It looks like the remains of Joe Playan’s OSCA Spider(Oscelet, OSCA Chevrolet). The hood and hood scroop matchup, and there is a reference to him taking it to Hollywood Motors to stop the car from bouncing through the turns. They would have put a straight axle with a flattened Ford leaf on the front and probably opened the grill up to cool the small block chevy. Racing as Scuderia Excelsior (USA) 11/10/1959 at Riverside
Chassis number 1185 would match with an OSCA frame. AC used a Alpha numeric chassis number. The tubular structure over the rear axle looks like part of the leaf spring mount of an early ACE. I'll probably repeating this video a hundred times. I love a good automotive mystery like this.
That makes sense to me it is really similar to a mt4 spider osca from the 50's or maybe a 1960 750 s osca modified body. i dont have any wear near the knowledge im a simple fan of old cars born in 1990 =P this thing is great the changes that is cobra or AC chasis under a osca body make this really desirable at least to me =P.Saludos desde Argentina Old Bob's
@Kharn The Betrayer Alex works on alot of them. Some he does flip, others he has Alex or someone else on the Team to clean , update them, for auctions. If he kept them all, he would have The Biggest used car lot in the world.
He does restore most of them, go back and watch every video from the start and all the auctions, Dennis is one of the world's for most best car restores and the best in Jeep restoration
Man that flex tube exhaust held up with plumbers tape took me back to sophomore year in high school (1966)! The kind of work my buddies and I did when we were 15 and made 50 cents an hour at the gas station.
That would of been, adjusted with inflation, about 63% of today's minimum wage. With cheaper costs back then, you had the earning power of some of today's families!
What an awesome car!!! I can't believe the neighbor actually took the $100 for his help, that's how it is in CA?? Where I live, neighbors gladly do that stuff because...well, they're neighbors.
Especially when they're getting $800 from the inept corrupt governor to live in tents and poop in the streets with the bubonic plague coming back a couple extra bucks will help their habit. 🤷 If it weren't for phony bills for "infrastructure" ect. signed by a corrupt compromised president that doesn't know what room he's in, It would be completely bankrupt by now.
Seemed like Dennis, who is not the dude's neighbor, wanted to pay him for the help. Because then it's business - guy gets compensated for his time and Dennis hires a helping hand on the spot to make sure that moving a car that's worth tens of thousands goes within the 30 minutes they planned. A bit different if you borrow a drill from your neighbor who you've known for years.
You should reach out to Huffaker Racing in Sonoma. They had connections to Kjell Qvale who imported British cars to San Francisco. British chassis, Italian body, American V8 screams 60s Huffaker built race car to me.
@@neuroleptika YES! I met him in the late 60s... His cars were regulars at Portland's sports car track back in the day. It is absolutely, 'Shell' . and his last name was most often pronounced as 'ka-VAL-ee' . In the pits it was always first names only, so I never actually confirmed one way or another how he himself pronounced his last name.
I just saw a Bristol AC on Chasing Classic Cars. The rear end sure looks similar too. The front wings look like an act of desperation more than professional work. Ohh if steering wheels could talk.
From what I've seen in early Cobras that weren't really very far from the AC Ace to begin with, that transverse leaf suspension matches those cars. Somebody got "pretty creative" so tracking down the history after that beginning, looks to be a bit "challenging!"
I wonder how the guy licensed and titled it, if he didn't even know what it was. I think you're on the right track. I was thinking like a late 50's AC Ace - Bristol that has been re-bodied and heavily modified. The 1185 chassis number is in the same range as the ones they were using in the late 50's...starting with either an AEX, or a BEX. Very interesting find.
When they slipped it sideways and you could finally see the front taper and it's grill, i thought to myself, that thing looks British..I don't know why exactly..the grill looks like a caricature of Jaguar XK grill?.......the front wheel wells look familiar, too. Another great find by Mr. Collins.
@@machtschnell7452 Bristol in England might not be a bad shout, they do have a successor company and a great owners club, so they might be able to confirm or deny at least.
Damn Dennis I live half a mile away I would of pulled that car out of the garage with my truck, I work in a restoration shop and I can tell you there's lots of old cars in people's garages in San Francisco! Fun fact, with these hills in San Francisco you can only get 18-20 thousand miles on your brakes.been driving these hills for 50 years,thanks!
@@lutomson3496 That is interesting when you think about it. No wonder the country can't agree on much of anything when we all live such vastly different lives. Well actually, people do agree that too much sugar is used in apple pie.
Christian Clausen is this anywhere near where the film Bullit was filmed ? With Steve McQueen.😎 And great story hopefully car will be given a new life .
It is what is left over of a 1953 Ferrari 340 MM Spider. on the PEBBLE BEACH AUCTIONS 2012 one in mint condition was sold for $4,730,000 A lot of work needs to be done, it is true it should have been right hand steering, also the body was partially re-done but still it would be a nice project. CONGRATULATION on finding it
Straight axle with leaf spring front end were used on AC cars. It might have started out as an AC Ace, but little doubt it has been real shelled with something different. In the UK, it’s known as Triggers Broom.
Boyd Coddington, of American Hot Rod was convicted and confessed to selling dubiously restored and fabricated cars in 2005, and was found guilty of fraud by rebuilding and selling trigger cars. The actual theory behind it is called a Ship of Theseus.
These are the sort of cars I'd love to see restored on this channel as a build series, I love the coffee walk, I just think that something bigger or project based would get this channel up there and out there and also just to see a car like this be built and the technical stuff behind it would be fascinating
Your videos have some of the best video on TH-cam. The sound is unbelievable. My tv stays on about 15 volume for every TH-cam video except yours. I have to drop it to 10. Great production/editing work 👍👍
Wow! I grew up in San Francisco (Sunset District) and our street was similar to that street. One car garages are very common due to the age of the homes. Our house was built in 1946. Most families were lucky to have one car. LOVE Coffee Walk. Without a doubt it is the best channel on YT. I do not own a Jeep and most likely never will, but this content is amazing. Keep up the good work Dennis & crew.
it actually looks a lot like an OSCA MT4, but I can't help but think it may be the bodywork of one tossed onto another chassis. Certainly compared to the era, the rear wheels and tires are much larger than you would expect, so there certainly has been some modifications to both the drive line and the bodywork.
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH: Honestly Dennis, You certainly have a valuable piece of racing history. Its' "monetary value" is anyones' guess at this time. I believe the frame is "most likely" an OSCA; an AC chassis. Keep in mind...as it passed through owners...personal mods were made. Also, the engine block, heads, intake & carb may be rare pieces & valuable as well. As you can see, the body is too professionally done in aluminum to be a "backyard special". Although rough now, it was cutting edge for its' glory days; likely mid '50s to mid '60s. I'm sending you links to TH-cam Videos. I hope they will give you a few sources to help your investigation & eventually positively ID this rare gem. This car most likely campaigned at circuits in California & road courses in nearby states. If you can locate a few "old-timers" who raced at or otherwise were connected with those tracks they'll be a wealth of information. Jay Leno knows more "old-timers" than anyone & he's fairly accessible. His car muesum//Big Dog Garage is in Burbank; near the airport...give him a call. Ernie Nagamatsu would also be an excellent source. (see links 1 & 3 below) The people who posted TH-cam links 4 & 5 may be a good source of information as well. Best regards & Good Luck, Ben TH-cam Links: th-cam.com/video/zBs6O_D1D3k/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/tZVZNDIbu10/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/WotPAUEVDtU/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/dQj9KIxe64Q/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/zKPedvq9KF0/w-d-xo.html
@@GCL110 OSCA has nothing to do with AC, as far as I can tell. OSCA was the Maserati brothers' new enterprise after Maserati S.P.A. went belly-up for the umpteenth time. AC were British...
To those posting here that are SO knowledgable so as to make fun of others.... are you actually old enough to have been there and seen what happened to cars as they were wrecked and rebuilt, modified beyond recognition with parts from everywhere, and in general, changed in some manner for nearly every race, or are you young keyboard warriors who have become experts by watching a dozen youtubes? In the 50s, there was a thriving business selling bodies for front engine "specials". Local racing clubs and SCCA was filled with home built cars, or highly modified commercial chassis fitted with any number of available domestic fiberglass or imported aluminum bodies. Small shops in Italy and the UK were building all sorts of cars to order, with or without engines, anyway a customer wanted. A few years into racing, with body damage and improvements in aero, we saw a lot of the cars dramatically evolve from season to season. This one is no where near 'as built' and reflects dramatic alterations that were applied early in its racing life. Only after it became so completely obsolete as a competitive racing car did those major evolutions stop, and the car enjoyed a second life as a gentleman club racer, and occasional weekend road warrior.
I was in Italy in 1990 I saw 1 that looks identical. I got told it was a 1950's OSCA X-race car. It had a 4 cylinder engine and if I remember it had a Alfa Romeo engine. Even had the bulge in the right inner wing but was left hand drive.
We know for sure it was a factory car for some car company, an early AC ACE or Bristol, the grille and fenders are different, same as a 1948 to 50 Ferrari 166 MM similar but different. It will be cool to find out! Possibly the holy grail, thanks Dennis! It’s closer to a Meteor SR1 , but those were fibreglass bodies.
It reminds me of a British Sports car {Healy, Sprite /MG } Thus AC Cobra comes to mind But This car is really beat up like a prototype might be from mulit testing /rallys and possibly a former car that was raced but not in a sanctioned event . Lets just say a Cobra ? Thanks Dennis always an enjoyable video { Love To Dinner Out, Best Part } You are a great Host , Ed
Dennis I´d love to see all the cars you buy fully repaired ......at least one......please . greetings from Ecuador ,South America. I love your channel.
Seeing how it’s in CA the area where Hot Rodding was almost invented back in the late 40-50’s, there is really no telling what it could be. The fact that it looks factory could be a testament to how well some of the Older builders were. Remember Carol Shelby developed his company around some of these original garage builders. They could put something together better then a lot of the factory teams did.
There was a fellow in Portland Oregon named Don Chervy, that back in the 1960s had an early genuine Ferrari similar to this one....Because it became non competitive in SCCA and ICSSA racing with the original 4 cyl. Ferrari, by the time I met him in 1969, he had installed a small block Chevrolet engine. I saw him now and then through the 70s, still enthusiastically club racing his SBV Ferrarri. I saw him last in the late 1990s at a car show, where he was exhibiting his B Sports Racing from later times. He told me he had sold the Ferrari to a collector for a whopping big sum, and that he still had the old 1960s title, as the car was sold on a 'Bill of Sale' as a non street registered race car. He went in to say the new owner was going to try to find one of the original type Ferrari 4 cyl engines for it, and good luck for that! I heard that Don had passed away not long after. He was a colorful fellow, a friend to many, an he truly loved the sports car racing. This car is similar in shape and scale to many others of its era, including Don's Ferrari. It would be interesting to find out whatever happened to it. This car will also have a tale to be told. SCCA has a lot of race records available now. It would be possible to trace by driver name, the events it was entered into, and how it placed. This chassis does appear to have characteristics similar to the A-C, which was in production well before Shelby began buying them as engineless vehicles to finish as Cobras. Many small volume builders across Europe used the large round tube as a basis for ladder frames though, so that is not unique to A-C. The Arnolt Bristol was another UK built car of that period that employed similar frame construction. As we entered into the 1960s, small tube 'space frame' structures began to dominate, thanks to lower weight and vastly superior stiffness. They remained the standard until the advent of folded sheet metal 'monocoque' structures that emerged in the mid 60s, and remained the standard until composite fiber structures were perfected.
Intriguing car! It would seem like one of those homebuilt specials like Old Yeller 2, but much more refined in design and execution. The body probably is adapted to the chassis and the chassis is likely the key to figuring out its origins. It will be exciting to find out what this bit of auto archaeology turns out to be.
I was waiting to see if Dennis bought that guy a beer for helping- instead he offers him a couple of hondos for lunch. Dennis seems to be an alright dude- very likeable. This is some damn good content from you guys. Officially subscribed.
@7:50 the seller said the original front suspension was leaf with a straight axle and the previous owner had put a Volvo front suspension on it. Those numbers you found may have nothing to do with this car and even worse, removed the little identity it had to begin with. (If that really happened) it is a pretty cool car whatever it’s history.
I`m in Australia, ex Uk, been a follower since your early association days with R.R.. Your antics remind me of my friend David Howes `Howes Motors Jeep...Eaton Bray Near Dunstable Uk. Sadly lost contact with him when we came to Oz in `87.. I enjoy your show, cheers
Wow , Mr Collins , what an interesting , car you have there . !!!! As we would say in the UK. it's a kit car !!!! , you call it a bitsy car .!!!! Made up from bits of this car &bits of that car , ...... but definitely a race car of sorts ..... good luck finding out .....
After hours of research, I think it's either a home-built or a Lister. Almost every Lister built has a removable panel where the rear license plate would go... I have not ever seen that on any other maker's bodies.
The body looks very much like it was made by Vignale. Check out the Ferrari 250MM Spyder by Vignale and you'll see the striking similarities. Add the front fender treatment design cues of the Vignale bodied OSCA MT4 Berlinetta and you're basically there. Another clue is that spare tire bulge, which has similarities to some other Vignale Spyders. So my guess would be for a 1952-53 OSCA Spyder.
3:47 I used to live one block behind where he's standing on Pine St. Rolls Royce, MBZ Pagodas all the time. Scottie Pippen Horace Grant and Craig Hodges walked right past me. I was thinking pretty highly of myself... "What's up Fellas".. It was Pippen's Rookie year. Had Mike been with them it would've dawned on me who they were! Maybe got in a Game of HORSE at the Chinatown Rec Center by the Cable Car Museum.
Resembles an Allard K3, but I think the drop doors, tube chassis, and scalloped fender are really gonna be keys to deciphering this car's story. Somebody out there knows THIS car - can't wait to hear the Paul Harvey "rest of the story".
mr Loew .... the reference to Paul Harvey brought back many fond memories thank you sir...... one of my favorite youtube channels has for years been "The History Guy" .... if you have never theres a really good chance youll like his content
This is a Kit Car. In the 70’s Kit Cars were very popular. You can tell with the ‘hand made quality’ it is definitely a Kit Car. I had a few in my day - cheap and cheerful.
Similar or maybe a Ferrari 212 spider.wire wheel knock ofs in trunk also indicative of wire wheels.but then again OSCA also on the same lines.still a 1 of a kind find.Well done Dennis.awesome channel.awesome person and personality.always respectful.binge watch these for hours!thank you Sir.all the way from South Africa. Ps.the added food stops.."Outstanding"!👌
I couldn't tell you what kind of car it is but, the way the front end was welded to frame tubes was scary. There was some back yard fabrication and welding going on there. You might want to repair that before putting it on the road. Besides that, it's a very unique and interesting car.
You are on my old street which is 43rd Avenue in Outer Richmond district of San Francisco and you look like you are between Anza and Balboa. What a great find. Looks like a Maserati.
Yes please. Any car that stumps YOU is something I want to see the search and result. Zack is getting real pro with his cam and editing, (he and Kelsey), watch out they're going to need a raise!
Watching you fight with loading the car into the trailer on that S.F. hill reminded me of a joke I have on an old 33and a 1/3 record from the late 60s. The comic (who shall remain nameless) said that "San Francisco is the only city your insurance company will not cover you for having a head on collision with a hill". I've unfortunately had to drive in that city, with a heavy load and manual transmission, and still can't understand putting a stop sign half way up a 45% hill.
Possibly a butchered Arnolt Bristol Bertone .. Do a search for #68.. one of 2 built. Maybe a Bolide? Check the front wheel wells and the nose... the hood scoop, tail lights.
I think its a 1957-58 OSCA Maserati sport tipo 372/F2. I found some schematics of the car online and from the video you provided, it matches up. The fenders have been modified though. I think front of the car has been literally "chopped" off. Also, it looks as though the rear end has been chopped off, either that or this is some kind of prototype of the car. As someone stated in the comments, chassis #1185 was raced in the mille miglia in 1957, and was a dnf. Maybe someone wrecked it and the factory modified it and sold it?
I stayed in Japan Town in San Francisco in 04 and wish I had popped into the Japanese mall opposite the hotel I was staying in but ex didn't want to go into it. What a delayed honeymoon that was. OSCA was the late Sir Stirling Moss favourite race car and had one up until he retired from classic racing. Had the honour of meeting him once and he was a perfect gentleman but should have seen the size of his 'heavies'. It looks like a Bocar from the front headlights but I think it's a 'bitsa' of Italian American and what they had laying around. Looks like a 212 europa grille on the front from the early 60s 250 coupe ferrari .
ask WAYNE CARINI ! Cool car. It will make a great street/track car. Did the europeans generally use tubing that big ? A couple of pic's of a real cobra chassis would be nice
I absolutely loved that the previous owner was holding all the weight uphill...lol the dedication I feel would have been limited . but the attempt was thoughtful.
Chassis produced in Brooklands, (AC 100 Series). This chassis was produced for the 100th Anniversary of AC Cars. A planned run of only 10 cars. The chassis used a CRS chassis (with 4in main tubes and a double roll bar) with leaf spring suspension from a MK II FIA. Cars made in Frimley works, (COB 5000 Series).
This car appears to have conventional front to rear leaf springs in the rear. Since the front suspension is supposedly Volvo, I would search older sports cars specs that have tubular frames and conventional rear leaf springs. Definitely contact Jay Leno and Wayne Carini!
I used to stay at that Fairmont Knob Hill over 20 years ago. There was, and still is a great restaurant as you walk down the hill, I think heading east - Rue Lepic is a wonderful family owned and operated French restaurant with a very unassuming exterior. Be sure to check it out the next time you find yourself in the area! Very interesting episode Dennis!
As always, wicked cool story and ride! Next time you're in the Bay area...and feeling seafoody, head over to Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay (don't bring the truck/trailer). Best New England seafood outside of New England! Says this guy from Boston. Look forward to seeing what you do with this new ride.
A couple of points and apologies for beginning with a history lesson, but OSCA was founded by the actual Maserati brothers, not some ex-employees. Oddly the Maserati car company wasn't wholly owned by the brothers and when the company landed on hard times in the end of the 1950s, the Maserati brothers relinquished control of the Maserati brand over to the financiers. For this car, I suspect it's not an OSCA, for the simple reason it's too large. OSCAs were powered by engines, generally, between 1,000 and 2,000cc and this car looks too large and heavy for that design starting point. Yes, wheel hubs can be updated over time, but the fact these very large, American size wheel/tire 5 bolt combos look correct on the car, makes me think it was designed and built for an American V8. Forget the decal and red paint, lots of American sports cars cribbed Ferrari styling as that was the state of the art. There's a funny combination of Ferrari 340MM headlights awkwardly too close to the grill, and pontoon-fendered TestaRossa indents that really suggests early American sports racing special. I have a copy of "American Road Race Specials 1934-70" that doesn't have this particular car photographed, but it does have tons of other one-off specials that seriously "borrow" from Ferrari styling. Everyone from Cunningham, to Max Balchowski did it. Plus this car being found in central California: the hub of late-50s to early 60s construction of these one-off road racing specials makes sense. Best of luck in the search.
I think dennis is right about it being an OSCA body with a modified hood and trunk , The origional owner probably blew up the 1st engine (maserati) and found out how much it would cost to replace it and decided to go the chevy small block motor swap.
Your a good man Dennis, you talk to your employees and people with respect, you deserve the success you have. i enjoy your channel
The best channel to watch in a morning while having breakfast.
Just love Dennis’s positivity to life.
It looks like the remains of Joe Playan’s OSCA Spider(Oscelet, OSCA Chevrolet). The hood and hood scroop matchup, and there is a reference to him taking it to Hollywood Motors to stop the car from bouncing through the turns. They would have put a straight axle with a flattened Ford leaf on the front and probably opened the grill up to cool the small block chevy.
Racing as Scuderia Excelsior (USA) 11/10/1959 at Riverside
That's not a ferrari, it's an Italian Pegaso. They are very similar in many ways and much less rare, but wow do they look good. elbowcough
@@ScottWaringpegaso is spanish and very different! I have one tattooed with my grandma driving it!
Of all your videos Dennis, this one deserves a sequel. Don't leave us in suspense guessing what it is!
I believe it's a TVR
@@4422- Rear end does remind me of a TVR for sure
Chassis number 1185 would match with an OSCA frame. AC used a Alpha numeric chassis number. The tubular structure over the rear axle looks like part of the leaf spring mount of an early ACE. I'll probably repeating this video a hundred times. I love a good automotive mystery like this.
That makes sense to me it is really similar to a mt4 spider osca from the 50's or maybe a 1960 750 s osca modified body. i dont have any wear near the knowledge im a simple fan of old cars born in 1990 =P this thing is great the changes that is cobra or AC chasis under a osca body make this really desirable at least to me =P.Saludos desde Argentina Old Bob's
@@dariocastro9079 p
Old Bob you need your own show mate...👍👊💚🙌🤙🙏
Just checked a registry for OSCA chassis and there is another car with this number. More mystery.
@Dont Touch My Willie 🖕🤡🖕.....🤣
Is it weird that I started watching this show for the cool barn finds,and now I just look forward to the food.lol I wish Dennis was my Dad.
😂
Same here! I always enjoy the restaurant’s and food reviews lol
Right!!! Coolest dude ever. So humble sincere and just nice man. Need more like him and the world 🌎 would be much better place.
Would be nice to see some of the cars he rescues ,once they are all fixed up
Let's see the cars regardless what level CBJ restores them
@@wardmontgomery9259 not all ,he does have ones he wants done.
One I can remember he showed was the GTO after it was done. The one who had multiple engines and parts. Took about a year I think.
@Kharn The Betrayer Alex works on alot of them.
Some he does flip, others he has Alex or someone else on the Team to clean , update them, for auctions.
If he kept them all, he would have The Biggest used car lot in the world.
He does restore most of them, go back and watch every video from the start and all the auctions, Dennis is one of the world's for most best car restores and the best in Jeep restoration
Pretty KOOL looking Car Good luck
Man that flex tube exhaust held up with plumbers tape took me back to sophomore year in high school (1966)! The kind of work my buddies and I did when we were 15 and made 50 cents an hour at the gas station.
That would of been, adjusted with inflation, about 63% of today's minimum wage. With cheaper costs back then, you had the earning power of some of today's families!
What an awesome car!!! I can't believe the neighbor actually took the $100 for his help, that's how it is in CA?? Where I live, neighbors gladly do that stuff because...well, they're neighbors.
Especially when they're getting $800 from the inept corrupt governor to live in tents and poop in the streets with the bubonic plague coming back a couple extra bucks will help their habit. 🤷 If it weren't for phony bills for "infrastructure" ect. signed by a corrupt compromised president that doesn't know what room he's in, It would be completely bankrupt by now.
Zain staric, that was uncalled for. Maybe that's what you crave?
Seemed like Dennis, who is not the dude's neighbor, wanted to pay him for the help. Because then it's business - guy gets compensated for his time and Dennis hires a helping hand on the spot to make sure that moving a car that's worth tens of thousands goes within the 30 minutes they planned. A bit different if you borrow a drill from your neighbor who you've known for years.
If someone shoves a C note in my hand and is more than happy to pay, I ain't sayin' no.
$100 get you, gas toll ... to cross back to SF after you buy you shit 😂
You should reach out to Huffaker Racing in Sonoma. They had connections to Kjell Qvale who imported British cars to San Francisco. British chassis, Italian body, American V8 screams 60s Huffaker built race car to me.
Would love to know how americans pronounce Kjell
@@neuroleptika is it any where close to being pronounced “kill”?
@@1982MCI Nope😂 Its pronounced Shell
@@neuroleptika YES! I met him in the late 60s... His cars were regulars at Portland's sports car track back in the day. It is absolutely, 'Shell' . and his last name was most often pronounced as 'ka-VAL-ee' . In the pits it was always first names only, so I never actually confirmed one way or another how he himself pronounced his last name.
@@jenniferwhitewolf3784 well his last name isnt swedish so i dont know how that is pronounced
The car is very cool and with a nice paint job and a badass motor it could be an awesome little car. Very unique find! 👍👍🔥🔥🔥
When the original leaf spring front end was mentioned, I started getting "Bristol" vibes. Good luck with the identification.
👍
The front end reminds of something and keep thinking a one off bristol
I just saw a Bristol AC on Chasing Classic Cars. The rear end sure looks similar too. The front wings look like an act of desperation more than professional work. Ohh if steering wheels could talk.
@@thejackofalltravels8267 there is a few one of one bristol cars made
@@fellazvintageretro193 Arnolt-Bristol in particular.
From what I've seen in early Cobras that weren't really very far from the AC Ace to begin with, that transverse leaf suspension matches those cars. Somebody got "pretty creative" so tracking down the history after that beginning, looks to be a bit "challenging!"
I wonder how the guy licensed and titled it, if he didn't even know what it was. I think you're on the right track. I was thinking like a late 50's AC Ace - Bristol that has been re-bodied and heavily modified. The 1185 chassis number is in the same range as the ones they were using in the late 50's...starting with either an AEX, or a BEX. Very interesting find.
It has a California special construction tag on it. If you don't have a VIN or Tag, you can get a special inspection on it to make it road legal.
I think your spot-on with the Bristel.
@@fastslick3039 Bristol.
When they slipped it sideways and you could finally see the front taper and it's grill, i thought to myself, that thing looks British..I don't know why exactly..the grill looks like a caricature of Jaguar XK grill?.......the front wheel wells look familiar, too. Another great find by Mr. Collins.
@@machtschnell7452 Bristol in England might not be a bad shout, they do have a successor company and a great owners club, so they might be able to confirm or deny at least.
Damn Dennis I live half a mile away I would of pulled that car out of the garage with my truck, I work in a restoration shop and I can tell you there's lots of old cars in people's garages in San Francisco! Fun fact, with these hills in San Francisco you can only get 18-20 thousand miles on your brakes.been driving these hills for 50 years,thanks!
Dog Sense....It would be great if you shared more of your stories
The front grill really looks AC. Agree it's pro built maybe a one off prototype from the Aceca works?
Dog Sense pulling that car out of a multi million dollar house with peeps from Sacramento I know is not uncommon..
@@lutomson3496 That is interesting when you think about it. No wonder the country can't agree on much of anything when we all live such vastly different lives. Well actually, people do agree that too much sugar is used in apple pie.
You can probably get 0-60 in about 10 seconds even without an engine. :D
Please keep us posted on the history,and restoration of this vehicle! It's extremely interesting! Thank you for your wonderful videos!
Too funny
Outstanding! Grandmas house was on 22nd Avenue in SF. Same house/garage configuration on the same slope. Thanks for digging up the memory, Dennis!
How cool
What was her maiden name and your first pet?
@@joshuasprinkles3490 😂😂
@@joshuasprinkles3490 lmao!!!
Christian Clausen is this anywhere near where the film Bullit was filmed ? With Steve McQueen.😎 And great story hopefully car will be given a new life .
I agree with Rooster Dave. It is unquestionably an Osca racer that I probably saw at the old Marlborough raceway ( now abandoned) in the early 1960’s
by the chassis number it could be a modified OSCA MT4 TN 1500 S Morelli Spider
It is what is left over of a 1953 Ferrari 340 MM Spider.
on the PEBBLE BEACH AUCTIONS 2012 one in mint condition was sold for $4,730,000
A lot of work needs to be done, it is true it should have been right hand steering, also the body was partially re-done but still it would be a nice project. CONGRATULATION on finding it
That car owner was super cool dude.
San Franciscan: maybe convert it to electric.
Texan: crickets.
Straight axle with leaf spring front end were used on AC cars. It might have started out as an AC Ace, but little doubt it has been real shelled with something different. In the UK, it’s known as Triggers Broom.
It's defo Triggers Broom. It needs a medal.
that totaly reminds me of the old yeller cars there was more then one built back then
@@ronaldbush9023 i think there was 9
Boyd Coddington, of American Hot Rod was convicted and confessed to selling dubiously restored and fabricated cars in 2005, and was found guilty of fraud by rebuilding and selling trigger cars. The actual theory behind it is called a Ship of Theseus.
Cant beleive he didnt call it a "HOLY GRAIL"!!!!!!!!
These are the sort of cars I'd love to see restored on this channel as a build series, I love the coffee walk, I just think that something bigger or project based would get this channel up there and out there and also just to see a car like this be built and the technical stuff behind it would be fascinating
Looks like cheetah I believe made back in the 60s let me know like know what it was
I agree with your comment!! I would love to see “Coffee Walk Build”
Very cool looking car, and it definitely has that classic European look about it, and that front end, was made for a V12
Your videos have some of the best video on TH-cam. The sound is unbelievable. My tv stays on about 15 volume for every TH-cam video except yours. I have to drop it to 10. Great production/editing work 👍👍
That’s true it’s like tv production
It’s loud because he’s got a big gob.
Whatever russian
Turn it upside down. Matchbox usually tell you the make and model underneath. 😉
Wow! I grew up in San Francisco (Sunset District) and our street was similar to that street. One car garages are very common due to the age of the homes. Our house was built in 1946. Most families were lucky to have one car. LOVE Coffee Walk. Without a doubt it is the best channel on YT. I do not own a Jeep and most likely never will, but this content is amazing. Keep up the good work Dennis & crew.
Live in San Francisco for a while not a house under a million dollars
it actually looks a lot like an OSCA MT4, but I can't help but think it may be the bodywork of one tossed onto another chassis. Certainly compared to the era, the rear wheels and tires are much larger than you would expect, so there certainly has been some modifications to both the drive line and the bodywork.
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH: Honestly Dennis, You certainly have a valuable piece of racing history.
Its' "monetary value" is anyones' guess at this time.
I believe the frame is "most likely" an OSCA; an AC chassis.
Keep in mind...as it passed through owners...personal mods were made.
Also, the engine block, heads, intake & carb may be rare pieces & valuable as well.
As you can see, the body is too professionally done in aluminum to be a "backyard special".
Although rough now, it was cutting edge for its' glory days; likely mid '50s to mid '60s.
I'm sending you links to TH-cam Videos. I hope they will give you a few sources to help your
investigation & eventually positively ID this rare gem.
This car most likely campaigned at circuits in California & road courses in nearby states.
If you can locate a few "old-timers" who raced at or otherwise were connected with those tracks
they'll be a wealth of information.
Jay Leno knows more "old-timers" than anyone & he's fairly accessible.
His car muesum//Big Dog Garage is in Burbank; near the airport...give him a call.
Ernie Nagamatsu would also be an excellent source. (see links 1 & 3 below)
The people who posted TH-cam links 4 & 5 may be a good source of information as well.
Best regards & Good Luck,
Ben
TH-cam Links:
th-cam.com/video/zBs6O_D1D3k/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/tZVZNDIbu10/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/WotPAUEVDtU/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/dQj9KIxe64Q/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/zKPedvq9KF0/w-d-xo.html
What a load of dribble
@@GCL110 OSCA has nothing to do with AC, as far as I can tell. OSCA was the Maserati brothers' new enterprise after Maserati S.P.A. went belly-up for the umpteenth time.
AC were British...
@@aussiechris5904 i agree, no idea what he's on about, how is any of that helpful to anyone that actually knows cars.
To those posting here that are SO knowledgable so as to make fun of others.... are you actually old enough to have been there and seen what happened to cars as they were wrecked and rebuilt, modified beyond recognition with parts from everywhere, and in general, changed in some manner for nearly every race, or are you young keyboard warriors who have become experts by watching a dozen youtubes? In the 50s, there was a thriving business selling bodies for front engine "specials". Local racing clubs and SCCA was filled with home built cars, or highly modified commercial chassis fitted with any number of available domestic fiberglass or imported aluminum bodies. Small shops in Italy and the UK were building all sorts of cars to order, with or without engines, anyway a customer wanted. A few years into racing, with body damage and improvements in aero, we saw a lot of the cars dramatically evolve from season to season. This one is no where near 'as built' and reflects dramatic alterations that were applied early in its racing life. Only after it became so completely obsolete as a competitive racing car did those major evolutions stop, and the car enjoyed a second life as a gentleman club racer, and occasional weekend road warrior.
@@jenniferwhitewolf3784 Hello & THANKS for your knowledgeable & intelligent comments. For what it's worth, I agree with you 100%.
Respectfully,
Ben
I was in Italy in 1990 I saw 1 that looks identical. I got told it was a 1950's OSCA X-race car. It had a 4 cylinder engine and if I remember it had a Alfa Romeo engine. Even had the bulge in the right inner wing but was left hand drive.
I think you need to get Wayne Carini to help work this out. He had an Osca that had similar styling cues to this..
He also had that sports car built in California I think that looked like this. He has a convertible and a coupe.
The gentleman selling the car certainly looks good for his age.
We know for sure it was a factory car for some car company, an early AC ACE or Bristol, the grille and fenders are different, same as a 1948 to 50 Ferrari 166 MM similar but different. It will be cool to find out! Possibly the holy grail, thanks Dennis!
It’s closer to a Meteor SR1 , but those were fibreglass bodies.
Really hope you can get to the bottom of that fine piece of history. Wish I had a boss as cool as Dennis seems like a upstanding guy. Outstanding lol
It reminds me of a British Sports car {Healy, Sprite /MG } Thus AC Cobra comes to mind But This car is really beat up like a prototype might be from mulit testing /rallys and possibly a former car that was raced but not in a sanctioned event . Lets just say a Cobra ? Thanks Dennis always an enjoyable video { Love To Dinner Out, Best Part } You are a great Host , Ed
Dennis I´d love to see all the cars you buy fully repaired ......at least one......please . greetings from Ecuador ,South America. I love your channel.
your a class act man ,,i love the way this guy does his thing ,,,seems like a super cool dude
He looks & dresses like a '90s era golf pro.
Btw, Dennis, been a fan of yours for slmost two decades... You look great. You're aging really well, God bless...
Seeing how it’s in CA the area where Hot Rodding was almost invented back in the late 40-50’s, there is really no telling what it could be. The fact that it looks factory could be a testament to how well some of the Older builders were. Remember Carol Shelby developed his company around some of these original garage builders. They could put something together better then a lot of the factory teams did.
almost... pretty close to detroit
There was a fellow in Portland Oregon named Don Chervy, that back in the 1960s had an early genuine Ferrari similar to this one....Because it became non competitive in SCCA and ICSSA racing with the original 4 cyl. Ferrari, by the time I met him in 1969, he had installed a small block Chevrolet engine. I saw him now and then through the 70s, still enthusiastically club racing his SBV Ferrarri. I saw him last in the late 1990s at a car show, where he was exhibiting his B Sports Racing from later times. He told me he had sold the Ferrari to a collector for a whopping big sum, and that he still had the old 1960s title, as the car was sold on a 'Bill of Sale' as a non street registered race car. He went in to say the new owner was going to try to find one of the original type Ferrari 4 cyl engines for it, and good luck for that! I heard that Don had passed away not long after. He was a colorful fellow, a friend to many, an he truly loved the sports car racing. This car is similar in shape and scale to many others of its era, including Don's Ferrari. It would be interesting to find out whatever happened to it. This car will also have a tale to be told. SCCA has a lot of race records available now. It would be possible to trace by driver name, the events it was entered into, and how it placed. This chassis does appear to have characteristics similar to the A-C, which was in production well before Shelby began buying them as engineless vehicles to finish as Cobras. Many small volume builders across Europe used the large round tube as a basis for ladder frames though, so that is not unique to A-C. The Arnolt Bristol was another UK built car of that period that employed similar frame construction. As we entered into the 1960s, small tube 'space frame' structures began to dominate, thanks to lower weight and vastly superior stiffness. They remained the standard until the advent of folded sheet metal 'monocoque' structures that emerged in the mid 60s, and remained the standard until composite fiber structures were perfected.
I hope Dennis reads this well thought out comment. A great piece of history it seems to me.
Dennis: Is it insured, James?
James: No, but it's transferred to your name. 😄
Classic response!
Intriguing car! It would seem like one of those homebuilt specials like Old Yeller 2, but much more refined in design and execution. The body probably is adapted to the chassis and the chassis is likely the key to figuring out its origins. It will be exciting to find out what this bit of auto archaeology turns out to be.
I was waiting to see if Dennis bought that guy a beer for helping- instead he offers him a couple of hondos for lunch. Dennis seems to be an alright dude- very likeable. This is some damn good content from you guys. Officially subscribed.
Hi👋
@Laura 🎈 the worst state of sc
@Laura 🎈 du?
I knew he'd peel off a couple. Even if the whole world wasn't watching. Love Dennis.
Class act, men with manners seems to be a dying breed. Much respect for the way you present yourself to others with respect and manners.
@7:50 the seller said the original front suspension was leaf with a straight axle and the previous owner had put a Volvo front suspension on it. Those numbers you found may have nothing to do with this car and even worse, removed the little identity it had to begin with. (If that really happened) it is a pretty cool car whatever it’s history.
I`m in Australia, ex Uk, been a follower since your early association days with R.R.. Your antics remind me of my friend David Howes `Howes Motors Jeep...Eaton Bray Near Dunstable Uk. Sadly lost contact with him when we came to Oz in `87..
I enjoy your show, cheers
Definitely Looks like a Bitsa, or as we say around these parts a Bitsa slungtogether
Wow , Mr Collins , what an interesting , car you have there . !!!! As we would say in the UK. it's a kit car !!!! , you call it a bitsy car .!!!! Made up from bits of this car &bits of that car , ...... but definitely a race car of sorts ..... good luck finding out .....
Can't wait for the details on this one. Looks like a one off for sure. ✌️😎
Ya we have similar tastes. No video posted was disappointing with that ounce on the scale!
I believe its s TVR
Was at a C&C in Portola Valley ,Ca. yesterday, 4-9-22) there was a coupe version of this car there (all original), 1952 OSCA
After hours of research, I think it's either a home-built or a Lister. Almost every Lister built has a removable panel where the rear license plate would go... I have not ever seen that on any other maker's bodies.
My first thought was Healy because of the front end. Love the lines.
i do not know what car it is, but it is beautiful, and even will look better if restored... greetings from germany
Just found this Chanel today but I’m hooked. Love cars and Dennis is awesome.
The body looks very much like it was made by Vignale. Check out the Ferrari 250MM Spyder by Vignale and you'll see the striking similarities. Add the front fender treatment design cues of the Vignale bodied OSCA MT4 Berlinetta and you're basically there. Another clue is that spare tire bulge, which has similarities to some other Vignale Spyders. So my guess would be for a 1952-53 OSCA Spyder.
It does remind me of Vignale, but haven't studied them much. So what's with the louvered rear panel and the scoops ahead of the rear wheels?
3:47 I used to live one block behind where he's standing on Pine St. Rolls Royce, MBZ Pagodas all the time.
Scottie Pippen Horace Grant and Craig Hodges walked right past me. I was thinking pretty highly of myself... "What's up Fellas".. It was Pippen's Rookie year. Had Mike been with them it would've dawned on me who they were! Maybe got in a Game of HORSE at the Chinatown Rec Center by the Cable Car Museum.
Resembles an Allard K3, but I think the drop doors, tube chassis, and scalloped fender are really gonna be keys to deciphering this car's story. Somebody out there knows THIS car - can't wait to hear the Paul Harvey "rest of the story".
mr Loew .... the reference to Paul Harvey brought back many fond memories thank you sir...... one of my favorite youtube channels has for years been "The History Guy" .... if you have never theres a really good chance youll like his content
My first thought was Allard but I don’t know much about them.
This is a Kit Car. In the 70’s Kit Cars were very popular. You can tell with the ‘hand made quality’ it is definitely a Kit Car. I had a few in my day - cheap and cheerful.
I am shocked you didn’t get a ticket while parked in the street like that! Glad it went well.
Money Talks! lol
Similar or maybe a Ferrari 212 spider.wire wheel knock ofs in trunk also indicative of wire wheels.but then again OSCA also on the same lines.still a 1 of a kind find.Well done Dennis.awesome channel.awesome person and personality.always respectful.binge watch these for hours!thank you Sir.all the way from South Africa.
Ps.the added food stops.."Outstanding"!👌
I grew up in SF, know exactly where that house is it! Bitchin find!!
what a beauty, what lines. LOL love the doors. as he was opening the hood I was thinking "I would put a Chevy SB 400 in it, aluminum block".
I couldn't tell you what kind of car it is but, the way the front end was welded to frame tubes was scary. There was some back yard fabrication and welding going on there. You might want to repair that before putting it on the road. Besides that, it's a very unique and interesting car.
Thought the same thing.
some of those welds looked like they dropped from a bird
1957 OSCA MT4 TN 1500 S Morelli Spider
Thats a Collins roadster. Super rare. 1 of 1.
You are on my old street which is 43rd Avenue in Outer Richmond district of San Francisco and you look like you are between Anza and Balboa. What a great find. Looks like a Maserati.
Another interesting car. I cant wait to see the follow up when you find out what it is.
Yes please. Any car that stumps YOU is something I want to see the search and result. Zack is getting real pro with his cam and editing, (he and Kelsey), watch out they're going to need a raise!
Watching you fight with loading the car into the trailer on that S.F. hill reminded me of a joke I have on an old 33and a 1/3 record from the late 60s. The comic (who shall remain nameless) said that "San Francisco is the only city your insurance company will not cover you for having a head on collision with a hill". I've unfortunately had to drive in that city, with a heavy load and manual transmission, and still can't understand putting a stop sign half way up a 45% hill.
Being you found this is San Francisco, I would bet it has something to do with Huffaker Racing.
Love! Those San Francisco hills. I've driven them in a 74 LTD. You can't see the road ahead at the intersection.
It looks like a very modified AC Ace which has had the body changed at the front fenders and the engine swapped.
Possibly a butchered Arnolt Bristol Bertone .. Do a search for #68.. one of 2 built. Maybe a Bolide?
Check the front wheel wells and the nose... the hood scoop, tail lights.
I think its a 1957-58 OSCA Maserati sport tipo 372/F2. I found some schematics of the car online and from the video you provided, it matches up. The fenders have been modified though. I think front of the car has been literally "chopped" off. Also, it looks as though the rear end has been chopped off, either that or this is some kind of prototype of the car. As someone stated in the comments, chassis #1185 was raced in the mille miglia in 1957, and was a dnf. Maybe someone wrecked it and the factory modified it and sold it?
⁹
THE ISSUE IS THE FRONT GRILL LOOKS A BIT TO BIG FOR A MASERATI. LOOKS LIKE A 60S COBRA. IM GETTING PAUL WALKERS 65 COBRA VIBES
What's a dnf?
@@stephendouglas6672 It’s did not finish the race
@@stephendouglas6672 did not finish :(
Cool. California. It’s a Heinz 57. A mix of many to get one.
Dennis, will be great to find a chassis number on it. Hopefully something with history. Cool find for sure.
Looks like a Cheetah
Hallo Dennis , i think is a Brand TVR , the Chassis , the Style is for sure English. greetings Marianne
I stayed in Japan Town in San Francisco in 04 and wish I had popped into the Japanese mall opposite the hotel I was staying in but ex didn't want to go into it. What a delayed honeymoon that was.
OSCA was the late Sir Stirling Moss favourite race car and had one up until he retired from classic racing. Had the honour of meeting him once and he was a perfect gentleman but should have seen the size of his 'heavies'.
It looks like a Bocar from the front headlights but I think it's a 'bitsa' of Italian American and what they had laying around.
Looks like a 212 europa grille on the front from the early 60s 250 coupe ferrari .
lol... I know that house, drive by it every day. I live just up the street. I would have never guessed he had that car sitting in his garage.
Looking at the tubing on the chassis I’d like to think it started life as a AC Ace . Unlikely to be a cobra BUT ………….
That thing is BEAUTIFUL!
Restore it!
ask WAYNE CARINI !
Cool car. It will make a great street/track car. Did the europeans generally
use tubing that big ? A couple of pic's of a real cobra chassis would be nice
Maserati used large tubes for two main frame rails
I absolutely loved that the previous owner was holding all the weight uphill...lol
the dedication I feel would have been limited . but the attempt was thoughtful.
@Kristina 😶🌫
When Dennis first walks up and taps the car (6:54) and plays the drum break from Phil Collins In The Air tonight 😂
😂😂😂😂
6:54
@@heretohear8662 you're right, corrected. thnx!
@@mikel3162 I only stated that because I personally missed it, but yeah, that's hilarious!!
Chassis produced in Brooklands, (AC 100 Series). This chassis was produced for the 100th Anniversary of AC Cars. A planned run of only 10 cars. The chassis used a CRS chassis (with 4in main tubes and a double roll bar) with leaf spring suspension from a MK II FIA. Cars made in Frimley works, (COB 5000 Series).
The suspension shocks and springs looks like a early Jaguar XJ..you done so well getting it out well put together
I was thinking the same. Early XKE
@@randyb4403 jaguars in the 60s used coil springs, independent suspension, even some early 50s
Cool. Thanks. I was wondering what they were.
This car appears to have conventional front to rear leaf springs in the rear. Since the front suspension is supposedly Volvo, I would search older sports cars specs that have tubular frames and conventional rear leaf springs. Definitely contact Jay Leno and Wayne Carini!
I think I recall seeing that car or similar in an old Popular Mechanics magazine, BOCAR or something like that. I’ll try to locate. Very cool!
Dennis you really need a new trailer! 😂. Congrats on the new car. Keep the videos coming. I love the stories that come with the cars.
It’s not his trailer … he hires his mate for transport
I used to stay at that Fairmont Knob Hill over 20 years ago. There was, and still is a great restaurant as you walk down the hill, I think heading east - Rue Lepic is a wonderful family owned and operated French restaurant with a very unassuming exterior. Be sure to check it out the next time you find yourself in the area! Very interesting episode Dennis!
Looks like a kit car to me.
As always, wicked cool story and ride! Next time you're in the Bay area...and feeling seafoody, head over to Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay (don't bring the truck/trailer). Best New England seafood outside of New England! Says this guy from Boston. Look forward to seeing what you do with this new ride.
A couple of points and apologies for beginning with a history lesson, but OSCA was founded by the actual Maserati brothers, not some ex-employees. Oddly the Maserati car company wasn't wholly owned by the brothers and when the company landed on hard times in the end of the 1950s, the Maserati brothers relinquished control of the Maserati brand over to the financiers. For this car, I suspect it's not an OSCA, for the simple reason it's too large. OSCAs were powered by engines, generally, between 1,000 and 2,000cc and this car looks too large and heavy for that design starting point. Yes, wheel hubs can be updated over time, but the fact these very large, American size wheel/tire 5 bolt combos look correct on the car, makes me think it was designed and built for an American V8. Forget the decal and red paint, lots of American sports cars cribbed Ferrari styling as that was the state of the art. There's a funny combination of Ferrari 340MM headlights awkwardly too close to the grill, and pontoon-fendered TestaRossa indents that really suggests early American sports racing special. I have a copy of "American Road Race Specials 1934-70" that doesn't have this particular car photographed, but it does have tons of other one-off specials that seriously "borrow" from Ferrari styling. Everyone from Cunningham, to Max Balchowski did it. Plus this car being found in central California: the hub of late-50s to early 60s construction of these one-off road racing specials makes sense. Best of luck in the search.
I have never seen anything like it. It is amazing!!
I think dennis is right about it being an OSCA body with a modified hood and trunk , The origional owner probably blew up the 1st engine (maserati) and found out how much it would cost to replace it and decided to go the chevy small block motor swap.
Too cool!!! Can’t wait to see you guys clean this thing up!!🔥💪🏼💪🏼 let’s go!!
Looks like something that I’m not qualified to comment on
IT is what ever Dennis Forge's it into being, he's a master forger
Front end looks like an Ermini. I'm like 70% sure it's an Ermini. Body is by Gilco, Scaglietti, Morelli or Frua
It is a CoberAsserArri which was originally developed under the research and develop arm of the Rolls Canarrrly Corporation.