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The 1952 "Belly Tank" Lakester is one of the most iconic cars in land-speed racing history. Built by Alex Xydias and his team at So-Cal Speed Shop, this unique vehicle set a remarkable record for its time. In 1952, the "Belly Tank" achieved a top speed of 198 mph, a record that still stands today as the fastest speed ever attained by a normally-aspirated flathead-powered car.
The car’s distinctive aerodynamic shape is due to its body, which was made from a 315-gallon surplus P-38 fuel tank. These tanks were originally used as fuel containers on military aircraft during World War II and were available as war surplus for just $5. The streamlined, "slippery" design of the tank made it ideal for speed racing, and Xydias, an Air Corps veteran, understood its potential. The tank's body was perfect for minimizing drag and maximizing speed, thanks to its aerodynamic shape tested in the wind tunnel.
The car, known as a Lakester, earned its name after the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) created a special class for cars built using surplus fuel tanks, calling them "lakesters." The So-Cal Speed Shop team first used a V8-60 engine and set a class record at 145 mph. They then upgraded to a 259-inch Mercury flathead and set a new class record at 181 mph. Finally, they installed a 296-inch Mercury flathead, with which they reached a staggering 198 mph at Bonneville Speed Week.
The 1952 Belly Tank Lakester was not only a mechanical achievement but also became a symbol of innovation and speed, earning the title of "Most Honored Car in the History of Bonneville" at the event. Its legacy continues to be celebrated in the world of land-speed racing.
