History Fifties Flathead Dragster

Thought some may like to see!

I have some pictures here of "Cool Bus" Ken Nelson's first racecar with his first trophy, taken in the late 50's. Don't have much more info than that. Surprising to see the engine in the rear. Anyone know how common that was back then???

Crazy thing was, we found the trophy in his shop recently, but didn't know it's history until we seen the pic.

http://s1114.photobucket.com/albums/k536/1923t/Ken Nelson Dragster Late Fifties/

 

That is cool is he still around ?dont think they were that many
rear engine,s around not sure my dad had a rail in the late 50,s
and laughed at the thought of the motor in the rear ...

 

Thanks for posting ,That's cool as hell ,even had a tube chassis, post more if you find them, Tim Jones

 

Very cool bud.Don’t think that was the norm for the motor placement.Or, if it was for how long.Funny how things come full circle.

 

No Von, sorry to say Ken pasted away just this past Dec..
I was very fortunate to get to know him and his wife. Great people!! Sad part, with him being sick mostly all last year, that we didn't get to talk much about his past. His wife did give me permission to start a tribute page on Facebook and post pics and some history about Ken.

Hi Dragsled!!!! Don't have anymore pics of the dragster but here's one of Ken when he was a driver of one of the cars for a stunt show. Ken is the one right, by the front wheel. 1956-57.

 

http://flatheaddrag.com/mn65/mn14.html Found these pics with a quick search.

 

the pics hrd nox posted is a chassis research chassis made in california. he made a few of these. short wheelbase, i believe 90 92 inches. theres a few still around but not many. there were a few who tried the rear engine set up. but few could make them work.

 

Thanks rd! I guess I never gave the rear engine deal a thought till I seen the picture.