The Echidna represents a fascinating chapter in the history of American sports-car racing, particularly during the 1950s, a period often referred to as the Golden Age of sports-car racing in the United States. The vehicle is a testament to innovative engineering and design, spearheaded by Ed Grierson, Bill Larson, and John Staver from Hibbing, Minnesota. The team’s goal was to create a competitive and consistent racing special, a goal that was undeniably achieved with the creation of the Echidna.
Named after the unique Australian creature known for its reclusiveness and spiny appearance, and indirectly referencing Greek mythology as the mother of all monsters, the Echidna sports racer stood out not just for its name but for its performance on the track. With only three units built, these cars dominated the SCCA C- and B-Modified competition, showcasing their reliability, endurance, and built-in durability.
The Echidna’s design philosophy emphasized lightness and high performance, achieved through the use of Chevrolet passenger-car parts. This approach not only ensured the vehicle’s competitive edge but also its practicality and sophistication in engineering. The car featured a heavily modified and shortened Chevrolet sedan frame from 1956-57, incorporating a Chevrolet ball-joint, double-A-arm suspension layout at the front, and initially, Chevrolet Corvette cerametallic drum brakes all around. The power came from a race-prepped Chevy small-block engine, complemented by a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed transmission. Additionally, the Echidna was equipped with a sturdy tripod-style roll bar for added chassis stiffness and was cloaked in sleek Bill Devin bodywork finished in light blue paint.
The racing history of the Echidna is notable for its competition against and victories over some of the era’s most prestigious sports racers, including Jaguar D-types, Lister-Jaguars, Corvettes, Ferrari Monzas, Mondials and Testa Rossas, and the Maserati 450S. Piloted by drivers such as John Staver, Ed Grierson, and Bill Larson, the Echidnas proved their mettle on the track, with Staver’s car winning the 1959 SCCA B-Modified Championship. Over their racing career, the Echidnas participated in 35 races, finishing 25, winning five, and securing nine podium finishes.
Echidna 2, in particular, represents a significant piece of American racing history. Built in 1959 and campaigned in SCCA C-Modified, this vehicle is powered by a hot small-block Chevy equipped with the legendary Rochester fuel-injection unit. Its participation in modern historic racing events, including the 2013 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, underscores its enduring legacy and performance capabilities.
The story of the Echidna, with its humble beginnings, innovative engineering, and racing success, serves as a compelling narrative within the broader context of American motorsports history. It highlights the ingenuity and passion of its creators and the competitive spirit of the era. As such, Echidna 2 stands as a remarkable example of legendary American sports racers, deserving of recognition in the finest collections of historic racing vehicles.
