1921 Paige Daytona Speedster

Paige Daytona Speedster

1921

Arguably one of the most Iconic American Sportscar of it’s era

In January 1921 Paige took a stripped down version of their recently introduced 6-66 models to Daytona Beach

And shattered the US stock car (production) recordssetting new records covering a measured mile in 35.1 seconds

A speed of 102.8 mph

The first American production car to be officially timed at over 100mph

To celebrate this achievement Paige introduced theDaytona Speedster

A limited edition 2 seater Sportscarwith a 3rd occasional seat - the ultimate “mother in law seat”

Guaranteed over 80mph fully road equipped

56 are known to have been built with probably not much more half a dozen remaining

almost all of these are in discerning private collections and rarely come up for sale (the ex Brook Stevens car has had just 2 owners since the 1940's, and the car in the Simone Museum has been owned by the Simone Foundation since 1973)

My car is one from the first year of production 1921, history known for the last sixty years.

Over the last 3 years the car has been totally stripped and rebuilt for a bare chassis up.

I bought the car as a stalled restoration, missing various parts and have literally scoured the world to find them.

More than a cosmetic restoration,

The braking system has been totally recommissioned, with new old stock brake linings, although only acting on the rear axle only has both external contracting brakes (for the foot brake) and internal contracting brakes (for the hand brake or emergency brake!) It is not difficult to lock the wheels under heavy braking.

The steering box and column have been totally dismantled, rebuilt with new bearings and a new outer column. The steering is very direct and surprisingly light for the age and size of the vehicle.

The Radiator has had a new core and consequently the car happily sits in stationary traffic without boiling or even getting unduly hot.

The engine has been totally rebuilt with remetalled main bearings and big end, has new pistons and rings, head and block faces have been skimmed.

The engine has been professionally balanced having a new lighter flywheel which incorporates a crankshaft damper to aid the smoothness of the engine.

It also has a new camshaft with a small amount of valve overlap, where it originally had none, also taking advantage of modern camshaft design it also incorporates quieting ramps, so the valves open and close with less of a thump. (should any one wish to replace the original cam it remains with the car)

The gearbox has been totally stripped, had new bearings throughout and one worn gear has been replaced.

Likewise the back axle has been totally rebuilt using components from the stronger 1922 axle, including a new pair of half shafts.

Electrically the car has been rewired, and converted to a twelve volt system with the dynamo (generator) rewired for 12 volt, the starter motor has also been rebuilt. In the interests of road safety flashing turn indicators have been incorporated into the cowl lights and rear lights.

The paintwork is good but not perfect and the upholstery has had very little wear since being retrimmed.

I have not reinstated the canvas roof, as I feel it spoils the lines of the car when up or when folded flat. But I have the parts to do so should a purchaser wish to have one.

Likewise the mother in law seat is there, but not assembled

An impressive rare Sporting American icon, with a good turn of speed and an impressive road presence.

The car is currently in the United Kingdom, so take advantage of the dollar / GBP conversion rates and buy it for rather less dollars than you would have a few months ago!

Any inspection welcomed or questions answered