Looking for Info Re: Paul Cunningham's MG / Buick Special

[USC_Cowboy]

Hi All,

I would appreciate any information, other photos, recollections, etc. about this MG Special, 215ci aluminum engine, Hilborn direct injection, T-10 close ratio 4 speed trans, Halibrand quick change rear-end, halibrand alloy wheels with knock-off hubs, approx 425hp, very quick and it qualified for the Times-Mirror Riverside Gran Prix against internationally famed cars and drivers.

Michael Heineke
Stepson of Paul Cunningham, the Race Driver
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[Moderator]

I don't have any personal knowledge of Paul Cunningham or his car, but I can post a few links that might help others remember...

The photograph above was taken by Tam McPartland and it appears with caption on McPartland's website, here: http://www.tamsoldracecarsite.net/Riverside19632.html
Incidentally, Cunningham's Kurtis/Pontiac is also shown on McPartland's website, here: http://www.tamsoldracecarsite.net/PaulCunningham.html

Cunningham apparently registered his MG special as "The Terrible Tempest": https://www.racingsportscars.com/make/photo/Terrible%20Tempest.html
(He was sponsored by Chieftain Pontiac. Pontiac division installed 215's in their "Tempest" model car.)

He entered the MG in at least 8 races, as listed here: https://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/results/Paul-Cunningham-USA.html
You can drill down in that website to see who/what he raced against. Example:  https://www.racingsportscars.com/photo/Riverside-1963-02-03.html

[USC_Cowboy]

I have a 215ci BOP (from Buick, narrowest width design) engine disassembled, and set of Adjustable Push-Rods (manufactured by Smith Engineering), brand new Venolia forged aluminum pistons (11.5:1 compression design), Connecting Rods (radiused and shot-peened) , Block (align bored block, .030 over-bored cylinders work performed by Reath Automotive), Crankshaft (trued, radiused, shot peened and magnafluxed).  Plan was to recreate the "Terrible Tempest" as it was awesome in performance and sound.  Cancer got in the way and I cannot complete my plan.  For sale---make offer. michael@heinekegroup.com