Even back in 1965, I realized that Tom’s Nasty Torker (TNT, get it?) was a pretty radical race car. Not a funny car or anything like that, but definitely a little extreme.
The driver’s name lettered on the door is Tom Sidener. Because of the car’s name, I assume Tom was the owner as well. Anyone have any info on Sidener?
I don’t think I ever saw another induction system quite like this. The inner headlights have been replaced with aluminum funnels, which lead to a flexible tubing system inside the engine compartment. The left tube feeds the forward carburetor, while the right transfers air to the rear carb. The moon tank located between the funnels is a nice touch. The car still has a front licence plate, but I would say this would be a little too wild for the street.
According to the lettering on the front fender, the Torker ran a 427 Hiriser Ford powerplant. That was a pretty staunch engine back in 1965.
Somebody must remember this car. Anyone?
Tom Bonner
This was my stepfather’s car. Do you have anymore photos? His birthday is coming up and some old photos would make a great gift.
I am the owner / creator of this 1960 FORD GALAXIE. It endeed did have a 427 HIRISER FORD engine with a 4-speed trans and a 5.43 rear axle. MY best time in a quarter mile was 11.05 @ 124 MPH. This picture was taken in 1966,by somone else, at COBO HALL in DETROIT for the AUTORAMA. The car weighed 4270 lbs. and in those days I weighed 240 lbs. Compare that to the FORD FAIRLANE T’BOLTS and you can see I had a great vehicle. Thanks for the memories. I just turned 77 HALLOWEEN.
TOM
Hey Tom,
Thanks for your comment. I was the one who took the photo. The photo was taken in 1965, the print I have indicates the photo was taken in Septemeber of 1965. I don’t think it was at Autorama, as the big show was usually held in January or February back then.
11.05 with a 4200lb car was really hauling in the mid sixties, especially on pump gasoline. Happy belated birthday. Hope you have many more!
Regards, Tom Bonner
I remember this car racing at Motor City Dragway. I have a nice picture of TNT posted on the winterwaterwonderland.com site. It’s a great memory lane for the Michigan dragstrips closed and operating.
Does anyone have a color picture of Tom’s Nasty Torker or know the color? I’m building a slot car to emulate this car but I’m lost with color scheme.
Thanks!
Hi Steven,
I’m sorry, I do not have a color shot of the car. 🙁
From what I remember the overall color was a mint green, possibly a standard Ford green paint. I do not recall the colors of the lettering.
A Nasty Torker slot car sounds really cool. I would love to post a shot or two of your finished project.
Regards, Tom
I don’t remember the FORD name for the paint color,but, it was a shade of blue/green and the lettering was black with a gold shadow. I do have a 1/18 scale model I made about 5 years ago and I do have color pictures of that and of the real car.If you would like a copy of a picture let me know. This HALLOWEEN I will be 80.
I do remember this car racing at Motor City Dragway in the 60’s. My Dad ( Louie O’Connor ) raced a 1941 Willys named Shadow.
I lived across the street from mr sidener in the late 60s and early 70s went to the strip with his sons and family
Hey Tom i would love more picture of your galaxie. I have a 60 galaxie of my own.
Tom ….Don wolanchuk here ….i remember racing mustangs at motor city…..hows ur health these days….as i recall u lived on newport….i visited u there once…….hows the family…..