56 or 57 race car #50

[James G.]

I have been going through some old sports car memorabilia that I acquired a few years ago... there was a book by Paul O'shea
Guide to Competetion Driving published in 1957.
The photos were taken for the book by Robert Halmi and no reference is given to the race - the car trailing appears to be an early 50's Allard(another one Zora had a hand in)
I have never seen either of these photos elsewhere, so I figured someone might know something about the #50 which appears to be wearing early halibrand knock offs like the 56-57 team cars.
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[David B.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

Fairly certain car is 1956 Sebring team car #7 (#6911). It was owned and driven for a short time by Max Goldman. He eventually sold it to his friend Bob McClean who also raced it for a short time.

[James G.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

I image searched and failed to turn up the photo elsewhere.
I was fairly confident someone here would have an answer and have an interest.

[Richard M.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

James, Didn't David's reply in post #2 shed some light? I believe he's right. White, blue center stripes, Halibrands, big brakes(rear cooling scoops), single windscreen, etc.

It certainly looks like the '56 Sebring car to me. In fact I was looking at it over the weekend at the Amelia Island Concours. John Neas took it there. He and I had lots to talk about while he was reminiscing its history and looking over the massive book binders with references he had in the trunk. He even had a copy of the Sebring Entry ticket!

Great stuff. I believe it(the ticket) was once in David's possession, then another's(John Baldwin), then handed over to John Neas one day..... Gratis! How's that for sharing!

Maybe it was badged #50 for the race in that photo you have.

Rich

[Loren L.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

Case closed.....with paperwork calling out options, color,s, casting #s and Ed Cole's maiden aunt's name.............

[Richard M.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

Loren, I had to chuckle. Mr. Cole's Aunt's maiden name? What might that be? Might it be the wheel/axle manufacturer? Or am I being too inquisitive? Sorry I'm a tad co-fuzed. Please eschew my obfuscation.

So James, I found my old, horribly blurred video I took of John Neas moving the #7 car at Lakeland Florida Regional 6 years ago. The audio is soooo much better than the imagery. Fun stuff.

Rich

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Wj1SqdGTY

[Loren L.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

This particular car is also a "wonder" in that it exists in a manner that it should not.......thanks to the surrogates surrounding Ed Cole......Eng ID 6901 was a prototype frame using a prototype body (no top fender scoops), Eng ID 6903 & 6905 franes were late 1955 Corvette 3 spd frames (modified) carrying 1956 Corvette bodies built on the line at St Louis without windshields, windws, etc and married in MI. Smokey was responsible for the transfer from Daytona to the NASCAR rulebooks and when he annnounced "We've got enough parts", Eng ID 6911 ('56 #009" was bought back from the Miami dealer and became 007. Engineers that played with a flexible slide rule.

[John N.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

In my opinion, car#50 would be team car#5 or#6. To the best of my knowledge the only race numbers my car had in early life had were:
Sebring #7
Cumberland #25
Elkhart Lake #105
Haven Hill Climb #66
Open to any additional input as to other races and numbers that involved the car.
Thanks!!!

[Richard M.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

In my opinion, car#50 would be team car#5 or#6. To the best of my knowledge the only race numbers my car had in early life had were:
Sebring #7
Cumberland #25
Elkhart Lake #105
Haven Hill Climb #66
Open to any additional input as to other races and numbers that involved the car.
Thanks!!!

John, Interesting. Maybe Jim Gessner has some info somewhere on that #50.

Rich
PS It was much fun sitting with you the other day and talking about your car and its history. Thanks for sharing.

[Loren L.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

Without enumerating, it's generally conceded that 10 or 11 were worn by the Thompson car after Sebring.

[Richard M.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

James, Any chance, maybe contact the book writer and ask where or who that #50 photo came from?

Rich

[Mike E.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

James, Any chance, maybe contact the book writer and ask where or who that #50 photo came from?

Rich

[David B.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

Mike, have the Thompson book. It has been awhile since I have looked at "56 files. It appears Corvette #50 was driven by Jim Jeffords in the 7th race at Road America June 24, 1956. Car was a DNF. Need to refresh my memory!

[John N.]

Re: 56 or 57 race car #50

John, Interesting. Maybe Jim Gessner has some info somewhere on that #50.

Rich
PS It was much fun sitting with you the other day and talking about your car and its history. Thanks for sharing.

Rich
Enjoyed the conversation also!!!
Those are magic times that you get to visit with friends!!!
Regards