Summary of Jon LeCarner’s #58 Devin… Lightweight tube frame by Joe Huffaker, Devin J fiberglass body by Bill Devin in El Monte CA. 5,358cc Chevy V8. A next generation California Special like the Huffaker Knoop, Scarab and Chaparral I. Raced 1957-1960 at Tracy, Vacaville, Riverside, Port Stockton, Laguna Seca, with a run at Bonneville in 1960. Although this car is not eligible for the Del Monte Trophy Race Group registry, it is a valuable next generation California Special and races with us at the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion in August 2026.
Jon LeCarner writes (July 2026) “My understanding is that the chassis was built by Joe Huffaker, but not the complete car and was based on a chassis he built a year or so earlier for Fred Knoop. This information is from Chris Winkersham, who restored the Devin for Dick Jutras in the late 1990s.
“Devin Special (Model J). Said to be built by Joe Huffaker in mid-1957 and similar to an earlier chassis designed and built for Fred Knoop of Atherton, CA. Both chassis were designed with the drivetrain offset four inches to the right with the engine set behind the front axle for better weight distribution. The main frame components consist of 3.5” tubular main rails, with a series of smaller cross members. Custom fabricated unequal length A arms, with coil over shocks and sway bar are utilized for the front suspension. The steering consists of a rack and pinion unit with an adjustable steering column. Rear suspension is by Ford transverse leaf spring, tube shocks and Watt’s link. Both front and rear suspension are adjustable for ride height. Brakes were originally by Buick drums all around and changed to Girling discs in 1959, operated by a Ford F100 dual master cylinder. Front and rear brake bias is adjustable via a one-off designed balance bar.
“The interior included a custom dash panel, exposed transmission and aluminum fire walls between engine, driver and original fuel tank, now replaced by a 10gl cell. The engine of choice was a 283ci from a period Corvette, with a Hilborn mechanical injection, high compression 327ci engine being installed in 1959. A unique “4 into 4” exhaust system originally developed for the car is still in use where track decibel limits allow. Current induction is by either the Hilborn injection system or single 4bbl carburetion. A close ratio 4spd Borg Warner transmission and a Dana 44 rear axle completed the drivetrain.
“The Devin fiberglass body was modified with a head fairing, a tilting and easily removal front end, enlarged radiator opening to cool the Chevrolet small block, reshaped side fender vents, installing an offset hood scoop, accommodation for the original magneto drive and an air vent for the driver. A tonneau cover was added, and a smaller windscreen were incorporated later for a run at Bonneville.
“Raced at many of the original California tracks, including Laguna Seca, Tracy, Vacaville, Port Stockton, and Riverside in 1958 and 1959. In 1960 the Devin was sold and converted into a road car by the subsequent owner. It was sold again in 1962 and then configured back to track use. After 1962 it was placed in storage in Roseville, Ca, where it was discovered in 1985. The car sat for another decade before being acquired and restored from 1997 – 2002 by Chris Wickersham, a noted Corvette and Devin restoration expert.”