1953 BOSLEY MK1 GT

Richard Bosley of Mentor, Ohio created the Bosley MK1 even though he'd not to that point been any kind of automobile engineer. But he decided to build the car of his dreams. Since Richard Bosley was a horticultural farmer by trade, he was unable to fund production of his car so this prototype was the only Bosley Mark I GT ever produced.

Powering the car was a Chrysler Hemi breathing through 6 carburetors. It had a quick change rear end courtesy of a 1948 Mercury, a 102-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 168 inches. Braking power was provided by Lincoln 12-inch drums riding on magnesium center-lock wheels. The transmission was a five-speed unit built by the New Process company. The bodywork was done by Mr. Bosley, with many of the interior and exterior parts sourced from various other vehicles.

The low-slung fiberglass body, potent engine, and its 55-gallon fuel tank made it a suitable vehicle for long distance racing. It had a top speed in the neighborhood of 160 mph. A pretty darn good first effort and of course this car today is very rare and unique.