Otie’s Automotive Fiat B/A recreation features a steel body with a fiberglass nose on boxed Model-A frame rails. This well-known, magazine-featured car has plenty of history. The custom-fabricated roll cage mimics the original while meeting current NHRA specs, certified for 8.50. NHRA even created a new category for it, making it the first certified center-steer door car. Powered by a 671-blown, alcohol 327 with a Turbo 400, and a ’59 Olds/Pontiac rear with Fabcraft spool, gears, and axles, it also sports dual caliper Strange brakes—one set on the foot brake, another on the hand brake. The Corvair steering box with cross steering gives it great handling, and it’s run a best of 8.81@151. The car is autographed by Don Garlits, Ed Iskenderian, Randy Walls (Super Nova), Rich Guasco (Pure Hell), and Ron Hope (Rat Trap).
Otie’s was a legendary speed shop in Akron, OH, started by Otie Smith in 1955, competing in most NHRA Nationals from 1955–1972. Included are copies of all related photos and articles, plus a website for T-shirt sales. The original California-built car by Al “Waldo” Hirshfield won the ’61 Winternationals and Indy with KS Pittman driving, and was later driven by Gene Beaver, John Force’s uncle, who set a national record. It could be repainted to reflect its more famous pre-Otie’s history.
The engine is currently out for a rebuild, with the cert expired and needing a new harness and window nets. All machine work is complete and balanced, with new piston rings, crank, bearings, heads, head gaskets, and a blower refreshed by SSI—just needing assembly and a few gaskets. Assistance with reassembly and running the car can be provided if purchased locally. Asking $40,000 OBO. A 1965 Ford F100 tow vehicle and trailer are also available.
