A History of Speed Parts

"The dry lakes racers opened a door of opportunity," writes Barney Navarro in his forward to Paul D. Smith's book Merchants of Speed, and this hits the nail on the head to be certain.



For anyone interested in tracing hot rodding's roots, all roads lead back to the dry lakes and the men who were interested in one thing: speed. Early on, the Mohave Desert provided a testing ground for anyone seeking to try their hand at that all-American pastime of tinkering. As fast as Detroit could build them, you just knew there would be some guy out there looking to make his car faster or more unique. Naturally, any display of creativity breeds a sense of competition, and with competition, we often find ingenuity and innovation. Such was the case with hot rods, and following World War II and the return home of servicemen who had been exposed to new technology and training, the industry began a period of exponential growth.

Mr. Smith takes a look at twenty six of the original speed parts manufacturers over twenty-two chapters, giving some personal history on each, and digging up the inspiration behind their contributions to the industry. The book was written using the hundreds of hours of interviews conducted, and the voices of the men behind the history really shine through. From humorous anecdotes to sobering looks at tragic wrecks, we are presented with a living history of this truly American industry. We are treated to an ongoing series of innovations, witnessing the evolution of technology, and ever-changing business and manufacturing standards. The pursuit of quality and craftsmanship reaches ever-higher benchmarks as the stories roll on, and the "inside story" of so many parts we now take for granted seem to fill the little gaps that so often appear when one wonders "how'd they come up with that?".

Being born at the close of the musclecar era, so many of the names in this book were, up to reading this volume, just that... names. I was treated to what felt like a first-hand drive through the living history of the sport and industry I grew up loving, and make my living in. The book is a substantial 240 pages, loaded with over 250 images of the men, the parts, and numerous action shots. Truly a must-have for anyone seeking the "behind the scenes" history, and truly priceless for the artists out there who are looking for rare reference photos of parts and accessories.

More than just a history of the speed parts industry, we are invited to share the memories of the "founding fathers": Lou Senter (Ansen Automotive), Tommy Thickstun, Frank Baron, Bob Tattersfield, Nick Brajevich (Braje Equipment), Harvey Crane Je. (Crane Cams), Vic Edelbrok Sr. (Edelbrock), Jack Engle (Engle Racing Cams), Earle Evans (Evans Speed Equipment), Chet Herbert (Herbert Racing Cams), Stu Hilborn (Hilborn Fuel Injection), Howard Johansen (Howards Racing Cams), Ed "Isky" Iskendarian (Iskendarian Racing Cams), Frank McGurk (McGurk Engineering), Barney Navarro (Navarro Racing Equipment), Fred Offenhauser (Offenhauser), Chuck Potvin (Potvin Racing Cams), Mel Scott (Scott Fuel Injection), Al Sharp (Sharp Speed Equipment), Bill and Tom Spalding (Spalding Racing Cams & Ignitions), Wayne Horning and Harry Warner (Wayne Manufacturing), Harry Weber (Weber Racing Cams), Phil Weiand (Weiand Power & Racing), And Dempsey Wilson (Dempsey Wilson Racing Cams).

It's one of those rare multi-purpose books that will occupy equal time in the Studio being cracked open for research, as well as being brought out for some additional inspiration in those late-night bench race sessions.

Merchants of Speed
The Men Who Built America's Performance Industry
by Paul D. Smith
Illustrated. 240 pp.
Motorbooks
$40.00

Grab your copy here, and save almost 35%