I have recently spoken with Kay Kimes, who gave me the straight story on what happened to the Breene Haller belly tank. I quote: "Bruce, Dave Ratliff never had anything to do with the belly tank. I bought it and completely rebuilt it myself using only the outer tank and the rear end assembly. I ran a Merc flathead for several years at El Mirage, various drag strips and then installed Ed Johnson's Buick and ran at Bonneville in 1956. We then ran Bob Opperman's Buick in 1957. Both years yielded 193 mph runs before they blew up. If you look at page 7 of my biography in the www.landspeedracing.com web site you will get a better clear picture of this. You will also see the Mickey Thompson story." Hope that Mr. Kimes has cleared up any question as to what happened to the belly tank in question CB
My Buddy Gave up the Trophy to me last night! im gonna frame the picture and display it next to the Trophy! Does anybody think I should restore the trophy or leave it as is?
What a great piece of hot rod history to have, please leave it as found, as said earlier the SCTA museum would be a great place to display along with a copy of that picture. my 2c . .
Ok! thats the response I was expecting to hear! it stays as found! where is the SCTA Museum located? any contacts?
I would have thought that the said SCTA museum would be at Jack Underwood's place, or where the SCTA presentation party is held
Ensign Harvey W. Haller was a U. S. Navy pilot in squadron VU-7A (later VU-1)stationed at Barbers Point Naval Air Station, Ewa, Oahu, Hawaii during 1951-1953. He flew TBM and JD-1 aircraft towing target sleeves for aerial gunnery practice. I was an aircraft engine mechanic and air crew member in the squadron during this time and flew with Ensign Haller many times. He was an excellent pilot and was well liked by all officers and enlisted men in VU-1. I have included a picture of Harvey with his racer, which I believe was later known as the Lakester, built by Ensign Haller while stationed at Barbers Point. This picture was taken shortly before Harvey returned to the mainland. VU-1 Squadron Reunion records show Harvey was killed October 5, 1953.
4KRancher,Welcome to the HAMB! Thanks for posting the photo! That joged my memory and reminded me it was on the cover of Hot Rod magazine April 1953 along with a 4 page feature on the car that Harvey Haller built in Hawaii.
That trophy needs to go back to the Road Runners since the family didn't want it. I am sure it would also look good in the NEW Bonneville Museum being built. So cool.
Some people have speculated that my 29 roadster body was Harvey Haller's old roadster. They compared the clearance cutouts on the left front bottom of the cowl to my before pics of when I got the body. There is also the remains of a roadrunner on the decklid. I have studied the pics and would say with out a doubt that it could be. Here are some pics of Harvey Haller's car maybe after he sold it, and my car along with pics of another great ensign, my grandfather. I look forward to seeing that great trophy in which ever museum you choose. If anybody wants to research they can look at the construction pics of my roadster just look up hudsonjoe ww2 roadster.
That trophy needs to go in a museum on loan. Don't sell it. If it goes in the wrong hands it will never be seen again.
Great history another reason why I love this place. As a lakester builder and driver and owner I enjoy seeing the heritage cars that started it all.
I've looked at the pictures, agree that the similarities are too close for coincidence, sure looks like Harvey's roadster to me...what a find!
My husband, Dennis Harvey Breene, the son of Frank Breene and name sake of Harvey Haller has plenty of photographs of 1948 thru 1953, El Mirage, and Bonneville Speed Weeks. Harvey was driving a Desoto powdered "Belly Tank Lakester" at El Mirage on a very windy day in October 1953, Frank had just made a run in the car. Frank Breene advised Harvey the conditions weren't right, Harvey went again for a run in the Lakester, high winds and unperfect coarse conditions caused the tragic out come. Frank Breene gave up the dry lakes and Bonneville, immediately. The "The Flat Head" Belly Tank sat in Frank Breene's driveway for several years. As he was married and raising a new family and the thought of losing his best friend, Harvey Haller, the Lakerster languished. Sometime in 1954 or 1955, the car was sold. Any history after that time is unknown. Frank Breene passed away at the age of 81, He lived a successful life and raised 4 sons. Frank never got over the tragic death of his best friend Harvey Haller. Any further information contact Dennis Harvey Breene dennisbreene@netscape.net
Lynne, welcome to the HAMB, and thanks for filling the information...hope you can post the photos you speak of...
I remember holding that trophy. Harvey was a good man and a friend. He was the best man at my wedding. I remember a time at El Mirage we spent more time helping a guy sort out his car than work on Harvey’s roadster. He was that kind of a person. I was with Frank when Harvey had his fatal crash. The crash affected many of us. I also never drove again, but I stayed in racing working with Art Sparks and later Lou Meyer at Ford. My vote is to offer the trophy to Frank Breene’s family. That trophy wouldn’t be around without Breene & Haller. Chess
Pretty special the relatives and old friends of Harvey chiming in...That happens here on many an occasion... The connection to @hudsonjoe49 's Roadster is equaly incredible really...a favourite of mine...the Hamb is an incredible resource...
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