Topic: Solved NIC#643 - Black Bess Ford V8 Special of Doug Whiteford

[nicanary]

Who built this car. what was it called, and what was the car which provided the parts?

[nicanary]

Experts?

[Allan L]

I'm confused because I think I see Ford wheels and what looks like a Ford front axle, but the chassis seems to have dumbirons. Probably means it is a V8 but I'm not sure.

[nicanary]

I'm confused because I think I see Ford wheels and what looks like a Ford front axle, but the chassis seems to have dumbirons. Probably means it is a V8 but I'm not sure.

There is indeed a considerable amount of Ford V8 in this car, but not from the usual source.

[Allan L]

Seems to be RHD and as I don't recognise it perhaps it's British Commonwealth but not British.

[nicanary]

Seems to be RHD and as I don't recognise it perhaps it's British Commonwealth but not British.

Correct.

[tobytwirl]

Is it Doug Whiteford's 'Black Bess'? If so it was Ford based, presumably V8, and reputedly a 'ute. It won the Australian GP in 1950.

[nicanary]

Is it Doug Whiteford's 'Black Bess'? If so it was Ford based, presumably V8, and reputedly a 'ute. It won the Australian GP in 1950.

You've solved it in one. Yes, it is that car, which was Ford V8 based, but built from an old Forestry Commission ute. It was built at the end of 1939, but raced mainly post-WW2.