T2V Racing and Restorations

The Townsend Typhoon MK 2

Sorrell-Manning Special

"Very period correct restoration on basket case and roller cars"

T2V Racing and Restoration
 was owned and operated by Owen E Gibson of Arivaca, Arizona. The shop was dedicated to the historical preservation and restoration of road racing specials from the 40s thru 60s to the original “as raced” condition.

T2V Racing and Restoration (T2V) was set into motion in 1999 with the discovery of a discarded fiberglass shell among rusted out car frames, making residence in a forgotten pasture in the dusty cow town of Arivaca, Arizona. What Gibson uncovered, after much research, was in fact a 1957 Townsend Typhoon MK 2, the brainchild of well-known Drag Racer Frank Townsend from Tucson, Arizona. The car saw events in California at Santa Barbara and Laguna Seca, as well as events in New Mexico, El Paso and many other races from 1957 thru early 60. It was then purchased and modified by local cowboy Bud Marley with the flathead from his race boat and used as a street rod to whip the cowboys on the dirt roads of Arivaca, Arizoma until its retirement to the forgotten field for over 35 years.

Over the next five years Gibson transitioned from life-long racer and part-time mechanic to a retired engineer focusing on full-time automotive historian and vintage race restoration, inspired by the race history and rediscovered photographs showcasing the 1957 Townsend Typhoon MK2 in prime condition. Gibson crafted the Typhoon to its 1957 racing glory as witnessed at its racing rebirth at the Monterey Historics in 2006, driven by an original driver.

The creation of T2V was an organic process coinciding with the restoration of the 1957 Townsend Typhoon MK2 and lends to the company’s namesake, Townsend Typhoon Vintage Racing and Restoration now know as T2V Racing and Restoration.

T2V is a reflection of the passion and expertise Gibson has developed through his lifetime as an auto-lover, mechanic, builder and engineer. His principles are what transcend the automotive works he is so passionate about and are the foundation of T2V.

Painstaking attention to detail and authenticity including work methods and machining are what set T2V apart from its contemporaries. T2V Racing and Restoration’s end product is a masterful, wholly restored speed machine with a fully tracked race and ownership history, making for a supreme automotive treasure as is proof positive in their recent works. Current projects include: Sorrell bodied land speed car, TR 1800 street rod, and Townsend USRRC mid-engine car (MK-5).

Cars Restored by T2V Racing and Restoration

The Townsend Typhoon MK 2
The Sorrell-Manning Special
The Townsend Typhoon MK 4