1959 Sadler-Meyer Special
In 1959, Bill Sadler modified John van Meyer’s race car into this Sadler-Meyer hillclimb special. The car was highly successful at the time, setting records at the Giant’s Despair Hillclimb for three years straight.
Canadian engineer Bill Sadler retained Meyer’s original Pontiac V-8, Borrani wire wheels and deDion rear suspension, but created a new frame for the car. The body was low and purposeful with a small Plexiglas windscreen, driver’s head fairing and low-set front intake.
In period the car raced with a large scoop to cover air filers. It appeared like this at many at many Northeastern races. By 1967, Meyer replaced the car with a Cooper-Ford and it disappeared from racing.
In 2008 the car was fully restored with assistance from Bill Sadler who oversaw many modifications to make the car more useable. This included Plexiglas side windows, a different front nose, an enclosed exhaust. In this condition it was used in the 2009 Colorado Grand and then displayed at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance.
Story by Supercars.net
In Detail
type | Racing Car |
built at | USA |
production | 1 |
engine | Chevrolet V8 |
position | Front, Longitudinal |
aspiration | Natural |
fuel feed | 6 Stromberg 97 Carburetors |
displacement | 5555 cc / 339 in³ |
power | 316.9 kw / 425 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
specific output | 76.51 bhp per litre |
torque | 504.4 nm / 372 ft lbs |
front brakes | Solid Discs |
rear brakes | Inboard Drums |
f suspension | Double Wishbones |
r suspension | de Dion-Type Axle |
transmission | Borg-Warner T10 4-Speed Manual |