Without a doubt, one of the most intriguing vintage cars that I’ve ever had the opportunity to get an up close and personal look at is the Larry Dixon Sr-driven Howard Cams Rattler AA/FD, which was a part of the festivities at the 50th annual U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis in 2004. This immaculate example of the craftsmanship seen in the early days was campaigned from 1968 through 1972, with a 175″ chassis built by Roy Fjasted and wrapped in a Kenny Ellis body. The 460″ supercharged HEMI, burning 88% nitromethane, powered the Rattler to a best of 6.42 seconds at 230.00 MPH during its time.
This car was the pride and joy of the “Howard Cams Gang” that consisted of Jerry Johansen, Danny, Tony and Jim Porche and Larry Miersch. In addition to the Rattler, Johansen sponsored or owned numerous fuel dragsters from the 1950’s through the mid ’70’s for drivers the likes of Jack Chrisman, Norm Wilcox, and Rick Ramsey.
While the elder Dixon will forever be linked to the drivers seat of the famed Rattler, it was in fact not his seat upon it’s debut. That distinction goes to Ramsey, who drove it in early 1968, before Dixon took over the reigns in mid ’68 through the rest of the cars’ tenure in the sport, garnering wins at such events as the ’69 NHRA Winternationals, ’69 Hot Rod Magazine Championships, and the PDA Championships, also in ’69.
The Howard Cams Rattler was sold in 1972 and competed in various classes before disappearing off the radar for several decades. It wasn’t until 1996 that the original car was tracked down in Washington state. The car belonged to a well known car collector who had recently passed away, and Brett Johansen, grandson of Howard, along with Nick Arias, quickly purchased the car before it could go to auction. A complete restoration ensued over the next year, before the car returned to glory with its debut at the 1997 California Hot Rod Reunion. In 2000, with Dixon Sr. back behind the wheel, the Howard Cams Rattler joined the original nine cars that comprised the early Cacklefests. Today, while calling the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum home, the famous Rattler still gets out to stretch her legs at the Cacklefests each year.