A PIECE OF HISTORY

Arecord-setting belly tank race car from the ’50s and early ’60s is now carefully stored in a New England barn. Almost 60 years since its last race, this historic hot rod survivor awaits a return to its early racing condition, complete with the supercharged and injected Hemi engine that carried the tank to speeds of 200 mph and faster on the Bonneville salt flats.

The belly tank is one of numerous significant cars owned by Dave Simard. Dave has been professionally building and restoring early-style traditional rods at his shop, East Coast Custom in Leominster, Massachusetts, for almost 40 years—in addition to curating his amazing personal collection. Among the rows