That is so cool! I never saw the Brissette '29 roadster run, but did see the Bantam that replaced it...i would still love to identify the roadster blowing its guts out on the Pomona starting line. I found the photo searching the Los Angeles Public Library, but there was no name associated with it.
Late 1955 Willie Borsch teamed up with Jim Harrell bringing his Chrysler Hemi to replace the flathead in this ‘29 Roadster. Harrell ran a machine shop and also produced flathead V8 heads and intake manifolds.
Albrich, Coonrod, Floyd AA/FD . Jim Albrich owned the engine, Jack Coonrod, the TE 440 chassis, and Earl Floyd the driver, all friends of mine. The first blown nitro engine I ever heard, in '62. Forerunner to the "Northwind".
I wonder if this topend cover would have actually withstood a blower explosion ? This one would have most likely been made of fiberglass, and possibly other unknown material(s). With todays carbon fiber / Kevlar / PE fiber mix, something with this mixture might fully contain a ripped belt and or a blower explosion. Mike
I guess seeing this as a kid is why I always thought certain station wagons were cool. They were the quintessential parts chaser/push car along with the early sixties Suburban/Carry-All.
Wayne Ewing built the original body and scoop, if that is a newer photo, and I suspect it is, Stevie Davis probably made that one.
Lotsa interesting stuff on this engine!!!!! Is that some sorta self-contained supercharger system?! (I have often thought about this....guess it wasn't an original thought, huh?!) 6sally6
Not even close to my favorite scoop. I thought everyone knew my all time favorite scoop is a Red Greth made Speed Sport scoop. About that street roadster hood. In '63 NHRA mandated that all street roadsters had to at least run the top of a hood, and the top of the engine must be completely covered. Didn't bother us unblown cars, but it sure caused some goofy looking hoods on some of the blown cars.
Originally posted by NATRLGAS49, I wanted to get an idea of what this photo looked like when it was picked up at the local Photomat 54 years ago. Pretty kool.
The Jalopy Journal
