Shoemaker Ford Special: 2018

Friday, January 12, 2018

Description of the build in The Evening Independent

The local Massillon paper, The Evening Independent, interviewed Shoemaker and described the work required to turn his vision into a fully functioning car. (February 21, 1958)

Shoemaker Ford Special

This is an attempt to track down the history of a 1950's fiberglass special. The car (or possibly cars) were designed by Ben Shoemaker of Massillon, Ohio.

Shoemaker's business, Fiberglass Unlimited, manufactured a wide variety of products -- from sailboat hulls to church steeples. He also made bodies for the Bobsy Sports Racers...and he made this car.

I can track it from its construction in the late 50's to when Shoemaker sold it in about 1961. At that point it disappears -- only to reappear in Connecticut in the mid-80's, minus its engine and transmission, painted red, and sporting some modifications that suggest it was raced (or that someone intended to prepare it for racing).

If you recognize the car, post a comment. I'd love to learn more about it.

Richard C.