1976 Brad Frisselle IMSA GT/U Championship car
In 1974, Frisselle made the decision to compete professionally. He formed a company and a racing team (Transcendental Racing) that designed, constructed, and tested a Datsun 240Z prototype for the IMSA Camel GT Series. In 1975, Brad had his first three professional victories and was awarded IMSA’s Most Improved Driver award, becoming the only man to win these coveted awards in both IMSA and the SCCA. Frisselle went on to win the IMSA GTU championship in 1976, in his team’s Datsun 240Z, scoring eight victories out of the eleven races that he entered. Brad soundly defeated the factory Datsun team as a privateer with his own team, Brad Frisselle Racing.
This car is the 1976 IMSA GT/U championship car. The chassis of this car was the first 240Z imported to the United States in 1970. Mac Tilton designed the suspension and built some of the specialized parts. The chassis, roll cage and body were all constructed by Dave Kent with assistance from Yoshi Suzuka. Yoshi was also responsible for the design of the aerodynamics on the car. John Knepp of Electramotive built the engine. After the car was finished Trevor Harris added his expertise in the development of the chassis and suspension. In the day this car was the most advanced and fastest GTU car racing in IMSA.
In the early 1990’s it was decided that a complete restoration was in order. Joe Cavaglieri the team’s original crew chief was chosen for the task. The car was stripped to bare metal and totally rebuilt from the ground up with all new components to exact 1976 specifications.
New molds for the Yoshi designed body were created and new panels made and fitted to the car (the molds are included with the car). The chassis and body were refinished in the team colors to a very high Concours standard. All suspension components were crack checked and totally restored. All new electronics, instruments, and wiring loom were installed. A new fuel cell, fuel lines, and pumps were also fitted.
The engine was completely rebuilt by the team’s original engine builder John Knepp and his assistant Don Reynolds. Using development parts from the NISSAN GTP program, modern electronics, and new piston and cam designs the engine produces 400hp. Cavaglieri and Walt Hoff rebuilt the rear end and transmission utilizing all new parts.
In the day the team was the one of the very best in IMSA, the preparation of the car was always at the highest level, more like that of a top Indy Car team than a GTU team. The restoration was done with that same mindset. The car is absolutely perfect both cosmetically and in performance. The fit and finish, attention to detail and superb craftsmanship exhibited in this restoration is spectacular.
Since the completion of the restoration the car has competed in the Mitty at Road Atlanta and the Monterey Historic Automobile Races plus two club events and one test day. It is currently in race ready and Concours condition.
IMSA GT/U (Grand Touring Under 2.5L)
1975 Season
Mid Ohio 2nd GTU (Pole Position)
Laguna Seca 2nd GTU
Mosport 1st GTU
Mid America 1st GTU
Talladega 1st GTU
1976 Season (IMSA GT/U Champion)
Road Atlanta 1st GTU 15 OA
Laguna Seca 2nd GTU 10 OA
Ontario 4th GTU 12 OA
Lime Rock 1st GTU 5 OA
Mid Ohio 1st GTU 5 OA
Daytona 250 1st GTU 9 OA
Sears Point 2nd GTU 9 OA
Talladega 1st GTU 5 OA
Pocono 1st GTU 5 OA
Road Atlanta 500 1st GTU 8 OA with John Morton
Daytona Final 1st GTU 10 OA
Spare Parts included:
One set of wheels and tires
Suspesion components
Body molds
– Hood
– Front Bumper
– Front Air Dam
– Front Fenders
– Rear Fender Flairs
– Air Dam
– Rear Spoiler Caps
