If you’re hunting for a true hot rod project with roots in early land speed racing, this rare and unfinished belly tank racer unearthed in Central Oregon could be the perfect starting point. Offered on Facebook Marketplace, this project includes a wartime drop tank—believed to be from a P-51 Mustang—paired with a partially completed chassis, bulkhead, pedals, and steering setup. You can check out the listing here on Facebook Marketplace.
According to the seller, the project comes from an older gentleman who had previously built a belly tank racer that ran at El Mirage. This tank was intended to be his second creation, but it never progressed beyond the initial mock-up stages. What’s offered today is a rare glimpse into the early days of hot rodding and dry lake racing, when creativity and aircraft surplus shaped the future of American motorsports.
The drop tank is the real centerpiece here. Period racers scavenged these aerodynamic WWII fuel tanks to form the basis of their streamlined land speed cars. This one is believed to be a genuine P-51 Mustang tank, which lends it not just cool factor, but historical significance. While the body remains rough and unfinished, the included chassis offers a solid foundation for continuing the build.
Supporting components include a 1929 Ford Model A running gear with wheels, axle, and frame, plus a set of 1935 Ford axles for upgraded wheel compatibility. Power would come courtesy of a 1952 Ford EAB flathead V8—an engine known for its reliability and classic hot rod appeal. Though not yet installed, having a complete drivetrain makes this a far more realistic build for someone with the fabrication skills and vision to bring it to life.
What’s especially appealing here is the blend of originality and opportunity. You’re not just buying a pile of parts—you’re stepping into the early chapters of a traditional speedster that pays homage to the pioneers of dry lake racing. With the right touch, it could be transformed into a true homage to SCTA history or a standout vintage showpiece.
Would you finish it in vintage El Mirage style, or go all out with modern speed equipment?
Whilst researching, it appears to be an auxiliary wing or belly tank, probably 100 gallon, I’d have to think the day of building “belly tank” hot rods is ka-put, BUT, and another tip, no outright thank you to our British cousins. Apparently, WW2 pilots found out real quick about the fuel situation, and with metal in short supply, the British came upon with a coated paper belly tank, usually jettisoned when empty, and GREATLY increased the range of fighter planes. Thanks mates, couldn’t have won without you.
These tanks are rare on the ground. The Rodders Journal featured a couple of them, including a build of one into a “race car”, it included some history and talked about various sizes and how the larger tank was the one used.
Steve R
My first car-a fiberglass “Devin Roadster” from 1964 had similar Model A heritage from the late 50’s. Yes, a functional chassis to build upon for the creative minded–utilizing available “cast offs.”. The rarity of “wing Tanks” these days begs for an alternate tear-drop shape for experimentation. I have experimented on a small scale with Vacuum cleaner on BLOW inflated sewn carbon fiber bags spray coated with polyester resin. This is sort of like coating a nylon tent complete with tent poles and all. The additional “Shark skin” that evolves as air escapes offers other counterintuitive “Superleggera” aerodynamic surface quality investigation. Have I planted a seed with any creative thinkers here?
It could be fun to build it as it would have been built. But you almost need an old hot rodder from back in the day to help guide your construction so as to keep it as original as possible. Just very very cool collection of parts to tinker with!
As much as I hate to hear it much less say it, “Put an LS in it”.
Aha – beat ya to it!
I have a far better idea use motor cycle components, yes a two wheeler. You are all thinking boring wrong add a gyro so it stays upright when the engine is running. Outriggers automatic deploy when engine stopped. Back in the 70s Tom Killeen made an example using Le Vellocete mechanicals. Strange watching it sitting on two wheels gently rocking side to side. Suggest BMW boxer bike mechanicals for a more powerful build