GMP 1961 Showboat

Most collectors shun dragsters or racecars under the premise they only collect pristine classics. I am here to dispel the myth that the Tommy Ivo 4 Engine Dragster is not a pristine classic, which is worthy of a space of honor in your collection.

I love old school racecars/dragsters, the more radical the replica the larger the smile on my face. The Tommy Ivo 4 Engine Dragster has me smiling from ear to ear. It is without a doubt a fantastic replica epitomizing what drag racing was all about. With its four 454 cubic inch Buick Nailheads, and a total of 32 cylinders pumping out 1720 horsepower covering the quarter mile at over 170 M.P.H. in 9.14 seconds! Tommy built the four-wheel drive with the two left-hand engines driving the front wheels and the right-hand driving the rear.

Each axle had the equivalent of a virtual a V-16 engine driving them forward. This set up made the NHRA nervous fearing more racers might go the same direction, increasing the danger to everyone. Their final decision rendered the four-engine car good for exhibition runs only, the first to be so designated. That judgment stopped the showboat from competing, but it did become T.V. Tommy Ivo’s signature dragster.

On the GMP replica fit and finish is as good as it gets. The detail that went into this replica is beyond what my brain can comprehend. Where do I start? Lets start at its nose and work our way back. Steering is posable functioning very smoothly. Notice the drive box on the axel; it is very detailed right down to the bolts and shafts. A few of the external parts are branded, boasting names like Schiefer Clutches and Iskenderian Equip lending to a more realistic replica.

One cannot not help becoming mesmerized on those four 454 Buick engines, they are absolutely gorgeous. Unlike most manufactures that simply slap an engine under the hood, GMP assured that all four engines line up perfectly on the chassis. You can only imagine the sound this dragster emitted as it was staging for its run. Details on all four engines are fantastic; they are fully wired and include fuel lines and linkage. To say the replica is mind-boggling beautiful is an understatement; the images don't do it justice, it is sure to become a much sought after classic.

Viewing the cockpit of the Tommy Ivo Dragster once again GMP did a fantastic job replicating it to perfection. GMP kept it simple just as Tommy Ivo created it. Strap yourself into the racing seat, check the array of gauges for all those powerful engines, stomp the gas and launch this missile down the track. In a blink of your eye, pull the lever to release the chute and pray you stop. What a classic, I love everything about this replica it is so appealing, what's not to love.

As an added bonus GMP includes a complimentary DVD allowing you to learn a little more about Tommy Ivo and this classic. Bottom line, order this model if I could give this model more than five stars I definitely would, this is a 10 star model, a must have for the gear-head in you.