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Belly Tank race cars, also known as "Lakester" race cars, originated in the post-World War II era, notably around the late 1940s and early 1950s. These unique vehicles were born out of a combination of surplus military equipment, ingenuity, and a passion for speed among American hot rod enthusiasts.
After World War II, a significant amount of military surplus equipment became available at low cost. This included the auxiliary fuel tanks, or "belly tanks," used on fighter aircraft like the P-51 Mustang and the P-38 Lightning. These tanks were designed to be aerodynamic and lightweight, ironically making them ideal for repurposing as the bodies of race cars should anyone be brave or crazy enough!
Belly Tank race cars, also known as "Lakester" race cars, originated in the post-World War II era, notably around the late 1940s and early 1950s. These unique vehicles were born out of a combination of surplus military equipment, ingenuity, and a passion for speed among American hot rod enthusiasts.
After World War II, a significant amount of military surplus equipment became available at low cost. This included the auxiliary fuel tanks, or "belly tanks," used on fighter aircraft like the P-51 Mustang and the P-38 Lightning. These tanks were designed to be aerodynamic and lightweight, ironically making them ideal for repurposing as the bodies of race cars should anyone be brave or crazy enough!
These tanks were modified to house custom-built or heavily modified chassis made from steel tubing, designed to fit the tank's narrow confines and support the engine, suspension, and driver. Engines were often powerful Ford Flathead V8s or other salvaged engines, modified for enhanced performance. Lightweight, high-speed wheels and custom suspension were used to optimise performance on dry lake beds and salt flats, all in a bid to achieve maximum top speed!
Racing Belly Tankers was no easy feat and came with significant risks. High-speed instability due to aerodynamic challenges and mechanical failures posed constant dangers. The unpredictable terrain of dry lake beds and salt flats, coupled with rapidly changing weather conditions only added to the peril.
Whilst Belly Tankers were equipped with basic safety features, such as roll bars and harnesses, the exposure to injury for the drivers was still a considerable risk. Despite these dangers, the thrill of speed and the pursuit of records drove many to race these innovative cars.
These tanks were modified to house custom-built or heavily modified chassis made from steel tubing, designed to fit the tank's narrow confines and support the engine, suspension, and driver. Engines were often powerful Ford Flathead V8s or other salvaged engines, modified for enhanced performance. Lightweight, high-speed wheels and custom suspension were used to optimise performance on dry lake beds and salt flats, all in a bid to achieve maximum top speed!
Racing Belly Tankers was no easy feat and came with significant risks. High-speed instability due to aerodynamic challenges and mechanical failures posed constant dangers. The unpredictable terrain of dry lake beds and salt flats, coupled with rapidly changing weather conditions only added to the peril.
Whilst Belly Tankers were equipped with basic safety features, such as roll bars and harnesses, the exposure to injury for the drivers was still a considerable risk. Despite these dangers, the thrill of speed and the pursuit of records drove many to race these innovative cars.
Belly tank racing has significantly influenced the automotive industry by pushing the boundaries of speed, design, and innovation. The streamlined, aerodynamic designs of these race cars inspired the aesthetics and engineering of modern land speed racers and hot rods, promoting a culture of performance and customisation. Additionally, the challenges faced by belly tank racers led to early advancements in safety measures.
Belly tank racing has significantly influenced the automotive industry by pushing the boundaries of speed, design, and innovation. The streamlined, aerodynamic designs of these race cars inspired the aesthetics and engineering of modern land speed racers and hot rods, promoting a culture of performance and customisation. Additionally, the challenges faced by belly tank racers led to early advancements in safety measures.
The Belly Tanker Gin is a heartfelt tribute to the servicemen and women of World War II and a era gone by. The brand not only honours their legacy of creativity and innovation but also celebrates the broader automotive culture they helped shape.
Every bottle embodies a passion for speed, craftsmanship, and the enduring spirit of adventure that defines the world of classic cars and racing.
The Belly Tanker Gin is a heartfelt tribute to the servicemen and women of World War II and a era gone by. The brand not only honours their legacy of creativity and innovation but also celebrates the broader automotive culture they helped shape.
Every bottle embodies a passion for speed, craftsmanship, and the enduring spirit of adventure that defines the world of classic cars and racing.
The Belly Tanker brand was initially the vision of Tim Ross, whose grandfather heroically flew aircraft during WWII. Inspired by his grandfather's stories and his own love for classic cars and racing, Tim dreamt of creating a brand that encapsulated his admiration for his grandfather, and his own love of anything on four wheels.
Joined by colleagues and friends who share his fervor for the automotive world, the team brings together a wealth of talent, from design to project management. Together, they crafted The Belly Tanker brand as a tribute to the daring servicemen of the war and a celebration of all things automotive, blending their skills and passions into every bottle.
The Belly Tanker brand was initially the vision of Tim Ross, whose grandfather heroically flew aircraft during WWII. Inspired by his grandfather's stories and his own love for classic cars and racing, Tim dreamt of creating a brand that encapsulated his admiration for his grandfather, and his own love of anything on four wheels.
Joined by colleagues and friends who share his fervor for the automotive world, the team brings together a wealth of talent, from design to project management. Together, they crafted The Belly Tanker brand as a tribute to the daring servicemen of the war and a celebration of all things automotive, blending their skills and passions into every bottle.
