Hello, That was one nice 1941 Willys Coupe for the Gas Coupe and Sedan Cl***, prior to the rules relaxing, as more folks started modifying with “non-street legal” add ons. (no front bumper, no license, brake lights, headlights yes, but may not work, etc) When the original Gas Coupe and Sedan Cl*** started, it was a street hot rod with full legal equipment that was used as a daily driver on the public streets. Bakersfield March Meet photo 1960 by Bones Balogh This 41 Willys was going through that phase after a very successful and prominent race record during the earlier years in the midwest drag races. Mike Marinoff ran a successful campaign with A Latham Supercharged SBC motor in his 1955 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop Sedan. Then, he changed over to the 671 supercharger and fuel injection for his next phase of the racing adventures, including a road trip West to the 2nd Bakersfield Smokers March Meet in 1960. Jnaki An old post: Bakersfield March Meet photo 1960 by Bones Balogh When we saw Mike Marinoff's 1955 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop at Bakersfield March Meet #2 during the 1960 season, it had his own designated number. Favorite numbers not withstanding... Milwaukee engine builder Mike Marinoff and his hard-running Latham-blown '55 Belair ca. 1960. (Photo maybe at GLD, his home track, maybe Cordova...) Marinoff replaced the Chev with a '40 Willys B-g***er in 1962. (The Willys was later rolled into a ball at Oswego; Marinoff then began campaigning a dragster.) Here is a compilation of information on the 1955 Chevy Bel Air with actual sound of the car. A 671 changeover from an original Latham Supercharger. Bill Reeves in his early years in drag racing where he made his mark driving cars owned and tuned by the late Mike Marinoff. Switching from a Latham blower to a GMC blower in 1959 did 3 things for the team: quicker e.t. times, faster speeds and more trips to the winner’s circle at various tracks. The first car Bill drove was a B/Gas '55 Chevy Bel Air that took home cl*** honors in '59 and '60 at the World Series of Drag Racing. The car ran times in the high 11's and speeds over 120 mph. For Mike Marinoff, his favorite number 21 from the 55 Chevy Bel Air days then put on his newish 41 Willys Coupe was changed to the NHRA Nationals numbering system. With so many different entries and compe***ion cl***es, the numbering system was much different that allowing anyone with a number painted on the side to enter with said number. So, the 21 was taped over with the official NHRA 552 designation for B/Gas. YRMV But, in March 1960:
Think of it this way, when you have that many gorgeous women looking at you in mischievous fashion you are bound to be in trouble. Hehe
The Flying Zacchini’s, the whole family was involved with the human cannonball, high wire acts and more. I saw them appear with a circus at the Chicago Amphitheater in the late ‘50’s, in that indoor venue the boom of the cannon was pretty intense, especially for a ten year old. I’m not sure but this could have been the truck I saw.
The Jalopy Journal
