Page 65 - NM Spring 2018
P. 65
Story and photographs by Connell R. Miller
Most of our readers are familiar edge over their competition. These part purveyor where they would
with the old saying that once the tinkerers (most of whom were find all their desired items waiting
second car was made, there was located in southern California in for them on shelves – aluminum
a desire on the part of the owners the beginning) soon morphed multi-carb manifolds, cams,
to see which one was faster. This their fledgling enterprises into headers and a better ignition for
was when the word “racing” – companies that became what we their Chevy, Ford or Dodge. All
previously used after bicycle, horse, now recognize as the huge speed, from one source and for a fairly
sailboat and foot was soon added or specialty equipment industry. small hit to their paycheck, the
to the word “automobile,” thus result often meant a hot but reliable
creating the roots of our sport. Following close on the heels of street vehicle that might also bring
this explosion of new products from home a trophy from the local drag
The next development came these manufacturers came the strip on the weekend.
quickly – the search for ways to creation of retail outlets with which
improve the performance of one’s to peddle these new performance- The rodder’s world began
car. With this goal of achieving enhancing parts directly to the changing though, with the
more horsepower, a small customer – the “speed shop.” 1970’s introduction of unleaded
cottage industry was created as gas and catalytic converters,
mechanically-minded folks in small The ‘50s and ‘60s were halcyon reduced compression ratios and
shops and backyard garages began years for the industry, as a car stringent emission controls. The
casting, grinding, machining and enthusiast could now stop sending performance industry was hit hard
modifying the parts that would off for each manufacturer’s catalog but strived to find solutions that
give the early-day hot rodder an and simply visit their local speed Continued on page 67
Spring 2018 Nitro Madness Magazine 65
