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History Tom Cobbs: Dry Lakes No. 21

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Ryan, Jul 28, 2025 at 2:14 AM.

  1. Tow Truck Tom
    Joined: Jul 3, 2018
    Posts: 3,183

    Tow Truck Tom
    Member
    from Clayton DE

    It doesn't get any better than this. 'You are a superstar that's what you are,
    As a loner kid trying to understand what made engines tick and produce power, without ever seeing the the guts of a motor,, I found Don Francisco's writings to be enlightening.
    The light bulb in my skull lit and I understood.
    Now I get to see the fantastic speed competitors, and their builds from the same era of dominating natures forces. Fuel Air Heat, in a natural landscape made to order.
    Thank You Ryan
     
  2. Michael Ottavi
    Joined: Dec 3, 2008
    Posts: 354

    Michael Ottavi
    Member

    This whole adventure is going to be a major addition to the preservation of hot rod history, very exciting to enjoy it's unfolding. Not getting tired of thanking you over and over Ryan.
     
  3. corncobcoupe
    Joined: May 26, 2001
    Posts: 8,504

    corncobcoupe
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    Bitchin'
    Those fellas were Pioneers......
     
  4. tjm73
    Joined: Feb 17, 2006
    Posts: 3,660

    tjm73
    Member

    What am awesome post. That blue fendered car almost looks like a stretched fiberglass dune buggy, but it must predate them by a bunch of years. The intake fabrication on the blown Hemi's is amazing.
     
    porkshop and Sharpone like this.
  5. That "Little Blue Dune Buggy" is a Kurtis 500, the Hemi is also blown with a Potvin crank driven blower setup, intake being the give away.

    The fabricated intake on the T roadster of the Summer bros. is a prelude to the brilliance they would achieve with the Pollywog streamliner and of course the "Goldenrod"
     
    Outback, Carter, warbird1 and 4 others like this.
  6. TerrytheK
    Joined: Sep 12, 2004
    Posts: 1,564

    TerrytheK
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Preach it, brother!!! :cool:
     
  7. sr
    Joined: Feb 12, 2007
    Posts: 488

    sr
    Member
    from Monterey


    Thank you for all you do. You are a hero, legend and prophet.
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2025 at 10:01 AM
    porkshop, Tow Truck Tom and Sharpone like this.
  8. Ryan
    Joined: Jan 2, 1995
    Posts: 22,516

    Ryan
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Staff Member

    No. I’m not. I’m a guy with pals that got lucky enough to be handed a really important archive.

    I deserve no merit for any of this. Ralph Whitworth (got the archive from Tom), Larry Stein(got the archive to me), and Tom Cobbs are the heroes of this story.
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2025 at 10:17 AM
  9. sr
    Joined: Feb 12, 2007
    Posts: 488

    sr
    Member
    from Monterey


    You love the art. You love the history. You love the heroes of old. You deserve credit for your generosity. That is heroic and very rare. You do not get to determine who I put on my hero list. I have Al Teague, Jack Costella, Don Waite, Charlie Marklee, Ronnie Benham and Ryan Cochran.
     
    Outback, warbird1, porkshop and 2 others like this.
  10. Sharpone
    Joined: Jul 25, 2022
    Posts: 2,381

    Sharpone
    Member

    ^^^^^^^
    Perfectly stated!
    Dan
     
  11. DDDenny
    Joined: Feb 6, 2015
    Posts: 21,567

    DDDenny
    Member
    from oregon

    The messenger should get a little credit!
     
    Outback, warbird1, porkshop and 3 others like this.
  12. SR100
    Joined: Nov 26, 2013
    Posts: 1,277

    SR100
    Member

    Outback likes this.
  13. Ryan
    Joined: Jan 2, 1995
    Posts: 22,516

    Ryan
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Staff Member

    I’m not super up on all the weird fiberglass kit bodies of the 1950’s, but I’d guess some sort of Victress? Or maybe a heavily hacked Devin?
     
    Outback likes this.
  14. hudsonjoe49
    Joined: Jan 1, 2007
    Posts: 267

    hudsonjoe49
    Member

    Here’s one of first blowers Tom built. This is an early one.
    A 2-71 converted to front mount and a neat homemade manifold and oil slinger cover. Hopefully you can find pics of this setup on a car. It’s almost complete just need another rotor. IMG_8437.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2025 at 8:36 AM
    Outback, lurker mick, Fordors and 2 others like this.
  15. Outback
    Joined: Mar 4, 2005
    Posts: 3,186

    Outback
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from NE Vic

    That needs to run!

    A prophet doesn't point to themselves, they point to one who's greater. ;)
    & As for the other 2 Hero & Legend, look at this place, where it came from the fact that it's still here & still fiercely independent. That is worth celebrating. Thanks for your willingness to share what you have with us, your perspective is refreshing & gives a little hope in this world that there are still people willing to think for themselves & stand up for it. :cool:

    @Jimmy B I will also say thanks for your contribution I really appreciate your input & insite into this history, you knowledge on the early days really shines a light on picture's that otherwise tell half the story.
    Though we have never met, (you did meet my dad 20 years ago picking up parts) I feel like you are an old friend. I hope to rectify that one day.

    Back to Cobbs, carry on :cool:
     

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