| These pictures of Jim Barbee's speedster where taken in the spring of 2002. Jim had just put the finishing touches on it. It has approximately 550 miles on it. It has competed in one 200 mile endurance run, a Grand Tour and a couple hill climbs, where it came in first place in it's class both times. |
| The engine in Jim's speedster is a Model B Ford. The crank is the factory counter balanced one which is commonly called a "C" crank. The head is a Dan Price Thomas-style 7:1. I'm not sure if that's a Stromberg 97 or 81 that sits atop the Ansen intake manifold. The cam shaft is a mild grind. A 12v alternator supplies electricity to the electronic ignition and other components. Jim has really made the engine look nice by painting the finnned aluminum head and side cover. The exhaust header was custom-made to fit the car. A Brass Works pressurized radiator keeps the engine running at the correct temperature. |
| The interior of Jim's car turned out very nice. The hood, cowl and floor was made by Rootlieb of Turlock, CA. The Model A instrument panel houses water temperature, oil pressure and ampere guages. A tachometer is located above the steering column. A Ford F-100 steering gear box is at the other end of the steering column. The shift lever selects the Zephyr gears that have been installed in a 1939 Ford V-8 gear box. |
| The seat frame came from WB Antique Ford Motorsports of La Habra Heights, CA. Jim had a local shop do the upholstery work. |
| The rear of this car was formed on an english wheel that Jim and a friend built from a Ron Covell kit. A Rootlieb cowl formed the forward part of the rear body. Jim did the outstanding body work, painting and assembly of this car. He has done many show quality restorations in the past. |
| In typical speedster fashion, this car has a long open exhaust pipe. The car number and flames are magnetic decals. The rear axle houses a differential with a 3:78 ratio. Early Ford V-8 hydraulic brakes are located on all four corners. The wheels are 17" Kelsey-Hayes. |
| Here's Jim on the starting line of the F.A.S.T. hill climb that was part of the 2002 MAFCA National Convention in Riverside, CA. The plate of the front of the car proudly proclaims "Eat Washington Apples". Jim's initials are painted on the radiator cooling fins. |
| This
car is licensed and street legal. Jim is asking $20,000 for the car or
$5,000 for the body. He can be contacted at 425-432-2115. The car is located
in the Seattle, Washington area.
Click here to see pictures of this car when it was under construction. |
Photos and text by
Jeff Richardson
Web page created
on 6/13/03