In the world of teen fads and fashion, none took the nation more than the hotrod craze of the 1950s and 60s. Revved up antiques, junkers, and just put-together jalopies were given new looks and shown off to friends and family.
In West Haven, the craze was just as evident and given some impetus by the local culture that included Savin Rock Amusement Park and Donvan Field, which was called the West Haven Speedway, and rumbled with hot rod races every weekend until the mid-60s. By that time, the fad had cooled, and kids went into other areas, but for some the clubs, friends and souped-up autos that once ran along main drags are something to remember.
One of those is Hillside Street resident Morgan Dunnigan. A city worker by day, Dunnigan is attempting together a retrospective look at some of the people, clubs and jalopies that were once part of the city’s scene. If things are successful, he hopes to cobble the results into book form to show another part of West Haven and its history.
“I grew up in West Haven and heard a lot of stories from the 1950s and 1960s of hotrods and custom cars cruising the West Haven shore,” he said. “I am compiling pictures of these cards from the Savin Rock area to put into a book for people to reminisce and enjoy.”
In his spare time, he has worked to collect many pictures and talked to many former owners and members of clubs that sprang up around the community. They include the Allingtown Road Winders, Daytona Turf Burners, among others. It is those “others” he is trying to identify and include in his project.
He is looking for former members and their families to help include their stories in his opus, hoping pictures and descriptions of the people and vehicles will enhance the story he is trying to weave.
“I’m sure there were many other groups and clubs, and I’m trying to identify as many as possible,” he said.
He pointed out two vehicles, the backstories of which he is eager to record.
“There was the Piston Jockey CC, which I am trying to identify,” he said. “This car and member appear to be a 1951 Ford with a 1953 Chevrolet grille. And how about t Ray Watt’s white 1960 Cadillac chopped top convertible? Does anyone have a picture of that car?”
What interests Dunnigan is not only the cars themselves, but the time and effort each individual or club put into the building of the final product.
“The imagination and hard work from these young car owners made the cars unique and something to be proud of,” he said.
In finding more information about those who did the work, he said it is an opportunity to show a new generation the efforts of an earlier time.
“Here’s another chance to show off the car you or a family member was so proud of,” he said.
While he has some material, he is hoping families and former builders can become part of the project.
If you have old photos of hot rods or jalopies, and can help tell the story around them, Dunnigan wants to hear from you.
Those interested should contact him at dunniganmorgan@gmail.com.
What about the great “Lug Nutz” car club? And does anyone know the true story about the porch swing that became a motor bike? Or the hot rod that would start itself each morning? What became of the Limestone brothers?
Ricky Limitone died several years ago while Gary is retired & doing well. I get to talk with him every so often.
Unfortunately, I have no photos of Hot rods but as a 78 year-old, I do remember all the hot rods I saw as a kid. The 1957 Ford was a great looking hot rod & it was my favorite when I was a kid. The 1954 Mercury was also a big favorite of mine. My next-door neighbor always was giving me rides when I was a kid.