Slingshot Dragsters of the 1960s Photo Archive [Paperback]

Lou Hart (Author)

Book Description

Series: Photo Archive | Publication Date: October 16, 2005

In the early 60s, front-engine dragsters, or slingshots, featured tubular built chassis powered by a variety of power plants, consisting of small-block Chevrolets, Chrysler Hemi's, Ford, Pontiac, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, and Lincoln motors either fueled on Nitro Methane or pump gas. Wheelbases varied from 110 inches in 1962 to over 200 inches in 1969. During the early sixties, racing legend "Big Daddy" Don Garlits ran a series of "Swamp Rat" dragsters which not only dominated the quarter-mile, but many of his creations were made by using experimental aerodynamic parts to give better traction and faster speeds. During a fuel ban from the late 50s to the early 60s, many chassis builders utilized a two-engine power plant to gain more power that was lost due to running pump gas instead of fuel. One of the most popular twin-engine dragsters was the "Fright Train", powered by twin small-block Chevrolets. The dragster was driven by 16-year-old Bob Muraviez who used the alias name of Floyd Lippencott, Jr. to fool his parents who did not approve of his racing. Near the end of the 60s, the Chrysler Hemi came to dominate Top-fuel racing, as it produced tremendous torque and horsepower. These dragsters were the quickest accelerating vehicles in motorsports. Elapsed times in the quarter-mile were ranging from the 8-second bracket in the early 60s to the low 7's late in the decade with speeds over 200 mph.In 1970 at the AHRA Nationals at Lion's Dragstrip (Long Beach, CA), Don Garlits experienced a violent clutch explosion that cut his dragster in two and severed a portion of Don's right foot. After being sidelined for several months, Don returned to racing with an innovative rear-engine, top-fuel dragster, which would eventually spell demise for the front-engine dragsters. Relive the 60s era of the front-engine dragster, nicknamed the slingshot for it's aerodynamic design in crisp high quality color and black and white photos. Enjoy memorable moments from some of the famed drivers that are highlighted throughout this book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Iconografix, Inc.; 1st edition (October 16, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583881484
• ISBN-13: 978-1583881484
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,040,439 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book but Bob Murazez was not 16, December 25, 2007

By 

S. Slinkard "Floyd Fan" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Slingshot Dragsters of the 1960s Photo Archive (Paperback)

A minor point: Bob Muravez was in his early twenties - not 16 as suggested - when he began driving the "Quincy Automotive Special" (later known as the "Freight Train") in 1961.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars INSTANT CLASSIC, February 29, 2008

By 

popular culture lover (Travelers Rest, SC United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Slingshot Dragsters of the 1960s Photo Archive (Paperback)

If you remember the front-engined dragsters from the Golden Age of Drag Racing, then this book's for you. Tons of great rails and the characters who drove them. My only quibble is that it's too weighted towards the California cars. But even so, this is a must-buy. Historic photos and interesting commentary. You'll be happy to have this one.