ABSTRACT THURSDAY

It's Abstract Thursday and I "made" an abstraction of a race car. For those who want to know what it really looks like, check the extra. What is it?  Any motorheads out there want to take a guess? I'll fill in the blanks in a few days while y'all work on this challenge.
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Best in Large.
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THE ANSWER:  This is a 1959 Devin Model C.

The Devin Model C, with the 'C' representing 'Corvair-Power,' was an evolution of the 'D' in terms of styling and engineering. It is believed that more than 150 examples of the Type C and D were created (approximately 60 were Type C models with just 14 known to exist in modern times).

Up to this point in history, all Devins were basically handmade and most of the parts were 'hand-bought'. The Type C and D were fiberglass-bodied 'mass' produced vehicles that Bill Devin hoped would lower the production costs. It was available as a kit or a complete car. Power came from the Chevrolet Corvair six-cylinder engine. The powertrain was also sourced from the Corvair. 

With the lightweight, yet rigid, fiberglass body coupled to the horizontally-opposed Corvair engine, the Type C was capable of a zero-to-sixty mph time in less than 4 seconds with top speeds exceeding 150 mph (rumored to be near 170 mph). The Type C had superb handing and an overall footprint about the size of an MGB or a Porsche. 

The kit sold for $2,750 and required an engine, power train, and various other components. The completed car weighed around 1400 pounds and sold for approximately $4,590 (putting in the Jaguar XK150 range).

This 1959 Devin Model C is an original, factory made example, designed and built by the late grate Bill Devin. Its VIN number indicates it's the 4th Model C made. C simply stood for Devin's use of an entire rear-mounted Corvair transaxle assembly for the powertrain. 

An early 1950s California racer, Devin began racing Crosleys and built championship winning Devin-Panhards with his own fiberglass body which led to a thriving business making bodies in 27 different sizes for retrofitting everything from MG's to Maseratis. In 1958 he began delivering full cars in factory or kit form using a frame he built from an Irish design:

- First a Devin SS model (12-14 made) - 4-wheel disc brakes and DeDion rear suspension. Then a Devin D model (less than 200 in both factory/kit form) - VW/Porsche powered. Then a Devin C model (24 in both factory/kit form) - Corvair powered.

However, by the end of 1963 the El Monte, CA business was no longer viable. Bill continued to provide support and parts right up to his last days (2000).


TAKEN FROM CONCEPTCARZ.COM