Randy Robinette ran across an article about the 1955 Belond Miracle Special, and decided that he had to replicate it — with a few modern touches. He’s currently immersed in the project, but needs some help. Here’s his story:
“I have always wanted to build a car from scratch. I have restored several cars, but to build one has been a dream.
I have been a car guy from birth, my father was a mechanic back in the 50’s, 60’s, and some of the 70’s until his diabetes caused him to stop working. I took up the trade of body and paint work out of high school.
I did that for several years until I started working in the computer field. After raising a family and seeing the kids move out, I thought I now have the time to build that car.
I found a 1976 Chevelle frame on Craigslist for $100. I rebuilt the front end and everything on the rear end. Now, what to build? I have always liked Indy cars, why not build one.
After looking through the images on Indy cars, I saw the 1955 Belond special sketch.
That was the car to build! After finding out more information about it being one of three streamliners for the Indy I had to build it. Someone built a true replica of the Sumar Streamliner which sits in a museum in Daytona, the Keck was refurbished and is in a museum in Auburn Ind.
What happened to the only streamliner in 1955 that completed the race in almost the same condition it started out to be? The only difference was the canopy over the driver. It was also the first Indy car to use a two was radio during the race.
As I have started building the car with only a small welder and a small plasma cutter it hasn’t come out too bad. I have no English wheel, metal brake or shear. Just good old hammer and muscle.
It is funny to see the kids riding their bicycles in the neighborhood stopping by to look at the race car. Guys driving by will stop and look in. I always invite them up to get a closer look. Just as it was when I was a kid growing up in the 60’s.
When I was growing up there was always a guy on the block wrenching on his car or restoring one in his driveway or garage. You never see that now a days.
I have built this replica using only the pictures I have found on line. I know that it is not a tube frame as the original, but it is something a normal guy can go down to the auto parts store and get parts for. It will be a licensed, driving vehicle.
Because I don’t have a deep pocket, I’ve kept this as inexpensive as possible. I recently purchased a 1993 Camaro Z28 for the LT1 motor, transmission, all the wiring and misc. parts. I cannot tell you all the hours of metal work put into this vehicle.
Here is where I need help– I cannot find any pictures of the dash of the Belond so I can place gauges where they need to go. Also, the badges for the AAA certified racing ID and Kurtis Kraft ID’s. I have seen other Indy cars with these IDs.
If you know of anyone or anybody that can help, I sure would appreciate it. I don’t know where to turn for this information. I’ve contacted the museums and asked for photographs of the interior of the Sumar and the Keck. I’ve received nothing. I purchased a 1976 Chevelle Frame on Craigslist for $100 and started from there. I just lowered a LT1 motor into it over the holidays. I would like to finish it up before summer. I’m having problems finding pictures of the car’s interior. Any help would be appreciated.
