The reasons for offset engines in some early funny cars were primarily for increased visibility (not much really) and the car could have a lower profile with the driver not straddling the driveline. Eventually all the chassis builders came to think a 200 pound driver was better closer to the rear axle, not next to the engine.
"Ford sponsored a race through the streets of Long Beach. They had a Model A factory on Henry Ford Avenue in Long Beach." [QUOTE="MacTexas, post: 15033991, member: 4855"] View attachment 5882146 [/QUOTE] Hello, This old photo was taken on the front circular driveway of the Jergins Trust Building on the oceanfront highway of Long Beach. On the street level floor was the old State Theater. If the information of those roadsters is correct, the race lasted a short time down Ocean Boulevard toward the Heim lift bridge and the old Henry Ford plant on the channel of Terminal Island. 1934 - A view while the State Theater was running "Dark Hazard" with Edward G. Robinson. (from the photos of the Historical Society of Long Beach.) A "Ford sponsored a race through the streets of Long Beach. They had a Model A factory on Henry Ford Avenue in Long Beach." Jnaki The research also shows the same photo as part of the Mines Field car races. Mines Field is another location near what is now LAX. So if it was this longer race to Mines Field where the LAX location is, it would be a 25 mile one way race or add in a fews laps of the unusual race course to cap off the advertised race. It is a possibility. Note: The Jergins Trust Bldg. Ocean Blvd. to the left. Pine Avenue running from left to right downhill to the beach and ocean. The long pier was still the rest of the main downtown street leading to the oceanfront. There was no “Pike” at the time of the photo. Note: The land is ripe for redevelopment as it has a commanding ocean view and great access from the busy downtown area. A million travelers still use Ocean Blvd. as a means of daily travels. But, the city has an unusual option for any re-development. The secret or almost secret underground tunnel we used to run from one side of the busy Ocean Blvd to the actual waterfront and Pike area has lots of history. So, kudos to the Long Beach City for standing up to preservation of such a historical part of Long Beach. The long tunnel leading to the oceanfront walkway has to be completely refit for earthquake standards and presented as a finished project along with whatever hotel is placed on the top empty property. It is to be used for historic displays and information. YRMV
You may be thinking of Tillamook, Oregon. The one that burned was converted into a lumber mill and the other is now an aviation museum.
The Henry Ford plant was an assembly plant more than a factory opening in 1930. Millions of parts were delivered by rail. Power to the Plant was supplied by So Cal Edison that had a steam generation station on the east end of terminal island across the bridge. I believe it opened in 1909. The generator building for 1-6 units was torn down by 1967 when I worked there; the roof was copper. Units 10 and 11 ran during late December every year for testing. They were installed in the late 30’s. Generator #7 was removed during WW II and sent to Russia but sunk in the Black Sea trying to get there. It was replaced by a Hydrogen cooled generator, SCE’s first one. My parents first new car, a mountain green 55 Ford Sunliner, and the current 56 Ford Victoria I own were both assembled at that Ford plant. I believe 1958 was the last year it was used for Ford cars closing in March of 1959. A lot of oil had been removed under Long Beach, Terminal Island, and Signal Hill causing unstable ground amongst other factors. I believe Ford built an assembly plant in PicRivera in 1957. In the 70-80’s you could see large sail boat masts inside thru the windows as you drove by. JD
The Jalopy Journal
