CURE FOR A CLUNKER
November 28, 2022
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THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
THE PHOENIX RISES AGAIN
You may be familiar with the fable of the Phoenix, the beautiful bird that burned and died after a spark from a cherub’s flaming sword fell into its nest. Once the flames went out, a single red egg remained and from the ashes, a new Phoenix bird hatched and so the cycle continued. This legend is similar to the lifecycle of the Honda Civic Si hatchback.
GOODGUYS COLUMBUS 2007
Over the last several years, the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, has established itself as one of the nation’s premier hot rodding events. This event, along with the Detroit Autorama and a few others, has proven to be one of the main events at which builders choose to debut new cars, and trophies are as hotly contested here as at any show in the country. But Columbus is about more than just trophies—it’s about bringing your own car, no matter what kind of shape it’s in, to hang out with the owners of the other 6,000 vehicles that will be there, and to have fun at Goodguys’ premier event.
Custom Meets Prefab
If you have spent any amount of time working on street machines, you are well aware that “bolt-on” parts do not always bolt right on. Still, it’s often a lot easier to modify those parts than to fabricate your own. The same holds true for such items as rollcages. Nobody pretends that a prefab cage is going to drop right into place without having to trim a single tube. That’s mainly because the economies of scale dictate that manufacturers make a single design fit as many cars as possible. Unfortunately, a cage that fits many cars probably fits no car perfectly.
Spotlighter
Remembering George Poteet
Hot Rod Hero and Land Speed Legend
George Poteet, a true icon in the world of hot rodding and land speed racing, has left us, but his legacy blazes on like a nitro-fueled firestorm. Poteet wasn’t just another car guy; he was “The Car Guy,” a legend who lived life a quarter-mile at a time and made history on the salt flats. Let’s dive into the life of a man who put the pedal to the metal and never looked back.
Author
The AutoBuilder Staff
Photography by Scott Killeen
From Garage Guru to Hot Rod Hero
Born in 1947 in Memphis, Tennessee, George Poteet was destined for greatness. As a kid, he spent his days covered in grease, tinkering with engines in his dad’s garage. That early love affair with cars set the stage for what would become a lifelong obsession with speed and style.
Poteet didn’t just admire hot rods; he built them, drove them, and pushed them to their limits. His collection of custom cars wasn’t just impressive—it was legendary. Each ride was a testament to his unparalleled vision and engineering skill. The guy had an eye for detail that was second to none.
From meticulously restored classics to one-of-a-kind custom builds, Poteet’s garage was a treasure trove of automotive masterpieces. He was known for his innovative designs and his ability to transform ordinary vehicles into extraordinary machines. Among his notable creations was the “Blowfish,” a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda that became a record-breaking land speed racer. Poteet’s cars were not just about aesthetics; they were built for performance, often featuring cutting-edge technology and engineering marvels that set new standards in the hot rodding community.
Poteet’s dedication to car building extended beyond his personal collection. He collaborated with some of the best builders and fabricators in the industry, always pushing the envelope of what was possible. His projects were often featured in top automotive magazines, showcasing his commitment to craftsmanship and his relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
The Blowfish and Beyond
If you know anything about George Poteet, you know about the “Blowfish.” This 1969 Plymouth Barracuda wasn’t just another pretty face; it was a beast. Poteet took this classic muscle car and turned it into a record-breaking land speed racer. The Blowfish became a symbol of his relentless pursuit of perfection and performance.
But the Blowfish was just one chapter in Poteet’s epic saga. He had a knack for turning metal and rubber into magic, and his creations regularly graced the covers of hot rodding magazines. Each car was a masterpiece, a rolling tribute to the art of speed.
King Of The Salt Flats
George Poteet’s name is synonymous with Bonneville. The Bonneville Salt Flats are where legends are made, and Poteet was the undisputed king. Year after year, he pushed the envelope, setting records and raising the bar for land speed racing.
In 2020, at the age of 72, Poteet achieved a staggering top speed of 470.015 mph in his Speed Demon streamliner, averaging this speed over two runs. The Speed Demon, a 32-foot-long golden streak powered by a twin-turbocharged 556-cubic-inch Chevy big-block, became the fastest piston-driven vehicle in the world under his command. Poteet’s indomitable spirit shone through, even when the car caught fire on a previous run. Unfazed, he continued to chase speed, demonstrating a resilience that inspired everyone around him.
Giving Back And Paying It Forward
Poteet wasn’t just about going fast; he was also about giving back. His philanthropic efforts were as impressive as his car collection. He supported automotive museums, educational programs, and charity events, ensuring that the legacy of hot rodding would endure.
He also took the time to mentor young gearheads, sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion for cars. Poteet’s generosity and willingness to help others made him a beloved figure in the community.
The Legacy Lives On
George Poteet’s passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will be felt for generations to come. His life was a masterclass in dedication, innovation, and pure, unadulterated passion for cars. As the tributes pour in, it’s clear that Poteet wasn’t just a legend; he was a hero to anyone who’s ever felt the thrill of the open road.
Let’s raise a glass to George Poteet—a man who embraced life in the fast lane and made a lasting impact on hot rodding and land speed racing. His legacy roars like an engine, reminding us all to pursue our dreams with the same fiery determination he brought to every endeavor.
