Over 13K photos in these galleries!

Bobsy Galleries

1964 Mid-Ohio Yearbook Article : Bobsy ...... An American Sports Car Some of the cars appearing here at Mid- Ohio were built not far away in Medina Ohio. In a neat, white frame building there, Jerry Mong oversees production of Bobsy race cars. It was one of these cars, the prototype of the Mark 2 series, that Chuck Dietrich drove to the SCCA National Championship for G-Modified class. These cars are novel in that their chassis are assembled from aluminum tubing by heli-arc welding. Mong designed the cars in aluminum to save weight over the more conventional construction using steel tubing. As a result, a class G-Modified Bobsy with an English Ford engine weighs only 740 pounds. Mong began the Bobsy project during evenings in the winter of 1961 - 62, when he built two identical cars, now known as Mark 1's, for H-Modified competition. His partners in building the cars and racing them during the 1962 season were the Heir brothers, Kaye and Allyn. They still have considerable success racing their Mark 1. The cars showed so much promise that Mong sold his Mark 1 early in 1963 and set up to build cars full time. He improved his designs, incorporated everything he learned during the 1962 season, and came up with the Mark 2 Bobsy. Most of the 1963 season was devoted to maintaining the prototype of this series in top - notch condition for Chuck Dietrich to run in SCCA National races. The object was, of course, to show off the car's potential. This was demonstrated convincingly at Watkins Glen where Dietrich won his fifth National race to earn the National G-Modified title. The months since then have been busy ones, as Mong and his crew have completed several Mark 2's for the season. These cars have been equipped with a variety of engines, including Osca (for G-Modified), and Stoddard - Alfa (F-Mod.) The future looks bright for Bobsy Race Cars and although he isn't giving out any details as this is written, you can be sure Jerry Mong has several new and interesting race car projects on the drawing boards. Watch for their introduction at Mid-Ohio. From http://www.elitefab.com/bobsy%20story.htm

1964 Mid-Ohio Yearbook Article

Bobsy ...... An American Sports Car Some of the cars appearing here ...

Updated: May 01, 2008 10:24pm PST

SR 0 : "Tom Miller's current project is the first race car Gerry Mong built in 1958 (above right at Mt Washington), predating the "Bobsy" race cars. Based on a 550 Spyder mid engine layout, the Mong Porsche Spyder is a steel tube chassis sports racer, with an alloy body. It raced through out the 60's with a 1500cc Carrera 4 cam motor." Information above and two photos from http://www.gullwingsearch.com/bsa.cfm This car is Jerry Mong's (of Bobsy Racing and Vangaurd Industries) first race car. It is written about in the book: Vintage American Road Racing Cars by Harold Pace and Mark Brinker. It is a steel tube chassis with hand formed Alloy body, and mid engine Porsche cylinder powered. He is quoted in their book saying the reason he decided to build it as "the inability to go out and buy a Porsche" and "I realized I could switch the ring and pinion and run the thing like a 550 Spyder" Jerry ran it with several engines and several classes. This car has run in SCCA with VW, Super Porsche, and Carrera Porsche motors. Floyd Sable (#14) recently told me bought the car from Jerry during the winter of 1961/62 and ran SCCA driving school (Land O Lakes Region) with it in the summer of 1962 (Harold Zimdar and Augie Pabst were teaching and running the school). He installed the roll bar brace so it would pass SCCA tech. Floyd said he took out the pushrod engine and put in the Porsche Carrera 1500 engine. He raced it for a few years after the school at race tracks in the Minneapolis Mn. area. He sold car in the fall of 1964 for $2600 to a gentleman in Chicago. Floyd's currently looking for records of who he sold it to. He also has about 5 minutes of super 8mm film on the car! I have no history from 64 to 67, when someone put on a set of RS-60 factory werks brakes. Dolf Battafino bought it in 1967 from Ritchie Mucklow of Van's Auto body in NJ. The pix with the 550 Spyder, Speedster and Devin D are at Hobo Hill around 1969. That is Dick Hyland in his 550, the Devin was a shop class project. John Risch got it from Dolf in 73 and it has been a VSCCA car ever since. I recently raced it at Mt Washington (#338). I have been in contact with Jerry Mong several times and he has verified the car and sent me newspaper clippings of it winning it's class in Cumberland, and pictures while he was building it. Any info on "the lost years" would be greatly appreciated. Tom Miller P 732-563-1575 Bound Brook, N.J. tmiller@gardenstategraphics.com

SR 0

"Tom Miller's current project is the first race car Gerry Mong built i ...

Updated: May 02, 2008 9:07am PST

SR 1 :

SR 1

Updated: May 02, 2008 2:03pm PST

SR 2, 1963 :

SR 2, 1963

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 12:59pm PST

SR 2, 1963/1964 - TBA Racing : History: 1963 ............ Car Built by Jerry Mong, Vanguard Automotive , Medina -Ohio, USA 1963 - 1997? Not Known 1997 - 2003? Owner - Charlie Kolb, Melbourne, Florida, USA, Drivers -Charlie Kolb/Randy Pobst/Graham Cowell 2003 - 2008? Owner/Driver - Robert Beatty , Palm Bay, Florida, USA 2008 ............ Owner -TBA Racing , Twickenham, Middlesex, UK Information and photos from http://www.tba-racing.co.uk/1963-bobsy_sr2-3.html Additional photos from http://www.race-cars.com/carsold/other/1197994032/1197994032ss.htm

SR 2, 1963/1964 - TBA Racing

History: 1963 ............ Car Built by Jerry Mong, Vanguard Automoti ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 10:54pm PST

SR 2, former Beasley, DKW powered car : "I recently purchased the old Bobsy SR 2 which was raced by Al Beasley "back in the day". I am going to freshen it up and get it ready to race in group one with SVRA. It came with a DKW engine with a Hewland gear box. I want to try this two stroke set up but I'm not sure I'm smart enough to set it up properly! May have to replace it with a "real" motor. I will continue to race my bugeye sprite until I can get the Bobsy ready. Maybe in the spring. regards," Joe Williams Newnan, Georgia

SR 2, former Beasley, DKW powered car

"I recently purchased the old Bobsy SR 2 which was raced by Al Beasley ...

Updated: May 01, 2008 9:55pm PST

SR 2/3, 1964 : Photos from http://www.race-cars.com/carsold/other/1120429337/1120429337ss.htm

SR 2/3, 1964

Photos from http://www.race-cars.com/carsold/other/1120429337/1120429 ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 1:09pm PST

SR3-004 : This car was built in 1964-65 in Medina, Ohio, by H-Modified National Champion Jerry Mong for Chuck Dietrich to drive, with a Houder Brothers of Cleveland, Ohio Corvair Motor. John Marcoski, who worked for General Motors on the Reynolds Aluminum/GM 2-liter Corvair project, then installed a 3-liter Yenko Stinger motor. GM and Reynolds sponsored three cars: one for George Follmer, a Lotus 23 Corvair; one for Jerry Titus/Scooter Patrick, a Corvair Genie; and this SR3, which is the only remaining car. This engine program led into the alloy big block Can-Am and Vega motor. One of the three other SR3's was the overall winner at Chimney Rock in 1967. Long-time Yenko Stinger driver, Jim Schardt, found this complete car in a barn in 1988, with a Corvair engine in it and the only approved SCCA roll bar made out of aluminum (3-inch diameter). Schardt did a two-year restoration, then raced this car, with its only west coast appearance being at the Monterey Historics in 1995, and it qualified 12th and finished 4th. For the next seven years, Corvair engine builder Starr Cooke annually contacted Schardt to see if the car might be for sale, and in May of 2002 a deal was struck. The car features an all-aluminum barrel/steel motor by George Salih (two-time crew chief winner of the Indy 500), a Porsche fan assembly developed by Jerry Titus, and a Hewland MK-5 5-speed transmission by Taylor engineering. The car weighs less than 1,000 pounds. Information and photos are from http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13649/Bobsy_SR3.aspx

SR3-004

This car was built in 1964-65 in Medina, Ohio, by H-Modified National ...

Updated: May 15, 2008 3:39pm PST

SR 3, 1964 : The car was built in '64 and ran w/a 1700 Carrera 4 motor on the east coast by Millard Ripley and Charlie Kurtz (Aug '64 Competition Press article). Next owned by Ted Tidwell (GA) and run with a 2L 904 motor per a for sale add in Competition Press. Next owned by Terry Methaney and run with the Porshe 2L. Next to Noah Lacona (IA) who sent it back to Mong to be converted to an HRE (Gus Hutchinson Racing Engines) 1300 Twin Cam engine and run as CSR in the 70's. Then Brandt, Hunter, Rickle, Beuter, and then Don Blenderman in '87. Don (owner of Speedstar, Inc. in Houston, Texas) did a bare frame restoration and sold it to the current owner, David Marx in '05. Don's shop had done a previous frame up SR3 restoration and currently runs an Afla-powered SR3. Information and photos from http://www.race-cars.com/carsold/other/1154117002/1154117002ss.htm

SR 3, 1964

The car was built in '64 and ran w/a 1700 Carrera 4 motor on the east ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 10:16pm PST

SR 3, 1965 : Photos from http://www.race-cars.com/carsold/other/bsr388/bsr388ss.htm

SR 3, 1965

Photos from http://www.race-cars.com/carsold/other/bsr388/bsr388ss.ht ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 1:45pm PST

SR 3, 1965, Porsche : Anderson Racing's Porsche powered SR3 "1965 Bobsy-Porsche SR-3 One of 3 built for Porsche engine Chassis No. 0 Manufacturer: Vanguard Automotive, Enterprises Inc. , Medina, Ohio Designer: Gerald Mong Bodywork: Fiberglass Chassis: Triangulated aluminum tubing Suspension: Cast magnesium uprights, and alluminum tube components Front: Unequal length double wishbones with Koni shocks and coil over springs Rear: Reverse lower wishbone, top link and twin radius rods with Koni shocks and coil over springs Weight: Dry:1029, Wet with driver:1296 lbs Engine: 1965 Porsche Type 901, 6 cylinder Displacement: 2338 cc. Horsepower: 236 Transmission: Hewland Mk. 5 Brakes: 4-wheel discs Tires: Dunlop Racing or Avon Wheels: Bobsy cast magnesium/ aluminum billet replica Front: 6 X 13, Rear: 8 X 13 Restored: 1998, Donald Anderson, San Diego, CA With assistance from: Bob Gagnon, engine builder Schlossnagel Racing, El Cajon CA Scott's Porsche Parts, National City CA" Photos and information from http://andersonracing.net/_wsn/page2.html

SR 3, 1965, Porsche

Anderson Racing's Porsche powered SR3 "1965 Bobsy-Porsche SR-3 One o ...

Updated: May 02, 2008 1:17pm PST

SR 3, 1965, another example : Jerry Mong began producing racing cars near the close of the 1950's with his first product being mid-engined special. The next creation was a pair of racers which he and his brothers dubbed the SR1s. These were H-modified racers with DKW power, an aluminum body, aluminum tube frame, and independent suspension. A Saab powerplant was also used to modify these racers. The cars were raced in SCCA competition during the 1960s where they had moderate success. With financial support from his uncle, C. Smith, Mong sold his tune-up shop and focused entirely on the race car business. His next racer, his third creation, was dubbed the SR2. It was based on the previous models and consisted of an aluminum space frame with an adjustable coil-over suspension. A modified Ford 105E 1100cc engine was mounted midship and matted to a Hewland transaxle. The increase in displacement size moved the car in to the G-Modified class which was filled with racers powered by Coventry-Climax FWA engines. The car had been designed to accept engines up to two-liters in size. At various races, the engine was swapped out with a larger 1500cc Ford unit and raced in F-Modified competition. Chuck Dietrich raced a Bobsy SR2 during the 1963 season in SCCA G-Modified competition. The combination of great driving and a potent car resulted in nine-wins and Dietrich winning the G-Modified championship. The Bobsy SR3 was introduced in 1965 and production was in full swing. A variety of power-plants were offered including a Ford 1100cc, 1500cc, BMW 2000, Saab 850cc, Alfa 1300, BRM, and more. The body was constructed in similar fashion to its predecessor; it had a fiberglass body, independent suspension, Hewland gearbox and weighed around 750 pounds. In total, there were about 50 examples produced, though the exact figure is not known. It was offered in kit form or as a complete racer. The design of the SR3 varied slightly from the SR2, with the front having a rounded nose that was lengthened and flowed into a point. Specifications varied as some of the cars had larger engines to accept the larger engines and portions of the car were slightly customizable to the customer's specifications and needs. In competition, the SR3 proved to be a very capable car. The cars were driven to an SCCA H-Modified championship in Daytona with the winning car being powered by a Saab powerplant. In second place was another Bobsy but with power by an OSCA unit. The Bobsy repeated its triumph two years later with John Ingleheart at the wheel and capturing the H-Sports-Racing (previously known as the H-Modified) class. Production of the next new model would not occur until 1970. The Bobsy SR4 was a one-off prototype and was powered by a Lotus Twin Cam engine. It had disc brakes, independent suspension, Hewland gearbox, and a fiberglass body. The body was similar in many ways to its predecessor, but it also was very different. Proportionally, it appeared to occupy about the same wheelbase, track, and length. It was, however, square in design where the others had been very round. Using the design principals and knowledge gained from the prior models, the SR5 production version was introduced in 1971. Mong also developed a successful line of Formula Vee racers during the mid-1960's. The Bobsy Vanguard Formula Vee was introduced in 1964 and powered by a Volkswagen 1200cc engine and matted to a Volkswagen gearbox. The body was constructed from fiberglass and drum brakes could be found on all four corners. In total over 100 examples were constructed during its lifespan which lasted until 1966. The Vanguard racers won three SCCA divisional championships but were never serious contenders for the national championship. Mong's second Formula Vee racer was the Bobsy Vega. It too had a fiberglass body and Volkswagen running gear. Its chassis was very rigid, in comparison to its predecessor. It was very safe but SCCA declared the car Illegal. Two cars were constructed before the design was reworked and the stressed panels were removed. In competition, they did not enjoy the same success as the Vanguard and only about 20 examples were created. Photos and text from http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13133/Bobsy_SR3.aspx

SR 3, 1965, another example

Jerry Mong began producing racing cars near the close of the 1950's wi ...

Updated: May 02, 2008 8:51am PST

SR 3, 1965 S/N 085 : "This 1965 Bobsy SR-3 went through a COMPLETE restoration by Ron Mong (son of original designer/builder Jerry Mong of Bobsy Race Cars). The unique thing is the Bobsy was fabricated from Aluminum tubes, bulkheads and suspension pickup points. Ron's personal work at his Elite Fabrication took over 1 year in 1999-2000 to complete the chassis rebuild (all tubes and aluminum plates for the chassis utilizing the original Bobsy cast uprights and bulkheads) tanks, panels as well as every nut, bolt, suspension link, brake lines, master cylinders, electrical lines, fittings, suspension and preparation at a cost of near $40,000. The car includes Penske coil over shocks, Wilwood brakes, and is complete, ready to race. The 1300 Alfa Romeo motor was built by Alfa legend Jack Beck of Orion Motorsports at a cost of over $16,000. Throw in the incidentals like the original car, Hewland gearbox, proper Bobsy cast wheels and prep at another $20,000 and you have one nice, fresh, ready to race Sports Racer. With the Avon treaded tires for HSR/SVRA racing the car is a blast to drive as it is neutral, quick, and stops on a dime. Spares include a brand new $2,000 "long nose" fiberglass front section ready for fitting & paint. Includes AMB transponder. Car also has many original parts and new suspension pieces/jigs listed in the Spares section and photos. Can also supply a 2006 16 ft enclosed trailer at reasonable price if required. Fun car to race. Built for drivers up to 6 ft, 200 lbs like me." Photos and description from http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/other/1218848088/1218848088ss.htm

SR 3, 1965 S/N 085

"This 1965 Bobsy SR-3 went through a COMPLETE restoration by Ron Mong ...

Updated: Aug 26, 2008 10:08pm PST

SR 3 crash repair by Elite Fab : Read about Elite Fab in Vintage Motorsports, vol. 5 no. 2 1987 Photos from http://www.elitefab.com/

SR 3 crash repair by Elite Fab

Read about Elite Fab in Vintage Motorsports, vol. 5 no. 2 1987 Photo ...

Updated: May 02, 2008 9:20am PST

SR 4, 1967 : This SR4 "was a prototype and only one was made before the SR5 model took over," reports Ian Cesare of Denver, Colorado. "We [his father and he] are now the fifth owner, and have had it for the past several years racing it RMVR, and all over the Rocky Mountain Region in Vintage race groups." Below are photos of Ian driving the SR4 at the Denver Grand Prix in 2006. from http://www.race-cars.com/carsold/other/1060485070/1060485070ss.htm "This unique one of a kind Prototype Sports Racer Was designed by Mr. Mong in 1967 to replace the well known Bobsy SR-3. Newspaper reports show that prior to completion and testing Mr Mong started a VW performance assessory business and discontinued Sport Racer Production. In 1971 Vanguard Automotive Enterprises, The maker of the Bobsy restarted production of Sports Racers with the development of the semi-monocoque SR-5 which won it class in the SCCA runoffs. Newspaper reports show the SR-4 prototype, which is very much like the newer SR-5 except for a tube frame, set on the shelf untill it was purchased in 1971. This unique and very quick car has excellent uninterrupted documented history from original dated and signed drawings, newspaper articles and log books for each of the races ran by its four owners. The current owner completed a total rebuild including a Lotus Twin Cam built by Steve Smith with Twin Cam Sportscars. Taylor race Engineering prepared the Hewland with heavy duty gears including interchangable 1st, 8:31 and limited slip." Posted April, 2008.

SR 4, 1967

This SR4 "was a prototype and only one was made before the SR5 model t ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 10:59pm PST

SR 5, 1972 : 1972 Bobsy SR-5 One of 9 built Chassis No. 5-9 Manufacturer: Vanguard Automotive, Enterprises Inc., Medina, Ohio Designer: Gerald Mong Bodywork: Fiberglass & Aluminum Chassis: Aluminum semi-monoque with mild steel subframe Suspension: Cast magnesium uprights, and mild steel components Front: Unequal length double wishbones with Spax shocks and coil over springs Rear: Reverse lower wishbone, top link and twin radius rods, with inboard Spax shocks and coil over springs Weight: Dry:1040, Wet with driver:1307 lbs Engine: 1972 Cosworth Ford BDD, 4 cylinder Displacement: 1600 cc. Horsepower: 213 Transmission: Hewland FT 200 Brakes: 4-wheel discs, vented rotors Tires: Goodyear, Avon, or Hoosier slicks Wheels: Bobsy 2 piece magnesium & alluminum Front: 8 X 13, Rear: 10 X 13 Restored: 1990, Donald Anderson, San Diego, CA, with assistance from: Schlossnagel Racing, El Cajon, CA

SR 5, 1972

1972 Bobsy SR-5 One of 9 built Chassis No. 5-9 Manufacturer: Vanguar ...

Updated: May 02, 2008 10:16am PST

SR 5 :

SR 5

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 1:16pm PST

SR 6, 1973 :

SR 6, 1973

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 1:19pm PST

SR 6, 1974, Remanufactured / Continuation : Newly completed continuation car of Bobsy heritage. Nothing spared, over $100K invested! Everything new including tub, updated corners with single-pin wheels, CNC hats & rotors, 4 piston calipers, fuel system, fire system, instrumentation, switches, wiring, rod ends, heims, jabrock bellypan, stainless hoses, aluminum radiator, etc. Currently has Fresh Jennings BDA(Legal 1600 CSR), build on NEW African Block(NO boring!)and fresh FT200 by Taylor Engineering including all new internals and coated housing, but would consider as a roller. Custom Jet-Hot coated header and exhaust. Total time on this car has been only one 30 minute test session! Car is complete, but will sell as roller with or without gearbox as both are also listed under PARTS. Information and photos from http://www.race-cars.com/carsold/other/1148059903/1148059903ss.htm

SR 6, 1974, Remanufactured / Continuation

Newly completed continuation car of Bobsy heritage. Nothing spared, ov ...

Updated: May 01, 2008 8:27pm PST

SR 6, misc. : Ron Wilcox's and Neil Harrison's CSRs.

SR 6, misc.

Ron Wilcox's and Neil Harrison's CSRs.

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 1:32pm PST

SR 7 :

SR 7

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 1:39pm PST

Misc. : Models unknown, but obviously SR5 or later.

Misc.

Models unknown, but obviously SR5 or later.

Updated: May 02, 2008 1:26pm PST

FV Vangaurd, 1965 : While not a sports racer, this is part of the Bobsy heritage and help to fill out the whole picture. Jerry "Mong also developed a successful line of Formula Vee racers during the mid-1960's. The Bobsy Vanguard Formula Vee was introduced in 1964 and powered by a Volkswagen 1200cc engine and matted to a Volkswagen gearbox. The body was constructed from fiberglass and drum brakes could be found on all four corners. In total over 100 examples were constructed during its lifespan which lasted until 1966. The Vanguard racers won three SCCA divisional championships but were never serious contenders for the national championship. Mong's second Formula Vee racer was the Bobsy Vega. It too had a fiberglass body and Volkswagen running gear. Its chassis was very rigid, in comparison to its predecessor. It was very safe but SCCA declared the car Illegal. Two cars were constructed before the design was reworked and the stressed panels were removed. In competition, they did not enjoy the same success as the Vanguard and only about 20 examples were created." Photos and text from http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13933/Bobsy_Vanguard_FV.aspx

FV Vangaurd, 1965

While not a sports racer, this is part of the Bobsy heritage and help ...

Updated: May 02, 2008 9:30am PST

SR-2 or SR-3 at Del Mar, CA in May 1964 : May 1964 at Del Mar, California. Photo from this fototime ablum .

SR-2 or SR-3 at Del Mar, CA in May 1964

May 1964 at Del Mar, California. Photo from this fototime ablum .

Updated: Oct 25, 2008 10:18am PST