Thought I would post a couple of articles for "flavor". One is of a cut-away of a Maserati that was in some kind of publication in 1947. Since the Modified's were an interest to my Dad, maybe he drew inspiration form this? Or maybe he could just appreciate the engineering that went into the car? Definitely advanced for the day. The other one is the Bonneville record runs out of a S.C.T.A. program Sept. 24-25, 1949. Thank you all for the comments.
OK boy's and girl's; I just have to ask this question. Does anybody else wonder why out of all the "high tech" stuff goin' on with that Maserati, they felt it was important to point out the radiator cap!!!! Just wondering.....The pictures I am going to post all have 8/10/47 on the back for the date. Whelsh's engine was my Uncle Don. The flying 21 stud was my Dad's. As always, I want to thank you all for the comments. Again I will say that your comments are as informative as what I have to post. Thank you.
Just to elaborate on your comment firingorder1. When Richard Lacy, owner of the Early V8 Garage, and member of the Pasadena Roadster Club was looking though my Dad's album; he mentioned that someone was redoing the Calori roadster. As I'm sure most of you know it was Billy Crewl [HELLMET as he's known on the HAMB]. He had posted a build thread on the HAMB for the car. I was able to send Billy some of the pictures of the car that are in my Dad's album. I was also able to meet him at the L.A. Roadster Show a couple of years back. But getting back to your comment, I remember him saying that in hot weather the car "wore him out"!! I'm pretty sure the exhaust has a lot to do with it. But you are absolutely right...it is a beautiful car! On another note....are any of you out there going to the GNRS this weekend? I plan on being there on Saturday. If anyone would like to say "hi" feel free. 310 629-8683
I genuinely hope someone has approached you to make a book from these incredible images! There breathe taking too me and your sharing of them is I feel extremely generous! Such treasures, thankyou! Johnny. I love seeing racers cars covered in dirt/dust grease and oil stained!
Hello Asphalt Demon; First off, love the name. And second, thank you for the comment. As always, you are very welcome. You along with several others have expressed interest in the making of a book. I have to admit that I have entertained the thought, but do not know if that is in the card's just yet. I'm really not even sure if there is enough material for a book? Not to mention cost, etc., etc. I do plan on looking into it sometime in the near future. One thing for sure though, you on the HAMB will be the first to know!!!! Again...thank you, and you are welcome.
I'd love to see it made into a book. What you have is far too valuable and interesting to be allowed to fade away here. It would take some effort and you may not be able to retire to Monaco with a big yacht in the harbor from the proceeds. But the contribution to land speed racing and hot rodding would be immeasurable. Plus the fact these photos and info is your family history makes it that much better. So much LSR history has been lost or discarded this is definitely worth preserving. You would have a lot of sales here and If you were to post this on landracing.com you would have even more fans and sales. I still haven't figured out yet why this isn't sticky here.
Maybe jimmy B firringorder1, rockerhead, Ryan, Hop up and wodiemike should have a sit down F-to-F/irl/and talk about it! This is a big chunk of history to have!! It needs planning, text, pictures and layout. They know there shit and can take the steps to put it together! Put up a serway (sp?) on the HAMB to see how many wants a copy, and how many wants to pre subscribe. There will be someone on here who wants one!
Being a Graphic Designer Illustrator I would be happy to lend my services to see a book done, these days you can use online book publishing such as Blurb to self publish, so there is that option which suit low volume runs.
Woodiemike, I saw this on FB and had to steal it. I know it really has nothing to do with this thread but I thought I'd throw it up here for the hell of it.
Damn firingorder1....you just burst my bubble! I already had my bags packed!! HA! I have no illusion what so ever of making a lot of money off something like this. But "if" I could pull it off, I would feel great satisfaction knowing that I was able to preserve what my family has in our possession for future generations to enjoy! That would be reward enough. I want to thank you, and all the others for the support.
Wow Jimmy...that is most generous!!! I will definitely keep that in mind if I ever get it off the ground. From what I have seen of your knowledge, no doubt it would be first class!!! I thank you!
Great steal firingorder1! Love it. The charge of "illegal assembly" reminds me of a certain picture of the album.....
When I saw it I thought of this thread. Illegal assembly must have been in the subconscious. I have no doubt that it would sell. I want a copy already. I go to a garage on Thursday morning where we tell lies and the guys I meet with would all want a copy. That's a given. It should be in a book form for those who were born that little bit late can relish and enjoy.
That's a great picture Mike. Illegal Assembly. Perfect. Going to the GNRS today but if I go back tomorrow I might just give you a call.
OK, back at it, so to speak. Short on time again. Again life has a way of getting in the way! HA! You all know the drill, honey do's etc. etc.. Brakes on the wife's "grocery getter". For some reason she had no sense of humor when I told her to just use the "flintstone brakes". As always I want to thank you all for the comments, and support!! Hope you enjoy. Also going to throw in a couple of pictures from the GNRS for flavor.
OK....more pictures for your enjoyment. The "four holer" is my Dad's banger RPU. I love the second page just from the stand point of the starting line take off!! Cool pictures, different perspective.
Mike, great shots as always, thanks for keeping these pictures flowing!...Tony Capanna ran a Marmon V-16 (the caption says "Mormon" but I think the writer meant "Marmon.") These were giant cars with big V-16 engines, though they didn't make twice the power as lesser V-8.s Howard Johansen also ran one in his Crosley sedan. Tony would found Wilcap in Torrence (the name a combination of his other partner -- maybe Red Wilson, I forgot) and "Capanna". Wilcap sold nitro at good prices, made steel maincaps, and had an engine dyno strong enough to test engines like the Summer's brothers Bonneville blown Chrysler (I saw it run there)...Tony was a good guy, long-standing friendship with my boss, Don Blair, so I got the long deal on Wilcap stuff..
Great pictures Don. I really enjoyed them. BTW a picture of the Ray Brown roadster and a half page article are found in this month of Hot Rod magazine. Perhaps this was the pinnacle of 40's dry lakes roadster???
The Jalopy Journal
