Pics: Nationals 1955-1958

First, I must say that I did none of the hard work, I'm just simply passing it on. The pictures were taken by Bob Hellmuth, who is also a contributor for the Bonneville Racing News.

My friend Paul Monds went along with him to these races, and was recently sent these copies of the slides he made. Paul told me all of the stories about the pictures, and this stuff seems much too awesome not to share. I hope to get Paul to add comments to the pictures sometime soon, it makes them come to life.

The last album is some of the Strokers car club in St. Louis, and feature Mr. Paul Monds himself, along with his buddies. The gold chassis Model A is his, he'll have to explain the rest.

Man this stuff is freaking cool. Enjoy.

http://public.fotki.com/inkorekt/

 

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There's some neat stuff there...

Thanks,

Drewfus

 

Freaking cool indeed, amazing that they were taken 50 yrs. ago. Thanks!

 

That almost gave me tears of sentimental happiness..............and I wasn't even a lustful thought back then. Man, those were great pictures. It was hard to resist right clicking every one of em' into the slide show. Thank you.

 

Some of the best pic's ever seen on the H.A.M.B. I've got to stop waisting time on the computer and build me a time machine, fast!

 

DAMM.......Thank you

 

Those are great!

This would be a wild little shop truck:

 

cool pics, thanks for sharing.

 

John, thank you for showing us. These pictures are very amazing. PS let me know how your hot rod is coming along.

 

What a treat, awesome never seen photos.

 

Mmmmmmmmmmmm - colour photos.

Thanks heaps !

Edit: I was reading through the Wally Parks "Drag Racing Yesterday and Today" book last night - there is a lot of coverage of the early Nationals in it, but all the pics are B&W. I'm really enjoying seeing them in colour now.

 

Excelent!!! thanks!

 

YES! Very cool, thanks for posting!

 

Paul said that Bob Hellmuth gave these slides to Wally Parks to put in a book, but I guess he never used them.

 

Inkorekt,
Those pictures needed to be seen and appreciated. It is 8:00 in the morning and there have 1200 hits already. Bob Hellmuth was the photographer.
The Strokers Car club started in 1954 and had about 100 members on and off for at least 10 active years. Members and friends still get together for annual gatherings 50 + years latter.
The pictures were from various club functions and members cars as well as the car show held at a local shopping center in the late 50's.
Drag pictures were taken at AHRA Nationals in Laurenceville, Il. in 1955 as well as NHRA Nationals in Kansas City in 1956 and Oklahoma City in 1957 and 1958.
If there are any questions about individual cars, either reply to this Thread or pm me.
Paul
deChrome

 

First-rate photos. Each and every pic is worth a look. Thanks for sharing!

The Strokers album has a couple shots of Wayne Arteaga doing his thing.

 

WOW! So glad you shared those so cool pics with us. Brought back so many old memories,Thanks.

 

I am right there with you man....but lucky for us that we have us a "time machine" right here...just untill the rest of the parts show up for yours .

This is great...I cant wait for some of the commentary...but untill then I will continue to day-dream.

thanks Inkorekt for sharing!

--reed

 

What a bunch of memory food. Major cool.

 

Thank you! A great set of photos. I will go back through them again and again.
Jon

 

Amazing To Say The Least...tons Of Great Ideas Should Spawn From Those Pictures

 

See, it just goes to show you that everything didn't happen in California! Ha Ha Ha

Thanks John, now go out and work on your car you lazy bum.

 

Awesome collection of photos. Anyone else notice that virtually all of the "traditional" hot rods, race cars and customs in these photos are "painted"?

 

Some Great shots, hope nobody minded I sent an PM to the AHRF they should achive those.

I think this attached image is the 61 AMBR Roadster. I don't know but it looks like it. I also loved seeing Honest Charley's car among others.

 

Any more pics of information on this truck?? Love the head lights and eye brow treatment.

Jon

 

Boy this sure looks like my roadster in the far lane, anybody have any more info?

 

wow! Fantastic pictures!!!

 

Those pic's are "sooo kool"!! Thanks!!

 

Thank you !!!!
You just made my day !
Great photo's

Thanks

 

It is a time machine! I just lost track of 3 hours at work!

thanks a mil!