1933 Willys Drag Racer
Add to SetSummary
When machinist George Montgomery started racing in 1953, all drag racers were amateurs with "real jobs" supporting their hobby. This car helped change all that. Montgomery bought an old Willys in 1958 and built a dragster so successful that promoters started paying him to run at drag strips nationwide. In 1966, Montgomery became one of drag racing's first full-time professional drivers.
When machinist George Montgomery started racing in 1953, all drag racers were amateurs with "real jobs" supporting their hobby. This car helped change all that. Montgomery bought an old Willys in 1958 and built a dragster so successful that promoters started paying him to run at drag strips nationwide. In 1966, Montgomery became one of drag racing's first full-time professional drivers.
Artifact
Racing car
Date Made
1958
Subject Date
1933
Creators
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Original car manufactured by Willys-Overland, Toledo, Ohio, in 1933. Rebuilt as a drag racer from 1958-1967 by owner/driver George Montgomery of Dayton, Ohio.
Keywords
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driven to Win: Racing in America
Object ID
2003.20.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Fiberglass
Metal
Rubber (Material)
Glass (Material)
Technique
Customizing
Color
Light blue
Dimensions
Height: 65 in
Width: 72 in
Length: 161 in
Weight: 2245 lbs
Inscriptions
Painted on doors: OHIO GEORGE / MALCO / AUTOMOTIVE CHEMICALS Painted on hood: DAYCO RACING BELTS Window decal: AA/G 360 Label on parachute: SIMPSON
Specifications
Make & Model: 1933 Willys (drag racing)
Maker: George Montgomery, Dayton, Ohio
Engine: Ford V-8, single overhead cam, supercharged, 427 cubic inches
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Height: 65 inches
Width: 72 inches
Wheelbase: 100 inches
Overall length: 161 inches
Weight: 2245 pounds
Horsepower: 1200
Pounds per horsepower: 1.9
Competition History: Winner of National Hot Rod Association U.S. Nationals class championships in 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, and 1966 and Winternational class championship in 1967. Winner of Little Eliminator at 1959 and 1960 U.S. Nationals and Middle Eliminator at 1963 U.S. Nationals.
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