1966 Bosley Interstate Mark II A horticulturist by trade, Richard Bosley was a sports car enthusiast, who was deeply involved in the burgeoning motorsports world during the 50’s and 60’s. Despite having received no formal engineering training, Bosley set about building a one-off sports car in the early 1950s, using parts from Ford, Mercury and Chrysler clothed in a fiberglass body of his own design and manufacture. This vehicle - known as the Bosley Mark I was driven over 100,000 miles before being retired. Over time, the Mark I fell into obscurity until finally discovered and restored…and ultimately being accepted to and shown at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours, where she took 2nd place in Class O-2 Postwar Sports Closed. This magnificent one-off car now resides at the Petersen Museum.
The story doesn’t end there, however – as the Mark I wasn’t “sold” – it was actually traded for a racing Corvette chassis – which would become the foundation for his next one-off – the Bosley Mark II. Richard Bosley saw the change in our transportation system from Route 66 to major Interstates as an opportunity to build his next car. Work began on the Mark II in the late 50’s….with the car being completed in her final form in 1966. According to Bosley’s own spec sheet for the Mark II (enclosed with this application) - which he would ultimately call the Interstate for its intended driving medium - his stated purpose for the car was for “driving in comfort and safety over the interstate highways and for the aesthetic pleasure of good automotive design.” Bosley’s engineering and design approach was comprehensive - building scale models and testing various mechanical and design configurations to achieve his goals. The list of safety devices he incorporated into the car was impressive and ahead of its time, such as: seat belts, head rests, reclining seats, tempered side windows, smoke colored rear window, air horns, powerful engine, good visibility front and rear, special interior lighting, added lighting features on the front and rear of the car, including a driving light and signal bar, strengthened frame, unit-construction fiber glass body, anti lift windshield wipers and built in roll bar. Items like this were rather forward thinking for the mid-1960s, a time when few of these items could be found as standard equipment (or even as options!) in production cars. The Interstate received a 345-hp Pontiac V-8 tri-power engine, a corvette four-speed manual transmission, a 35-gallon fuel tank, Kelsey Hayes magnesium “Kidney Bean” center lock wheels, and a full stainless-steel exhaust system, along with Marchal air horns and headlamps. In period, the car was written about in several magazines (several attached) and in 1967, it was invited to the Henry Ford Museum for the Fifteenth Annual Sports Cars in Review (invitation attached). In 1990, Automobile Magazine did a feature on Bosley and his Mark I and Mark Interstate (attached) and interestingly as recently as December 2015, Vintage Roadcar featured it in an article on 60’s American dream cars (attached).

According to lengthy discussions with surviving members of Richard’s family, they all feel that the Interstate was Richard’s “tour de force” – the car he was truly passionate about and most proud of - and the one Bosley felt would be something he could manufacture and sell to the public. Although hopes were high for the Interstate, another one was never made, and this car too, fell into obscurity. The body and major components were found in an abounded warehouse in the early 90’s. Ultimately, the car was acquired by the current owner, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen and Kim Bruno. Understanding the unique nature and story behind this car, they felt the investment was justified and a complete, forensic restoration was completed by Rare Classics Restorations in South Florida.

The Bosley family has contributed greatly to the restoration by providing incredible pictures and video of Richard building the car, as well as valuable insight into the evolution of the build – and is very excited and supportive of the restoration of and ultimate showing of Richard’s “raison d’etra”. Members of his family have expressed keen interest in attending the show and supporting the car should it be accepted.

The car was shown at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concourse d’ Elegance in the Dream Cars of the 60’s special class and was recognized with a second in class award.

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