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Hillegass-HAL: Fancy a Sprint Car?
Words Carlo Brema / Photos by Gooding & Company
The 1948 Hillegass-HAL Sprint Car is a true gem for vintage racing enthusiasts. Built by the legendary Hiram Hillegass, one of the foremost sprint car builders of his time, this car represents a piece of automotive history.
Hillegass, who started building cars in Allentown, Pennsylvania, around 1919, soon became a benchmark in the racing world. His passion and craftsmanship are reflected in every detail of this sprint car recently auctioned by Gooding & Company. In fact, the car is equipped with a HAL-modified Ford Model B engine, a rare and high-performance powerplant that gives it a unique character.
The design of the Hillegass-HAL is a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics. The sleek lines and lightweight body have been designed to ensure maximum speed and maneuverability on track. Not surprisingly, this car has participated in numerous races in the 1940s and 1950s, driven by some of the greatest names in motorsport of the era.
One element that makes this Hillegass-HAL even more special is in fact its history. According to a poster that accompanies it, the car was initially owned by Carl Secules and, during its racing career, was driven by drivers such as Buddy Phillips, Earl Horne, Shorty McAndrews and Lou Johnson.
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