Folks Of Interest The Condensed History Of Don Tognotti

Sad story... I never knew about the end. Didn't he also have a big involvement in oval track racing? Or was that another guy? Gary

 

Wow, i never knew about his later days. Sad.

 

Thanks. he is one of those people that did so much that sometimes falls between the cracks. I am a transplant from Southern California to Northern California. I did not know anything about him until moving up here. it is good to remind people of what he did for the world of cars. yes, he was a very early promoter of midget racing in the Sacramento area at West Capitol/Captitol Stadium Speedway. his name continues on in the aftermarket parts division: tognottisautoworld.com

 

Never new "the rest of the story". In a way, I kind of wish I had never read this.

 

The "T" Roadster was the first car I remember from Mr Tognotti mostly because of the acclaim and recognition it received. This is the first time I've seen pics of the FE dragster. What a beautiful car! I always considered the Greer-Black-Prudhomme car the most alluring FE. I may now reconsider that.

 

A very sad ending indeed. The King "T" struck a cord with me very early on, built the model as a kid (not very well). Love the Avenger; but always thought the wheelbase would have looked better a little shorter. The "T" pic's look current, who owns it now? All in all the guy had unique very cool stuff.

 

Obviously a very talented man, I never knew much about his endeavors 'cause Wisconsin was a long way from California back then. I am truly saddened to hear of the way his life collapsed at the end.
The story does bring up a very serious social question about death with dignity and when/if it is ever right to end it on your own terms.

 

He will always live on through his cars.I hope his friends and survivors find solace in the fact that his legend will live on in the timeless beauties that he created and in his good works in all aspects of things automotive.RIP,Mr and Mrs. Tognotti.

 

What kid 50 years ago didn't buy the AMT double kit, featuring Tognotti's King "T" and Wilhelm's "Wild Dream?" One of my favorite kits back then. I knew the story of the Tognotti's tragic end, but it doesn't diminish what he did for the Rod & Custom world.

 

One of the best things about growing up in the Sacramento area was going to Tognotti's, didn't know his life ended so bad.

 

Don was also a partner in the promotion of the USAC Silver Crown races on the dirt mile at Cal Expo, Sacramento. The hundred lap races ran from '94 through '99, if I remember correctly. I attended most of them, and they were quite a show. What a sad ending to a great career in race car construction and promotion.

 

Always liked the King T, still the oldest car to win the AMBR, not bad looking for a 102 yo. The Avenger 5w is pure badassness. The Bushwacker/Goldfinger just got that 60s flair. I wish the Green-Voodoo T-bird would be restored, at least it survives waiting patiently.

 

Donald A. Tognotti
July 2, 1940 - December 21, 2000​

 

I still have my original "Hotwheels" King T. But I think Mattel called it the "Hot-heap". Watching someone you love suffering, and there is nothing you can do to help, can, and does, take you to a very dark place.

 

Here is the Green Voodoo on the cover of Car Craft Feb 1961 - featured in Car Crafts TOP TEN CUSTOMS issue

 

Here is the Car Craft -Feb 1961 feature on the Green Voodoo

 

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/talk.politics.misc/5RioiJfi3-Q

 

I currently have the Green Voodoo in storage awaiting restoration. I have been collecting missing items, but am I still looking for the following key items:

1. Original Tri Carb 312 Y Block engine removed from the Voodoo
2. McCulloch Tri Power Air Box for Y Block Set Up
3. Customised T- Bird Hardtop which was separated from the car

These parts may be lurking in someone's barn or garage.
Any help in tracking any of these parts or substitutes will be greatly appreciated.

I am also looking for contemporary COLOR PHOTOS of the 3rd and final rendition of the car as featured in Car Craft!

Most photos currently circulating in books and on the web are of the 2nd rendition.

The car will be restored according to its 3rd and final rendition as customised by Tognotti & selected for Car Crafts' TOP TEN!

 

Green Voodoo - great to hear about what you are doing. hope that you find the correct parts needed

 

Wow what a sad story, but thanks for focusing on his achievements as they are a great legacy!

 

I don't remember what year it was, but it was one of our first road trips to a car event for a few small town boys up here in Washington. Before we had kids and grand kids and grey hair lol.

We went to the Car Craft Street Machine Nationals West in Sacramento. While we were down there we went to Tognotti's Speed Shop. Never could we have imagined a place so cool with so much car stuff.

I had been a fan of his cars already, and going here was icing on the cake.

 

I hope and want to believe, that how Don Tognotti passed will be gradually forgotten, like Mickey Thompson, and they will be remembered for their accomplishments to our hobby. Sadly the individuals are slowly being replaced with faceless, conglomerate corporations. And yes, I built the King-T model and still have the Hot Wheels version of it in every color.....

 

Sad sad ending to a great story.
How would those eight straight pipes on the avenger sound like?

 

I use to buy parts at the Tognotti's in Sacramento. Always bought something I didn't plan on buying. Thanks for the story.

 

Very cool to know that you have Green VooDoo in your possession. I am always interested in anything 1955 Tbird as this is what I grew up with and still have. I have seen the tri carb airbox before for the blower setup and as you know it is very scarce. The other stuff you mention doesn't seem so scarce as you could easily replace ($$$$!!!) with non original but similar stuff. Not sure what was done to the "customized" hardtop?? At any rate good luck with your endeavor, hope you can update us with progress. There is quite a good network of Yblock lovers out there and I bet an Airbox will surface!

 

Yes. That is a serious and important question. Sadly (and without any disrespect to God or one's personal religion), if we leave it to others, dignity is often unachievable. I find both courage and dignity in his action.

 

@Green Voodoo, or anyone else, have any word on the Green Voodoo Thunderbird?

Would more than love to see this car in the public eye again.

 

It’s currently in Australia hopefully soon to be restored


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