1958 "Little Nailhead" Dragster

1950s-vintage Buick Nailhead V8 engine, Hilborn fuel injection, in-and-out transmission, live front axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf spring and hydraulic shock absorbers, live rear axle with two-wheel hydraulic brakes at the rear wheels. Wheelbase: 119.5" As the sport of drag racing rapidly evolved, the venerable Flathead Ford V8, as well as its exotic Ardun overhead-valve variants had reached the zenith of their development by the mid-1950s. At this same time, a new crop of lightweight, compact and powerful overhead-valve V8 engines became widely available from most American auto manufacturers. One popular choice among hot rodders and drag racers of the era was a conversion to the Buick V8 engine, nicknamed the Nailhead for its unique valve placement. This design, which first appeared in 1953 with 322 cubic inches of displacement, was a winner right away courtesy of its durability, high-compression design and responsiveness to a variety of high-performance modifications. Chassis science also developed quickly during the mid-1950s, exemplified by future racing legend Mickey Thompson, whose very innovative 1954 dragster was the first such vehicle to place the driver behind the car’s narrowed rear axle, with the resulting car referred to as a “slingshot”. The car was a consistent Top Eliminator winner in California drag racing circles and set many records in the process by virtue of the strong traction and excellent weight transfer provided by this advanced design, which was quickly adopted as the standard dragster design until 1971. This modern recreation of a mid-1950s “slingshot” dragster was recently built by noted racing car collector and restorer Mike Guffey, from an original square-tube chassis, which was found outside Chicago and is presumably from about 1959. The dragster has a solid front axle and minimal bodywork. A highly detailed Buick Nailhead V8 engine provides ample power, topped by a period-style Hilborn fuel-injection system, Offenhauser rocker covers and tubular exhaust headers, backed by a simple but effective “in-and-out” transmission. Period features include aircraft-style racing harnesses for the driver, as well as a pair of ribbed M & H Racemaster slicks at the rear that are wrapped around a pair of red painted steel wheels. At the front of the car, narrow tires and wheels are accented by a set of neat aluminum wheel covers, with the inner covers displaying an attractive engine-turned finish, while the outer covers have a brushed aluminum finish. This early “slingshot” dragster, known affectionately as the “Little Nailhead”, is a great example of early dragster design. However, unlike many of the original racing cars of the period, it displays exceptional fit, finish and detailing.
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