Frank Lockhart: My Tragic Hero

I recently came across this photo of Frank Lockhart and the incredible Stutz Black Hawk record car. I had never seen this one before, but it really shows the sleek beauty of the car as well as its comparatively diminutive size. Lockhart was only 26 when he died, having won the Indy 500 in his first attempt, set numerous speed records and having designed and built this incredibly sophisticated record car with no formal engineering education. If he had had the sponsorship money to use higher quality tires, he might have lived a long life filled with many more brilliant accomplishments.

For a fuller history on this car, check out my previous story HERE

1970 Brands Hatch BOAC 1000km

This epic photo of Vic Elford and Pedro Rodriguez in the rain at Druids Corner shows the incredible car control that both men possessed. Even the prodigious rain driving talents of Elford were no match for the flying Mexican that day, who came from behind to win by 5 laps! Below is some great period footage of the race with interviews with Pedro and Jo Siffert.

Oldsmobile Golden Rocket, 1956

One of the prettiest GM show cars of the 1950s. One wonders if this was influenced Ghia's FIAT 8V design. While the torpedo fenders may be rather flamboyant, there is no denying the remarkable proportions and flowing surfacing in this design study. Look at the highlights and reflections wrappign around the fenderline. Just gorgeous.

You can see some definite corvette in the trunklid and bumper treatment. Vestigial tailfins sprout from the torpedo fenders.

Bill Mitchell and his Stingray

I love this photo of GM design supremo Bill Mitchell standing in the mud next to his spectacular creation. For a fascinating 1985 interview with Mitchell, click on over to Dean's Garage.

Studying the Competition

Carlo Chiti, head of Autodelta, gesticulates next to an amazing shelf of wind tunnel models related to the development of the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33.  Only please notice that the model just next to his left hand is clearly that of a Porsche 908/03 Spider.  Evidently, they were studying the competition very closely! Sadly the true nemesis of the Tipo 33 turned out to be the Ferrari 312 PB, which proved more reliable than the Alfa.

Hat tip to Off Camber for the photo