If, as a builder, you are interested in nostalgia, or are fascinated by early organized drag racing, then Revell has come through for you with the re-release of this classic Tony Nancy set of dragsters. First released in 1963, and with the date still showing up in the moldings, this kit represents the dragster and roadster that won the Competition Eliminator (the ’23 “T” Roadster) and Best Engineered Car (the Dragster) awards at the Winternationals in 1963. Tony Nancy, whose nickname was "The Loner" based on his ability to practically field a car by himself, set at least one record or Drag News 1320 mark in every class in which he competed, which encompassed cars such as a V/Fuel Dragster in 1957 through Top Fuel, where he held the national speed record at 236.22 in 1971. He was well known both for his seahorse emblem and for his upholstery business which served many Hollywood stars (such as Steve McQueen and Clint Eastwood), and working on boats and a variety of automobiles.

2003 marked the 50th anniversary of the Corvette. It also was the first challenge to Corvette Racing's two years of dominance in their class. Prodrive chose to enter their Ferraris in the full ALMS season as well and, although they were not strong early in the season, they managed to win the last four events of the season, including Petit Le Mans. Corvette Racing was, however, able to secure their third championship by a mere four points over the Prodrive team. The Ferraris would strike another blow, though, as they managed to end Corvette Racing's Le Mans streak, an event in which Corvette Racing celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Corvette.

Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen is one of drag racing’s icons. He is still one of the most popular drivers in the sport of drag racing. He has raced both funny cars and rail dragsters and set more speed records than any other driver. He earned the nickname “The Mongoose” from racing his arch rival Don “The Snake” Prudhomme during the 70s, which many consider the Golden Age of Drag Racing. This model kit represents the rail dragster that Tom McEwen drove during the 70s. The kit was first released in 1974 and, in spite of being 38 years old, has held up quite nicely. This kit has been released 3 previous times since 1974 and I for one am happy to see it come out again. The molds have held up well and the kit is filled with all kinds of extras, making it worth getting. There are plenty of aftermarket decals available, making it worth getting more than one.

The 1950’s were a decade of joyous excess in automotive design. After the austerity of the Great Depression and the deprivations caused by World War II, Americans were excited and optimistic about the future and America’s position in the world, and our cars showed it with increasingly powerful engines, multi-tone paint jobs, acres of gleaming chrome, and space-age tailfins. The pinnacle of this expression came in 1959, when General Motors unleashed its latest automobile designs. Every model, from the lowliest Chevrolet to the poshest Cadillac, sported tailfins the likes of which would never be seen again. Of these, the Cadillac fins, reaching nearly as high as the roof of the car, have come to symbolize the best (or, to some, the worst) of what that era offered.

History

From 1953 to 1957, Chevrolet had three full-sized automobiles it was selling to the public – the bottom of the line 150, the mid-range 210, and the top of the line Bel Air. The 210 model was Chevrolet's bestseller up until 1955. It offered the widest choice of body styles in 1953, including a convertible, Sport Coupe hardtop, two- and four-door sedans, and a station wagon.

However, in 1954, the 210 convertible and hardtop were dropped and a deluxe model called the Del Ray Club Coupe was introduced. This model came factory-equipped with interior furnishings found on higher-end models like the Bel Air. Drivers could enjoy upgrades such as padded vinyl seats, a lighted glove compartment, two door armrests, and carpeted floorboards. The cost of the Del Ray was now within $100 of the Bel Air with its luxury and premium trim and it never achieved the sales Chevrolet had hoped for.