[Jack Gifford]

Originally Posted by Alvin

... Here it is as displayed @ Pomona NHRA Museum...

But the black & white photo (apparently at '61 Nationals) is an unblown Tempest engine. Although I was there, I admit to not remembering the car. And it doesn't have Mickey's "trademark" milling off of the head's exhaust surface with his welded-on adaptors. It sure looks like "Gentleman Jack" Chrisman standing by it- anybody know for sure whether he drove for Mickey at that event?

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Alvin

Originally Posted by Alvin
... Here it is as displayed @ Pomona NHRA Museum...

Originally Posted by Jack Gifford

But the black & white photo (apparently at '61 Nationals) is an unblown Tempest engine. Although I was there, I admit to not remembering the car. And it doesn't have Mickey's "trademark" milling off of the head's exhaust surface with his welded-on adaptors.... It sure looks like "Gentleman Jack" Chrisman standing by it- anybody know for sure whether he drove for Mickey at that event?

Certainly many possibilities of M/T's Work In Progress car and drivetrain configurations over the years.

Ex: take another look @ the Tempest "rail" as displayed @ Pomona Museum (link here) and you will note the added "belly pan" and "support bracket system" for use of the "aero body" (sitting on floor next to Tempest rail w "Pontiac Tempest" "Attempt 1" lettering) on the Bonneville Salt Flats and NHRA drag strip runs.
Also: Note the certificates on display stand for "153 mph 4cyl & 2cyl record runs" that shows image of same car & body used as a combination for many speed events.

IIRC - Agree as you mentioned and noted: the head used may have been for use on the museum static display only and not one of those actually used in 1961 etc. record runs and competition.

GR8 discussion and Thxs to all for sharing vintage pix and memories here. I'm going to have to break out this book from my shelves and reread the M/T History again!