1937 Bill Vukovich Sr. Drake "Shaker" Midget Racer
Offered here, is the original, hand-built 1937 Bill Vukovich Sr. "Shaker" racer. Bill Vukovich gained fame by winning consecutive Indianapolis 500 races in 1953 and 1954. Bill was later tragically killed at Indianapolis in 1954 while leading the race. Bill Vukovich drove this car to California track championships in 1946, '47 and 1948. Never prior offered for sale, this incredible example of race history, is now available for your collection.
Features:
This Midget Racer was totally custom built using the highest quality materials and parts of the time by some of the most talented fabricators and mechanics in the world.
The car is powered by a 2 cylinder water cooled "Drake" engine. Nicknamed "Old Ironside #1", this engine was quite unique. Designer Dale Drake, mated the bottom end of a 61ci Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine with Drake barrels. The crankshaft, rods, pistons and water-cooled cylinders were of his own design and manufacture. The engine was just under 100ci in displacement and weighed only 185lbs which produced an impressive amount of horsepower for its size. Please notice the hand-tooling on the inside of the engine lid and the custom chrome front nerf bar. This car was truly custom fabricated and hand built.
Condition: Excellent. Restored by Bill Vukovich's older brother Mike Vukovich and the current owner's husband in 1983.
Vintage racing vehicles rarely surface in this condition with the history of this amazing Midget. The custom, period, hand built trailer shown in the photographs is included with this sale.
Price: $85,000
To review a recent appraisal on this vehicle, please click on the PDF file below.
