Hemi-powered McKee Mk. V Sports Racer. Photos courtesy Russo and Steele.
Following NASCAR’s ban on Chrysler’s new 426 Hemi engine for the 1965 racing season, fast-rising driver Richard Petty searched for other racing series to carry the Chrysler banner.
Since Illinois’ Bob McKee had just begun construction of a series of mid-engine, tube-frame sports racers which could accept the new engine, Chrysler racing boss Ronnie Householder placed an order for a Chrysler-backed McKee Mk V for Petty to drive in the emerging Can-Am series.
However, since the car would not be ready for the 1965 season’s start, Petty switched to drag racing and the Hemi-McKee was campaigned instead by popular Arizona Chrysler dealer and racer Bob Montana as the “Town & Country Plymouth Special” nationally from 1965 through 1967 in Can-Am and USRRC events alongside the McLarens, Lolas, Chaparrals, Ferraris, and Porsches of the era.
Montana scored two late-season SCCA victories in 1965 and the car was eventually retired in 1969.
Following Montana’s death in 1971, the McKee remained intact and was stored for the next three decades. It was restored to its former glory, complete with cross-ram Hemi power, and debuted at the Columbus, Ohio Mopar Nationals in 2004.
It performed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Monterey Historics in 2005 and then in 2010, the Hemi-McKee formed part of the Richard Petty tribute class at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
The subject of many articles, the McKee remains simply one of the most fascinating pieces of Chrysler factory-backed racing history in private hands today. Never publicly available until now, it will provide the crowning jewel for committed “Hemi” collectors.
Following a great 2013 auction calendar, Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions is now preparing its famous Scottsdale, AZ auction and will feature the Hemi-McKee.
Set for January 15th to the 19th, the event will continue to deliver an amazing selection of exceptional automobiles, gala lifestyle events, and of course, our electrifying high-octane auction experience.
About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions:
Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions is one of the nation’s premier collector-car auction organizations; specializing in exceptional European sports cars, American muscle, stunning hot rods and customs, plus the finest competition cars. Our events attract clients worldwide not only because of our well-established reputation, but also for our unique auction and lifestyle experiences unattainable anywhere else. Our expanded auction schedule includes our signature event in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, followed by Newport Beach, California in June, Monterey, California in August, and Las Vegas, Nevada in September. For additional information visit
Greg Jones is Content Director and Editor of Engine Builder Magazine.
Published:
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