Buick’s 322-cubic inch V-8, nicknamed the “Nailhead” for its unique valve placement, was a favorite of drag racers in the 1950s, thanks to its durability, high-compression design, and responsiveness to performance upgrades. At this time, Ford’s flathead V-8 had received as much customization and upgrades as it could handle, and the Buick Nailhead was a welcome addition to the drag racing scene. This, coupled with the evolution of the chassis—namely the advent of the “slingshot” design, which placed the driver behind the rear axle—created a golden era of drag racing.

About six years ago, this dragster was built by noted racing car collector Mike Guffey, who based its design on an original square-tube chassis that was found outside of Chicago and is believed to be from 1958. Minimal bodywork was used to keep the dragster as light and simple as possible. It is also as period-correct as possible, such as being fitted with aircraft-style racing harnesses for the driver. Its rear wheels are wrapped with ribbed M&H Racemaster drag slicks, and the narrow front wheels and tires are accented by a set of aluminum wheel covers. The inner covers sport a highly attractive engine-turned finish, and the outer covers have a brushed aluminum finish.

At its heart is a Buick Nailhead V-8 engine that is topped with a period-style Hillborn fuel-injection system, Offenhauser valve covers, and tubular exhaust headers. It is mated to a simple “in-and-out” transmission and does a fine job of not only harnessing the engine’s power but also providing consistent starts time and time again.

This unique dragster was acquired by the Andrews in 2009, and accordingly, it is finished with the Andrews’s Flying A Garage motif that is featured throughout their collection. Though it has not been run competitively since its acquisition, it would only require some additional sorting to make it once again fully operable. This dragster is known affectionately as the “Little Nailhead,” and it is a great example of early slingshot dragster design. Although it features a modern build, it displays an exceptional fit, finish, and detailing that would be hard to find on any of the original dragsters of the period.