Art & Inspiration Traditional images that need no explanation.

Not lots of room in chopped top with a stock height seat .

 

Hello,

Yes, amazing feat for a single engine non-supercharged FED from the 1958 builds. From 1958 to 1960, we saw Tommy Ivo’s race cars at Lion’s Dragstrip weekly. From the carburetor version to the injection version of the single Buick motor FED. Show quality build and fast to boot.

The progression of the injected Buick to the next level was interesting. A 671 on top should have made the new build faster.


But, we only saw the 671 version on several weekends in fall of 1959. By the time the year was finishing with the biggest drag race in the Westcoast, a new Buick powered FED was created and shown to the So Cal drag race community. (A NEW Twin Bbuick motor FED)

1959 Riverside Raceway




Jnaki

In 1959, Tommy Ivo showcased the new dragster at Lion’s Dragstrip and Riverside Raceway. It was so powerful and fast that records fell quickly, starting with the unheard of sub 9 second barrier down the quarter mile.

Not only were they prepping for the always packed So Cal contingent in the A/Gas Dragster Class, but after the record setting runs, the team of Ivo and Prudhomme started the whole pro touring attitude to dragstrips all over the country.

The first one that was the most famous, due to the fact that no one else was doing cross country road trips for drag racing sponsorships. Sure, others towed across the country for a big Westcoast event starting in 1959, but these two guys started the whole “pro touring”DD events and attractions.

Then, when that meet was over and the new year settled in, he started setting top speed and low e.t. records at various So Cal dragstrips. He topped it off at the Bakersfield Smokers March Meet #2. Where he did an unusual thing…



“Road Kings? Ha! True to the club's title meanings...”

Ever since Don Prudhomme was part of Tommy Ivo’s crew and friend, my brother and I have always liked the progress of his career. It was one long, successful, competitive career. He was seen as an integral part of each of Tommy Ivo’s Buick FED race cars. He was even part of the first professional USA road tour of the major dragstrips with the Ivo Twin Buick FED.

Don Prudhomme Book excerpt:

“Then, as history has told us, he and Don Prudhomme went on a cross country road trip to start the whole touring thing for the big time, big name drag racers, first from So Cal, then from all over. They were getting paid to tour and show up at various drag strips in the USA.”

We all started somewhere, some just started in the right place at the right time…
San Fernando Valley, So Cal. + Lion's Dragstrip...YRMV


1960
Tommy Ivo Twin … actual sounds 1960… Thanks, Mr. Nailhead…

 

I saw the same thing happen at the Bakersfield Re-union several years ago. Another spectator commented that is the first time he saw a Fuel Altered with all 4 wheels off of the ground and it didn't flip over.

 

Some one from Australia. Note the height of the top.

 

Coming in for a landing.....
.....Or taking off..

 

Nothing but love for an early hemi.....