1953 Victress S1A

History

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