Admiring the “Vagabond”

Like the title says, the sole purpose of today’s article is to take a minute or so to appreciate the “Vagabond” AA/Fuel Dragster. When I went to Bakersfield for the Hot Rod Reunion, I knew I was going to come across cars I knew, people I’d read about and get to learn more about them first hand. That’s what makes events like these so meaningful.

It’s strange—in a good way—to see some of these cars up close and personal. In many cases, you can get as close as you want if you’re respectful of their space (and keep your hands off, Junior!) You’ve read the articles, you’ve seen the videos, but now it’s right there in front of you. You can take as long as you want to see how the axle came together or the thickness of lines in the pinstriping. You can see how the metalflake reacts differently when it’s sunny and when it’s overcast. And if you’re lucky, you can hear the motor come to life. You know, cackle. Sounds like hard-pattering rain amplified to the nth degree. Makes your eyes sting and heart pound a little faster.

I was lucky enough to be just across the way from the Vagabond and watch it fire up a couple times over the course of the weekend. With its Kent Fuller chassis, Arnie Roberts bodywork and fuel-buring 392 Hemi, the car was state-of-the-art for the period. It was the first Fueler to break 200mph in Sacramento, California, and there was a larger-than-life trophy on display next to the car to prove it.

The Vagabond was lovingly restored by Larry and Terri Anderson quite some time ago using many of the original core pieces. Prior to the restoration, the chassis was being used on a bracket racer sponsored by “Mountain View Crematory” somewhere in Idaho, while the 392 was powering a tractor puller. I’d never seen it “in real life” before, and when I did I was immediately taken aback. The car looks downright sinister from the Bavarian-style lettering to the black and red panel paint. Tons of fined and polished components and a pair red line Goodyear Blue Streaks helped seal the deal. The rail participated in the first Cacklefest and it has been a staple ever since. It’s taken more than a decade, but I’m glad I got to finally see it.

—Joey Ukrop

Opening image from the H.A.M.B.