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DID YOU KNOW? – For some strange reason, people like to Go Fast and then Go Faster! Prior to the 1880’s, the fastest you could go was on horseback – about 30 mph. Automobiles were created in the late 1880’s and eventually they could beat a horse, but only the rich could afford those cars. It wasn’t until 1908 that a factory car was cheap enough for regular folks – the famous Ford Model T. Not long after that, Model T owners would race each other and then figure out how to make their cars Go Faster. That was the beginning of hot rodding, and it only happened in the USA!
If you don’t know much about hot rods and hot rodding, this Timeline will give you a good understanding of this American phenomenon. After 1908, and again after World War I, hot rodding in America surged. And after World War II, it took off like a rocket ship as the GIs came home. It was a prominent hobby/sport/occupation in the life of young men from roughly 1910 through the 1950s. The American Hot Rod Foundation was founded to document and celebrate hot rodding as a phenomenon in the history of our great country.
Note: “hot rods” and “hot rodders” were not called that before World War II. Author and historian Dean Batchelor believed the term was first used in 1945. Batchelor defined a hot-rod as “any production vehicle which has been modified to provide more performance.” We’re good with that!
In 50 BC, the Albata (White Chariot) and the Russetta (Red Chariot) face off in the Circus Maximus …seriously!
In 1893, the Duryea Motor Wagon was built in Springfield, Massachusetts, the First American 4-Wheel Automobile! Not as fast as a horse, but the Genie was out of the Bottle!
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In 1893, the Duryea Motor Wagon was built in Springfield, Massachusetts, the First American 4-Wheel Automobile! Not as fast as a horse, but the Genie was out of the Bottle!
Leading up to this, in 1798 John Stevens designed the first gasoline powered engine in America. Fast forward to 1886 and Carl Benz produced the world’s first gas powered Automobile, but that was a 3-wheeler. It was followed by Ohio’s Buckeye Gas Buggy in 1890, another 3-wheeler.
On November 28, 1895 we have the First Automobile Race in the U.S., from Chicago to Evanston and back, a total of 52.4 miles.
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On November 28, 1895 we have the First Automobile Race in the U.S., from Chicago to Evanston and back, a total of 52.4 miles.
And on September 7, 1896 the first Track Race in America between two or more vehicles, was held at the Rhode Island State Fair Horse Track. And, in 1896 Henry Ford built the first of three Quadricycles (four wheeled vehicles) – that put him on the map as a key player.
In 1901, we see the first cars made on a Fixed assembly line – that is, it didn’t move along.
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In 1901, we see the first cars made on a Fixed assembly line – that is, it didn’t move along.
The cars on the line were: the Curved Dash Oldsmobile, followed by the Packard, Rambler, Cadillac (shown), Stanley Steamer, and the first Ford Model A in 1903. But these cars, including Ford’s first Model A, were still handmade and way too expensive for regular folks. History shows that Henry Ford was successful but was determined to find a way to make a car for the masses.
Henry Ford may have had an early fascination with speed!
Alexander Winton’s “Bullet” reaches a top speed of 69.0 mph at the first Daytona Beach Trials in March 1903. Then Barney Oldfield is the first to lap a one-mile track in under 60 seconds in Henry Ford’s Number “999” race car.
On January 12, 1904, Ford drives his “Arrow” race car to a Land Speed Record of 91.4 mph on a frozen Lake St.Clair in Detroit, while his mechanic worked the throttle!
One mile dirt tracks for horses were used for auto racing all over the country, along with some “new fangled” paved roads thanks to the Vanderbuilt Cup Races.
KEY EVENT On September 27, 1908 Henry Ford launched his now famous 1909 four-cylinder Model T.
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KEY EVENT On September 27, 1908 Henry Ford launched his now famous 1909 four-cylinder Model T.
The 4-cylinder motor was also called a “four-banger” because you could hear each cylinder fire separately. The car was priced at around $800 while most cars were three times that price. With a top speed faster than most horses at a gallop, the Ford Model T became the favorite for regular folks with a taste for speed.
AHRF OPINION It is not known exactly when Model T owners began modifying their cars, but we guess it was before 1910.
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AHRF OPINION It is not known exactly when Model T owners began modifying their cars, but we guess it was before 1910.
By the end of 1909 7,728 Ford Model T’s had come off the production line. Henry Ford continued to encourage racing by personally driving test cars that were little more than a chassis and a seat. He was said to have joked that racing began 5 minutes after his second Model T was sold . . . the Hot Rodder had just been invented!
On June 22, 1909 we have the first big win for Henry’s new Model T when Bert Scott and Jimmy Smith took the “Great Race” from New York to Seattle in 22 days.
The new Indianapolis Motor Speedway held it’s first race for motorcycles on August 13, 1909 followed by cars on August 18.
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The new Indianapolis Motor Speedway held it’s first race for motorcycles on August 13, 1909 followed by cars on August 18.
The track had 82 races before it was rebuilt and covered by bricks for the first Indy 500 in 1911. Ray Harroun won in his “hot-rodded” Marmon Wasp.
In 1909 Louis Chevrolet makes waves winning the 395.6 mile Coby Trophy at Crown Point, Indiana in eight hours at a speed of 49.287 mph in a Buick.Note – even this early, speeds were recorded to three decimal places!
1910 started off with races at Daytona-Oramond beach on March 16, but the big news was the first ever 1 mile Veladrome built for cars at Playa Del Rey, California.
STEPPING BACK Imagine being a kid – maybe 12 yrs old – as all this is happening ….
There weren’t a lot of paved roads in America 1n 1909 – and still a lot of horse drawn buggies around. But now these Model T Fords, as well as many other expensive cars, are all of a sudden barreling along – loud exhausts, throwing up dust, and leaving behind strange new fumes mixed with the smell of raw gasoline. What does a kid think as he experiences this totally wild new phenomenon? Exactly – (Photo taken late Teens) most kids want to be in that car and Go Fast . . . we’ll call that Hot Rod Fever!
KEY EVENT In 1913 Henry Ford experimented with the first Moving assembly line.
By the end of 1914 the whole car was being fabricated on an Integrated Moving Assembly Line that cut production time per car from 12.5 hours to 1.5 hours! That also helped him lower the price from $850 in 1909 to $360 in 1916. By simplifying part design he lowered the price to $260 by 1924!
In 1914 Chevrolet introduced a direct competitor to the Ford Model T.
Chevrolet’s new Model H Royal Mail, by June 1915, had morphed into the Chevrolet “490” (the price of the car) as a direct competitor to the Ford Model T. It was powered by a “171” overhead valve 4-cylinder engine (confused by these terms – see Quick Primer next) that, with little change, lasted through the model year 1928. When topped with an Olds 3-port cylinder head, it was almost unbeatable.
QUICK PRIMER In order to understand how an early auto engine worked, we’ve printed a few pages here from our book, “The Great American Hot Rod Explained” by Mike deLesseps.
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QUICK PRIMER In order to understand how an early auto engine worked, we’ve printed a few pages here from our book, “The Great American Hot Rod Explained” by Mike deLesseps.
This is a great book for kids and adults who aren’t familar with hot rods, and it’s for sale in the AHRF Shop. On the attached pages, Mike is describing Pistons, Valves, Camshafts, and a Flathead vs. Overhead Engine.
With World War I raging in Europe, and the U.S.not yet involved, racing stateside had nonetheless subsided.
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With World War I raging in Europe, and the U.S.not yet involved, racing stateside had nonetheless subsided.
Driver Frank Elliott entered in the 101 mile Glendale Road Races on February 5, 1915 in his rebodied Model T. He did not finish the race.
During 1916, time stood still while the War raged on in Europe.
The U.S.enters the war on the Allied side with a targeted conscription of 1 million of our soldiers.
With WWI over in 1918 thousands of returning men with a zest for life and not a lot of money went looking for long parked or used up Model T Fords and parts.
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With WWI over in 1918 thousands of returning men with a zest for life and not a lot of money went looking for long parked or used up Model T Fords and parts.
They looked on farms and in junkyards to construct what would become the first Hot Rods. These cars were called “Speedsters”, a simple but powerful car meant for speed, fun, and adventure. With lots of imagination and ingenuity, and a little money, these men could buy wire wheels, chassis lowering kits, engine parts and even complete body kits to create their own dream machine. That took figuring out how engines and ignitions worked, how to design and construct a safe vehicle out of steel, wood and aluminum, and for many young men how to weld.
AHRF OPINION In the early days we can assume that whenever two “like-minded” hot rodders met on an open road some kind of speed contest would often ensue.
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AHRF OPINION In the early days we can assume that whenever two “like-minded” hot rodders met on an open road some kind of speed contest would often ensue.
Pick a tree, rock, or whatever as the finish line and the race was on. Thirty years down the road this kind of side-by-side racing evolved into the sport we still call Drag Racing.
IMPORTANT The earliest racing parts suppliers were actually machine shops that made one-of-a-kind parts mostly for Circle Track cars.
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IMPORTANT The earliest racing parts suppliers were actually machine shops that made one-of-a-kind parts mostly for Circle Track cars.
This business changed drastically with the advent of the affordable Model T Ford which took to dirt tracks across the country in droves. By 1916, Robert Roof was making multi-valve Cylinder Heads (1st Photo), while Harry Miller made special Carburetors for the Model T (2nd Photo). Dirt track racing in the mid 20s used-up parts quickly, especially at places like Legion Ascot in Los Angeles. “Speed Shops” opened up to cater to the racers. The earliest we know of was George White’s Bell Auto Parts followed by Lee Chapel’s Lee’s Speed Shop (3rd Photo) a few miles from the second Ascot track.
Model T’s weren’t the only cars raced in the early days as Dodge and Chevrolet owners were also using speed parts made specifically for them.
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Model T’s weren’t the only cars raced in the early days as Dodge and Chevrolet owners were also using speed parts made specifically for them.
That probably started the rivalry between the three still seen today. This cool shot from the Philadelphia area shows the three makes waiting on the starting line for a race.
CLEVER NEW PART One of the coolest accessories for the T was the Ruckstell 2-speed rear axle.It had its own shift lever and could be used on “Speedsters” or stock Model T’s as an overdive unit.
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CLEVER NEW PART One of the coolest accessories for the T was the Ruckstell 2-speed rear axle.It had its own shift lever and could be used on “Speedsters” or stock Model T’s as an overdive unit.
For race cars, low gear was perfect for short tracks and high gear was perfect for longer mile tracks. Ruckstell had sold 650,000 of these to pleased T owners by 1927, like this one seen on the Hooker Special at Ascot.
In May of 1922 Ford T fans were shocked when they found not one, but two Barber-Warnoc T race cars, entered in the world’s greatest race, the Indy 500.
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In May of 1922 Ford T fans were shocked when they found not one, but two Barber-Warnoc T race cars, entered in the world’s greatest race, the Indy 500.
And both had Frontenac overhead cam cylinder heads bolted on modified Model T blocks that increased the horsepower of a Model T engine from 17 to 30! Even better was that Jack Curtner came in 14th and Glenn Howard came in 18th with these two racecars.
For the 1923 Indy 500, L.L.Corum finished an amazing 5th place with his “Fronty Ford” entry.
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For the 1923 Indy 500, L.L.Corum finished an amazing 5th place with his “Fronty Ford” entry.
It featured a special streamlined front axle and full bellypan and was powered by a Frontenac cast aluminum engine block and “Fronty” head with a double overhead cam. What a gorgeous race car!
IMPORTANT About 100 miles Northeast of Los Angeles in the high desert were dozens of mud flats that would dry to a hard surface in the summer months.
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IMPORTANT About 100 miles Northeast of Los Angeles in the high desert were dozens of mud flats that would dry to a hard surface in the summer months.
The largest of these was originally called Rodriguez Dry Lake by early settlers. By 1910, the Corum Family settled on the edge of the lakebed and opened a General Store near the Atchinson, Topeka & Sante Fe water stop. The area soon took on the name “Muroc” Dry Lake (the Corum Family’s last name spelled backwards). The earliest documented Speed Run we find at Muroc was by driver Joe Nikrant on May 12, 1923 behind the wheel of a Buick that was timed at 108.24 mph.
…AND MORE IMPORTANT Tommy Milton set two AAA (American Automobile Associaton) records at Muroc on April 4, 1924 at 141.17 mph and 151.25 mph in his Miller “Convertible” record car.
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…AND MORE IMPORTANT Tommy Milton set two AAA (American Automobile Associaton) records at Muroc on April 4, 1924 at 141.17 mph and 151.25 mph in his Miller “Convertible” record car.
That put Muroc on the map as a place to go “fast”. AAA competitors took to Muroc for record runs. After the Beverly Hills and Culver City Board Tracks had both closed by the end of 1927, Muroc became home to most of the AAA Land Speed Trials before Bonneville took over in the mid 30s.
On April 11, 1927 we found Frank Lockhart at Muroc driving his small 91 cubic inch Supercharged Miller Indy Car fitted with wheel discs for streamlining.
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On April 11, 1927 we found Frank Lockhart at Muroc driving his small 91 cubic inch Supercharged Miller Indy Car fitted with wheel discs for streamlining.
He ran 171.224 mph over a measured mile against Malcolm Campbell’s new World Land Speed Record of 174.224 mph set at Daytona Beach. Frank was awarded a National and World Land Speed Record for that effort and also set a Class F Two-way mile record at 164.85 mph. Lockhart was then inspired to build a new record car called the Stutz Blackhawk. He was off to Daytona in February ’28 for test runs with the new car and crashed into the ocean. After a rebuild he was back and on April 25, 1928 he crashed to death at a reported 225 mph due to a faulty rear tire.
On October 9, 1927 a fellow named Earl Mansel promoted the first ever documented Dry Lakes event for “hot rod type cars”, called the “Southern California Championship Sweepstakes at Muroc Dry Lake”.
KEY EVENT Chevrolet outsold Ford for the first time in 1927, but crafty Ford was ready with a dramatically new car, the Ford Model A.
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KEY EVENT Chevrolet outsold Ford for the first time in 1927, but crafty Ford was ready with a dramatically new car, the Ford Model A.
The Model A debuted on December 2, 1927. It was much more attractive than the T with a bigger body, curved fenders, and a handsome windshield. By December 1928, 611,850 of Henry’s latest “hot rod material” had rolled off the Ford production line!
The new Ford Model A had completely new running gear and a body designed under the watchful eye of Edsel Ford. It was powered by an all new “200.5”, 40 horsepower 4-cylinder engine (double the T’s original 20 hp). Through the years the modified Model A would come to define what a traditional hot rod would look like for the next almost 100 years.
Unknowingly The new Model A also played a big part in the racing game as the early AR versions were fitted with a multi-disk clutch/flywheel setup (see Photo). When modified by rodders for racing, it was the go-to setup for 4-bangers well into the ‘50s.
With the advent of the Model A, a new chapter in speed parts manufacturing began.
Serious players like Harry Miller, Ed Winfield (this photo of Ed is 1922), and George Riley joined this very special industry that was helping to spread hot rodding across the country.
AHRF OPINION On November 11, 1928 Chevrolet rocked the low cost field when they introduced the new 1928 Chevrolet inline 6 cylinder engine (called the Stovebolt) for the 1929 model year.
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AHRF OPINION On November 11, 1928 Chevrolet rocked the low cost field when they introduced the new 1928 Chevrolet inline 6 cylinder engine (called the Stovebolt) for the 1929 model year.
It had more horsepower than the new Ford Model A and was smoother running. It surely lit a fire under Henry Ford to one-up everybody and change the Hot Rod World forever starting in 1932, as you will see.
Later called the “Father of Hot Rodding” by famous racer and promoter Andy Granatelli, Ed Winfield decides to: get married, quit racing, and concentrate on his carburetor, camshaft, and speed parts businesses.
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Later called the “Father of Hot Rodding” by famous racer and promoter Andy Granatelli, Ed Winfield decides to: get married, quit racing, and concentrate on his carburetor, camshaft, and speed parts businesses.
On April 19, 1931, George Riley hosted a private event for Hot Rods at Muroc to promote his new 2-port and 4-port cylinder heads for the Model A Ford.
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On April 19, 1931, George Riley hosted a private event for Hot Rods at Muroc to promote his new 2-port and 4-port cylinder heads for the Model A Ford.
Gilmore Oil Company stepped up as a sponsor. Muroc had now become the place to go to promote new, aftermarket, go fast parts.
REALLY BIG DEAL Ford shocked the world with the announcement in December, 1931 that it would offer an optional new V8 powerplant (see first photo) for its 1932 Model which was still under wraps.
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REALLY BIG DEAL Ford shocked the world with the announcement in December, 1931 that it would offer an optional new V8 powerplant (see first photo) for its 1932 Model which was still under wraps.
Four other car makers offered V8 engines but they had to be carefully assembled from multiple castings, making such engines too expensive for most Americans (see second photo). But Henry Ford, the master of production line assembly, had found a way to make the new V8 “block” as a single casting for a very low cost (the block contains the camshaft, valves, pistons and cranshaft – all the moving parts that have to be assembled with close tolerances). Ford wanted to phase out his 4-cylinder engine, so he priced the 1932 V8 Ford just more!
AHRF OPINION Needless to say, hot rodding was the sort of hobby that brought guys together, swapping stories, know-how, parts and tools, and before long, car clubs began to form.
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AHRF OPINION Needless to say, hot rodding was the sort of hobby that brought guys together, swapping stories, know-how, parts and tools, and before long, car clubs began to form.
Some say the first Club was the “Outriders” in 1932. We do know that many clubs started in the 30’s, and as they matured, they were increasingly run with a seriousness of purpose. Hot rod clubs became active across the country. Check out this sampling of rare plaques (includes clubs that started in later 30’s). Rules were established, guys who broke the rules of conduct were actually kicked out, and dues were set so the club could buy some tools everyone could use. Just regular guys were learning how to construct complex mechanisms, shoulder responsibility, manage an organization, and build confidence at an early age. Most young people today experience nothing like that, outside of organized sports.
KEY EVENT Hot rodders went wild over the whole 1932 Ford lineup, and in particular the Roadster and 5-Window Coupe. No other car has been as popular with hot rodders as the 1932 Ford, referred to affectionately as the “Deuce” for the number 2 in 1932 (see Photo).
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KEY EVENT Hot rodders went wild over the whole 1932 Ford lineup, and in particular the Roadster and 5-Window Coupe. No other car has been as popular with hot rodders as the 1932 Ford, referred to affectionately as the “Deuce” for the number 2 in 1932 (see Photo).
The car had a noticeably curvy frame for the first time, as well as sculpted fenders, and a radiator grille that for the first time covered the radiator with vertical bars. That radiator “shell” is by far the most sought after hot rod body part today (a good one costs $2,000 – $3,o00) and is often mounted on hot rods of any year. Hot rodders deemed the ’32 Ford to be the perfect hot rod, and it holds that lofty position even today.
Interestingly, the 1932 model year started late and ended early for various reasons, making crashed ’32s all the more expensive. Today, several companies make expensive replicas of the 32 Ford roadster and 5-window coupe in both metal and fiberglass. The debate and discussion of why that year? continues today. See the AHRF-produced video Deuce, a great documentary on the ’32 Ford phenomenon (free to AHRF Members).
IMPORTANT Los Angeles was the most active area of the US regarding early hot rodding and racing.
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IMPORTANT Los Angeles was the most active area of the US regarding early hot rodding and racing.
That said, of course the word would get out and hot rodders eventually were in every state. The automobiles that became hot rods (mostly Fords, Chevys and Dodges) were made in Detroit, and many performance parts (you’ll learn about these later) were also made all over the country. Chicago and the Midwest became hot rod hot spots. Arguments abound even today in terms of where and when certain hot rod styles and use of parts were first developed.
Unquestionably, as you’ll see later, the GIs coming home after WWII in 1945, and the demand around the country for L.A.’s Hot Rod Magazine (first issue January 1948) were hugely important in making hot rodding a serious hobby, business, and way of life for hundreds of thousands of Americans.
The Southern California Timing Association sanctioned its first dry lake’s race meet in the fall of 1937 and sparked a phenomenon that spread like wildfire, as can be seen in this photo taken only four years later in 1941. It illustrates how popular hot rodding had become in the Los Angeles area and how quickly the development of these cars was moving. The interest in this new pastime was then supercharged by World War II, as servicemen returned home with new mechanical knowledge and skills and the interest in hot rodding began to spread across the entire United States. Although we haven’t identified the young hot rodder in this photo, we hope that someone will recognize him. If you do, please be sure to contact us!
1932 was a hoppin’ year as the Muroc Racing Association held two meets called Roadster Races on May 8 and July 10.
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1932 was a hoppin’ year as the Muroc Racing Association held two meets called Roadster Races on May 8 and July 10.
Joe Mozzetti was timed at 103.75 mph in his Model A powered modifed on May 8 and 118.42 mph on July 10. Both were top speeds of the meet.
The American Automobile Association was at Muroc in 1932 timing Art Sparks Indy “Catfish” on May 15.
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The American Automobile Association was at Muroc in 1932 timing Art Sparks Indy “Catfish” on May 15.
Also Auburn Stock Cars in June and July on 500 mile runs; and on December 27 runs up to 1,000 miles.
In 1932 Ford offered both the 4-cylinder (4-banger) engine (now 40 hp), as well as the new “Flathead” V8 at 65 hp (see 1st two Photos).
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In 1932 Ford offered both the 4-cylinder (4-banger) engine (now 40 hp), as well as the new “Flathead” V8 at 65 hp (see 1st two Photos).
Given the almost zero premium for the V8 motor, the public responded so strongly that Ford couldn’t fill all V8 orders until the end of 1932. They finally sold 298,000 1932 V8’s, and because many people decided to accept the 4-cyl engine, Ford sold 133,000 of the 4-cyl cars (that was way more 4-cyls than they would have sold without the V8 delays). Ford was actually lucky this happened as the early (21-stud) V8 motors had some serious problems that required factory replacements.
Racer A. McDonald is seen on June 25, 1933 at Muroc (third Photo). We believe this is the first new Ford 4-cylinder powered Deuce (1932) roadster to ever be timed at the Lakes. The car won the Main Event Race – Class F Stock Roadster Bodies over 100 mph – with a speed of 107.78 mph. The car was prepped by none other than Ed Winfield and featured a Winfield cylinder head, intake and carb setup. Note McDonald’s autograph to Ed.
So now we had very strong public demand for Ford’s V8, with waning public demand for the “4-banger”.
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So now we had very strong public demand for Ford’s V8, with waning public demand for the “4-banger”.
But hot rodders were in a different place than the public because there were virtually no speed parts for the new Ford V8 (the aftermarket parts manufacturers were ticked that Henry Ford chose to close out the Model A after just 5 years). And this was in the Depression, so it took some years for V8 speed parts to be developed. Meanwhile, most hot rodders across the country continued to improve their 4-bangers.
ONE GUY’S PASSION Gil Pearson from Los Angeles was 17 years old and, like many young guys, used his “modified” T as his hot rod as well as his daily driver.
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ONE GUY’S PASSION Gil Pearson from Los Angeles was 17 years old and, like many young guys, used his “modified” T as his hot rod as well as his daily driver.
Once at the “Lakes” he would remove his windshield, headlights, and running boards to reduce a little weight. Look closely and you can see that clever Gil had swapped out the Model T’s front and rear axles for stronger Model A stuff to carry bigger tires and rims (a move way ahead of its time). That helped Gil run faster and bring home that prized class trophy on the T’s hood.
After a weekend of racing, hot rodders like Gil would put their car back together for the long trip home. Despite the dust and heat, here was an incredibly exciting, totally unique, sport for a young guy with curiosity and clever hands.
Ok, does that sound like fun to you – sure does to us!
DRY LAKES RACING In Southern California, after preparing their cars for racing, rodders would first run individually to determine their speed class.
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DRY LAKES RACING In Southern California, after preparing their cars for racing, rodders would first run individually to determine their speed class.
For the actual racing, each class would be “paced” side-by-side by a pace car at a speed of no more than 25 mph. The pace car would “flag off” from the racers just before the racers hit the first “trip wire”. The racers would then try to reach their top speed before hitting the second trip wire exactly 1.0 mile away. To achieve their highest speeds, the rodders would put bigger tires in back to optimize their speed at the finish line. That became known as the “Big and Littles” look (see Photo), and it has become a popular style of many hot rods whereby the frame rails run downward from the bigger wheel at the back of a car to the smaller wheel at the front. View the video interview with Hot Rod Pioneer Frank Morimoto
From 1933 to 1937 we found twelve other Time Trials held at the Lakes where the “Hot Rod” style of racecar was being developed along with drivers and mechanics who would become racing legends in the future. SKIPIT is a perfect example.
On April 22, 1934 stripped Ford Roadsters (wrongly posing as Stock Cars) blasted around the hills of Legion Ascot in a 150 mile dash called the Targa Floria.
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On April 22, 1934 stripped Ford Roadsters (wrongly posing as Stock Cars) blasted around the hills of Legion Ascot in a 150 mile dash called the Targa Floria.
Twenty cars were entered and Fords took the top ten places.Louie Meyer won in a ’34 ahead of Ted Horn and Al Gordon.A year earlier, Fords had taken the the top ten places in the Gilmore Gold Cup at Mines Field and the top seven places at Elgin.Together these wins made the Ford V-8s the “Hot One” to have for the serious road racers.
You may be surprised to find that two Ford Flathead V-8 powered cars were entered in the 1934 Indianapolis 500 mile race.
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You may be surprised to find that two Ford Flathead V-8 powered cars were entered in the 1934 Indianapolis 500 mile race.
The most interesting one was the Bohnalite Special that was built using a 1932 Ford chassis (Bohn manufactured aluminum V-8 cylinder heads for Ford). We don’t know how well the car would have finished as driver Chet Miller exited the track over the Southwest wall on the 11th lap. It is said Henry Ford helped finance the project.
On September 17, 1934 one Della Rice started publishing Coast Auto Racing, a semi-monthly newspaper that covered racing mostly in California.
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On September 17, 1934 one Della Rice started publishing Coast Auto Racing, a semi-monthly newspaper that covered racing mostly in California.
By April ‘36 Coast Auto Racing had morphed into a full-blown magazine,and by August that year it was being called Motor Racing News.
WHAT’s an A/V8? At the May 1936 Muroc Races we find 68 cars entered. Of them 25 are listed as Model A 4-bangers with aftermarket heads along with eight T-powered rides.
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WHAT’s an A/V8? At the May 1936 Muroc Races we find 68 cars entered. Of them 25 are listed as Model A 4-bangers with aftermarket heads along with eight T-powered rides.
We also found six Ford Flathead V-8 powered cars listed, one being a ’35 model. That leaves 5 cars that potentially could have been the first hot rodded A/V-8’s to show at a Lakes meet. Naturally, all these were powered by 21 stud engines as 24 stud engines were first produced in late 1937. The only hard work that was required was to modify the center cross-member (part of the chassis) to support the rear of the V-8 “tranny” (popular nickname for transmission). Our first shot shows a typical A/V-8 from the era fitted with stock pipes and an aftermarket Davies intake. Our second shot shows the Quintessential A/V-8 of Don Ferrara in the early ‘50’s.
WHY NOT a T/V8? Some guys with a Model T hot rod liked the T body enough (or didn’t have the moolah) to build an A/V8.
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WHY NOT a T/V8? Some guys with a Model T hot rod liked the T body enough (or didn’t have the moolah) to build an A/V8.
So they found a way to build the Ford V8 on a Model T chassis. This involved even more work than a Model A chassis as the T frame was not as strong as the A frame. This photo is a fabulous example that shows off the Ford V8’s width and length – very classy and very powerful.
For The 1935 Indianapolis 500 mile race, industrialist Preston Tucker talked Henry and Edsel Ford into returning to the Brickyard (Indy) with Ford V-8 powered cars.
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For The 1935 Indianapolis 500 mile race, industrialist Preston Tucker talked Henry and Edsel Ford into returning to the Brickyard (Indy) with Ford V-8 powered cars.
Entered under the name of Miller-Fords, 10 of these beautiful cars were built in a couple of months, but showed up late and were bog slow and unreliable. This one shows Ted Horn behind the wheel. He qualified in 26th starting position was a DNF and awarded a 16 place finish. Ford was so embarrassed it took ’till 1963 before the company returned as an engine supplier to Colin Chapman’s Lotus Team. They finished in second for 1963.
At the June 30, 1935 Muroc races, the fastest car was Judson Mills’ Cragar-Headed Ford 4-Banger ride at 109.75 mph (this type of cylinder head has the valves over the pistons instead of beside them, so the engine “breathes” better).
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At the June 30, 1935 Muroc races, the fastest car was Judson Mills’ Cragar-Headed Ford 4-Banger ride at 109.75 mph (this type of cylinder head has the valves over the pistons instead of beside them, so the engine “breathes” better).
We also find the first mention of a Ford V8 in an unknown chassis fitted with aftermarket cylinder heads made by one Robert Roof. Driver Bordman Reed was timed at 87.38 mph. Jess Fiki’s stock Ford V8 was timed at 77.58 mph. And, at the September ’35 races, we find five Ford V8s entered with Joe Wilber running at 98.19 mph against Johnny Junkin’s Cragar at 119.20 mph.
The photo on the right shows Jim Stewart’s ’29 roadster which ran a Ford 4-cylinder engine equipped with a Cragar overhead valve head. Two carburetors are mounted on top of an Evans manifold. This souped-up roadster reached a top speed of 102.62 mph in 1947 at a California dry lakes meet.
INTERESTING By the mid ‘30s “Mild Customs” were nothing new on the streets of Los Angeles.
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INTERESTING By the mid ‘30s “Mild Customs” were nothing new on the streets of Los Angeles.
From day one Movie Stars wanted their cars to stand out. One of the first “Custom Shops” was the Earl Carriage Automobile Works (1899 t0 1919). Cars like the Ford Model A looked old fashioned so enterprising fellows like George DuVall updated this ’29 Ford with a new grill shell, Woodlites, chopped top, skirted front and rear fenders, a custom V windshield, stylish chrome bumpers and full hubcaps. Under the hood some customs were just as hot, fitted with aftermarket heads and multi-carb setups just like at the Lakes.
At the urging of Ab Jenkins, Sir Malcom Campbell brought his “Bluebird” to the Bonneville Salt Flats and set a new World Land Speed Record.
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At the urging of Ab Jenkins, Sir Malcom Campbell brought his “Bluebird” to the Bonneville Salt Flats and set a new World Land Speed Record.
He was the first person on earth to drive over 300 mph. His new record was 301.129 mph.
The last race was held at Legion Ascot Raceway in LA on January 25, 1936, after a nasty accident that involved two deaths.
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The last race was held at Legion Ascot Raceway in LA on January 25, 1936, after a nasty accident that involved two deaths.
The first race at the track had been on January 20, 1924, and this left LA without a proper race track.
We have made a Mini-Timeline of what we believe to be the first newspaper advertisements of early racing parts for the Ford V8s.
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We have made a Mini-Timeline of what we believe to be the first newspaper advertisements of early racing parts for the Ford V8s.
This ad is for the earliest set of aftermarket Overhead Valve Heads made for a Ford Flathead V-8. This one is made by made by Los Angeles based Alexander Automotive. The ad appeared in the May 15, 1936 issue of Coast Auto Racing.
Future Lakes racer Vince Podurgiel builds a new track in Southgate CA called Southern Speedway, opening on June 7, 1936.
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Future Lakes racer Vince Podurgiel builds a new track in Southgate CA called Southern Speedway, opening on June 7, 1936.
Featured was a new class of race cars called “Modified Roadsters” with narrowed roadster bodies on a race car chassis. These cars became popular at the Lakes very quickly.
In 1936 we found five Ford V8s running at the Lakes with the quickest being 94.00 mph.
At the first race in 1937 ten Ford V8s ran with the quickest being Bob Stelling at 94.99 mph. At the last race of 1937 sixteen flathead Ford V8 powered cars were driven by notables such as Harry Oka, Richie Richards (shown) and Blackie Gold. The “Hopped-Up” flathead Ford V8 had arrived. Hopped-up was a popular term in the 1930s for any modifications to a factory car to make it go faster. While the term “Hot Rod” was not yet used (see the Intro to Hot Rod 101), we’re getting closer to the term with “Hopped Up”!
IMPORTANT FACT After a series of meetings in late 1937 and early 1938 the newly formed Southern California Timing Association was officially Incorporated as a California Corporation for the purpose of making dry lakes racing safer.
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IMPORTANT FACT After a series of meetings in late 1937 and early 1938 the newly formed Southern California Timing Association was officially Incorporated as a California Corporation for the purpose of making dry lakes racing safer.
It held its first meet on May 15, 1938. The classic “SCTA Racing News” was first published in December 1938, and it is still going strong today.
Starting in November 1937 George Eyston and John Cobb took turns upping the World Land Speed record at Bonneville.
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Starting in November 1937 George Eyston and John Cobb took turns upping the World Land Speed record at Bonneville.
Eyston set it at 311.418 mph in ’37 and bumped it to 345.489 in August ’38. John Cobb raised it to 350.194 mph two weeks later. The next day, August 16th, Eyston upped it to 357.497 mph. And finally, on August 23, 1939 Cobb retook the record at 367.910 mph.
This ad from the fourth S.C.T.A.Race Program dated October 2, 1938 shows the first-ever ad we’ve found for a Multi-Carb aftermarket Intake Manifold produced for the Ford Flathead V-8.
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This ad from the fourth S.C.T.A.Race Program dated October 2, 1938 shows the first-ever ad we’ve found for a Multi-Carb aftermarket Intake Manifold produced for the Ford Flathead V-8.
It was made by Tommy Thickston and run on Vic Edelbrock’s Deuce Roadster.
On January 8, 1939 the San Diego Road Ramblers put on an “acceleration meet” (starting from a standing stop).
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On January 8, 1939 the San Diego Road Ramblers put on an “acceleration meet” (starting from a standing stop).
This was at Kearney Mesa with electronic timing by their own J. Otto Crocker (the Pioneer of the Photocell Timing Light used at the Dry Lakes and, later, at the Drags). Bill Barrick was timed at 90.45 mph.
This Jack Henry Advertisement from the July 1939 “S.C.T.A.Racing News” is the first we’ve found that mentions installing a Ford Flathead V-8 in a Model A chassis.
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This Jack Henry Advertisement from the July 1939 “S.C.T.A.Racing News” is the first we’ve found that mentions installing a Ford Flathead V-8 in a Model A chassis.
Jack was also one of the first to make a Multi-Carb intake manifold for a Ford V-8.
Around this time a new form of motorsports took off in California called “Spindizzies”.
Roy Richter was a top builder as were the Dooling Brothers. The miniature cars were powered by model airplane engines – the first to use Nitromethane as a fuel that we have found. Hot Rodder Fran Hernandez (shown) was a machinist at Dooling and in on the ground floor of Nitro use.
INTERESTING By the mid ‘30’s Ford Model A owners wanted faster cars and the natural solution was to replace the ageing 4-banger with a Ford V-8 creating a car that was called an A/V-8.
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INTERESTING By the mid ‘30’s Ford Model A owners wanted faster cars and the natural solution was to replace the ageing 4-banger with a Ford V-8 creating a car that was called an A/V-8.
As the decade wore on a few smart guys realized it would be easier (and cheaper) to do a complete chassis swap using the newer and beefier ’32 Deuce chassis already set up for the V-8. All that was needed was trimming and shimming to make the body fit. This interesting hot rod was not called an A/V-8, but was a great looking car when done right.
Most agree that John Athan took it one step further in the late ‘30’s with a little lower cowl modification so the body fit perfectly without shimming (see photo taken in 1941 with his buddy Jimmy Nairn’s clone).
By 1937 the U.S.Army had set up Muroc as Muroc Air Field for use as a training and bombing range (see first photo).
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By 1937 the U.S.Army had set up Muroc as Muroc Air Field for use as a training and bombing range (see first photo).
The S.C.T.A. was in for big changes. At the first race in 1939 Soldiers showed up with bayonets and kicked all the racers off of “Government Property” Their only option was move to nearby Harper Dry Lake.
At the same time new classes had been adopted in the form of Stock Body (roadsters only, no coupes or sedans), Modified and Streamliner. All the fast roadster guys were using bigger rear tires (a hot rod style called “Big and Littles”) to effectively change a car’s gear ratios.
On June 25, 1939, the Western Timing Association (a competitor of the S.C.T.A) which allowed coupes to run, held its first meet at Rosamond Dry Lake.
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On June 25, 1939, the Western Timing Association (a competitor of the S.C.T.A) which allowed coupes to run, held its first meet at Rosamond Dry Lake.
Bill Warth was quickest at 118.89 mph in his Ford 4-banger powered Streamliner.
Here we have the first ad we’ve found for an important speed part from Eddie Meyer.
It’s a complete intake manifold for the Ford V8.
1940 on the dirt was the year of Bob Rufi when he drove his little Chevy 4-banger powered Streamliner running a little “pop” (any of a number of fuel additives).
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1940 on the dirt was the year of Bob Rufi when he drove his little Chevy 4-banger powered Streamliner running a little “pop” (any of a number of fuel additives).
He hit a top speed of 143.54 mph (the fastest speed ever recorded at the Lakes) and set a 140.00 mph class record. He crashed at the November meet, ended up Season Champion, and retired as a driver.
The first ever rear-engine Model A roadster was run by Eddie “Bud” Meyer at the May 19th races. His speed was 121.95 mph.
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The first ever rear-engine Model A roadster was run by Eddie “Bud” Meyer at the May 19th races. His speed was 121.95 mph.
Other firsts for 1940 included the first set of Edelbrock heads to run at the Lakes – on Vic Edelbrock’s own roadster. He ran 117.34 mph at the August 8th races. Class records at the end of the year were Roadster: Vic Edelbrock at 119.44 mph; Modified: Pugh Brothers at 127.035; Streamliner: Bob Rufi at 140.00 mph; and Unlimited: Clint Seccombe at 125.52 mph.
Here’s another early advertisement for Eddie Meyer’s Speed Parts company.
This pitches his cylinder heads for three Ford V8 engines available at the time – the early Ford V8 21-stud head (this means that there were 21 holes in each head for mounting bolts), the later big Ford V8 head with 24 studs, and a smaller Ford V8 60 with 17 studs. Meyer also offered dual intake manifolds and 2-coil distributors. The ad was from the November 1940 S.C.T.A. Race Program.
IMPORTANT MAGAZINE In January 1941 the first issue of Throttle magazine went on sale.
The eight-page magazine was dedicated to promoting amateur auto racing in Southern California, namely Hot Rod Racing. It cost just 10 cents. We also find the first mention of holding an S.C.T.A. meet at Bonneville. To race on the Salt Beds you had to rent it from the State of Utah to pay for the preparation of the racing surface. But the rodders were in no position to do this until August 1949.
1941 was a busy year at the Dry Lakes with the S.C.T.A.holding four meets, Western Timing Association five meets, Russetta two meets, and the Revs Club one meet.
Our final “first” advertisement is for Edelbrock Cylinder Heads first seen in the August 1941 S.C.T.A.Racing News.
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Our final “first” advertisement is for Edelbrock Cylinder Heads first seen in the August 1941 S.C.T.A.Racing News.
Victor Edelbrock Sr. and Jr. built one of the largest speed parts companies over the decades. The company is now known as Edelbrock LLC and headquarted in Olive Branch, MS.
AHRF OPINION On September 16, 1940 Congress passed the Selective Training and Service Act and required every man that was between 21 and 36 years old to register with the local draft Board starting on October 16, 1940.
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AHRF OPINION On September 16, 1940 Congress passed the Selective Training and Service Act and required every man that was between 21 and 36 years old to register with the local draft Board starting on October 16, 1940.
Later amendments included men from 18 to 65 as the war expanded. From 1940 to March 1947 when the Act Expired 10 million men were inducted. We don’t know how many were hot rodders, but it’s likely most hot rodders were in the Service.
The new recruits received advance technical training (see second Photo) in jobs that would serve them well into the 21st century. The sharp ones were exposed to skills they never dreamed of learning such as tool and die making, fabrication, metallurgy, chemistry and advanced electronics. The lucky ones even got hands on experience with technology of the future like fuel injection and turbocharging.
On December 7, 1941, Imperial Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. The U.S. was at War!
For 1942 the S.C.T.A.only pulled off three races before the Government banned all racing.
The fastest Roadster that year was Bebek-DeFabrity at 124.65 mph, fastest Modified (see photo) was driven by Karl Orr at 125.69 mph, Fastest Unlimited entry was Stuart Hilborn’s at 134.73 mph, and the fastest Streamliner was Charlie Beck at 131.96 mph.
In late 1944 Wally Parks wrote a letter to Veda Orr suggesting the re-creation of the S.C.T.A.News.
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In late 1944 Wally Parks wrote a letter to Veda Orr suggesting the re-creation of the S.C.T.A.News.
She rushed out the first issue in November 1944 (see Photo). Circulation was up to 600 one year later. Veda was aware that a new California State Legislation Bill was being debated. If passed, it would have banned all Hot Rods on the road (it didn’t pass).
KEY, KEY, KEY EVENT The GIs begin coming home! Many had known little about hot-rodding until seeing photographs and hearing stories from other soldiers who were hot rodders.
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KEY, KEY, KEY EVENT The GIs begin coming home! Many had known little about hot-rodding until seeing photographs and hearing stories from other soldiers who were hot rodders.
This was huge for hot rodding, given the skills the GIs now had, and that “home” was all over the U.S. Many of these ex-GI’s literally jumped into the hobby and fueled an incredible country-wide demand for Ford Ts, As, and ’32s, and any old car that was “hot roddable” (many were still on the roads), as well as newer “swappable engines” and used speed parts. Junkyards were in fat city!
Car Crazy Southern California was ready for any kind of racing. In October 1945, 9,000 race fans invaded Bonelli Stadium to watch Midget race cars (small purpose-built one-man cars).
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Car Crazy Southern California was ready for any kind of racing. In October 1945, 9,000 race fans invaded Bonelli Stadium to watch Midget race cars (small purpose-built one-man cars).
Billy Vukovich won the first race. Also in October 55,000 fans showed up in the Los Angeles Coliseum to see Ed Haddad win a 25 lap Midget Race and take home $4,000.
On April 28, 1946 the S.C.T.A.held its first official post-war event at El Mirage Dry Lake.
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On April 28, 1946 the S.C.T.A.held its first official post-war event at El Mirage Dry Lake.
There were 184 entries representing 23 Clubs. Fastest speed of the meet was a tie between Stuart Hilborn and Tony Capana (see Photo) at 139.76 mph. At the end of the year, Randy Shinn was Crowned Season Champion.
AMAZING History was being written at the June 2, 1946 S.C.T.A. time trials when Bill Burke showed up with the first-ever “Belly Tank” Streamliner.
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AMAZING History was being written at the June 2, 1946 S.C.T.A. time trials when Bill Burke showed up with the first-ever “Belly Tank” Streamliner.
Powered by a Ford V8 60, the car was timed at 131.00 mph. Belly Tanks, or “Drop Tanks” were expendable steel and aluminum tanks on fighters like the P-51 and P-38. Once the fuel in the Drop Tanks was used, a fighter plane could drop the tanks to increase performance of the plane.
FACTOID Track Roadsters were the kissing cousins of Lakes Roadsters and came on the scene big time after WWII.
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FACTOID Track Roadsters were the kissing cousins of Lakes Roadsters and came on the scene big time after WWII.
By 1947 the cars had evolved into real race cars and the S.C.T.A.’s Outriders Club had moved on en masse from the Lakes to the track when they discovered they could make their hobby into a money making business. In ’48 the Roadsters also got plenty of recognition in the pages of a new magazine called “Hot Rod Magazine”.
CLEVER NEW PART Ted Halibrand opens his first shop in late ’46 early ’47 in Culver City to build Midget wheels and “Quick Change” rear ends. The QC was a very clever device first made by a few hot rodders and then fabricated by Halibrand.
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CLEVER NEW PART Ted Halibrand opens his first shop in late ’46 early ’47 in Culver City to build Midget wheels and “Quick Change” rear ends. The QC was a very clever device first made by a few hot rodders and then fabricated by Halibrand.
With a QC, the drive shaft from the transmission extends into the QC housing, which houses two, stacked gears. The two gears are easily accessible via a removable cover that faces the rear of the car, with the bottom gear being driven directly from the driveshaft and the top gear meshing with the ring gear, which drives the rear wheels. Racers could easily swap their “street” gears in the Quick Change for a variety of ratios for different rear tire sizes and racing conditions in a matter of minutes.
Bonneville was in the spotlight again when on September 16, 1947 John Cobb upped the World Land Speed Record to 394.196 mph.
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Bonneville was in the spotlight again when on September 16, 1947 John Cobb upped the World Land Speed Record to 394.196 mph.
The S.C.T.A. was now a little hot and cold about running on the Salt as the charges by Utah to preserve the salt, and AAA charges for timing, were excessive.
By 1947, “street-driven” hot rods in California were no longer competitive at the Dry Lakes, almost 25 years after the start of Lakes’ racing. Race cars were now “purpose-built”
UH OH Around this same time 165 drivers of “Hopped up Jalopies” were busted near Picadilly Drive in Culver City for racing on an “Improvised Highway Race Track”.
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UH OH Around this same time 165 drivers of “Hopped up Jalopies” were busted near Picadilly Drive in Culver City for racing on an “Improvised Highway Race Track”.
Meanwhile 75 drivers in the San Fernando Valley were nabbed for “Street Racing” on Supelveda Boulevard. Hot rodding at the time had a real bad image.
HUGE EVENT A new magazine debuted at the Hot Rod Expo in January 1948 called “Hot Rod Magazine”.
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HUGE EVENT A new magazine debuted at the Hot Rod Expo in January 1948 called “Hot Rod Magazine”.
The brainchild of Robert E. Peterson, what he thought would be a local Los Angeles magazine for hot rodders quickly became a hugely popular magazine across the entire U.S.
The accompanying photo shows the concept drawing, dated November 1947, (On The Left). The first printed issue of Hot Rod Magazine was published two months later, dated January 1948 (On The Right).
The S.C.T.A.said “forget about Bonneville for 1948” because on January 23 of that year they had sponsored the First Hot Rod Expo. It was held at the Los Angeles National Guard Armory.
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The S.C.T.A.said “forget about Bonneville for 1948” because on January 23 of that year they had sponsored the First Hot Rod Expo. It was held at the Los Angeles National Guard Armory.
It made a lot of money for a lot less work!
At the Lakes there were only two body classes allowed for ’48 – Roadsters and Streamliners (see both Photos). Each had four engine size breaks.
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At the Lakes there were only two body classes allowed for ’48 – Roadsters and Streamliners (see both Photos). Each had four engine size breaks.
At Indy in 1948 past and present So-Cal Lakes runners were well in attendance. Tommy Lee entered his Mercedes Benz Grand Prix car.
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At Indy in 1948 past and present So-Cal Lakes runners were well in attendance. Tommy Lee entered his Mercedes Benz Grand Prix car.
Rex Mays and Pete Clark were running the Bowes Seal Fast car, Jack McGrath and Sam Hanks were Drivers and Jim Travers and Frank Coon were Chief Mechanics.
At the July 17-18, 1948 El Mirage Time Trials Stuart Hilborn’s Class B Streamliner was the first S.C.T.A. car to exceed 150 mph on the dirt.
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At the July 17-18, 1948 El Mirage Time Trials Stuart Hilborn’s Class B Streamliner was the first S.C.T.A. car to exceed 150 mph on the dirt.
Driver Howard Wilson was timed at 150.50 mph. Its 21 stud “Flattie” (early cylinder heads on Ford V8s from 1932 to 1937) was fitted with Stu’s experimental Fuel Injection system, another first.
On September 19, 1948 the S.C.T.A.and its 37 Member Clubs join the National Safety Council to promote driving safety.
With so many roadsters showing up to run in ’48 the S.C.T.A.decided to break the roadster class in two for ’49 with the addition of Lakesters.
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With so many roadsters showing up to run in ’48 the S.C.T.A.decided to break the roadster class in two for ’49 with the addition of Lakesters.
Roadsters were ‘28 or later bodies mounted on top of the chassis with a production radiator shell and no belly pan. Lakesters were pre ’28 bodies that could be channeled with bellypans and frontal streamlining.
After years of back and forth, Bonneville is finally a go.
The July 16-17 S.C.T.A. Racing Program announces the First Annual Bonneville National Speed Trials will be held on August 22 to 27, 1949. A total of 56 cars would take laps down the track.
Fastest one way run at Bonneville in 1949 was the Xydias & Batchelor Number 5 Class C Streamliner at 193.54 mph.They also established a new class record at 189.745 mph.
Eight New Records were set at the Lakes in ’49.
The fastest Roadster was Reemsnyder & Sullivan at 138.47 mph. Fastest Lakester was Don Waite (see Photo) at 149.625 mph. And the fastest Streamliner was Xydias & Batchelor at 174.33 mph.
We have Bob Joehnck and the boys from the Santa Barbara Accelleration Association holding Drag Races at the Goleta Airport as early as November 1949.
IMPORTANT FIRST The first drag race that got everyone’s attention at Goleta was a match race between Tom Cobbs in his Roots-supercharged roadster against Fran Hernandez’s fender-less Deuce coupe, shown here at a dry lakes meet.
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IMPORTANT FIRST The first drag race that got everyone’s attention at Goleta was a match race between Tom Cobbs in his Roots-supercharged roadster against Fran Hernandez’s fender-less Deuce coupe, shown here at a dry lakes meet.
Fran won, thanks to the first use of Nitromethane fuel on a drag strip.
The first Annual National Roadster Show was held in Oakland, California from January 19 to 22, 1950.
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The first Annual National Roadster Show was held in Oakland, California from January 19 to 22, 1950.
Bill Niekamp’s beautiful Street and Lakes ’29 Ford Roadster was awarded the “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” Trophy.
On Memorial Day 1950 Mauri Rose finishes second in the 500 thanks to his Offy’s Lakes developed Hilborn Fuel Injection and the wrenching by Lakes racers.
S.C.T.A., Russetta and Bell Timing will run a total of 20 meets on the dirt this year really tearing it up.
On July 3, 1950 C.J.Hart holds his first Drag Race at the Santa Ana Airport.
On July 15 he holds another one. And on July 16, a few miles north in Tustin at the Blimp Base (photo), the A.M.A. and the S.C.T.A. joined forces to hold a combined Motorcycle and Car Acceleration event. Louis Senter and Lou Baney weren’t far behind when they opened a strip at Saugus.
Meanwhile at Bonneville a shootout for World’s Fastest Hot Rod title was going on.
The Kenz & Leslie Class D Streamliner was timed at 210.6489 mph and the Xydias & Batchelor Class C Streamliner was timed at 210.8962 mph. We call that a “horse (power) race”.
Also on the salt Puffy Puffer driving Marvin Lee’s City of Pasadena Streamliner flips it around 212 mph and walks away, slowly.
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Also on the salt Puffy Puffer driving Marvin Lee’s City of Pasadena Streamliner flips it around 212 mph and walks away, slowly.
Jimmy Jackson in a Diesel powered Kurtis Indy car set six new speed records, the fastest was 165.23 mph.
George Barris built this Custom Buick and became a Star at Robert E. Petersen’s First Motorama held at the Shrine Auditorium in 1950.
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George Barris built this Custom Buick and became a Star at Robert E. Petersen’s First Motorama held at the Shrine Auditorium in 1950.
Von Dutch (real name Kenny Howard) debuts as the Crazy Painter and Striper – and later becomes famous!
BAD NEWS Every nasty accident was blamed on hot rodders driving crazy on the streets.
Sometimes these crashes were actually just real accidents. This pix shows a newspaper man’s dream shot to demonize rodders.
A small percentage had poorly built cars, which were by definition unsafe at high speeds. These were considered “jalopies” and frowned upon by hot rodders and the Clubs. Boys with jalopies were responsible for frequent accidents that gave all hot rodders a bad name. Newspaper journalists and – worse – local and state police, broadly blamed the hot rod phenomenon for any accident involving a vintage, modified car without undertsanding the distinction.
Something had to be done, and it was not lost on Wally Parks, an active hot rodder and member of the Road Runners Car Club in LA.
SAVED THE DAY Wally Parks pulled together some of the most reliable pioneers of hot rodding to address the “jalopy” situation by getting legitimate hot rodding off the streets.
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SAVED THE DAY Wally Parks pulled together some of the most reliable pioneers of hot rodding to address the “jalopy” situation by getting legitimate hot rodding off the streets.
They formed the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in 1951. He and his new team of hot rod pioneers mounted a cross-country tour in a station wagon and trailer labelled the “Safety Safari” during 1954 to 1956. They met with hot rodders, local police, and city officials in a large number of cities, and worked out areas where drag races could be safely held (typically old airports and other abandoned paved areas). This was a hugely important effort that kept hot rodding – to this day – to be an admirable and vibrant sport.
Paradise Mesa Drag Strip near San Diego opened in 1951 and was run by the San Diego Timing Association.
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Paradise Mesa Drag Strip near San Diego opened in 1951 and was run by the San Diego Timing Association.
Otto Crocker was the chief timer. Member Jim Nelson developed basic weight/displacement class rules for cars that were later adopted by the NHRA.
At the Lakes in June 1951 Earl Evans blew everyone away with 165.441 mph run in hot Class C Lakester as did Dick Pierson in his B Modified Coupe at 139.103 mph and Bill Likes in his Class B Roadster at 137.404 mph.
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At the Lakes in June 1951 Earl Evans blew everyone away with 165.441 mph run in hot Class C Lakester as did Dick Pierson in his B Modified Coupe at 139.103 mph and Bill Likes in his Class B Roadster at 137.404 mph.
CHECK THIS OUT Around this time, with the success of “Hot Rod Magazine”, other publishers jumped on the bandwagon to cash in on the new Automotive Gold Mine.
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CHECK THIS OUT Around this time, with the success of “Hot Rod Magazine”, other publishers jumped on the bandwagon to cash in on the new Automotive Gold Mine.
Hundreds of new titles made the scene including “Hop-Up”, “Honk”, “Motorsport World”, “Motorsport”, “Motor Trend” and “Autosport Review” to name a few. Some lived and some died but the floodgate was now open and would last for years.
In August on the salt (i.e.Bonneville) it was even more impressive with 172 cars making runs down the salt with those now famous black lines as a guide for the first time.
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In August on the salt (i.e.Bonneville) it was even more impressive with 172 cars making runs down the salt with those now famous black lines as a guide for the first time.
Most impressive in our book was Ak Miller’s drop-dead gorgeous aerodynamically tweaked ’27 Ford Roadster powered by a 309 cubic inch Merc flattie. He ran 172.744 mph for a first in class on the way to setting a new class record.
In May 1952 the hot rod boys invaded the Road Race world again showing up at Torrey Pines.
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In May 1952 the hot rod boys invaded the Road Race world again showing up at Torrey Pines.
Max Balchowski was one with the Vogel Brothers-revised / Jimmy Summers-built Deuce Roadster now fitted with a Cadillac V-8 flathead.
There were lots of head turners on the Salt in August 1952. The C&T Powered Estes Streamliner set a AAA Record at 229.77 mph.
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There were lots of head turners on the Salt in August 1952. The C&T Powered Estes Streamliner set a AAA Record at 229.77 mph.
The Kenz & Leslie Liner ran 251.10 mph and the Chet Herbert Beast Liner ran 236 mph. Most impressive in our book was Mickey Thompson’s twin engine Bantam Coupe at 194.34 mph.
“On the dirt” (meaning at the Lakes), it was Tom Beatty’s Supercharged Flattie (flathead engine) powered Bellytank at 177.16 mph and the Post Special Streamliner at 162.16 mph.
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“On the dirt” (meaning at the Lakes), it was Tom Beatty’s Supercharged Flattie (flathead engine) powered Bellytank at 177.16 mph and the Post Special Streamliner at 162.16 mph.
The third Custom car to make the cover of “Hot Rod Magazine” was the Polynesian in September 1953.
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The third Custom car to make the cover of “Hot Rod Magazine” was the Polynesian in September 1953.
It was a reworked 1950 Oldsmobile and was built by Valley Custom in Burbank who also built the body for the So-Cal Speed Shop Streamliner.
In 1953 pre-war Lakes racer Bill Stroppe turned sports car racer driving a short wheelbase Kurtis 500 S powered by an Edelbrock-equipped Merc Flattie. He won six straight first places.
Say “Adios” to the venerable Ford Flathead at the end of 1953 when Ford introduced its new 239” OHV V-8 for 1954.
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Say “Adios” to the venerable Ford Flathead at the end of 1953 when Ford introduced its new 239” OHV V-8 for 1954.
They followed that up in ‘55 with the addition of a new 292 V-8 for the Thunderbird called the Ford Y-block.
By 1954 Dry Lakes racing was in decline while Drag Racing was growing by leaps and bounds.
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By 1954 Dry Lakes racing was in decline while Drag Racing was growing by leaps and bounds.
The NHRA Drag Racing Safety Safari was initiated to spread the word and promote Drag Racing. The Safari lasted through 1956.
HOT RODS for JUNIOR In 1954 the Revell Highway Pioneers series releases the first of many Hot Rod model car kits in plastic.
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HOT RODS for JUNIOR In 1954 the Revell Highway Pioneers series releases the first of many Hot Rod model car kits in plastic.
The Deuce cost seventy nine cents. How many kits did you old-timers build?
AMAZING HOW LONG IT TOOK In the Autum of 1954 Chevrolet changed the hot rod world forever with the introduction of its all new 265” OHV V-8 for it’s 1955 Model year.
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AMAZING HOW LONG IT TOOK In the Autum of 1954 Chevrolet changed the hot rod world forever with the introduction of its all new 265” OHV V-8 for it’s 1955 Model year.
Later called the “Small Block”, this engine became the motor to have for hot rodders. Why would one spend hundreds of dollars hopping up an antiquated Ford flathead when the new lighter Chevy was higher revving and had more horsepower in stock form?
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winner in 1955 was Blackie Gejeian’s ride he called the “Shishkabob”.
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America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winner in 1955 was Blackie Gejeian’s ride he called the “Shishkabob”.
The car had a ’27 Ford Roadster body molded together with the chassis, another hot rod first!
OOPS! By the early ‘50s, in California, hot rodding took a big hit.
If your ride didn’t have fenders on it, and weighed over 1,500 pounds, Hello Ticket! Many rides got parked in the garage for years.
Bonneville was run at the end of August in 1955.
Standouts that year were Fritz Voight (Mickey Thompson’s Secret Weapon) who set a new record at 179.15 mph in his Class D Roadster. The Niekamp & Peterson D Modified Roadster upped the record to 203.034 mph. Art Chrisman ran an amazing 190.84 mph in his rear-engined Model A in Class D Comp Coupe and Sedan.
The NHRA held its First National Championship Drag Races in Great Bend Kansas on September 29 to October 2, 1955.
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The NHRA held its First National Championship Drag Races in Great Bend Kansas on September 29 to October 2, 1955.
Fastest car at the meet was the twin engine Bustle Bomb at 151.00 mph in 10.48 seconds. Rain washed out the final rounds on the last day. Two months later in Phoenix, Arizona Calvin Rice won and was crowned National Champion with a run of 141.95 mph in 10.30 seconds.
In 1955 Dry Lakes racer Chuck Daigh was running the Ford Motor Company “back door” NASCAR Racing Team for Peter De Paolo out of Long Beach, California.
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In 1955 Dry Lakes racer Chuck Daigh was running the Ford Motor Company “back door” NASCAR Racing Team for Peter De Paolo out of Long Beach, California.
The Team upset everybody by winning at Willow Springs in November.
In 1956 Scotty Fenn built a 100” wheelbase prototype chassis that would morph into a TE 440 Slingshot.
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In 1956 Scotty Fenn built a 100” wheelbase prototype chassis that would morph into a TE 440 Slingshot.
Fenn sold one to Cliff Bedwell and Emery Cook who ran it with a flattie and a small 331” Chrysler. They rebuilt the car for the ’57 season, dropped in a 354” Hemi on nitro, ran Isky’s first 5-Cycle cam, used a Crower U-Fab intake and became the first dragster to break the 160 mph mark when it ran 166.97 mph at Long Beach. They got a “Hot Rod Magazine” cover in October ’57 and Monogram Models built a kit of the car.
AW, TOO BAD General Motors XP-64 (known as the Corvette SS) was built in late 1956 and showed up at Sebring, Florida for the 12 Hour Road Race in March ’57 to wow the world.
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AW, TOO BAD General Motors XP-64 (known as the Corvette SS) was built in late 1956 and showed up at Sebring, Florida for the 12 Hour Road Race in March ’57 to wow the world.
John Fitch and Piero Tarufi were the designated drivers and both Moss and Fangio both took rides in it. The beautiful Magniesium body trapped heat inside the car and toasted the driver. Add a rear chassis failure to its woes and the car only lasted 23 laps in the race.
The now famous Los Angeles Roadster Club was formed in 1957 and held it’s first real car show in the Hollywood Bowl parking lot on July 31, 1960 with 70 cars.
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The now famous Los Angeles Roadster Club was formed in 1957 and held it’s first real car show in the Hollywood Bowl parking lot on July 31, 1960 with 70 cars.
This cool T based roadster was on display. Note the great looking nerf bars on the fenders.
INGENIOUS Meanwhile the U.S. Automobile Manufacturers Association voted to enact a ban on all Automobile racing beginning on June 1, 1957.
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INGENIOUS Meanwhile the U.S. Automobile Manufacturers Association voted to enact a ban on all Automobile racing beginning on June 1, 1957.
Bye Bye to covert factory race participation, and Hello to private teams with covert factory financing like Holman & Moody for Ford (see Photo), Smokey Yunick for Pontiac, and Lee Petty for Olds.
The June 1957 cover of Rod & Custom featured the coolest Custom of all times, the Dream Truck.
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The June 1957 cover of Rod & Custom featured the coolest Custom of all times, the Dream Truck.
Tony Nancy got his first Hot Rod Magazine cover in December.
1958 started off with a bang when “Hot Rod Magazine” featured ¼ Midget cars for kids on the cover.
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1958 started off with a bang when “Hot Rod Magazine” featured ¼ Midget cars for kids on the cover.
The July Rod & Custom featured another winner for grownups in the form of the Go-Kart craze. We also got the first Kent Fuller built dragster and the amazing Barris built Ala-Kart that year.
After Chevrolet’s failure with their Revolutionary new Corvette SS at Sebring in 1957 a group of California Hot Rodders led by Woolworth Department Store heir Lance Reventlow blew everyone away!
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After Chevrolet’s failure with their Revolutionary new Corvette SS at Sebring in 1957 a group of California Hot Rodders led by Woolworth Department Store heir Lance Reventlow blew everyone away!
Their car won the 1958 Sports Car Club of America National Championship with Reventlow’s “Scarab” sports car. In late ’58 Chuck Daigh drove the car to a win at Riverside International Grand Prix, beating the best cars and drivers in the world. In the typical rodder style of thumbing their noses at civility the car was named after an Egyptian dung beetle.
On October 10, 1958 the hot rod world got a big shot in the arm with the introduction of the television show 77 Sunset Strip.
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On October 10, 1958 the hot rod world got a big shot in the arm with the introduction of the television show 77 Sunset Strip.
Parking valet Gerald Lloyd “Kookie” Kooksin III was the breakout character played by Ed Byrnes and was usually seen behind the wheel of his flamed Norm Grabowski built T-Bucket Roadster. We were treated with the slang word “Ginchy”, the song “Kookie, Kookie, Lend me your Comb” and the sound of burning rubber. The show ran through February, 1964.
In August Mickey Thompson and Fritz Voigt stopped off at Bonneville on the way to the Detroit Drags with their Bob Sorrell bodied twin-engine Chrysler powered dragster.
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In August Mickey Thompson and Fritz Voigt stopped off at Bonneville on the way to the Detroit Drags with their Bob Sorrell bodied twin-engine Chrysler powered dragster.
They grabbed a first in Class E Streamliner at 286.285. Then they went home and started work on the 4-engined Challenger for ‘59.
1959 started out a quiet year. Then Mickey Thompson showed up at Bonneville in August with his new 4-engined Streamliner and was timed at 362.318 mph for a first in class.
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1959 started out a quiet year. Then Mickey Thompson showed up at Bonneville in August with his new 4-engined Streamliner and was timed at 362.318 mph for a first in class.
He then upped the record to 330.5125 mph. Favorite car of the year was Dean Jefferies quad-headlighted Platinum Pearl ’58 Porsche.
The wildest hot rod of 1959 (and maybe forever!) was Ed Roth’s “Excaliber”.
Ed sculpted his vision of what the World’s Wildest Roadster should look like in plaster, and then built it out of fiberglass. It was first shown at Disneyland in California.
In the mid ‘50s Rod & Custom magazine brought us the magical series called “Off the Sketchpad” thanks to Lynn Wineland.
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In the mid ‘50s Rod & Custom magazine brought us the magical series called “Off the Sketchpad” thanks to Lynn Wineland.
By the end of the decade it was showcasing the talent of Art Center alumni like Chuck Pelly (Model A Roadster) and Tom Daniel (Shoebox Ford) with fantastic design ideas that continue to this day with the likes of Thom Taylor and Chip Foose.
At the Grand National Roaster Show (GNRS) in January 1960, Chuck Kikorian pushed the definition of a wild roadster another step.
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At the Grand National Roaster Show (GNRS) in January 1960, Chuck Kikorian pushed the definition of a wild roadster another step.
He debuted his George Barris-built Model A Roadster called the “Emperor”. It was featured on the cover of the July ’60 issue of “Rod & Custom” magazine.
By the end of the decade GNRS was showcasing the talent of Art Center alumni like Chuck Pelly (Model A Roadster) and Tom Daniel (Shoebox Ford) with fantastic design ideas that continue to this day with the likes of Thom Taylor and Chip Foose.
In 1948 AMT Models was formed and supplied 1/25 scale Promotional Cars for Detroit auto manufacturers.
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In 1948 AMT Models was formed and supplied 1/25 scale Promotional Cars for Detroit auto manufacturers.
In 1960 they released their new 3-in-1 kit line so you could build three different versions of the car. Their hottest seller was the 1932 Ford 5-window coupe that you could build fenderless and powered by a Chrysler Hemi. Young rodders were in Heaven! In ’61 they released a Deuce Roadster model that sold even better!
The July 1960 issue of Hot Rod Magazine featured the wildest ’32 Ford coupe ever built.
It was owned by Clarence “Chili” Catallo. On October 7, 1963 it gained even more fame on the cover of the Beach Boys third album called “Little Deuce Coupe.”