History of Devin
In 1954, Bill Devin launched Devin Enterprises, starting with the creation of the Devin-Panhard. This car used a modified Panhard Dyna Junior chassis paired with a body molded from a Deutsch-Bonnet Le Mans race car. To power it, Devin made clever modifications to the small 745cc Panhard engine, even pioneering the use of a belt-driven overhead camshaft system.
Devin’s ingenuity didn’t stop with the engine. He taught himself to work with fiberglass, a new material at the time, which allowed him to design lightweight, aerodynamic bodies. The Devin-Panhard gained attention both for its innovation and performance on the track, marking the beginning of a long legacy in custom sports car manufacturing.
The Devin Panhard
The Devin 295 body was introduced after the success of the Devin-Panhard, and it became a cornerstone of Bill Devin's legacy. Inspired by the Ferrari 750 Monza and the Ermini 357 Sport, the 295 body was a versatile and affordable option for sports car enthusiasts. Named after its original price of $295, this fiberglass body could be adapted to various chassis, including MG, Jaguar, and Triumph, making it popular among racers and custom builders.
The 295 body stood out for its lightweight, aerodynamic design and flexibility, allowing it to be used in both road and racing applications. Many Devin 295 bodies were paired with different engines and configurations, from drag racers to roadsters, showcasing the body's adaptability and timeless style. The success of the 295 helped solidify Devin Enterprises as a leader in custom fiberglass car production.
The Devin 295
The Devin SS was Bill Devin’s first fully produced car, marking a significant step beyond just offering fiberglass bodies. Partnering with Northern Irish racecar drivers Noel Hillis and Malcolm MacGregor, Devin used a chassis designed in Ireland, featuring independent suspension and disc brakes. The only major component borrowed was the engine—Devin selected the Chevrolet small-block V8, giving the SS the power and reliability to match its sleek, lightweight body.
Launched in 1957, the Devin SS quickly gained a reputation for being able to compete with far more expensive sports cars, such as Ferraris, but at a fraction of the cost. The car’s success on the track, including in SCCA races, made it one of Devin’s most notable accomplishments, solidifying his name in the automotive world.
The Devin SS
Of all the Devin racers, Ak Miller was the most successful, leaving an indelible mark on the racing world with his Devin SS. A California hot-rodder with international racing experience, Miller paired his skills with Devin's innovative SS design, achieving legendary status at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Between 1958 and 1966, Miller won the unlimited sports car division at Pikes Peak six times, often driving his Cobra-powered Devin SS.
Miller's success wasn’t limited to Pikes Peak—he also competed in iconic events like the Mille Miglia and the Carrera Panamericana. His achievements showcased the immense potential of the Devin SS, cementing its reputation as a competitive race car capable of taking on the best at a fraction of the cost.
Ak Miller
