Early Days of Hot Rodding and Racing in Santa Barbara and beyond.

[khyndart in CA]

Back to September 1953 at Santa Barbara Airport.


The first race begins


There were some interesting vehicles entered including this V-8 powered Morris Minor convertible, bravely driven by Dave Watson.
The hood blew off on the drive to Santa Barbara, so a quick stop for a piece of leather and away she goes !





( Ken H )

[Milan Fistonic]

A British view of Hot Rods as published in the May 1950 edition of Motor Sport

[khyndart in CA]

The fiberglass special that did best at Santa Barbara was the Glasspar G2 driven by Bill Pollack.
This car had been built up by two army mates, Ed Martindale and Ted Mangos who formed their company known as Maneco starting out in Canoga Park, CA. in less than ideal condition !

(Seen using the oil heater.)
"Ted lived with me at my parent’s farm in Canoga Park, California. We fixed up an old barn on our property, poured cement for a floor (editor’s note: no dirt floor here gang) and built our first frame. We did have a primitive oil heater in barn, though. Oil dripped on a pan, and the fire burned warm. Good enough to start a business!”

Known as a plastic power house with a Mecury-Ardun engine, they built a fine race car.




I have to admit not knowing much about the Ardun cylinder conversion so I am sharing two sites I found interesting.

https://www.museumofamericanspeed.co...onversion.html

http://www.ardun.com/ardun_histrory.htm


(Ken H)

[Ray Bell]

Amazingly, that conversion was made for both the 'regular' (3.9+ litre) Ford V8 and the very limited production V8/60...

Of course, when Chrysler put the latter into mass production it would have far outstripped the numbers achieved by the bigger one.

[nigel watts]

[Allan]

Many years ago, at least 55, I had a friend in Wellington who made his own triple carb manifold for his flathead V8 out of "plastic wood". Looked great and worked well except the the outer two carbs were only for show and the engine ran on the middle carb only. It was a work of art and looked like the real thing.

[khyndart in CA]

My friend, Stu Hanssen, has located and beautifully restored the 1951 Baldwin Special that his father used to race in California, including Santa Barbara.
This is a photo of the Mecury engine with Ardun heads.

(Ken H photo.)




(Ken H photos.)

Here is an article regarding Stu and the Baldwin.

Stu at speed at Laguna Seca in the 1951 Baldwin Special.
(Concept Carz photo.)

https://www.conceptcarz.com/z25000/baldwin-special.aspx



(Ken H.. )

[khyndart in CA]

Stu's father, Bill, drove the car in many Southern California events in the 1950s.
Note the tyres are a bit different size compared to today plus it looks much better today with all that paint removed !
1951 Baldwin Special.


A 1949 Baldwin competed at Santa Barbara in 1953.



The car has been beautifully restored as can be seen.
Racing Car
built at Santa Barbara, California, USA
engineers Willis Baldwin
production 1
engine 1946 Mercury V8 w/Edelbrock Cylinder Heads
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
block material Cast Iron w/Aluminum Cylinder Heads
valvetrain Tripple Stomberg 95 Carburetors
displacement 4660 cc / 284.4 in³
bore 84.1 mm / 3.312 in
stroke 104.8 mm / 4.125 in
compression 9.0:1
power 134.2 kw / 180 bhp @ 4000 rpm
specific output 38.63 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 220.32 bhp per tonne
redline 5000
body / frame Steel & Aluminum Body over Modified 1946 Mercury Frame
driven wheels RWD w/1948 Ford Differential
front tires 6.00-16
rear tires 6.50-16
front brakes Drums
rear brakes Drums
f suspension Rigid Axle
r suspension Live Axle
curb weight 817 kg / 1800 lbs
wheelbase 2540.0 mm / 100 in
transmission 1939 Ford 3-Speed
top speed ~209.17 kph / 130 mph

https://www.supercars.net/blog/1949-...cury_special1/





(Ken H )