History When did flip front ends start becoming popular?

The one piece fiberglass tilt frontends became somewhat popular in the early 60's. But by 1965 they were so common, (along with fiberglass doors, rear fenders, and trunk lids) that NHRA first initiated the rule related to Gas Class cars using fiberglass parts. Any Gas Class car in 1965 had to have a roll bar if they used any fiberglass body parts in their car.
I was surprised to see that rule change in the 1965 rule book, as I assumed roll bars were required before that? But they were only required in roadsters prior to 1965.

 

True. The theory was flimsy = light weight = faster car. Manufacturers flimsy = lower cost = more profit! warping and cracking were expected. I made my hood about 3/8" thick all over, near 1/2" at the edges. Been very stable for its 25 yr life.

 

Built my '40 Chevy in 1964 and had one, local speed shop, Rundles from Tempe, AZ from same year...

 

Another one at beginning stages, '41 Plymouth, done in the carport...

 

A bit OT, but my '65 Triumph Spitfire had a flip front end straight from the factory. Made it easy to work on the car-which was good-it needed a lot of work.

 

We're inclined to imagine that hot rods developed in a vacuum: they didn't. Flip fronts were fairly common on sports racing cars, especially British ones, since the early '50s. Early hot rodders would certainly have had some awareness of these cars.

 

I imagine a fair number of COE tucks, starting with White in 1932, could have provided inspiration also.