Artworks

Dragsters Series 1963 - 64

In 1963 I painted the first dragster of a series with which I was to continue over the next two or three years. These cars, specialised to such a degree that their engines cn only run for a few seconds, are designed solely or straight line acceleration over a mile course ... As wheels grip, vast rolling clouds of smoke from the burnt rubber of the tyres billow out behind the car, and when the engine is cut a few seconds later at the end of the strip, a parachute is popped in the sudden silence to bring the car safely to a standstill. The cars and helmets of the drivers are painted in bright heraldic colours and the cryptic symbols of sponsors; they race in pairs down the mile track in bright sunshine, and it seemed to me that they represented a modern version of the joust in almost every respect. The extravagant and ruthless specialisation reminded me of the armour designed especially for the tournament; the ceremony and curious rituals, some necessary and some simply a matter of style, cried out for commemoration.

Photo: Gerald Laing in his Coffee Grinder hot-rod in front of Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, 1964. He brought the car to the UK in 1967. The car has recently been restored and is currently on show at The Beaulieu National Motor Museum. For more information about the Coffee Grinder visit coffeegrinderhotrod.co.uk.