1953 Studebaker

Banks modifies a 1953 Studebaker and achieves a World Record top speed of 184.52 mph

Banks modifies a 1953 Studebaker and drives it to class records at El Mirage Dry Lake and the Bonneville Salt Flats with a top speed of 184.52 mph, as certified by the Southern California Timing Association.

Gale Banks Engineering started as C.P. Auto & Marine as his business was the source of tuition money for Gale’s engineering studies at Cal Poly. His “Bronco Power” racing engines, named after the university mascot, provided the push and Gale’s 1953 Studebaker took the El Mirage Dry Lake record at 159.01 and the Bonneville salt Flats record at 184.52 mph. A 337cubic inch, Hilborn-injected, small block Chevrolet was under that swoopy hood.

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Latest News

Matt Gamble | Speed School Podcast Ep 8

Matt Gamble, Banks Engine Program Manager, joins Gale Banks to discuss the company’s forthcoming turn-key diesel engines.

Gale Banks and Bruce Geisler teamed up on some of the most famous automotive performance records in history including Hanky Panky.

Gale’s love for a particular vehicle goes way back to his teens. It represented many milestones in his career and also represented a “the one that got away” feeling that he still has regrets about to this day. “My favorite car was the ‘53 Studebaker Starliner coupe,” says Banks. “The first time I ever saw ...

I’d rather be Blown than Injected, so reads Bruce Geisler’s t-shirt. It’s the early ‘60’s, we’re in the pits at Bonneville wrenching our Studebakers. It’s over 100 degrees at an altitude of 4,219 feet, no wonder my Moon air density meter is only reading 81%. Despite the low ambient air density, my Hilborn injected, Isky ...

When it Comes to Racers...We Roll Our Own!

A friend asked for a race car sponsorship recently, but we usually don’t do that. When it comes to race cars, trucks or boats…it’s more fun to build and race our own! And, that way, if we do it wrong, win a race or set a record, it’s our own doing. When it comes to fuel, ...

Here’s the Geisler-Vail & Banks, 53 Studebaker, on setup day at the 2016 Grand National Roadster Show! The SCTA gave us the premier spot directly across from their display. The Stude is ready to run with a fresh 258″ Banks Blown, gasoline SBC, fresh off the dyno. I’ll bet that Raymond Lowey has been spinning in ...

The gang from Adam Carolla’s “CarCast” stopped by to see what Gale’s been up to since their last meeting. Lots going on … check it out!Professor Sandy Ganz and Motorator Matt D’Andria make a visit to Gale Banks Engineering in Azusa, CA. Gale gave them a deluxe tour of his shop and showed just about ...

Here’s something that’s been a part of Gale Banks Engineering history almost since its inception, just now it is going to get bigger, newer power. By John Espino There are a few things in this motor-driven world that get folks excited about the automotive biz. I mean there were some dandy headlines this week about two eco-friendly ...

"Banks Power - The first 50 years" Opens at Wally Parks NHRA Museum

50 years of automotive and marine engineering innovation was put on display at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum to honor Gale Banks and his achievements.

"BANKS POWER – THE FIRST 50 YEARS" OPENS AT WALLY PARKS NHRA MUSEUM - POMONA, CA

Pomona, California – – On Wednesday, December 3, 2008, fifty years of automotive and marine engineering innovation was put on display at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, in Pomona, California. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WoRjPCMC6k Pomona, California – – On Wednesday, December 3, 2008, fifty years of automotive and marine engineering innovation was put on display at the Wally Parks ...