The other Toledo Terrors

Around this time last year, a giddy fella with a big idea approached a colleague of mine. As I listened intently from across the room, I heard him rattle off names, dimensions and components from every end of the rodding spectrum that were being blended into his latest ‘traditional’ project. A hot Chevy motor, wide polished Halibrands, dropped front axle — it was hitting all the right cues. But when he whipped out his phone to show the project’s starting point, my colleague’s face shifted and his expression sank.

The basis of this man’s hot rod — a Willys-Overland delivery truck of sorts. And not your typical ’33-’41.

Fearing the worst, I hunkered down and attempted to slide out of sight in an effort to avoid the altercation that was sure to unfold. Should I try to mediate? Or just let the pair exchange punches until their fists become heavy and their heads become light?

Miraculously, my cohort carved out his Old West poker face long enough to forward the fella some words of encouragement for the remainder of his rodding endeavors.

With smiles and handshakes, the scene was over and there were no reported injuries. As the door closed and the man left, everyone let out a deep sigh and loosened their fists.

“You know,�? I shakily interjected. “There were a handful of 1950s Jeeps that raced in the Gas and Modified Production classes during the 1960s.�?

“Why didn’t you say something?�? my colleague replied half-jokingly.

I just smiled and shook my head, because I knew the topic would come up again soon enough.

***

A few days back, I caught wind that one of my good friends came across a 1950s Jeep sedan and was hinting at building something wild — per usual.

In the spirit of all this, I present you with two known examples of these Toledo-based terrors for the quarter mile.

Photos from the H.A.M.B.