The late 1950s was a period of performance exploration for both major automakers and small tuning outfits alike. It was this period that America really began to fall in love with horsepower and racing, giving rise to legendary drivers and engine builders. One of the early pioneers was John van Meyer, who campaigned a unique roadster racer across the Northeast.

Despite Sadler’s racing skills, he soon found himself outpaced by cars with largest displacements. Thus he turned to Canadian Bill Sadler, who helped transform his race car into a track monster. Hemmings Auto Blog reports that this one-off car is now up for grabs for the incredible price of $650,000.

Keep in mind, there is no other car on the planet like the 1959 Sadler-Meyer Special. Based on a simple ladder frame, the aluminum body maintains timeless looks with effective aerodynamics that also comfortably fit the 6’4”, 250 lb. body of Meyer. Sadler was able to tap into the performance potential of this car, enabling Meyer to take home more than a few trophies before selling the car in the late 60s.

After being sold, the Sadler-Meyer Special was twice restored, including most recently in 2008 with the help of Sadler himself. Today it sports a Chevy small-block stroked to 339 cubic-inches and topped by an Offenhauser manifold with six, Stromberg 97 carburetors. The engine was dynoed at 425 horsepower at 6,500 RPM, an astounding number for such an old car.

It can be yours for the princely sum of $650,000. That’s a lot of money for a car most people have never heard of, but there is no denying that this American roadster is well worth it.