1977 Gardner V.W Midget Speedway Race Car
An exceptionally significant Australian-built midget speedcar, representing a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Gardner Bros–constructed car with documented international competition history and provenance stretching across Australia and the United States.
Powered by a Volkswagen-based petrol engine and built for rear-wheel-drive speedway competition, this Gardner midget was constructed in 1977 during the golden era of midget racing. Featuring a lightweight speedway chassis, single-seat configuration and period-correct racing setup, this car stands as both a competition machine and an important collector piece.
Gardner Bros Midget Speedcar History
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, midget speedcar racing was at its peak across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. During this era, Gardner Brothers Gary and Greg were among the most in-demand constructors in the sport, building midget speedcars, sprint cars, and TQs — with midgets forming the core of their reputation. Their cars were widely respected for their build quality, balance, and competitiveness.
Seeking to expand into the lucrative American market, the Gardner Bros built this particular speedcar in CKD (complete knockdown) form, allowing it to be shipped economically to the United States. The car was sent to Bobby Oliveri, a well-known USAC figure, who completed final assembly at his Lakewood, Los Angeles workshop. A deal was struck with then-reigning Australian National Speedcar Champion John Fenton, who supplied the engine while the Gardner Bros delivered the car in brand-new condition.
The car made its competitive debut at Ascot Park, one of America’s most prestigious speedway venues. On its first outing, an incredible 70 midget speedcars presented for qualifying. Fenton qualified an impressive 7th overall, with only the top 30 cars progressing to the main program. He was running second in the B-Main when the car unfortunately ran out of fuel with just two laps remaining — a strong showing that underlined the car’s immediate competitiveness.
Following its early success, the speedcar continued racing in Colorado before being sold to an American team, where it remained for decades. Around 2018, the late John Lennon — a former Queensland midget speedcar competitor and respected collector — rediscovered the car while in the United States acquiring collector items. Recognising the immense historical significance of a genuine Gardner Bros midget with this level of provenance, Lennon repatriated the car to Australia and commissioned a comprehensive rebuild.
The most recent appearance of the car was as the Pole Car for the Australian National Speedcar Championship in 2021. For this role, the engine was fully rebuilt to ensure absolute reliability and presentation standards.
Specifications
Year: 1977
Make: Gardner
Model: V.W Midget Speedcar
Body: Speedway Race Car
Drive Type: Rear wheel drive
Engine: 2.4 Petrol
Colour: Black
Seats: 1
Quick Change Differential
Individual Throttle Body (ITB) Setup
Racing Harness
Bucket Seat
American Racer Tyres
Electrical Isolator
A historically important Australian-built midget speedcar with documented USAC-era competition history, earlier professional restoration, and rare Gardner Bros provenance — ideally suited to a serious collector, historic racer, or motorsport museum.
If you have any questions relating to this vehicle, or if you would like to arrange a physical or virtual inspection, please contact Frank directly on 0437 801 313
(Key #no key Carrara)
Lloyds stock #583942+1
Location of item: 69 Manchester Road, Carrara, QLD, Australia
** This vendor is not registered for GST - therefore GST is not applicable on this asset **
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
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