This 1928 Chevrolet Beach Racer was built in Jacksonville, Florida by Bert Moyer. He utilized a 1928 Chevrolet engine, rear axle, front axle and brakes. The rest of the running gear is a 1926 Chevrolet. The body was so rusty it was duplicated in Jacksonville, FL by Jimmy Britts and painted by Steve Pisano. It was found in Mrs. Sally Moyer’s garage in Jacksonville in 2006, the daughter-in-law of Bert Moyer. The car was restored in Jacksonville by Randy Kimberly and was unveiled at the 2007 Amelia Island Concours.
The Beach Racer raced in northern Florida and southern Georgia in the 1930’s. Bert raced in Atlanta against Ralph DePalma (1915 Indy 500 Winner) among other drivers.
Background and History
- Manufacturer: Chevrolet (General Motors)
- Base Model: Likely based on the 1928 Chevrolet National Series AB, a popular model at the time.
- Era: Beach racing gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in areas like Daytona Beach, Florida.
Specifications (Typical for a 1928 Chevrolet Modified for Racing)
- Engine: The base engine would have been a 171 cubic inch (2.8-liter) inline-4 engine.
- Power Output: Originally producing around 35 horsepower, though modifications for racing could increase this.
- Transmission: 3-speed manual transmission.
- Chassis and Suspension: Modified for durability and performance on sandy terrain.
Design and Features
- Body Style: Open-top, lightweight body modifications to reduce weight and improve speed. Often, unnecessary components like fenders, windshields, and even doors were removed.
- Wheels and Tires: Larger, wider tires for better traction on sand.
- Interior: Stripped down to essentials for weight reduction and to accommodate safety features like roll bars and bucket seats.
Performance and Modifications
- Engine Upgrades: Enhanced carburetors, exhaust systems, and sometimes even larger engines from other Chevrolet models or aftermarket sources.
- Weight Reduction: Significant efforts to strip down the car to its bare essentials, removing any non-essential parts to improve speed and agility.
- Aerodynamics: Modifications to the bodywork to reduce drag and improve airflow.
Legacy
- Significance: These modified cars played a crucial role in the development of American motorsports, paving the way for the stock car racing tradition that would eventually lead to the formation of NASCAR.
- Cultural Impact: Beach racing was a popular spectator sport and contributed to the car culture of the 1920s and 1930s.
- Rarity: Authentic beach racers from this era are rare, especially those that have survived in good condition. They are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts of early motorsports.
Taken at the Amelia Concourse.
You may purchase a print of the 1928 Chevrolet Beach Racer in our dElegance 2011 online gallery.
