​Smaldino & Yates "Fargo" Dragster

   This dragster was built by the Yates Brothers in early 1960.  Vic Smaldino built the car’s Ford Model ‘B’ racing engine using a very rare Fargo 4-port intake, 4-port exhaust, cross-flow overhead valve conversion head.
 
   In the next three years, this Fargo dragster made over 50 runs with trap speeds at over 133 m.p.h.  Some of the fastest include:

• Dec.3, 1960 – Bakersfield – 134.98 mph
• Dec 18, 1960 – Fontana – 134.73 mph​

• Oct 29, 1961 – San Gabriel – 136.15 mph (still the World’s Record       ¼-mile for a 4-banger dragster using 100% nitro)
• Nov 12, 1961 – San Fernando – 135.33 mph
• Dec 3, 1961 – Bakersfield – 135.53 mph

​   Some of the special racing parts used to build this car include:

• 1932 Ford Model ‘B’ four-cylinder engine
• Fargo OHV cylinder head conversion
• Stromberg Model 48 carburetors
• ​S&M side drive with Joe Hunt magneto
• Halibrand quick change rear end
• Lincoln brake drims
• Halibrand magnesium rear wheels
• EELCO hand pressure fuel pump
• Franklin center steering

 
   This car was featured in the January 2012 issue of Ol’ Skool Rodz Magazine.