Probably the most important thing I considered in designing a racecar back in the ’50s was to try to achieve the maximum possible power-to-weight ratio. To that end, I was always figuring out how I could safely reduce the car’s weight while maximizing the horsepower. Of course, things like handling, brakes and control were always important, but starting with a higher power-to-weight ratio was a built-in advantage, especially in the acceleration and braking areas.
Bill Sadler
During the years of 1959–1960, we were building our Sadler Formula Junior cars with a small production run of 12 units. These were affordable front-engined cars that would give beginning racers a chance to get on the track. However, I couldn’t help eyeing these cars and wondering if I should try to build one with a Chevy V-8 engine in it. This seemed like a preposterous idea at first, but the thought of a Chevrolet-powered, open-wheeled test car was appealing and could be fun.
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