“Parmley’s Special” Ford Gas Modified Roadster Salt Flats Race Car

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Huntsville, Alabama — or “Rocket City,” as we know it — is home to NASA rocket-propulsion research and development. This special offering is once again a presentation of the unique, with American Muscle, British class, heavy post war iron, and race cars from multiple platforms all on offer. These cars are ready for blastoff, and all will be launched to new homes and garages as all lots are presented with NO RESERVE. 

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Hot rodding in America has evolved into many distinct forms over the decades. After World War II, hot rods laid the foundation for quarter-mile drag racing. They also found a home on oval tracks as “track roadsters,” and a particularly daring group of enthusiasts took their machines to the dry lake beds of Southern California and the vast expanse of Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. 

One of the most captivating aspects of land speed racing is its diversity of classes, which allows everything from a 1920 Indian motorcycle — immortalized in the film The World’s Fastest Indian — to modern marvels like the Speed Demon, a sleek, single-engine streamliner that currently holds the record for the fastest piston-powered vehicle at an astonishing 470.016 mph. 

Among the most traditional vehicles in this arena is the Gas Modified Roadster. Defined by the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association as open-cockpit cars based on pre-1938 production body styles, these machines blend vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge performance. This particular roadster is a textbook example. Its hand-formed aluminum Ford T-Bucket body was crafted by Al Bergler, a Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame inductee who, remarkably, continues building hot rods at age 88. 

It was constructed around 1990 by Bruce and Glenda Elmer of the Detroit area, and this roadster competed from 1991 to 1997, as evidenced by event decals. While much of its history and technical details remain unknown, the “C” class engine it runs must displace between 306 and 372.99 cubic inches. A framed dyno sheet reveals its twin carbureted Small Block Chevy engine produces 593 horsepower. The beautiful blue paint was applied by Parmley's Paint & Body Works in Birmingham, Michigan, and it was called the "Parmley’s Special”. 

Timing plaques on this car show a fastest speed of 202.273 mph in the Measured Mile at Bonneville on 17 August 1997 — making it a member of the coveted “200 mph Club.” 

Hagerty Media article on Al Bergler 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Rocket City Collection 

• Ford T-Bucket built for SCTA and USFRA C/GMR class 

• Member of the coveted 200 mph Club

• 202.273 mph in the Measured Mile at Bonneville on 17 August 1997 

• Aluminum body crafted by Al Bergler Race Car Bodies 

• Carbureted Small Block Chevy V8 built by Sam Gianino Racing Engines of Royal Oak, Michigan 

• Dyno sheet showing 593.1 hp @ 6661 rpm, 482 lb-ft torque @ 6431 rpm 

• Mickey Thompson Bonneville tires; 26.0x4.5-15 front, 30x8.75-18 rear 

Features 

• Strange rear axles 

• Weld Racing wheels 

• Chute Metal Products parachute pack 

• Four-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter 

• Known Imperfections 

• Condition of engine and drivetrain unknown though it starts and runs

• Small paint blemishes 

Included 

• Framed dyno sheet 

• Deist gloves and boots 

• Assorted spares and equipment 

Ownership History 

This Ford Gas Modified Roadster Salt Flats Race Car, one of many collector cars that make up the ever-evolving Rocket City Collection, is offered from an established Alabama car enthusiast who enjoys the pursuit and trade of great cars in equal measure to the curation of the same.  

Additional Notes 

Sold on Bill of Sale only  

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Ramsey Potts   Phone: 912.508.4096   email: rpotts@hagerty.com