

Ford-based racing cars and a Graham in front of the Eads Motor Co.

The Eads Motor Co. pictured above was located at 256 East Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky. Little is known about the operation other than what can be found on the signage on the front of the building. The agency handled Diamond T Trucks and cars from the Graham Motor Car Company. They also offered More Cash For Your Car.

Nothing is known about why the photo was taken, but one might be safe to assume that it was connected with Eads sponsoring the two young men and their Ford-based racing cars that are parked out in the street. Just behind the racers as part of the photo op appears to be a circa 1935 Graham Sedan, and directly behind it The Guaranty Finance Company and the Lexington Greyhound Bus Depot.



A Model “T” Ford-based racing car.

The racing car pictured above is based on a Model T Ford chassis that was modified and lowered. It is equipped with: Knock-off dental-drive wire wheels; Hartford shocks; what appears to be a professionally built body, hood and radiator; a non-Ford center-mounted steering box (possibly a Franklin), and a rams horn radiator cap to intimidate the competition.

What is under the hood is unknown, but it is likely it was a racing engine based on a Model T block with an o.h.v. conversion cylinder head and other special racing parts. Well built and maintained Model T Ford-based racing cars were competitive up until World War II on the rough and tumble dirt tracks in certain parts of the country. Learn more about the Model T Ford racing car here.



A Model “A” or “B” Ford-based racing car.

The second car is slightly more modern and appears to be based on Model A or B Ford components that include the front and rear axles. The frame maybe custom-made or it could be based on the side rails from an Essex frame. The front spring has had much of the arch removed from it and is attached to what is referred to as a suicide spring perch directly in front of the of the radiator.

The body appears to be professionally-built and the engine, if it was, in fact, a Ford, was likely to have had a Cragar, Hal, or a Riley two or four-port o.h.v. conversion head. Others were made and included both single and double o.h.c units. Visible on the right side of the hood is the covered down draft carburetor.

Both of the racing cars appear to be in excellent condition, with reasonably good paint work. They appear to be devoid of lettering or numbers, which may have been added later. If you can add anything to the story about the Eads Motor Company or this pair of drivers and cars, please send us a comment.