Is riding in a brass-era race car really that terrifying?

Riding in the passenger seat of a brass-era race car was possibly the coolest and most terrifying car experience I’ve ever had.

Before this, my weirdest car experience came in a Messerschmitt, a microcar that’s more scooter than car. I thought that would be the most dangerous-feeling thing I would ever ride in. Turns out I was wrong.

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I want a Brass Era speedster. 

I kinda wanna MAKE a brass-era speedster. 

Maybe we need a Brass Era Speedster class at the next Challenge. 

Woody (Forum Supportum) said:

Maybe we need a Brass Era Speedster class at the next Challenge. 

1. Only pushrod engines.
2. Only manual transmissions.
3. Only leafspring suspensions or period-correct systems.
4. Seat has to look like a Presidential barcalounger

In reply to GIRTHQUAKE :

5. 145 section width tire, max.

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :

6. Obviously, only carburation, though you can use more than an updraft.

7. Mechanical fuel pumps are acceptable?

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :

But they have to be on 22"+ rims.

8. No safety gear other than leather helmet, gloves, and goggles allowed.

9. Drum (or more primitive) Brakes ONLY

10. Bonus points for hand crank starter. 

In reply to Apexcarver :

11. If you're injured by said starter, you get free refills for the period of the race 

Do ya'll think they have to be all generator on 6 volt? Or would we allow modern alternators?

I don't think alt vs. generator, fuel pump type, etc should make a difference, since neither really changes the driver experience or the aesthetic.

For sure, no fenders.  Just so nobody shows up with an ACVW, which meets the letter of the rules here but definitely not the spirit.

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :

I think generally banning any engine newer than 1960 may be necessary, as an LS might squeak by the pushrod rule...  Certainly makes it interesting to figure out a build.

I mean, nothing later than 1950 would be great, but likely hard to do in budget

Although I admit to loving me some of this...

In reply to Apexcarver :

No V engines unless the design is from before 1950?  That would allow Flathead Fords (which would be cool) but also more "modern" inline engines like.... um...  how about a Ford 170 six with a gaggle of SU carbs brazed to the intake manifold?

I'm not a good passenger in any kind of car, let alone a brass era racer where one is completely exposed.  No tanks!!

Pete. (l33t FS) said:

In reply to Apexcarver :

No V engines unless the design is from before 1950?  That would allow Flathead Fords (which would be cool) but also more "modern" inline engines like.... um...  how about a Ford 170 six with a gaggle of SU carbs brazed to the intake manifold?

How about a straight 8 Buick Roadmaster? ( era 1931 )   With a gaggle of SU's?  

In reply to msterbeau :

Don't ride in a MG  T series then.  Cut away doors, ( you can reach down and touch the pavement)  fold down windshield.  Wire wheels up to 19" high.!   

Pete. (l33t FS) said:

I don't think alt vs. generator, fuel pump type, etc should make a difference, since neither really changes the driver experience or the aesthetic.

 

For sure, no fenders.  Just so nobody shows up with an ACVW, which meets the letter of the rules here but definitely not the spirit.

MG's had electric fuel pumps in the 1940's and maybe earlier. 
      Really wouldn't want to take the fenders off.  Since dad paid $300 for it back in 1962,  there is quite a budget left for performance stuff 

GIRTHQUAKE said:

Woody (Forum Supportum) said:

Maybe we need a Brass Era Speedster class at the next Challenge. 

1. Only pushrod engines.
2. Only manual transmissions.
3. Only leafspring suspensions or period-correct systems.
4. Seat has to look like a Presidential barcalounger

I got all that , except #4 in the 85 corvette thing I have been running the past two years...

frenchyd said:

In reply to msterbeau :

Don't ride in a MG  T series then.  Cut away doors, ( you can reach down and touch the pavement)  fold down windshield.  Wire wheels up to 19" high.!   

Are those the ones where the transmission comes up through the floor?

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :  
                      ?

I hope I'm answering your question.   Yes it's a floor shift 4 speed .  The transmission is up by your feet and the lever is on an extension back by your elbow.  So if you drop your hand off the steering wheel it lands on the shift lever.  
 Is that what you are asking?   

frenchyd said:

In reply to msterbeau :

Don't ride in a MG  T series then.  Cut away doors, ( you can reach down and touch the pavement)  fold down windshield.  Wire wheels up to 19" high.!   

Those aren't too bad.  You sit way up high in a brass era car.  Put me at the wheel and I'll be ok with it.  Maybe.  

In reply to msterbeau :

Well you'll get a real thrill driving a MGTC Even a really carefully maintained one will have you swerving all over the road. .  Really quick steering,  and the steering box, well  loose Is normal.  That and bump steer. Straight axle and leaf springs Equals excitement.  
     Oh and they are all right hand drive.  Which is really exciting in traffic.  

Of course after reading this thread and reigniting my desire for a speedster this pops up on facebook. 

https://www.facebook.com/commerce/listing/938847623826902/?media_id=0&ref=share_attachment

Of course when I am trying to get rid of as many projects and vehicles as I can.