PROLONG UNVEILS 60S THEMED 1955 CHEVY WAGON
Steve Strope-Built ‘55 Wagon Debuts at Grand National Roadster Show
POMONA, Calif. – Staying true to the days of early drag racing, Prolong® Super Lubricants will unveil its much-anticipated 1955 Chevy 210 four-door Wagon at the Grand National Roadster Show, Jan, 29 – Jan. 31 in the Pure Vision booth in Building 4 of the Fairplex at the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona, Calif. Prolong’s ’55 Wagon is inspired by Prolong’s support of the hot rod, muscle car and drag racing markets, and it is styled after the classic drag-support vehicles that were fixtures at drag strips across the country during the 1960s.
Prolong’s wagon project showcases the vintage design details that keep it true to design cues indicative of a ‘60s race support vehicle. It also features modern hidden amenities, such as air conditioning and BlueTooth technology. Prolong’s ‘55 Wagon is designed to be an efficient, serviceable vehicle whose fold-down rear seat and flat deck will be used as intended—to carry cargo to racing events and car shows throughout the year.
“Since we participate in events such as the National Hot Rod Association Museums’ Twilight Cruise series and other similar events, we felt it was fitting that our latest project vehicle pay homage to the glory days of hot rods,” said Ian McKinney, General Manager, Domestic Sales, Marketing and Motorsports, Prolong Super Lubricants. “The Prolong ’55 Chevy Wagon will be driven to these events, transporting gear for Prolong’s display in true early drag-era style.”
Ian attributes the high-quality and originality of the build to project builder Steve Strope of Pure Vision Design.
“The Prolong Wagon features a tuck and roll pattern on the interior upholstery, stitched by Eric Thorsen, and a mix of majik blue/true blue and white pearl House of Kolor paint on the outside applied by Pete Santini,” Strope said. “The wagon rolls on vintage-styled Rocket Racing Wheels and is powered by an Edelbrock crate engine backed by a B&M over drive transmission. A chassis using Currie rear end and Ride Tech suspension parts ensure it cruises smoothly, while a sprinkling of hot rod parts from Hedman, Lokar, Painless Wiring and Vintage Air are details straight from cars used at the track in the ‘60s.”
In the early 1960s, drag racing was growing in popularity across the United States, but corporate sponsorships remained scarce. Drag enthusiasts were not daunted, however, and used their family wagons to pull trailers and cart tools for the drag race vehicles, which literally had to be push started.
“The hot-rod and street-rod gods have given wagons a free pass for having a coolness factor ever since the surf wagons of the ’50s and ’60s,” said Strope, an award-winning automotive-customizing virtuoso. “This wagon is trendy and cool, but it’s built to be 100 percent serviceable and maintainable for Prolong.”
A complete listing of contributors includes: Aeromotive, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), B & M, Currie Enterprises, Dynamat, Edelbrock, Eddie Motorsports, Eric Thorsen Custom Upholstery, Flowmaster, Flaming River, Hedman Hedders, Lokar Performance Products, Perma-Cool, Pure Vision, Rocket Racing Wheels, Ride Tech, Santini Paint & Body, Painless Performance Products and Vintage Air.
About Prolong Super Lubricants
Prolong® Super Lubricants, a brand of GoldenWest Lubricants, Inc., produces a wide range of chemicals and car care products, including engine, fuel and transmission additives; chassis and wheel lubricants; vinyl and leather protectants. Prolong’s Anti-Friction Metal Treatment™ (AFMT) advanced technology treats and modifies the surface of metal to reduce metal wear, heat and friction. For more information, visit www.prolong.com, or contact Prolong at 1937 Mount Vernon Ave., Pomona, Calif., 91768; phone: 800.540.LUBE (5823); fax: 800.966.LUBE (5823).
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