History Jim Lindsley, Dry Lakes pioneer, family photo collection

Larry and family continued to run this truck thru the mid 60's. I can only assume it was Hemi powered, their powerplant of choice...Hemi valve cover showing here?

 

More of the truck, with Dad checking things out...

 

Larry and Mom Phyllis...

 

A few more of the truck at El Mirage...I don't have a lot of results info, but understood it did run 152 mph one year at Bonneville...

 

...152 mph in that...hole e cow...hemi or not that's quite the achievement...I mean it's truly not the most aerodynamic...ole Freddy Sanford would be Proud and Lamonte too...

 

Best Thread On The HAMB right Now ! Thank You.

 

Around the same time the truck was running, the family was campaigning this sweet 1953 Studebaker. I believe Gary Lindsley was the main driver of this Hemi powered beast. I have no info on results at either the dry lakes or Bonneville. It was also set up for the drags. Any info here on this car?

 

The 53 Studie on the salt....

 

A few more of the 53 Lindsley's Studebaker....

 

Continued Thanks @39ChevyBob...

That Stude pushes the definition of Hotrod because that's what I'd call it...that's a nasty competitor no doubt about it...

No question where the Lindsley family's heart was...going fast in style

 

What they wouldn't have given for an EZ up back then.

 

I have more family racing pictures from the 70's & 80's, but they are not HAMB friendly, so I'll just post this one of the racing family in the 70's. The family, with Larry as the main driver (even though I think Jim still got behind the wheel at times) ran Daytona Chargers, with Larry getting into the 200 mph Club in 1971. These Chargers broke many records in that time.
Later, the Lindsleys-Leggitt Hemi powered #484 Firebird ran a 308.60 on the short El Mirage course, and backed it up with a 308.60 in 2004 at Bonneville in the B/Blown Fuel Altered Coupe class, driven by Larry. Gary Lindsley took the Firebird to 291.89 in 2001 in A/BFALT at Bonneville. These Bonneville records still stand to this day for a door slammer in the BFALT class! Gary told me the Firebird would just want to fly away around 250 mph, and they kept adding weight to keep it on the ground. The Firebird has been restored and is beautiful sitting in Gary's shop.

 

A few miscellaneous shots from the collection. First one had "Joe Burke - Saugus" written on the back...

 

Class Thread... @39ChevyBob, There should be stickies for stuff like this it's Revered History...

 

Possibly from a photo shoot for HRM on the building of the Cal-Luoi, Jim and A.J. Michele....

 

Lot's of the early guys around the roadster, including Chet Herbert in the wheelchair...

 

Early SCTA Patrol car from Jim's wall...

 

It wasn't all about the cars, though the bragging rights, trophies and honors meant a lot to these men who risked their lives for what they loved. It was a fraternity of shared knowledge and deep friendships, and the good news is, the few times I've been on the dry lakes and salt, I still see and feel it. A few photos of these legends from the family collection....

 

Thanks, @Marty Strode ! That means a lot coming from you.

 

I'd like to also thank all those including you Bob...who helped connect dots in all these Historic Pics...The Knowledge base here is always admirable and I'm still curious about the 200mph tires...

 

I so dig this...the First Lady of Land Speed Racing. Phyllis posing for a photo shoot on the Burke LeSage - Jim Lindsley #305/#1 coupe. Racer when women weren't allowed, recorder of a multitude of historic LSR runs & records, and mom and grandmother to a legendary race family.....

 

I'm done unless I get my hands on more of the family collection...there is some more. I hope you have had at least some of the enjoyment, if you have followed along, as I have had scanning, researching and posting this story. I'ts been a healthy distraction along with a learning experience during these troubled times.
I have to admit I'm a little jealous of my friend Gary and his family. I grew up in the woods of Northern Wisconsin in the 60's, in literally a zero hot rod town, and hardly knew of the racing pioneers. I did build my model cars, and read a few Hot Rod Magazines, but my Dad's tool box consisted of a pliers, a couple screwdrivers and a Cresent wrench. But I learned many other values from my family, and now embrace this history, along with the wonderful opportunities I'm now having to see history in the making, every time I go to the drags, the Lakes, Bonneville and car shows. Thanks again to Jim Lindsley and the Lindsley family for their commitment to all things Hot Rod......

 

Thank you for sharing...

 

You're welcome, @sliceddeuce !

 

Great photos and history, thanks for posting.


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

That was like fine wine @39ChevyBob...A heck of a lot of work...very nice presentation...my like fingers well oiled now...

 

Outstanding Sir.

 

Thanks Bob, thoroughly enjoyed this thread.

Mick

 

Thanks, Gentlemen! Glad you came along for the ride.