Art & Inspiration Traditional images that need no explanation.

Hello,

As old as the Halibrand Engineering company is these days, in the early exposure to the drag racing /hot rod world was started in the Westcoast.

We had heard of the Halibrand Company and saw the displays at our local speed shops, Joe Mailliard Automotive, Reath Automotive and in various magazines. As our interests in all thing hot rod and drag racing expanded,we like the look of the shiny rear center section of an early rear axle set up. The quick replaceable gears for any driving situation was perfect for our needs. It was destined for our first Model A Coupe.

But, in talking to those that had a Halibrand Rear Center Section, in place on their hot rods and drag race cars, one thing was apparent. They made noise when moving or accelerating. We had no idea why, but it was there. So, for our first choice, we decided to get a replaceable Chevy third member unit for our gear changes in the next level race car.

Jnaki

But, every time we saw a cool hot rod sitting on a rake of sorts, that shiny rear section was staring us in the face. It was something we almost solved by getting one for the later Willys Coupe. After all, the Willys Coupe was supposed to be a dual purpose street-strip hot rod. As we expanded our teenage driving locations, the 4:56 gears would not do on the normal daily drives and long distance road trips, even if it was just to go south 50 miles to a cool drive in restaurant snack stop.

So, a different gear ratio was necessary. Pop open the rear plate and change the gears. How simple is that? But, those early discussions with owners and hot rod builders, we decided not to get one. Unless we built a hot rod for car shows.

Our needs and our choices changed over time and we always loved the look of the Halibrand Quick Change unit and envy those that have them. But, if we ever built a another hot rod, it would look ten times better than a big black rear axle housing. YRMV

 

Was this Spence Murray's car ?

 

This is a great picture- any idea what it says on the tow rig? It sure looks like they were headed out for a great day.

 

Looks like it,,,,,,

 

Like a Chinese menu. One from column A, on from, column B.

 

Just a reminder, these all (or at least most) of these were crushed by the end of 1942.

 

jnaki
I'm sure I've seen these in their original issue but it sure would be cool if those photos/text could be cleared up and enlarged, I'm with you, Halibrand gets in your blood.
By the way, here is my favorite photo of Ted Halibrand.

 

Let’s see, a 1/4 turn on the throttle linkage, 1/2 turn on the idle, 1/8 turn on the air/fuel, advance the timing 30 degrees, 10% underdrive on the blower, clean the magneto and activate, fresh oil in differential and we’re good.

 

A Mysterious modified roadster first seen at the December 1959 Riverside Raceway East Vs West Drag Race meet.


Hello,

When my brother and I went with a few other teenagers to the all day East vs West drag meet at the Riverside Raceway, we had to leave early, in order to get in the gates at the opening time. The surface streets from Long Beach to Riverside took a lot longer than it would, today. But, we all enjoyed the teenage camaraderie along the way.

It was supposed to be the first of its kind. Why? No one had toured the USA for drag racing until this event. The top racers in each division, in each area, usually stayed at home and raced familiar faces. But, once a year, they gathered at the Nationals held in various big cities from the beginning. For most, it was racing against the other racers locally.

This race event was advertised as the Who’s Who of drag racing all gathering in So Cal’s city of Riverside.

Needless to say, it was a cold morning that got to T-shirt weather by 9o am and then late in the afternoon, started to get to jacket weather for the events closing and long trip home. I was designated to go around the whole complex of race cars, the pits and staging areas to film those visiting racers and the hot locals. It was an eye opener and I still have memories of walking around taking various films of the racers I liked, whether they came from outside of So Cal or the fast locals ready for some action.

Jnaki

Ever since I took this old film in the pits during 1959, I could remember the names of everyone. But, over time and storing away the original 16mm films still on their original reels, I lost track of who is who in some of the photos. But, now, this particular modified roadster has its mystery solved.
Jack Schnepl Lincoln Powered A/ Roadster Class winner