[h=1]1959 Bocar XP-5[/h] [h=2]Race-Prepped 327 CI, Enhanced Triumph Chassis star[/h]
- [h=5]Engine[/h]327 CI
- [h=5]Color[/h]Red
- [h=5]Interior[/h]Red
- [h=5]VIN/Serial[/h]XP5043
[h=3]Estimate[/h] $250,000 - $350,000
[h=3]Highlights[/h]
- 1 of approximately 30 Bocars built in various models, XP 1-9
- 1 of 3 built at factory on an enhanced Triumph chassis
- Fiberglass body with alloy enhancement
- Race-prepped 327 CI V-8 engine engine
- T10 4-speed transmission
- 1958 Chevrolet 3.70 Positraction
- 4 trailing arms and Watts link
- Hot Stuff Devil mascot
- Triumph front disc brakes
- Chevrolet 11 inch rear drum brakes
- 4 log books included
- Bocar factory VIN plate, XP5043
- Currently licensed and titled in the State of Nevada as a Bocar XP5
This stunning Bocar XP-5 is powered by a 327 cubic inch Chevrolet V-8 engine mated to a T-10 close ratio 4-speed transmission—no laughing matter in a car with a 90-inch wheelbase that weighs a mere 2,100 pounds. Bocar founder Bob Carnes created a legend with his swoopy and stylish sports cars that were built from 1957-61 in Colorado. The name Bocar was simply a shortened version of Bob and Carnes. To this day Carnes remains an enigma as to who he really was, how many of these wonderful cars he built and their exact performance. Carnes death in 1970 was shrouded in mystery—even to his family—and served to only add to mystique of the brand. No two Bocars were exactly alike, but all were intended to be raced even though they could be driven on the road. Of the 30 or so cars built in XP models 1-9, approximately a dozen are known to exist today. Drivers who raced the Bocars reported they were a handful with quotes such as, “they were blindingly fast,” and “it felt like the front was detached from the rear” to describe the same car. Veteran sports car racer Graham Shaw stated, “It was the most unwieldy beast I ever drove.” Fortunately, this particular Bocar—XP5043—stands apart, since it was constructed on highly modified Triumph chassis at the factory. This fortuitous decision meant the car would sport front disc brakes and a suspension geometry better suited to racing, as opposed to the decidedly non-racy Volkswagen front suspension that was used in most of the cars. Bocar factory worker Don Johnson documented that several of the cars were given Triumph chassis at the request of savvy buyers. He also reported that every Bocar had a V-8 engine. Featuring fiberglass bodywork, this 2,100 pound car rides on a 90-inch wheelbase and utilizes a 1958 Chevrolet 3:70 Positraction rear end with four trailing arms and a Watts link. This rare Bocar is race ready and been has been featured in many magazines and on television. It has been a regular participant on the vintage racing circuit for 20 years, competing in SVRA, VSCCA, General Racing, HMSA and VARAC sanctioned races at venues such as Pocono, St. Jovite, Summit Point, Mosport, Virginia International Raceway, Mont Tremblant, Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, Lime Rock, Coronado, Sonoma and the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca. If you are the lucky enough to purchase this Bocar, you may never see another one in your lifetime.