Few racing personalities have been involved in as many capacities as Lew Spencer. From herding Cobras around Sebring to managing the SCCA and major Trans-Am and Indy car efforts, Spencer has worn more hats than just about anyone. In the late 1950s to the early 1960s his famous series of “Baby Doll” Morgans dominated their class in West Coast production car racing. After drives in a Devin SS and the Zipper Dolphin-Porsche, Spencer went on to race Sunbeam Alpines and Austin-Healeys for the works. He also was the first to race a Sunbeam Tiger, which he never came to grips with and has no particular love for today. Next were the Cobras, which he ran for Shelby American. In 1963, he sold his Morgan dealership and moved to Shelby American, where he worked in management off and on until he retired in 1990. In his spare time he served as the Chairman of the Board of the SCCA, ran David Hobbs’ Indy effort for Roger Penske and briefly worked for Holman and Moody. Harold Pace caught up with him at his new Texas home to find out more about the many facets of his illustrious career.
VRJ: How did you get started in racing?
Spencer: In 1954, I was driving down a street in Hollywood. I don’t remember what I was driving, but it was just some kind of American car. I saw a car in a parking lot and said, “What is that?” It turned out to be a Morgan, one of the old flat rads. I thought, “I’ve got to have one of those.” I went to the dealer and bought one and the salesman told me I needed to bring it to a hillclimb at Willow Springs. I was too worried that I might tear it up since I drove it to work, but he said I couldn’t wreck it because it was only a hillclimb and not a race. (Spencer smiles). Anyway, I took off the muffler and took second in the Morgan class. As I was walking the course with the salesman, he pointed out where to downshift. I didn’t know what he meant so I had to ask him what downshifting was, and then he showed me how to do it!
