PA Hillclimb

I'm trying to identify a car that I've owned for 25 years. I am told that it is a former PA hill climb car.
Here is what a know about it;
It does have a brass dash/id plate which gives the following information.
Its called a Snipe MK-1 Formula III car. Model # F361TR
It was built by L.C. Kropp of York PA in 1961
The body was built by Orner.
It was powered by a 500cc air cooled twin which based on the engine number is a Triumph ( the engine is missing).
Nicely made car, design looks to be based on Cooper formula cars. I great deal of time was spent drilling lightning holes in everything.
Not a back yard/homemade car. Nice cast rear hubs and bearing carriers.
Pretty complete, missing the nose, hood, fuel tank, I would love to see some photos of the car so we can fabricate the missing pieces.
Does anyone recognize it?

Here's the chassis brass tag

At this point in time...I don't have any information on this car or the builder. Was L. C. Kropp, also the driver?

Ron,
Other then the brass tag I have no info about this car.
The only other thing is that the car has only one coat of paint (red) it has round white number fields outlined in black, and a number 6.
It seems a little late (1961) to have been built for road racing.
Doug

A couple more photos

I'm going to send this down to Ray Gross...he is from York and was a major player back in that time frame. Between Ray and his brother...maybe we can get something going!

You have a PM in your mailbox. Ray is on the case and knows the men that built your car.

Ron

Let us know how this plays out. Looks like it will be a great story.

Larry

Heck yea...once we get some solid leads and info, we'll break this story!

Hi,

Have you tried looking at http://www.500race.org if you navigate to marques and then snipe, there is an article from road and track from 1961.
I know Neil the web site editor of the 500 owners association would love anymore info and some up to date pictures.

how is the rebuild coming along, I have contact detail for a chap who still race a 500 FIII car with a Triumph and might be able to help with info, keep the Triumph going as a race engine has been err...interesting (?) and has taken him a couple of years to bottom the problems.

RBM

If the contact in York does not work out, let me know. Our local "shop night" group toured Larry's shop this past winter. He has built DSRs, airplanes, and had someones FF Crossle in the shop for restoration. I cannot remember his exact location, but Henry Brillinger will. If you need me to track this further, please advise,
John Pitman

RBM,
Thanks for the link to the 500 website. The marque link to the Snipe is a big help.
That is the first photo I have seen of the car complete. I have no front nose cone or fuel and oil tank so those photos are a big help. It's funny, I have R&T from 1961 and missed that article.
Doug