Before WWII, Bill Burke was active in the Southern California hot rod and racing scenes. Speed had grabbed Bill by throat and wasn't about to let go. Like many of us, he was a slave to all things fast and hopped up. So it makes sense that even while ... <BR><BR>To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.
Thanks for the early morning history lesson. That car probably helped make one of the biggest changes in land speed racing that still works even now. It looks like the recreation pretty well captures the spirit of the original car even with the noticeable differences. 120+ in that car in the late 40's must been one exciting ride. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">
Gotta give alot of respect to racers of years past. Bill Burke is most certainly the pioneer of the teardrop shaped race car in America and the WWII tanks are still used today. Amazing. The guys behind this recreation also need a pat on the back. Beautiful car.
Very cool. Bill Burke is a legendary racer, and one of the nicest men on the planet. It is really great that our history has been reclaimed.
Thank You!!! Just passing through Ogden, Utah and saw some salvage tanks and just wondered who thought of the 1st Belly Tank. Now I know. Amazing......
Thank you, Mr. Burke, for starting something cool and exciting! Great history lesson Ryan! Thanks man!
I've been intrigued by this car from the first time I saw pictures of it. Some vintage shots showed up recently in Hop Up vol X. pp 122 and 123 and in Hop Up vol 9 p 117.
I've known Bill from his early days selling advertising for McMullen, to the 80's at Bonneville when he and his son were thrashing on that blown Avanti. I'm thrilled that this project has been completed, and he will be there to see it.
Man.... a bicycle seat?! Talk about "seat of your pants" driving... how about "crack of your ass" (LOL)! Great History!
A few years ago one of the "rags" published a list of the 100 most important/influential early hot rodders. Bill was not on the list. Made the whole exercise suspect.
Ryan, Great write up, Thanks. This has been a fun project from start to finish. Big thanks to all that helped as well as Bill himself for giving us the reason. Thanks Guy's for all the positive comments. Ted Kempgens
I just get over how far one sticks out of a 165 gallon tank. Holy Shit I would have shat approaching 55 MPH. It's like sitting on a Sea Doo. Rad post, and I am glad to see someone recreating the tank that started it all.
Wow wow wow! What a piece of history! Fair scares to consider sitting in that thing bombing across the flats. Now, how to make it street legal....
Awesome,wild and strange. I can handle the complete package --less the bicycle seat--Makes my ass hurt just looking at the picture but what a cool deal!