Art & Inspiration Traditional images that need no explanation.

I like this. I really like this! I need something like this in my life!

Paradise Road, a few hours later.

 

That's what you said just before you bought a dune buggy!

 

Hello,

We saw the original Tommy Ivo crew with success in a single Buick powered FED from the early days at Lion’s Dragstrip. (see old Tommy Ivo links or J NAKI... You Tube Channel) as the years rolled on, the aspect of “more power” and going faster against some of the top racers in the USA was important. So, variations of “more power” was used.

From the single injected Buick motor in the same short wheelbase chassis, it set records and won a lot of top eliminator races all over So Cal. Then as the need for more power, again called out, a 671 supercharger was in the works.

Finally, the streamlined, powerful dual injected Buick FED was created and the history books showcased the super fast race car in all of its glory.

He was the “First” to break the 9’s with an 8.95 and 8.98 E.T. :
1960

Jnaki

So, what was the progression from this racer’s standpoint? Well, sell the old single Buick FED to one of his best friends.

Lion's Dragstrip Pit action between time trials.
By the end of 1959, the twin Buick of Tommy Ivo was setting records and was one of the fastest FED Race cars. By early 1960, Don Prudhomme had his first Buick powered single engine car. But, with Stromberg carburetors and not injectors. We all had to start somewhere.

Throughout the West Coast drag racing history, the chassis received a blower on the single Buick, then a Hemi with a blower in its different appearances. (Photo to introduce the story) Finally, the power overcame the short chassis, so the next development was taking place…and history progresses.

Early crew activities:
Don Prudhomme’s 1959-60 Stromberg powered Buick Buick FED
Prudhomme early days
WDIFL files
"Don Prudhomme" - Riverside Raceway, CA. - 1959

You want history? This is Don Prudhomme's very first run in a dragster. He bought Ivo's single engine Buick car. Don painted it white with a red nose.
Don Prudhomme - "Prudhomme & Zueshel" - Lions, 1961
"Okay, who the hell's yankin' on my car?"
Prudhomme's first car post-Buick. Dave Zeuschel Chrysler on gas.

Note: So, what became of the hemi powered Kent Fuller chassis FED?
Pete Garramone photos and information:
Gordon Heth in the seat of the Heth/Thompson with George Becker assisting. Heth went onto build race car engines and was quite successful. This car was later taken apart and lengthened. The car was stolen, before it was put back together and never seen again.
all photos by Pete Garramone

Gordon and Dave bought this car from Don Prudhomme. It originally belonged to Tommy Ivo. It was
A Kent Fuller chassis (note the key shaped push bar) and was upholstered by Tony Nancy.

 

The radiator still looks good.

 

Turbonique ?

 

Bigger tires in front again.