Before WWII, sprint cars were built throughout the US, often from an assortment of production-car components that had been proven to provide the best performance. While frames varied from Essex to Ford and Chevrolet, the Ford Model A/B engine was a ubiquitous choice, as it provided 200 cubic inches of displacement and a wide variety of aftermarket cylinder head conversions from companies like HAL and Riley.

This Sprint Car was likely built circa 1935 and is fitted with a Riley-modified Ford four-cylinder engine. George Riley was an engineer based in Seattle, and he took full advantage of Ford’s new Model A engine when it debuted, creating speed parts for the burgeoning racing scene.

While the earliest part of this car’s history is not known, a plaque on its dashboard identifies it as the winner of the 1953 NARA championship. A copy of the 1953 NARA annual banquet program on file indicates that, at the time, the sprint car was owned by George Koerner and driven by William Brown of Norristown, Pennsylvania. It is believed to have been subsequently owned by Lynn Paxton, the curator of the Eastern Motor Racing Museum in York Springs, Pennsylvania.

Offered in a well-preserved state, this Riley-Ford Special is a window into the fascinating story of mid-century, open-wheel racing.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.