Rest In Peace sir. Many years ago I updated a late 60's early 70's FED chassis that had very little use with all original Hanna tin, what a craftsman!
Tom Hanna was born in the Midwest, Kansas maybe, and started doing bodies there. It might have been Car Craft that did an article on him many years ago that described him forming the tin making radius bends on a telephone pole in front of his house. One of the best, Godspeed Tom.
I got an email a couple of days ago about Tom's passing, but resisted starting a thread, waiting to find a link from NHRA. They are usually quick to publish an icon's history, and very thorough. In the 80's, we somewhat restored a Don Long car, with a Hanna body, were able to save the cowl and seat bottom. I read that Tom stopped doing drag cars in the late 70's, and made some real money, in animal accessories, leather dog collars and such. It was a treat to see Tom's masterpiece at the 02 CHHR, would like to have met him. R.I.P. Mr. Hanna.
Tom was from the Wichita Ks. area. He left Cali. at the urging of another body builder whose name escapes me. He started a business making dog accessories in the Wichita area. He had a shop that turned out a Bonneville car for an unknown person and did other work while building his last front motor car. I met him at Salina at the strip and had a short visit. he was quick to give credit to the people surrounding him in the construction of the car. There is much to read about him. He was an "artist" in life. R.I.P. Mr. Hanna.
May he rest in peace, You always knew when you saw the notation of body work by Tom Hanna that you were looking at a car that was a step above the norm.
Condolences to the Hanna family and friends on the passing of Tom...as evidenced by the Stories and images a true craftsman of his trade...may he rest in peace... Thanks for sharing this loss to the Go Fast Community @Magfiend and extended thanks to the others sharing their memories of this Artist in Fabrication... Regards, Stogy
Just saw the post on Tom Hanna. So sad, he was a master craftsman. We participated at the 09 Bowling Green HRR cackle fest. Condolences to family and friends.
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