GMP 1/18 Tommy Ivo's Barnstormer Dragster G1800813

1962 Tommy Ivo's Barnstormer - Dragster
Red

”TV Tommy” Ivo built his twin engine and four engine Buick powered dragsters to make more horsepower on gasoline during the years when nitromethane was banned by NHRA. Ivo, used to running for Top Eliminator on gasoline, immediately made the change to the nitro burners when the ban was lifted. He opened his own chassis shop and joined forces with Dave Zeuschel, one of the premium engine builders of the time. Ivo disliked not to being in sole control of running his own car, so the partnership was soon dissolved. The car would become known as the "Barnstormer"; one of the most beautiful cars of it's time. After finishing filming the TV series “Margie”, Ivo retired from his movie career to do what had become the consuming passion of his life. He became a full time touring professional drag racer making his living "Barnstorming" the country from coast to coast for the next 20 years. The car became an instant success, winning its very first race at the "Seattle Worlds Fair" race, defeating Don Garlits in the final round. Shortly thereafter it became the first car to break the seven second barrier with a 7.99 second elapsed time at San Gabriel (California) drag strip in October 1962. In one of the first match races ever run on the West Coast. Ivo and Don Prudhomme, in the Greer-Black-Prudhomme car ran the first side by side 7 second runs. Next, Tommy set a new world speed record by being the first car to run over 190 mph. Ivo's Barnstormer was featured in the movie "Bikini Beach" along with his four engine car. It also was the winner of the first "British Drag Festival" taking 3 out of 5 races over his old rival Don Garlits. Tommy Ivo raced 36 different cars in 12 classes over his 30 year career when he traveled over a million and a half miles, coast to coast, running in well over 2500 races.

LTD Edition of 5000

Released in 2005

Scale 1/18

G1800813