Introduction to the XP-5.

Curley got in touch early in 2008, having seen the photograph I took of a Bocar at Shelsley Walsh, correcting me on a few details...

"Bocar XP-5s such as this one left the factory in Denver Colorado USA with 283 ci (4.6 litre) Chevrolets in them. The car in your picture was purchased as a kit from the Bocar factory in 1960, and never assembled. The whole thing was then sold to Harold Pace in the 1970s, a renowned author and photographer, who put the car together. It was later sold to Doug Karon and made several appearances through the vintage racing circuit in the States before being sold to Dean.

It is one of only 18 XP-5 Bocars known to exist. We in fact own four XP-5's such as this, and two of the super rare Bocar Stiletto. Five were said to have been built, but only three have been found. I've included a picture of our only running car (currently) and of the two Stiletto's. The red XP-5 bears serial number 007, and we do race it. Carefully might I add, but we do race it. I personally have had the thing up to 125 MPH, with different gearing, it is well capable of punching in at 160. The two Stilettos, are in unrestored condition. The blue car has been to Nassau in the early sixties, and we do have photographic proof of that. The other is a bit of a mystery, it bears a spot of either black, british racing green, or charcoal grey paint, and it is believed to be the first stiletto ever produced."

The Bocar Stilettos awaiting restoration
Bocar Stiletto cars

Curley's XP-5 (Serial #007) on track.

"Our Bocar XP-5 has been in the family since 1985. Purchased out of Billings Montanna, and shipped via truck to Denver. The car at the time featured a rather ugly boat windscreen, and a massive tractor muffler on the back. These were the first to go during it's restoration. Though originally white, it got a coat of Curley Racing Red, and went racing in 1987.

This particular car can be traced back to the Bocar factory in Denver Colorado. The evidence is a picture in our archives, that shows Number 7, perched next to a Bocar XP-6 coupe. Serial number seven features the original 283 inch Chevrolet V-8 and Borg-Warner T-10 fourspeed gearbox, along with 5000 original miles. (more than likely, half of which are racing miles.) It is surprisingly reliable, and takes a flogging rather well. But we do race it on the careful side, and try not to break anything.

It is a wild machine to drive, and is just as fast as it looks. All three generations of us Curley boys earned our racing licenses in this car, and it holds a very special place in our hearts. Which I suppose is why we keep looking for more Bocars. In fact, in our collection, we have four XP-5 Bocars, (Only one of which runs.) two of the three remaining Bocar Stilettos, and a Bocar-Bangert Special called Old Purple."

Bocar XP-5 racing car

The final photo in this set shows XP-5, chassis 007, with the family's De Tomaso Pantera, at just one of many shows the car has been to, often displayed with other survivors of the type...

"We had the pleasure of having Dean's Bocar show up at a racing event in Steamboat Springs in 1997, along with our car (No. 007) and our friend Don Johnson's Peterson Special XP-5. We have a picture somewhere of all three at the finish line, and I'll see if I can track it down and scan it in. (Do note that three Bocars in one place is so far the highest number ever recorded since a race at Continental Divide Raceway in 1960.)

Here's another picture to add to your collection. This was taken at the 2007 English Motoring Conclave in Denver. Normally, only British cars are allowed, but this year the Conclave featured Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing, our race group. So we brought down our XP-5, and our Pantera right behind it in the picture."

Thanks to Curley for sending the information and pictures over, all very interesting stuff! More stories about cars belonging to visitors of this site, can be found in the Your Classic Cars section here at oldclassiccar.

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