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History The Pre-Hammered So-Cal Coupe

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Ryan, Nov 5, 2010.

  1. Ryan
    Joined: Jan 2, 1995
    Posts: 21,633

    Ryan
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Staff Member

  2. captmullette
    Joined: Oct 15, 2009
    Posts: 1,929

    captmullette
    Member

    i agree.. looks better...........
     
  3. Harms Way
    Joined: Nov 27, 2005
    Posts: 6,894

    Harms Way
    Member

    The So-Cal and the Pearson Brothers coupe's have always been two of my favorite competition coupes ever built,.... I think there was a few pictures in Rodders Journal a number of years ago, with this car in primer after the "re-chop". (If memory serves me correctly)

    You post some coool stuff Boss !
     
  4. sololobo
    Joined: Aug 23, 2006
    Posts: 8,378

    sololobo
    Member

    I agree, this is more "realistic", but the slammed job put it in the realm of unreal that was very exciting, may have coined the term "mailslot" tops from this beast. Fun to see it both ways, Thanx!! ~Sololobo~
     

  5. Larry T
    Joined: Nov 24, 2004
    Posts: 7,875

    Larry T
    Member

    I agree that the "milder" chop looks better, but looks are not the priority on racecars.
    Larry T
     
  6. The pre-ultra chop would make a fantastic street car. I like the proportions better too. Really flows, clean.
     
  7. Stu Padasso
    Joined: Sep 11, 2008
    Posts: 476

    Stu Padasso
    Member

    Its now on display at Canepa Design in Scotts Valley, Ca., after a magnificent restoration by Don Orosco.
     

    Attached Files:

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  8. need louvers ?
    Joined: Nov 20, 2008
    Posts: 12,903

    need louvers ?
    Member

    I have always liked the nose and the general lines of the So-Cal car quite a bit more than the Pierson Bros. car. I have have actually pondered the same thing a time or two over the years, and I think I would have to side with you on this one. The radical final chop is cool and outrageous, but that first time around they just flat got it right.
     
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  9. SteadyT
    Joined: Sep 11, 2007
    Posts: 482

    SteadyT
    Member

    Normally, the more chop the better I feel (with the exception of A tudors and coupes), but not in this case. The pre-hammered version is gorgeous.
     
  10. Limey Kid
    Joined: Mar 5, 2006
    Posts: 1,024

    Limey Kid
    Member

    It actually ran for a season before Alex bought it. It ran with a GMC 6 in it. Langhorn or Langthorn was the name. There is a picture of it on the salt in Hop Up, but I'm at work so can't get to it. The less chopped version is actually my favourite.
    Cheers,
    Stewart.
     
  11. JeffreyJames
    Joined: Jun 13, 2007
    Posts: 16,628

    JeffreyJames
    Member
    from SUGAR CITY

    I can't say it looks "better" but it definitely looks more attainable or approachable. The really whacked version almost seems like Nannie Doss where and the unchopped version is more of a Bonnie Parker. One thing is for sure, with or with out the heavy chop the amount that engine is setback tells all that this thing is no joke.

    I also like the seldom seen pics of it when it ran a 265 Chevy V8 in it as well.
     
  12. Kevin Lee
    Joined: Nov 12, 2001
    Posts: 7,582

    Kevin Lee
    Super Moderator
    Staff Member

    Does anyone have pictures of the car during Jim Travis' ownership? It looked great in the blue and white paint.
     
  13. Automotive Stud
    Joined: Sep 26, 2004
    Posts: 4,304

    Automotive Stud
    Member

    I'm interested in the last photo, where it says Dave DeLangton killed in this car. I had never heard of any accidents or deaths related to it?
     
  14. kisam
    Joined: Feb 28, 2005
    Posts: 1,922

    kisam
    Member

    I have a magazine at home that has a picture of it at Bonneville when it was called "Miss 400". If I remember right, it was 1955 and was competing against the Pierson Coupe. I think Moxley owned it at the time?
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2010
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  15. sodbuster
    Joined: Oct 15, 2001
    Posts: 5,040

    sodbuster
    Member
    from Kansas

    I might be crazy, but I think that Jim Travis still races @ Bonneville........for some reason that name sticks in my cranium.

    Chris

    Nope, I was wrong.......thru a Google search, he passed on in 2005.

    http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=182920&FS=LSR

     
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  16. @Kevin Lee -

    Ask and ye shall receive ...

    Jim Travis' #86 B-CC (old SoCal Coupe) @ SW 1990.jpg
    Jim Travis' #86 "B" engine class Competition Coupe (B/CC) in the pits @ Bonneville Speed Week - August 1990

    Unfortunately, I can't find the ¾-front shot I took of it :(
     
    Last edited: Sep 13, 2022
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  17. Fenders
    Joined: Sep 8, 2007
    Posts: 3,921

    Fenders
    Member

    X2. Sounds like the others missed the point of this car.
     
  18. junk fiend
    Joined: Sep 16, 2008
    Posts: 430

    junk fiend
    Member

    same here
     
  19. I just saw Jim Travis at the CHRR, he was there with Danny Thompson as I recall.

    Mick
     
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  20. need louvers ?
    Joined: Nov 20, 2008
    Posts: 12,903

    need louvers ?
    Member

    Yes, Dave Delangton was killed in the car in '53 or '54 at I believe Pamona. They were drag racing it at the time and the flywheel either exploded or came loose and got him. If I remember the story correctly, this is what made the decision with Alex to sell the car. If I'm not mistaken, Delangton was related to Alex as maybe brother in law or such. I'll look up the story later and fill in the inaccuracies.
     
  21. Jim Travis is still alive. Jim Lindsley who ran the twin Hemi '32 roadster died in 2005.

    Dave DeLangton was Alex Xydias brother-in-law. the Accident happened at Pomona dragstrip in '54. Dave had just got back from Korea and wanted to drive so Alex let him. The accident was caused when he shifted the clutch exploded cutting a fuel line pouring fuel on Dave and it subsequently ignited so he jumped out while the car was still moving went thru a couple fences missed Ray Brock as he arrived at the fairgrounds and ran across the street hitting an embankment which stopped it. Dave received third degree burns to most his body and died 4 weeks later in hospital, Alex then quit racing.
     
  22. The first chop is rad and would look killer on a street version but I prefer the later chop as it is more aggressive, looks like a proper race car and is uncompromising in that pursuit.
     
  23. Sheeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzola... That would do it for me too. I got more to do than be roasted in my own car.

    God bless him....
     
  24. stude_trucks
    Joined: Sep 13, 2007
    Posts: 4,755

    stude_trucks
    Member

    Sad, the car survived but Dave didn't. I'd have to say I probably would have sold it too.

    I like the chop both ways for different reasons. More realistic for the suggested streetness and more sinister for actual racing.
     
  25. The37Kid
    Joined: Apr 30, 2004
    Posts: 30,627

    The37Kid
    Member

    Great car with a fine restoration by Don Orosco. I got to see it at the Vintage Races at Lime Rock Park 5-6 years ago. I like the later version with the ARDUN, an all out race car.
     
  26. moefuzz
    Joined: Jul 16, 2005
    Posts: 4,950

    moefuzz
    Member

    Ryan,

    I have always stopped to read the threads you start and I have to say that your writing style has matured over the years and more recently, your opening statements seem to draw a reader in. -Not all editorials or blog posts have to start with an opening line aimed squarly at this car or that modified...

    'Banging your head'' while putting the young one to bed just seems to be more in line with some of the better editorials I read in the big time magazines.

    What I'm trying to say is that I myself (for one) can relate to the normal home/life & times as it intertwines with the somewhat offbeat hot rod side of life.


    Vintage tin is a big part of my life as are home and family.
    Editorials and/or musings that mix a bit of reality with that fabled far off place, shop, strip or car make for far better reading Irregardless of whether it's posted here on the H.A.M.B or in any one of the the better vintage tin magazines....


    Keep up the good work.


    moe




    .
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2010
  27. hmm.... no picture of the offending traditional "mobile"

    or the knob on yer head it created...

    creative journalistic thread starter?
     
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  28. autobilly
    Joined: May 23, 2007
    Posts: 3,123

    autobilly
    Member

    I dig the "form follows function/no bullshit" styling of this car too, but what I really dig is it's success as a duel function racer on the salt and strip.
     
  29. D ROD
    Joined: Jun 28, 2010
    Posts: 965

    D ROD
    Member
    from New Jersey

    I love the rich history and tradition this car portrays, personally I cant resist the lower version, but do respect the more streetable chop. Great thread.
     
  30. Stogy
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 26,345

    Stogy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER


    One of the Greats Still and forever will be a Classic of Hotrod Culture, Folkore and still is with us....the The Eagle Shaped Coupe piercing into the Salty Dusts of Bonneville...I hope the So-Cal Spirit lives on...It is Hotrod...;)
     
    brady1929 likes this.

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