A Different Kind of Digger

By Pete Garramone

Nickelson Tool & Die dragster, 1959. Photo by Pete Garramone

This first photo was taken at Continental Divide Raceway in 1959. It's the Nickelson Tool and Die entry from Wichita, Kansas, sporting an opposed Continental airplane engine. It held a record for four bangers.

Nickelson Tool & Die dragster, 1960. Photo by Pete Garramone

Fast forward to the 1960 AHRA Nats and out comes a new version of the Nickelson car. An absolute beauty! Built of nearly all stainless steel, this car was flawless. Heavy, yes, but the workmanship on this car remains inspiring. The dust caps on the front wheels were machined so close that you couldn't see a parting line. I have no idea how well the car ran. Being a toolmaker at the time, I was impressed with the machine work on this car. I still am.

Nickelson Tool & Die dragster, front view. Photo by Pete Garramone

Nickelson Tool & Die dragster, rear view. Photo by Pete Garramone