Estimated 270-hp, GM overhead valve V-8 engine, four-speed overdrive automatic transmission, four-wheel coil-over-shock suspension, and four-wheel power hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5"

- Offered on behalf of the trustee for the Tim Durham Collection

- Reliable GM powertrain

- Number nine of 20 built

Speedster Motorcars had been building replica Auburn boat-tail speedsters in several Florida locations since 1995. By 2005, the firm had also taken on production of fiberglass-bodied custom Lincoln-Zephyr revivals, a concept pioneered by hot rodder and journalist Terry Cook. By 2006, company head Todd Bontrager and production foreman Ron Clark sensed the need for new product and began to investigate new projects. The result was the GW coupe, GW for Gull Wing, a revival of the famous 300SL design of 1955-57.

The car’s architecture was derived from the Speedster and Z-Series models, a tubular chassis frame with coil-over-shock suspension, control arms in front and four-link at the rear, rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel vented power disc brakes. The powertrain was a tried-and-true General Motors recipe, with a Vortec V-8 of 4.8, 5.3 or 6.0 liters and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed 4L60E automatic. The fiberglass body rose only 51 inches from the pavement, exactly the same as the original, and the whole car weighed but 2,700 pounds. Just 20 were built before Speedster Motorcars went into remission in March 2008.

A virtually new car with just 115 miles showing, this GW coupe is handsome in black with grey leather interior. The doors operate in the iconic overhead fashion, leading one to a cockpit that is at once both Spartan and cozy. Almost hidden is the fact that it is possessed of all creature comforts, from air conditioning to stereo to analog clock. The instruments are elegant but eminently legible white on grey. Notwithstanding the chrome wire wheels, the car has restrained brightwork. The whole package represents good value for image and convenience, as well as the advantage of an economically-supported mechanical pedigree. With just 20 built, it is a rare collector car to be sure!

Addendum

Please note that the Serial No. is 1S9GR11T072879007.

Please note that this lot is titled as a 1955 Speedster.