Long before the thunderous roar of nitro Funny Cars and the sophisticated engineering of modern Top Fuel dragsters dominated the strip, door cars and roadsters held a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts. These early pioneers of drag racing, often overshadowed by their nitro-fueled counterparts, still evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia and passion. Just like many fans who appreciate the raw power of 1970s-era Funny Cars, there’s an undeniable allure to a well-built doorslammer. Robert Nielsen, a keen observer of this golden age, captured this sentiment perfectly through his lens. He generously shared a collection of remarkable photos, devoid of diggers or floppers, each accompanied by insightful commentary, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of drag racing.
For those who frequented the drag strips, especially in Southern California, the memories often extend beyond the headlining acts. It’s the diverse field of racers and their fascinating machines that truly resonate. Nielsen’s photos are a testament to this, showcasing the lesser-spotlighted yet captivating cars that graced tracks like Lions, OCIR, and Irwindale. These images are sure to spark recognition and fond memories for anyone who experienced the vibrant SoCal drag racing scene.
“I’ve amassed over 1,000 images from iconic tracks like Lions, OCIR, Irwindale, San Fernando, and others across Southern and Northern California, as well as Arizona,” Nielsen explains. “Most of these were taken when I wasn’t racing my own car, but still at the track helping friends. I always brought my 35mm Nikon FTN camera. I tended to photograph cars belonging to friends or competitors. While I do have some shots of dragsters, Funny Cars, and Pro Stock, they represent a small fraction of my collection. I consider myself more of a ‘picture taker’ than a photographer. Photographers are skilled professionals; I just took a lot of photos, and some happened to turn out alright.”
Robert, your “picture taking” skills definitely captured some gems. Thank you for sharing these nostalgic snapshots. The descriptions below each photo are Robert’s original notes, providing valuable context and insights.
“Here’s Carl Smith’s small-block Chevrolet-powered All Star Tire Anglia launching with the front wheels skyward at Lions Drag Strip. Judging by the NHRA sign in the background (Lions was previously an AHRA track), this photo likely dates back to 1971 or 1972. This Anglia was a consistent and formidable bracket racer, a regular fixture at Lions every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon! I was also a frequent presence there, and when my car was undergoing maintenance, I’d bring my Nikon FTN with a 50-300mm zoom lens. What I appreciate most about this image is the airborne front end, the subtle distortion of the rear tires from the launch force, and the almost palpable sense of calm on Carl’s face as he pilots his car down the strip.” For enthusiasts looking to recapture this classic era, finding parts for vintage Anglias or similar gassers can be a rewarding pursuit, ensuring these iconic door cars remain a part of drag racing history.
“This is Ted Wells’ remarkable 1954 Ford. I raced alongside Ted from around 1969 to 1974. Ted was the shop foreman at Larry Orfia’s Valley Head Service in Tarzana, located near Frank Huszar’s Race Car Specialties. I spent a considerable amount of time at VHS and RCS back then, perhaps to the detriment of my college studies. Initially, Ted’s Ford was powered by a 352-cubic-inch big-block Ford, later upgraded to a destroked 427, displacing 396 cubic inches. A true master machinist, Ted fabricated numerous components for this car. He custom-built an aluminum tunnel ram intake manifold, partly because big-block Ford manifolds weren’t readily available and partly for the challenge. He also hand-molded the entire fiberglass front end. Despite weighing over 3,800 pounds, this Ford launched with such force that it would literally rip the pinion carrier from the 9-inch Ford rear end. To solve this, instead of switching to a Dana rear end (popular at the time), Ted fabricated a custom third member from welded and machined 4130 steel plate – no off-the-shelf options existed for a robust 9-inch Ford rear end back then. He also ran a modified Ford top loader 4-speed transmission that was so refined, he NEVER missed a shift! This car consistently ran in the 10.70s, exceptionally quick for that period. In 1974, Ted was embarking on a Super Stock 427 Fairlane project, but I’m unsure if he completed it as he moved to Wichita, Kansas, and we lost touch.” The ingenuity and fabrication skills Ted showcased are a testament to the resourcefulness of early drag racers, often needing to create custom car parts to achieve peak performance.
Nielsen, aware of a fondness for supercharged Opels, especially after a stint with Frank and Linda Mazi’s BB/A Opel in 1984, included a fantastic shot of the Herrera and Sons AA/GS Opel, captured at a Sunday event at Lions. Absolutely “Bitchin’.”
Nielsen couldn’t resist featuring his own first race car – a photo not taken by himself, of course! This image is cherished for its nostalgic glimpse of the Irwindale starting line and snack bar. While the track is now gone, the overpass road for the 210 freeway in the background remains largely unchanged, a poignant reminder of racing history. Nielsen recounts, “My first car was a 1963 Ford Falcon, powered by a 260-cubic-inch small-block Ford engine and a B&M Hydromatic transmission. This transmission, with its 4.05 first gear and a 5.43 rear end, provided incredible launch capabilities and would rev beyond 8,000 RPM if I wasn’t quick on the 1-2 shift (before I installed a rev limiter of my own design and build). I also modified the distributor to retard timing on the high gear shift. This car was more competitive in AHRA, where I held several national records, including the H/Stock Automatic record at 12.97 seconds and 109.35 mph in 1969. In NHRA, I managed to secure class records at Irwindale and OCIR, enabling participation in their annual Grand Prix races. I also held track class records at San Fernando Raceway, Beeline (Phoenix), and Fremont.” The dedication to modifying and tuning even seemingly basic cars like a Ford Falcon highlights the accessible entry point door cars offered into drag racing, and the constant need for car parts and upgrades to stay competitive.
“Tom Nicklin & Sons ‘Outcast’. Being a Ford enthusiast, I always had a soft spot for other Fords. Anyone could make a Chevrolet run, but it took true dedication and passion (some might say stubbornness!) to make a Ford competitive. This car featured a fuel-injected big-block Ford, possibly a 427, though I’m not entirely certain. It was another regular participant at Lions every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.” The “Outcast” exemplifies the Ford versus Chevy rivalry that was a defining characteristic of door car drag racing, with racers often seeking specific car parts and engine configurations to gain an edge.
Nielsen captured this unique pit-side photo of Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins at the inaugural NHRA Supernationals in Ontario, November 1970, meticulously adjusting the valve lash on his Pro Stock Camaro. He notes, “What strikes me about this photo is the stark contrast to today’s Pro Stock secrecy. Back then, there was no attempt to conceal any under-hood modifications that might offer a competitive advantage, unlike Bob Glidden’s reaction after crashing his Thunderbird, where his first instinct was to cover the intake. I also find the duct tape holding down the beat-up carburetor plates amusing. And if you look closely at the interior, you can see remnants of the factory door panels and interior parts – a far cry from today’s Pro Stock cars, which are entirely fabricated from scratch, with no stock components remaining!” This image offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Pro Stock door cars, from relatively stock appearing machines to highly specialized, purpose-built race cars, and the increasing focus on performance car parts and secrecy in professional drag racing.
Another pit shot from the 1970 Supernationals, this one showcasing Jim Stevens’ B/Street Roadster, which claimed Modified honors at the event. This impressive roadster was powered by a fuel-injected Ford Boss 302 engine. Stevens was also a full-time Los Angeles County firefighter, highlighting the dedication of racers who balanced their passion with everyday professions. Roadsters, as open-top door cars, represent another facet of the diverse vehicles that participated in early drag racing, each requiring specific car parts and tuning approaches.
Yet another Ontario pit scene, this time featuring the legendary Marcellus & Borsch Winged Express AA/Fuel Altered. That’s the iconic “Wild Willie” Borsch himself, enjoying a smoke. “I loved – and still love – fuel altereds,” Nielsen admits. “You never quite knew which direction these short-wheelbase cars might take. They were incredibly exciting to watch, and I imagine even more thrilling to drive!” Fuel Altereds, often considered extreme door cars, pushed the boundaries of drag racing with their unpredictable nature and raw power, demanding specialized car parts and driving skill.
Wally Parks always emphasized the appeal of a good engine shot, and this one certainly delivers. Again from the 1970 Supernationals, this is the Boss 429 Ford Maverick engine in Dick Brannan’s Pro Stocker. “The inline Holley carburetors on this setup are notoriously difficult to rejet!” Nielsen points out. “Also, the magnesium valve covers are showing signs of needing some attention.” A stark contrast to today’s highly sophisticated Pro Stock engines, this Boss 429 represents the raw power and mechanical ingenuity of the era, with enthusiasts today still seeking out and utilizing vintage car parts like Holley carburetors for their classic builds.
This collection of photos offers a nostalgic journey back to the vibrant era of door cars and early drag racing. For those who were there, these images will undoubtedly rekindle fond memories of Lions Drag Strip and the Southern California racing scene. For newer enthusiasts, it’s a valuable glimpse into the roots of drag racing, showcasing the passion, innovation, and diverse machines that paved the way for today’s high-octane motorsport. The legacy of these dragsters, door cars, and the quest for performance car parts continues to inspire racers and builders alike.
