In Race Cars
Originally delivered as a body-in-white to Tope Racing Enterprises, this 1973 Ford Mustang SportsRoof was meticulously assembled by Hinchliff Racing with components from Kar-Kraft.
This iconic vehicle was driven by Ed Hinchliff in the SCCA Trans-Am series, competing intermittently in the Category I class from 1977 through 1980. In the late 1980s, a subsequent owner undertook a comprehensive refurbishment of the car, preserving its racing heritage while updating its components.
Power and Performance
Under the hood lies a formidable 351ci Cleveland V8 engine, paired with a Toploader four-speed manual transmission. The car features a full-floating rear axle with a locked differential, ensuring optimal power delivery and handling. The widened bodywork, painted in striking orange and black, includes a fiberglass hood, fender caps, and wheel-arch extensions. The car’s aggressive stance is further accentuated by a chin spoiler, rear wing, side-exit exhaust pipes, and 15” alloy wheels.
Race-Ready Interior
The race-prepped cockpit is designed for serious competition, featuring a roll cage, a single racing seat with a Simpson harness, and a Hurst shifter topped with a cue-ball-style knob. Additional equipment includes a “squirrel-cage” blower for cooling the oil and Stewart-Warner gauges to monitor vital engine parameters. Safety and performance are paramount, with four-wheel disc brakes and a Watt’s linkage for precise rear axle control.
Provenance and Pedigree
This Mustang has a rich racing history, documented in SCCA Vehicle Log Book #10-505. It competed in multiple Trans-Am events, with notable performances at tracks like Road America and Trois-Rivières. The car’s best finish was 11th overall at Trois-Rivières in 1980. A vintage photograph captures the Mustang in its previous racing livery, highlighting its storied past.
Auction Details
Acquired by the current seller in 2019, this race car is now up for auction on Bring a Trailer with no reserve. It comes complete with log books, extra wheels, spare parts, and a bill of sale. While the car has been meticulously maintained, the seller recommends further servicing before it hits the track again. The 15” alloy wheels are currently fitted with Goodyear slicks that show signs of aging, and the car is equipped with an ATL Racing fuel cell and a recently replaced battery.
Notable Features
Exterior: Fixed door skins, tapered front end, fiberglass components, chrome bumpers
Chassis: Live rear axle, Watt’s linkage, high-mount shocks, cooling ducts for brakes
Engine: 351ci Cleveland V8, single carburetor, custom ram-air intake plenum
Transmission: Toploader four-speed manual, locked differential with 4.11:1 gearing
Interior: Roll cage, single racing seat, Hurst shifter, Stewart-Warner gauges
Important Notes
This 1973 Ford Mustang Trans-Am race car is not street legal, does not have a chassis number, and comes with no title or registration. It is being sold strictly on a bill of sale, making it a unique opportunity for collectors and racing enthusiasts looking to own a piece of Trans-Am history.
This car represents a remarkable blend of vintage racing heritage and performance, ready for its next chapter on the track or as a centerpiece in a motorsport collection. Don’t miss your chance to bid on this incredible piece of racing history on Bring a Trailer.
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