New wwii era hot rod custom and dry lakes book

I just received an advance copy of a book a friend of mine published of photos taken by designer Strother McMinn. These photos were taken in the period just before and just after WWII on the streets of Los Angeles and the southern California dry lakes. Although some of the cars are familiar, most of the photos have never been seen before. The subjects have been thoroughly researched and briliantly annotated by none other than Ken Gross. There will only be 1000 numbered copies and they will soon be available through The Rodders Journal. Check it out.

 

sounds cool. how much are they?

 

oh I got get me a copy of that!!!

 

Oohh yeah.

 

My thanks to my buddy Guy for posting this. I am the publisher and was fortunate to enlist the help of Ken Gross in identifying the cars and people involved as well as turning out a great example of his fine writing. I didn't realize how little i knew about the history of the hobby in SoCal until it came time to do the index. Names like John Ryan, Keith Landrigan, Jimmy Summers, Bob Rufi, Jack Detners, Ralph Schenck, Randy Shinn, Jack Calori, Bert Letner, Bill Burke, and dozens more joined the more familiar Vic Edlebrock, Wally Parks, and Barney Navarro. The real fun will begin as others absorb Ken's work and the fabulous photographs of Strother MacMinn and add their own memories of the cars we've featured, many for the first time anywhere. HAMB would seem a great place to post this kind of archeology. We'll try and keep track of what members have to add and hopefully one day pull it all together for perhaps a followup article in Rodders Jounal. Those wanting to know more about the book check Number 26.

 

...check number 26? Rodders Journal #26?

 

Sorry about that! Yes, Rodders Journal number 26.

 

wow....looks very cool. with only 1000 i'd better be quick!

 

do we have to get it from the rodders journal?

 

Ken Gross rules.

 

I would love one! How about a HAMB pre-order?

 

Good idea

 

Classy cover.

 

Guy.....Please tell Bob that I will hand clean his Garage Floor with a toothbrush in order to secure my copy.....

 

TRJ #26 -- multiple pages of pictures from Strother's photo archive and some commentary as well.

New book? I'd buy a copy today -- hint, hint....

 

Ryan...

Bob Ames and I are delighted with the enthusiastic H.A.M.B. responses about our new book...hopefully there will be enough copies for all who want them. The photographs are really terrific.

'Cheers,

Ken Gross

 

When and how much?

 

I like books.(with pictures)
Sign me up !

 

Ryan- can we get a special dispensation for Mr Gross? Somehow "FNG" just seems wrong, no matter how you look at it ;>)

 

Wow!!!

I'm another avid reader of historical Dry lakes literature.

I'd certainly want to be added to any list of potential buyers of what appears to be a fantastic book.

Thanks for bringing it to out attention.

I've got to agree - Pat Ganahl and Ken Gross are not FNG's!!!!

 

Who do I make the check out to, for how much, and where do I send it? Let's go on this........my library awaits......

CB

 

I am sure I am missing something here, but isn't Rodders Journal up to like issue #44. Was the book published that long ago?

Also, I have to agree...no way Mr. Gross is a FNG.

 

Put me in line for one. Just tell me where to send the check...

 

I want one !!

How, who, where and $$$ ??

Rat

 

Hell yeah! I want one as well..

Spike

 

Mac was my instructor and my friend. I'd really like to have a copy; where do we sign up?

 

The Rodders Journal article in Number 26 was written after I bought the archive and in anticipation of publishing a book, something I've done successfully but infrequently on three prior occasions. This is not what I do for a living, however, so the project wound up being delayed until the coming tribute to Mac by the AFAS at Pebble Beach and some considerable pressure from friends got me off my butt and underway! Without Ken it would not have happened.

 

Rodders Journal should have it available on its website any minute. Email them.

 

count me in!