The outrageous Bocar of the 1950s was the dream of Bob Carnes, who constructed the cars in Denver, Colorado. No two were alike, with each designed to meet the needs of the owner. Carnes most often employed Chevrolet power, and while his cars were not necessarily the winningest, he was nonetheless successful in turning heads and generating ink in the enthusiast magazines of the day.

Carnes began by racing a Glöckler-Porsche Spyder in hill climbs and road races in the Denver area. In 1953 he switched to a Jaguar XK 120, which netted him a third at Pikes Peak. He later fitted the car with a Cadillac V-8, calling it the “Jagillac” – he won the Buffalo Bill Hillclimb in 1956 with it. What Carnes really wanted, however, was a design of his own – something that combined the power of his Jagillac with the agility of a Porsche. Despite the lack of an engineering degree – he had been remodeling kitchens! – Carnes began the Bocar project in 1957.

Six iterations followed through 1961, when a fire engulfed the Bocar shop and production ceased. Some 40 complete cars are believed to have been built, including an estimated 15 XP-5s, although the number known to exist today is inconclusive.

The XP-5 was introduced in early 1959 and like previous Bocars, it featured a unique space frame design constructed of high-strength chromoly steel. Suspension was borrowed from a Porsche 356/VW Beetle while utilizing Buick drum brakes. Typically, a Chevrolet 283 or 327-cubic inch V-8 was fitted and mounted far behind the front axle, resulting in a weight distribution favorable for racing. A lightweight fiberglass body with an aerodynamic nose and pontoon-fender tail gave the car its menacing looks. In total, cars tipped the scales at just 2,100 pounds.

Chassis 043 is among those XP-5s constructed using a modified Triumph chassis from the Bocar factory. As such, it is fitted with Triumph front disc brakes, Chevrolet 11-inch rear drum brakes, and a suspension geometry more agreeable to its racing pedigree. Bocar factory worker Don Johnson has documented that several cars were, in fact, given Triumph chassis at the request of buyers. In addition, it features a 1958 Chevrolet 3:70 Positraction rear axle with four trailing arms and a Watts link along with a race-prepared Chevrolet 327 V-8 and T-10 close ratio four-speed manual transmission. Fifteen-by-six knock-off wheels and a 12-gallon A.T.L fuel cell complete the package.

This rare Bocar has been featured in both magazines and on television, and it has been a regular participant on the vintage racing circuit for 20 years. Four racing logbooks are included with the purchase of the car documenting its most recent history, including two SVRA, one VSCCA, and one HMSA log book. It has raced at many tracks, including Pocono, St. Jovite, Mosport, VIR, Mont Tremblant, Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, Lime Rock, Coronado, Sonoma, and the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca.

According to the consignor, he has owned the car for 14 years and it is currently registered for street use. He adds that “the car is well-sorted, serviced, and extremely fun to drive. Just check the tire pressure and add fuel!”

We would suggest strapping on a helmet and fastening the seatbelts as well!