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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