The 1954 Sorrell Manning Special is an intriguing example of American sports car design and engineering from the mid-20th century. Built by the talented Bill Sorrell in collaboration with John Manning, this car exemplifies the creativity and craftsmanship that characterized many custom-built racing specials of the era.
The Sorrell Manning Special stands as a testament to the innovation and passion of American car builders during a vibrant era of sports car racing. With its powerful V8 engine, custom-built chassis, and sleek design, it remains an iconic example of the creativity and craftsmanship that defined the golden age of racing specials. Enthusiasts and collectors continue to celebrate the Sorrell Manning Special for its historical significance and enduring appeal.
Overview
- Production Year: 1954
- Builder: Bill Sorrell and John Manning
- Class: Sports car / Racing special
- Body Style: Two-seat open-top roadster
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Sorrell Manning Special was typically powered by an American V8 engine, reflecting the trend of using powerful and readily available engines from major manufacturers.
- Popular choices included engines from Ford or Chevrolet, which offered high performance and reliability.
- Transmission:
- The car featured a manual gearbox, which was common in racing specials to provide the driver with precise control over the vehicle's performance.
- Chassis:
- The chassis was often custom-built, utilizing a tubular steel frame for lightweight strength and rigidity, crucial for racing applications.
- Suspension:
- The suspension setup was likely to be independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with leaf springs, providing a balance between handling and durability.
Performance
- Top Speed: The Sorrell Manning Special, with its powerful V8 engine and lightweight construction, could achieve impressive speeds for its time, often exceeding 120 mph (193 km/h).
- Acceleration: The combination of a high-performance V8 engine and manual transmission allowed for rapid acceleration, making it competitive in various racing events.
- Handling: The car's handling was optimized through its custom chassis and suspension setup, providing responsive and agile performance suitable for racing conditions.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The Sorrell Manning Special featured a sleek and aerodynamic body design, crafted from lightweight materials such as fiberglass or aluminum.
- Its low, wide stance and minimalist bodywork emphasized speed and performance, with design elements inspired by both American and European sports cars.
- Interior:
- The interior was typically spartan, focused on functionality and weight reduction, with basic instrumentation and controls necessary for racing.
- Seating was designed to hold the driver securely in place during high-speed maneuvers, often using bucket seats with minimal padding.
- Customization:
- As a custom-built racing special, each Sorrell Manning Special was unique, reflecting the preferences and requirements of its builder and driver.
You may purchase a print of the 1954 Sorrell Manning Special in our dElegance 2012 online gallery.
