Original AC Cobras are considered rare because only 998 were built. Ferrari GTOs are even rarer because just 33 were built. Rarer yet is the Cunningham C-3, because only 20 coupes and 5 convertibles were built in the early 1950s.
Imagine, then, how rare Roger Morrison’s 1952 Sorrell SR-100 is, with probably just six built.
The difference, of course, is that Shelby American, B.S. Cunningham, and Ferrari were factories (albeit small factories). Sorrell’s were constructed in his Englewood, California, shop, which was little more than an oversized garage.
Bob Sorrell’s creation is called an “American Special,” traditionally a purpose-built car using readily available parts, usually from American cars. They were conceived to compete with their more expensive brethren on racetracks, the show circuit, and local drive-ins.
Built in 1953, Morrison’s is one of two complete cars known of six roadsters and one coupe built by Sorrell, a fabrication wizard who built streamliner and dragster bodies for racers such as TV Tommy Ivo.
Morrison’s Sorrell is presently equipped with a small-block Chevy, but was originally built with a small, early Chrysler Hemi. If he decides to restore the car, a Hemi will again occupy the engine bay.
American Specials were often rather basic in the suspension and mechanical departments, but the car’s sleek look disguised its hidden, humble roots. And the lightweight car with American power gave a highly competitive performance. The coupe ran 174 mph at Bonneville in 1955.
“I like the way the front fenders extend to the rear, similar to streamliners,” Morrison says. “And the way the passenger compartment is nestled between the two of them.”
Probably only six Sorrells were built, making a Sorrell more rare than a Cobra or a Ferrari GTO or a Cunningham. Roger Morrison’s discovery is powered by a Chevy small block, but he will restore it with the original engine: a Chrysler Hemi. ROGER MORRISON