Follow Prolong's '55 Wagon progress online

March 26, 2014

Prolong Super Lubricants will soon unveil a 1955 Chevy 210 four-door Wagon, styled after the classic Drag support vehicles, which were fixtures at drag strips across the country in the 1960s.

Motor Age Wire Reports

Staying true to the earliest days of drag racing, Prolong(r) Super Lubricants will soon unveil a 1955 Chevy 210 four-door Wagon, styled after the classic Drag support vehicles, which were fixtures at drag strips across the country in the 1960s. The slick vintage wagon was inspired by Prolong's staunch support of the classic car, hot rod, nostalgic and drag racing industries. Built to serve as a true working vehicle, Prolong's '55 wagon will make appearances at car shows and other events throughout the country all year long.

"Since we participate in events such as the National Hot Rod Association Museums' Twilight Cruise series, Hot Rod Reunions, the Boise-Bakersfield Blitz series and similar events, we felt it was fitting that our latest project vehicle pay homage to the glory days of drag racing, muscle cars and hot rods," says Jon Apogée, general manager, Domestic Sales, Marketing and Motorsports, Prolong Super Lubricants. "The Prolong '55 Chevy Wagon will be driven to these events, transporting gear for Prolong's display in true early drag-era style."

Apogée attributes the high-quality and originality of the build to project lead Steve Strope of Pure Vision Design, and a number of industry-leading contributors. The Prolong Wagon also will feature the classic front push-bar indicative of '60s support vehicles, as well as accessories, design features and details representative of the era.

In the early 1960s, drag racing was growing in popularity across the United States, but corporate sponsorships remained scarce. Drag enthusiasts were not daunted, however, and used their family wagons to pull trailers and cart tools for the dragsters, which literally had to be push started.

"The Prolong Wagon will be very cool," says Strope, an award-winning automotive-customizing virtuoso with an affinity for '60s racing themes. "With a tuck and roll pattern on the interior, stitched by Eric Thorsen, and the brilliant blue and white pearl PPG paint by Pete Santini, the car rolls on Vintage styled Rocket Racing Wheels and is powered by an Edelbrock crate engine backed by a B&M over drive transmission. A chassis using Currie and Ride Tech parts will make sure it cruises down the road smoothly. Add a sprinkling of hot rod parts from Hedman, Lokar, Painless Wiring and Vintage Air as well as other details straight from the cars used at the track in the '60s."

Throughout the build, Prolong will feature the vehicle on its Facebook and Twitter accounts, under its "GoProlong" handle. A series of build-up videos also will be posted on YouTube and Instagram. A complete listing of components and contributors will be available closer to the vehicle's completion.

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