If you look back at some of the General’s hottest-performance cars, you will notice a reoccurring theme — many do not have a traditional perimeter frame. Many of these muscle cars were built on what is called a unibody platform. Camaros, Novas, and Firebirds were all built with a unibody construction utilizing a front subframe section that attached to the body, rather than full perimeter frames where the body is mounted onto the frame structure.
This was okay when the cars were new and factory stock. But, age and the addition of a few major performance enhancements, will help you soon notice how inadequate a “seasoned” unibody-constructed car really is when diving into building a true performance classic.
Before there was NASCAR, before twisting race tracks were known for their road-racing antics, and almost before the Indianapolis 500, there was Elgin, Illinois. Located roughly 35 miles from Chicago, Elgin was the place where speed came of age, and terms such as “stock cars” were used in their truest sense.
We often think of hot rodding as a post-WWII phenomenon, but if one traveled the streets of Elgin, even before the first World War, you might have a different reality. Starting in 1910, the streets of Elgin, Illinois would once a year, turn from the typical commuter route to a roaring race track featuring some of the biggest names in racing. Noted drivers such as Eddie Rickenbacker, Cliff Durant, the son of GM founder, Billy Durant; Ralph DePalma, and Fred Frame all competed with others on this early version of automotive competition.
The Elgin Road Races were held in 1910-1915, 1919, and 1920. They were halted during World War I and were only brought back after the 1920 race as part of the World’s Fair that was being held in Chicago in 1933. In 1933, there were actually two races held. There was an “open” class, which was won by Phil “Red” Shafer, and a “stock car” race, comprised of production vehicles powered by engines less than 231 cubic-inches. It was during this race that this particular car came into prominence. One year after Henry Ford introduced the all-new flathead Ford V8, several automobiles powered by this new engine were dominating the twisting course at Elgin. The video below shows antics from both classes of cars during that race.
According to Rod Shows, “This is the 16th consecutive year in Pomona for GNRS. Approximately 500 show vehicles will compete for awards inside the Fairplex buildings. Another 400-800 vehicles will join the event Saturday & Sunday for the 14th Annual Grand Daddy Drive-In.
“This year, we’re celebrating 90 years of the Model A Ford. See Over 100 Iconic and historical 28-31 Ford roadsters, coupes, sedans and pickups. See 8 past AMBR winners and many NHRA and SCTA record holders. This must-see display will be in building number 9.”
John Ivey’s 1927 Ford Roadster
Gary and Deborah DeVine’s 1932 Ford Roadster Pickup “Warpaint”
Always been a bit confusing for me working out wheel sizes, PCDs and all that stuff!
Tech: How To Measure For Installing Larger Wheels And Tires
Wheels and tires can make or break the look of a car. You can have a clapped-out, rusty Camaro with a nice set of wheels, and it will typically look pretty cool. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a bad wheel choice can make a fully-restored and painted showpiece look less than spectacular.
I’m a great lover of the designs of Harley J Earl, having seen a number of the cars up close at the GM Heritage Centre I have even more respect for his work.These are some pictures that I took during my birthday visit
Buick Le Sabre GM Heritage Centre
Buick Y Job GM Heritage Centre
Buick Y Job GM Heritage Centre
Buick Y Job GM Heritage Centre
Buick Le Sabre GM Heritage Centre
Buick Le Sabre GM Heritage Centre
Buick Le Sabre GM Heritage Centre
Buick Le Sabre GM Heritage Centre
Buick Y Job GM Heritage Centre
Buick Y Job GM Heritage Centre
Buick Y Job GM Heritage Centre
Buick Y Job GM Heritage Centre
There is a great article here from Rod Authority by Jake Headlee on Earl and his impact on automotive design.
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