Eldred Norman (of Norman supercharger fame). His Special at Glen Ewin hillclimb, c. 1950. This car led the '51 Australian Grand Prix, before breaking.
Hello, There have been many versions of this modified roadster. This was the one that we saw in magazines during our time at the drag strips. There will always be similarities comparing the two top modified roadsters in drag racing. It reminded us of the Speed Sport Special that we saw in 1959-60. As the time capsules collide and years later there was a race to see who was the fastest on that day. This is how we remember our first introduction to the famous Speed Sport Modified Roadster in 1959-60. Now after many years, the top modified roadsters were going to finally race each other. VS Jnaki The results speak for themselves. The Speed Sport Modified Roadster was one of the first rear engine builds. They must have done something right as we never saw it got sideways or get out of control. This is how we remember the Speed Sport Roadster. Speed Sport close up and personal. (60 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH.) https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/friday-art-show-3-13-20.1187326/#post-13483641
Hello, In December of 1959, we had already read the story of the little roadster that almost won the famous 1st edition of the Bakersfield Smokers March Meet for Top Eliminator. With all of the top echelon front/rear engine dragsters in attendance, that is no small feat in itself. In the dark, final 1959 race... photo credit: We Did It For Love Tony Waters was runner up against Art Chrisman in the first Bakersfield Smokers March Meet in 1959. Here is a great description of the event by @296ardun. The “LITTLE GIANT” is a great description. It was just a fast and consistent modified roadster. Tony Waters light, purple, roadster was one of our favorites at the 1959 Riverside and 1960 Bakersfield meets. That purple roadster was such a complete race car. It looked good, plus, it was also loud and fast ! The crew always looked sharp with their matching purple, Bakersfield Smokers, Inc. jackets over the all-white outfits. In those days, for the Top Eliminator trophy races, this purple roadster took on everyone, FEDs included. Jnaki 1959 December Riverside Raceway But, once in a while, something comes up that makes the day a gloomy one… Bakersfield smokers march meet 1960... Eliminations: Speed Sport Roadster vs Tony Waters Tony Waters total https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...d-correct-or-not.1171185/page-4#post-13318676 Tony Waters roadster LOST IN TRANSITION...