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NOTE; I have very little
information on either of the two cars
shown below, so if you can add any details or know how I can
reach the owners, please contact me at
1320history@charter.net
The Nickleson Tool & Die Dragsters
This Pete Garramone Photo taken at Continental Divide Raceway in
1959 shows the unique design of this Four Cylinder Continental
Aircraft Engine powered X/Class dragster built by and ran by Bob
Nickleson from Wichita, KS
As one can see there was a lot more unique items to this little dragster
Than just the engine. Check out that front suspension
Pete Garramone Photo
This fascinating little car appears to have been a family projects. Pete
caught
the women giving pointers as the men prepare for another trip down the
1320 at Continental Divide Raceway in '59 (Pete Garramone Photo)
This earlier photo taken by Don Elliott at Kansas City in 1958, gives us a
good
look at the reversed 200 HP aircraft engine. Can you see this in the "Tech"
line at an NHRA event today ???
I am assuming this is the next version of the Continental powered dragster
of
Bob Nickleson, with a longer wheelbase and the addition of a supercharger.
This thing had to have a sound all it's own. Pete Garramone Photo
This view show a updated front suspension, but still very different from the
setup seen on most cars or the day. here is the performance info provided
by Butch Salter, who raced against them:
In CDR Program Nickelson first listing is May 7, 1961 running 108.82
MPH
&
In CDR Program Aug 13, 1961 lists Nickelson as winner of US Divisional Meet
(July 29-30) in X/D at 113.35 MPH, 11.68 ET and CDR Record at 114.35 MPH
Pete Garramone
Photo and thanks to Pete & Butch for the Performance Info
Drivers View from the Bob Nickleson "Chaos 1" X/Dragster
Pete Garramone Photo
Another notable feature of this car is the machining skills of its builder
Just take a look at the front wheels Pete Garramone Photo
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