Here’s a find: a clean, bright copy of the 1959 NHRA/Hot Rod film, Ingenuity in Action. Presenting the story of the inaugural NHRA U.S. Nationals in Detroit — a classic moment in drag racing history.
Originally produced back in 1959 by Hot Rod magazine and the National Hot Rod Association, the 16mm, 27-minute film was a public relations tool to introduce the sport of drag racing and the hot rodding pastime to a nervous general public. This is the most pristine and watchable copy we’ve seen.
The story starts out a bit on the slow side as a group of California drag racers venture out across the country to attend the U.S. Nationals in Detroit, but once they arrive the action picks up nicely. A wonderful time capsule, the movie gives us a great look at Detroit Dragway in its inaugural year, as well as a number of cool old racers that would become famous:
+ Rodney Singer’s Top Eliminator winner, a rail job powered by a Lincoln MEL V8 with crank-driven blower.
+ Ohio George Montgomery and the earliest version of his baby-blue Willys gasser, here powered by a Cadillac V8, the Little Eliminator winner at this event.
+ A Detriot car club named the Ram Chargers with a weird-looking ’49 Plymouth Altered they call the Ram Rod.
…and lots more astonishing stuff. Take your time with the film if you can—it’s worth it.
Great music too, reminded me of just about every film documentary and newsreel of the ’50s!
Your friend, molybdenum
This is Our History. Is it possible to get a copy?
Yes, from the U.S. National Archive.
Hi! Jack Moss competed at this race with his normally-aspirated Hilborn Injected twin-engined small-block Chevy dragster named ‘Two Much’. I’ve been trying to obtain a clean photo of this race car for quite a while. If anyone knows where one can be obtained. please do not hesitate to contact me.
Love watching these, THANKS for the HISTORY