Stellings & Hampshire “Red Stamp” Dragster

[jlucky]

This fueler was called one of the “top 10 nicest dragsters ever built” when it hit the scene in 1964. It is commonly referred to as “The Red Stamp Car” because of the painted detail on the cowl. I wasn’t actually planning on completing this build, but one thing led to another, and I found myself working it to completion. This model is my take on that iconic car, and it involved no end of problem solving.

I purchased the resin cast body and decals from Fremont Racing Specialties, a fine supplier of unique and obscure drag racing models parts. The body is a close approximation to the original 130” wheelbase original but the cowl needed significant reshaping work. In trying to reshape the cowl, I was never able to get it to fit to my satisfaction, so I reshaped a totally new one out of aluminum sheet. Additionally, the axle mounting points had to be played with to get the car’s look in keeping with the low stance of the original. The 392 Chrysler came from an old Garlits’ Wynns Jammer kit and the Hilborn scoop from Competition Resins. Throw in a few other parts, pieces, wheels and tires from the spare parts box and we’re set. Headers posed a bit of a challenge, so I reworked some older funny car pipes to make a close approximation. I used a combination of paint and the Fremont decals to get the look I wanted. Extra details include fuel lines and ignition wiring along with throttle cable.

FYI, this car along with a few others are featured prominently in the ‘60’s era film Bikini Beach. Well worth a watch just to see it in action. This build is dragster #11 of 42 cars in the ever-expanding dragster collection. That top row is getting pretty crowded!

[Coyote_6]

Beautiful rendition with awesome details - glad you finished it.  Nice work.

Steve

[Vettegasser]

Very nice 

[echo]

Nice effort. I also have the Fremont resin body and noticed the issues you mentioned, nice way that you solved the cowl fitment. It's a nice rendition of the iconic fueler, my  favorite era of the front engined dragsters is '63 - '64. Nice collection !

[Hmann68]

Fantastic, clean build! Your work paid off 👍

[PappyD340]

Very nice build!

[ChrisR]

Nice!

[Mike 1017]

Great build

[slusher]

Very sharp dragster

[6bblbird]

Fantastic!

[Rattlecan Dan]

Man, that rail is in good company! You do a nice job on those classics. Well done on all.

[jlucky]

As always thanks guys...more to come.