Funny Car Driver-come-Mobster: Broadway Freddy DeName

There are some historical figures who are so mythical that their life stories prevail through a series of Chinese whispers. It can be hard to discern which aspects of their stories are true, and which are hearsay; rumours blown out of proportion to intensify the protagonist’s image. Frederick R DiNome is one such legend. HisContinue reading “Funny Car Driver-come-Mobster: Broadway Freddy DeName”

The Shelby Cobras that Dominated the Drag Strip

Picture this. I’m at Goodwood Revival, posing next to a gaudy, fuchsia pink, metal-flake adorned Shelby Cobra. I’ve asked Jake to take a photo of me beside it because the ridiculous paintjob matches my vintage dress. Little did I know that I was stood next to the winningest Cobra in NHRA drag racing history, withContinue reading “The Shelby Cobras that Dominated the Drag Strip”

The Feminine Touch: GM’s Damsels of Design

One of the side effects of the Second World War was women having to take up roles in previously male-dominated roles. Prior to the war, most American women were resigned to household duties or, for those fortunate enough to be out in the working world, desk jobs and other such roles deemed appropriate for ourContinue reading “The Feminine Touch: GM’s Damsels of Design”

The Dodge La Femme: The Car Designed for Women… by Men

What happens when you let a bunch of (male) Chrysler designers loose with a crazy brief to design a car specifically for women? Well, they chuck a tin of pink paint and beauty accessories at it of course. Enter the Dodge La Femme. After the end of World War 2, America was going through aContinue reading “The Dodge La Femme: The Car Designed for Women… by Men”

Think Pink: The Playmate of the Year Cars 1964-1975

Playboy: a phrase coined in the 20th century to describe a wealthy man with ample time for leisure and who often enjoys the company of women. For this reason, those who follow the playboy lifestyle often surround themselves with expensive, beautiful luxuries, such as cars. The most famous (or infamous, you decide) playboy is ofContinue reading “Think Pink: The Playmate of the Year Cars 1964-1975”

Celebrating the life of a British Drag Racing Legend: Dennis Priddle

I, like many others who partake in any way in our sport, was saddened to hear of the passing of Dennis Priddle last week on 28th April 2021. He was 75, and passed away due to breathing complications following a fall. I doubt that many people who are on the British drag racing scene haven’tContinue reading “Celebrating the life of a British Drag Racing Legend: Dennis Priddle”

The Isle of Thanet’s Forgotten Drag Strip: Screamin’ Alley Raceway

Like many history (and car) geeks I spend my time trawling the internet looking for original drag racing and hot rod photos. There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia conjured up looking back on evidence of the glory days of our hobby. Imagine my surprise, then, when I stumbled upon an advert for ‘Screamin’ Alley Raceway’.Continue reading “The Isle of Thanet’s Forgotten Drag Strip: Screamin’ Alley Raceway”