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Vintage Racing: The Cars

Competition racecars and the rules

In our first installment we talked about the fast-growing sport of vintage racing, where cars from the past are taking to the tracks again at courses across the country. This time we are going to look into the types of cars that are competing, and some of the rules you can expect to find.

There are dozens of clubs in the United States putting on vintage racing events for road-racing cars. Still more clubs put on circle-track events, but we are going to concentrate on road racing first. Each club has a unique set of rules that may differ widely from other clubs, even in the same region. Therefore it is important that you visit local events and decide which clubs you would be the most comfortable racing with. Vintage road racing cars are generally divided into three types.

Production Cars

These racers are based on sports cars and sports sedans that were built, generally, in the 1950s to the early 1970s. They may have been raced in the United States or Europe, but vintage-racing rules usually require that your car be prepared to historically accurate condition. Some clubs use the 1972 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) rules, while others allow much more leniency in the use of some modern parts. The trend across the country seems to be toward more stringent regulations with an emphasis on period authenticity, rather than on modern technology to make the cars go faster and handle better. Since vintage cars do not have the latest in roll cages, brakes or tires, they are safer when run at the speeds they were originally designed for. Production cars include such popular choices as Corvettes, Austin-Healeys, MGs, Porsches, Alfa Romeos, Jaguars and Shelby American Mustangs. Other popular cars include Camaros, Mustangs, Mini Coopers, Ford Cortinas and Datsun 510s. Cars are usually classified based on relative performance or by the old SCCA classifications.

Although rules vary widely, a typical vintage production car will be required to run original body panels (no lightweight or customized parts). It can use a modified original-size engine, but with period speed equipment, and the gearbox must have the original number of forward speeds. A modified suspension is allowed as long as the brakes and wheels are no more than 1.5 inches wider than stock. Most clubs also require treaded tires, not racing slicks. Prices for these cars start at around $5,000 for a mildly race-prepared MG Midget, to as much as $250,000 for a race-ready Cobra. A few clubs require all cars to have race histories, while most do not. A production car with a documented race history is worth more than a converted street car.

Sports-Racers

These are pure racing cars that were designed for track use only, but with two seats and a full-width body. There were many different types raced in the 1950s to the 1970s, powered by everything from tiny Saab three-cylinder engines to fire-breathing big-block Chevy V-8s. The most famous sports-racers were the ones that were run in the Can-Am series, and many of those old warriors are back on the track in vintage events. The regulations will usually require that these cars be rebuilt to original specifications. Sports-racers are usually faster than production cars, but are also more expensive. Some common sports-racers were built by McLaren, Lola, Lotus, Elva and many others. Prices start at around $10,000 for small-engine models and can jump to over $200,000 for Can-Am cars.

Formula Cars

Some of the most popular types of vintage racers are single-seat "formula" cars. So named because they were built to a strict set of rules (hence the "formula" designation), these cars provided some of the closest racing in their day, and continue to do so today. The two most popular classes were Formula Vee and Formula Ford. Formula Vees were required to have a 1200cc Volkswagen engine with a bare minimum of modifications. A simple spaceframe mounted the VW engine, gearbox and suspension in a mid-engined layout. Vees are robust, inexpensive and provide tight competition at most events. Prices start at around $2,000 for rough examples, with a good ready-to-run car running about $5,500. Good brands include Zink, Autodynamics, Formcar and Lynx. This type is one of the best places to start vintage racing, as the initial cost and running expenses are quite reasonable.

Formula Fords are a step up in both cost and performance. These mid-engine formula cars use the 1600cc English Ford pushrod engine, tuned to produce around 116 hp. Regulations are very tight and the racing is close and intense. Prices for the best cars are climbing, with $15,000 to $25,000 pretty much covering the field.

Other formula cars have used exotic racing engines that are expensive to buy and maintain. They are also very fast and can frequently hold their own against many modern racing cars. There are even events for old Formula 1 cars, which command high 6-figure prices.

In our next Vintage Racing article, we will reveal how to get started in this fast-growing form of motorsport, so you too can respond to the call, "Gentlemen, start your engines!"