There was a time in the early days of drag racing that these little roadsters were commonplace. The ultra lightweight bodies were perfect for gassers, fuel altereds and full bodied diggers. Over time, some of them would earn NHRA fame with names like PURE HEAVEN, PURE HELL, and the RAGIN CAJUN. Always a favorite on the strip for their outrageous performance and squirrelly launches, these cars bring back nostalgic memories for those who remember the early days of 1320 racing.
Butler, Pennsylvania gave this little car its name. The company failed in 1935, but was survived by the American Bantam Company that continued to make the small cars until WWII. This particular American Austin roadster owes its body to an original 1932 roadster that was too badly deteriorated to save. The title survived, but the original body went into a mold and was copied to make this singular fiberglass clone. During the build, the car was stretched about a foot to make it more comfortable. This is not a production run body, but a hand built original by Dave Winters Rod & Custom Works. It has detachable front fenders and running boards and custom built front and rear bumpers and grille shell. This gnarly hot rod sports a custom tubular chassis, has independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering, four wheel disk brakes, and pro-stock 4 link coilover rear suspension.
This car is ready for a new home. Trades for high quality Novas, Camaros or Corvettes will be considered.
This car has only about 800 miles on the odometer since finished. It is street legal.
The Bantam rooster radiator emblem on the Austin American automobiles produced from 1930 to 1934 in Pennsylvania.
