Victress S-1A
The Victress Manufacturing Company of North Hollywood, California, produced kit bodies and racers from the early 1950s through 1961. The company was formed by William 'Doc' Boyce-Smith, who studied engineering at UCLA. His expertise included fiberglass construction and his experiences included circle track racing. He was not alone; he enlisted the help of Merrill Powell to serve as the company's chief of design. Bill Powel, of no relation to Merrill, worked as the company's production manager.
Victress Manufacturing used a wind tunnel to form a very aerodynamic fiberglass roadster body, which they dubbed the S-1A. One body was outfitted with a Chrysler powerplant and driven at the Bonneville Salt Flats where it achieved a top speed of 203.105 mph.
There were around six body styles to choose from, which could fit wheelbases ranging from 94 to 118 inches. The S-5 was a small roadster version of the S-1A and could accommodate 94-inch wheelbases.
By 1961, the company had gained many government contracts and had moved away from the sports car business. They sold their interests to LaDawri.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2010
Victress Manufacturing used a wind tunnel to form a very aerodynamic fiberglass roadster body, which they dubbed the S-1A. One body was outfitted with a Chrysler powerplant and driven at the Bonneville Salt Flats where it achieved a top speed of 203.105 mph.
There were around six body styles to choose from, which could fit wheelbases ranging from 94 to 118 inches. The S-5 was a small roadster version of the S-1A and could accommodate 94-inch wheelbases.
By 1961, the company had gained many government contracts and had moved away from the sports car business. They sold their interests to LaDawri.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2010
Victress
Victress Models