Harrell calls his sporty roadster “Aquila” — the Latin word for “eagle” — because of the car’s graceful lines and elemental nature. Harrell, a race car enthusiast since childhood, was always fascinated by the small, powerful roadsters of the 1950s and ’60s, such as Jaguar’s C- and D-types, Shelby’s Cobras and Maserati’s Tipo 61 “Birdcage.” Like most car-crazed teenagers, Harrell dreamed of owning these loud, rambunctious open-air speed machines, not caring one bit that the spartan interiors did not contain a single creature comfort.
Inspired by the men who built the popular sports cars of the day –automotive legends like Enzo Ferrari, Colin Chapman (Lotus), Carroll Shelby and Ferdinand Porsche — the young Harrell began designing a machine of his own on paper. Years passed as the dream took shape in his mind, incorporating the best elements of the cars he loved.
A visit to England’s largest “autojumble” (car-related swap meet), Beaulieu, accidentally introduced Harrell to the custom body builder who would eventually turn some flat sheets of aluminum into the beautiful Aquila.
With the creation of the bodywork no longer a concern, Harrell brought together the car’s other components — the centerpiece being a sophisticated 195-hp Chevrolet 265-cid V-8 powerplant and six-speed manual transmission.
“I chose that particular motor,” Harrell said, “because it benefits from technological advances even more than Chevy’s other V-8s. It is the latest evolution of the small block.”
Shifting by way of a Corvette-spec six-speed manual transmission, the 1,800-pound roadster will be quick off the line, no doubt, but its creator points out that a sports car is also traditionally a well-balanced machine that can go around corners with minimal effort. Modern radial tires and lightweight alloy wheels give the Aquila traction like none of its ’50s-era grandparents enjoyed and big four-wheel disc brakes generate stopping power comparable to race cars of today.
Even in its unpainted and undriveable prototype form, the Aquila drew so much attention to itself that Harrell is making arrangements to sell copies on a limited production basis for $50,000 to $60,000. Although he’s happy with car number one, Harrell has considered the possibility that a customer might want to modify the car’s original specs.
“The way I’ve got the car set up right now, it would make for a great drive through the Smoky Mountains,” said Harrell. “If a buyer wants more power when we’re building his car, any small block Chevy could be installed, including a 400-hp ZR-1 Corvette motor.”
