This is the original and celebrated Shafer Special #2, built and raced by Phil "Red" Shafer, featuring a rich and documented American racing history. It is accompanied by its FIA-HTP papers and is an exceptionally fast and powerful machine.
A former rodeo rider and Pontiac dealer from Des Moines, Shafer was nicknamed "Red" for his hair color enjoyed a long racing career. While working for General Motors, he gained the opportunity to build his own car—the Shafer Special. His career included racing in the 1931 German Grand Prix, numerous hill climbs (notably Pikes Peak), and ten appearances in the Indy 500 between 1922 and 1936.
Historical Racing Career (1932-1937):
Competed in the Indianapolis 500 from 1932 to 1937.
Raced in multiple Pikes Peak Hill Climbs.
Entered in the 1936 George Vanderbilt Cup Race with Shafer as the driver.
Modern Vintage Provenance:
This car has been a dominant force on the vintage racing circuit, appearing in over 50 VSCCA events and prestigious meets including:
Monterey Historics (2nd Place in 1993)
Lime Rock Historics
Vintage Fall Festival (Multi-time Winner)
Notable Wins & Records:
First Place, Pittsburgh Grand Prix
Winner, Chopard Trophy
First Place, Pocono Speedway
Two-time Hill Climb Record Holder, Mt. Washington
Five-time Record Holder, Mt. Equinox Hillclimb
Twelve-time Record Holder, Hunnewell Hillclimb
Three-time First Place, New Hampshire International Speedway
In the last 20 years, it has raced on nearly every major race track in Europe.
Authenticity & Provenance:
Phil Shafer built only three cars. This car, is chassis #2. While several replicas exist, this is the genuine article.
Technical Specifications:
Engine: A very powerful and rare model, believed to be the original unit installed in 1934, tuned to maximum performance and running on Methanol/Alcohol.
Powertrain: A Ford transmission was installed in 1934 and remains with the car.
Ignition: High-end modern system installed.
Differential: A modern differential with two ratios has been fitted.
Wheels: New wheels fitted, but the original set is included with the sale.
Body & Chassis: The chassis and body are verified as original, with no accident history. A spot of original green paint was found; the car has been expertly repainted in its correct historic color using period-accurate nitro paint, and it retains a fine patina.
Reversibility: All modern upgrades can be reversed to return the car to its original specification.
Additional Information:
Documentation: Two large files of documents, history, and photographs accompany the car. Its history is also recorded in renowned books:
Floyd Clymer's Indianapolis Race History
Jack C. Fox: *The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500, 1911-1984*
Loel E. Finn: *American Road Racing - the 1930s*
Legal Status: The car is street-legal in Switzerland, requiring no Carnet ATA for border crossings within Europe.
Missing Item: The original fuel tank is not included.
Price is 1.3 M Euro OBO Email for more information
This car is being represented by Kelly Dietrick Exceptional Car Broker, Brokering historic competition cars worldwide since 2004. I do not have a website but a curated newsletter. Please send an email if you wish to join our community and see cars before they go on the open market (if they go on the open market).
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