is 1951 Studebaker, the rear section and headrest is derived from Austin-Healey, while the overall concept is Ferrari. Builders of U.S. specials could learn much from this one.
Summary:
So where is this car today? No one has seen it since the article was posted in 1958. Perhaps one of you will use the information in this article to find its current location. And if you do…we’d love to run your “find” as a future story here on “Forgotten Fiberglass.”
Hope you enjoyed the story, and until next time…
Glass on gang…
Geoff
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I know exactly where that car is. It has been raced at the Panamericana a few times in its modern era, and in some rallies around Mexico.
I am the fortunate gentleman from London who bought the LT off Sam.
Sam and I just finished the 2013 Carrera Panamericana – where once again it won its class.
I think there is quite a lot of inspiration from the Lancia D24 in its body. You must remember that Juan Lerdo de Tejada would have seen Fangio winning the 1953 race in a D24, and then Maglioli in a 373MM in 1954.
Interestingly we meet up with a 1/43 model maker who wanted to photograph and scale measure the car for mimodels.com – Andrews expert eye saw more Maserati than Healey at the rear and Lancia with a touch of Ferrari at the front.
I have a large collection of images and I can provide much information about the original car and other models that have been produced greetings from Mexico
Two corrections on my earlier post : the original la Carrera Panamericana ended in 1954 after a five year run and the car is called a LT not LT1 which , as we all know , is an Cheby engine .
By the way Sam is being very humble in that he didnt mention he dominated his class when he ran the LT in the modern LCP
I was the owner of the first LT built by Mats Hammurland in 2005. I raced it in the La Carrera in 2005,; 06, 07 & 08. Ibthen sold to a gentleman from London. He still has it in Mat’s shop in San Miguel de Allende. MHracing.com.mx.
@ Carson… Thanks for posting this detail. I’ve heard from Jim Fox too concerning the car still existing and a few being built too. What great news! Thanks for taking the initiative to do the research and post your findings Carson – greatly appreciated!
Geoff
This Mexican fiberglass sports car was built for the 1955 la Carrera Panamericana race / rally which ended in 1955.It is still owned by the original owner/ builder’s son in Mexico. There are several copies ( two that I know of ) built in Mexico that I have sen in the modern version of this race / rally in Mexico.
They are called LT1 and built by Mats Hammarlund racing in San Miguel de Alende, Mx
giddy up
Sort of a proto-Cobra. Nice!
@Jim Fox….Wow! Great find and it looks to be the same car. Is that correct? What a beauty. Way to go Jim!
Here is a link to a video of the car with Juan Lerdo de Tejada talking about it from a year and a half ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OXtprmmhMY.
Maybe someone who speaks Spanish can translate it for us.
The rear body is nothing like an Austin-Healey. It resembles the Beyers 90 or a Devin. The headlight doors and buckets are 51 Stude. It may have been inspired by a Spanish Pegaso being it was built in Mexico. The grill opening is a bit like some Lancias.
That is one of the best looking fiberglass one offs that I have ever seen. It’s a shame more isn’t known about it.