History 1st Turbine Dragster Speed Sport IV sought by orginal owners

[FONT=Comic Sans MS, sans-serif][FONT=Comic Sans MS, sans-serif][FONT=Comic Sans MS, sans-serif][FONT=Comic Sans MS, sans-serif]Found this entry on the HAMB no shock cause if its not here it probably is a myth
Red and crew would love to know where the car went. After I found the orgins of the Megalomania here ( A UK car in Tucson, AZ ) anything is possible.

Hi Owen,
Jeff thought you might have an interest, and mentioned that you once said something to the effect that missing cars somehow came to you.
Red and I have been partners in the Speed Sport roadsters for many years, and have often wondered what happened to the so-called Air Car. This was the number lV roadster, powered by 3 small Air Research turbine engines, chassis by Red and Lyle Fisher, body by Eddie Kuzma, and paint by Dean Jeffries. Last we heard, it was in the Seattle area, and since my brother lives there I had the opportunity to nose around. Came up empty.
If you ever get wind of this antique, let me know. It's not much of a historical item, other than
being, perhaps, the first rear engine turbine drag car, but it would be fun to have it back if there's anything left.
Ted Sitterley

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Hi Ted
We have met before around the Speed Sport, I have known and worked with Doug on some of the Townsend projects. Crazy but I think I saw a photo of the first car 5 or so years ago while working at Raytheon I'll post the wanted posters and we'll see., I'm also contacting Hot Rod Deluxe as it was in the HRM in the day.

Owen E Gibson
520-906-9845
www.T2VRestoration.com

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Owen E Gibson
520-906-9845
www.T2VRestoration.com


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That thing is RAD!!! I hope they can find it!!

 

I just talked to Red ( at the strip racing of course) He said the car was sold by Evel Knievel to a private collector in the Montana area.

here are shots of the SS team cars
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2605379870102916608KhrdAS

 

I saw that run at Fontana in the early 60s. I saw the original Speed Sport run at Colton. That caused a life long love of back motored Ts.

 

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T2Vracing, thanks a bunch. I've been looking for some detailed shots of that car for years! One of my all time favorite cars. I have a '27 in the shop right now and plan on doing a mid engine drag T with it for my Grand daughter. I'm going to build it fitting a /6, small block Mopar, and early hemi.

 

BTT
Still looking

 

Neat, I have never seen that car before. Must have been quite a ride. Good luck with your search. It is amazing what folks seem to find on here so you just never know.

 

So, the reason for the laidback driving position was/is.....?

Looks like it could double for a bed. This was not the reason, i know.


P.S. technically the driver is in front of the diff. Would this make it an altered as opposed to a "dragster?"

 

So that would mean all rear engine dragsters are "altereds" WTF. Who cares about class bull shit?

Hope you guys find the DRAGSTER you are searching for.

 

No need to kiss your ass good bye it will do it for you. That is one scary ride. Rob

 

Good luck on your search here's a couple mere oddities until NHRA put an end to the use of aviation power plants and chain drives.

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No such thing as a dumb question.....except for......

You really don't understand the reason for a prone driver in racing?
P.S. technically this car was in a class of it's own, and you question what the designation is?

 

i'm not really into categorization, it's just that if you're going to call something a dragster..........


2) No, i don't know why you would want to lie down while driving a car.

 

I would give anything just to pilot that Air Reasearch car once.....Littleman

 

I thought the Green Monster crashed in the late 60's ~ early 70's here in North Texas?