Graeme Raper - The George Reed Special

Written by MotorMarques Team

The First Iteration of this car was“The Ben Tarr Rajo Ford Special” raced at Bathurst Mt Panorama Easter 1939… The Second Iteration, “Alec Mildren Ford V8 Special” (his first racing car) raced at the NSW Grand Prix, Bathurst 1946, 1947 etc…. The Third Iteration, “George Reed Special” built 1948 and raced successfully at Bathurst, Mt Druitt etc, against the Imported European cars such as Alfa Romeo, Masseratti, Alta, Bugatti, Lago Talbot, etc…. Current custodian and driver is Graeme Raper.

A typical Australian Special built on the Ford Model A Chassis Rails, split (independent) Front End, Side Valve Ford V8 Engine, Offenhauser Heads, Twin Stromberg 97 Carburettors, Scintilla Vertex Magneto, 3 Speed Close Ratio Ford Gearbox, Locked Ford Differential, Circa 1924 Brass FIAT Tractor Steering Box, Ford Hydraulic Drum Brakes, Armstrong Lever Arm Shock Absorbers, 16 Inch Wheels and Aluminum Hand Formed Body.
The current engine is a George Reed V8 Ford with a capacity of 4500 cc and developing 180 Bhp. Standing Quarter Time is 14.8 / 15.1 seconds , 100 mph in 2nd Gear and 130mph in Top
Brief Competition Record

Hawkesbury Hill Climb May 1949…

Foley’s Hill, Record June 1949…

Won 50 Mile Handicap Mt Panorama October 1950…

Australian Grand Prix Narrogin WA 1951 ( Monoskate led into last lap when the Magneto failed and the “Red Car” won the Race, which is a G Reed Ford Special Sister Car)…

Won “Redex 100” at Mt Panorama Easter 1951...

Australian Record SS kilometer- 27.26 sec, June 1951…

“Discovered” by Mal Reid in 1977, restored and raced successfully as a Historic Racer for over 20 years whilst holding many Lap Records at various circuits around Australia....