It took me just a second to recognize that his livery says Oahu, T.H. because in the early 50's, it was still the Territory of Hawaii and not yet a state. Very cool.
Great story! The aircraft behind him is a Douglas A-26 Invader (USN designation, JD-1) with VU-1, a Utility Squadron. JD-1’s were used as target tugs, drone directors and general utility. It looks like he made great use of the Navy paint locker as his fuel tank racer is finished in the Navy colors of Orange-Yellow with an International Orange stripe and a standard, Star and Bar insignia.
The danger is never far away....sad really...it's often said they died doing what they loved but it's such a loss...live fast die hard comes to mind...I was surprised when I found out that Roadster was connected to one of ours...he did it justice...it's a beauty...and it has had some notoriety that's for sure... Thanks for sharing this despite it's tragic twist... May he rest in peace...
Harvey Haller standing next to his Lakester / in front of the #3 De Havilland Mosquito looks like the actor Lloyd Bridges.
I got to meet some folks that were close to Harvey's family last week. From all accounts, Harvey was one of those dudes that lived full throttle and if not for the accident, he would have left a much bigger mark on the hot rod world. He was constantly innovating, experimenting, and trying his best to make everything in his life faster and more efficient. Interestingly, it was a mindset he found in the military... and it would later evolve so far that he couldn't bear to be in the military a minute more. He was out the day the thought came to him.
My grade school pals'older brother came home from the Navy in 67, brought a 58 Chrysler with 392 power back from San Diego, the hood had a huge US flag painted on it. I wonder where that paint came from.
Hey @Ryan That is indeed a great story, thanks for sharing. That unquenchable need for speed, sometimes, bites hard, at least Harvey went for it, full throttle!
Hey Cob, just for the sake of accuracy, that is NOT a Dehavilland Mosquito, it's a Douglas A-26 invader. Mosquito's were made of wood and were tail dragger's. There is a vast difference, see enclosed photo. Thanks from Dennis.
So Frank and Harvey both joined the 200MPH Club bringing the membership to 11 at that time. In a belly tanker. Packing some industrial sized luggage, I'd say.
Yep I meant the Douglas Invader. My bad - thanks for the point out. Both the Invader and Mosquito were kick ***.
He must have had a good personality to weave a racing habit into a military career. Great story, his flame burned brighter than most. Tragic end.
Here's the Breene & Haller Lakester (behind Tommy Thompson's #990 Streamliner) on the salt in 1953:
Here's the {Frank} Breene & {Harvey}Haller Lakester on the salt in 1949: Frank Breene's mother posing with the car she "sponsored" . . . and here's a clipping from the (August 26, 1949) San Pedro News Pilot newspaper:
The Jalopy Journal
