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Tony Nancy, whose beautiful cars and famed upholstery work on machines for street and strip made him a revered name in the motorsports world, passed away November 11, 2005 after a long illness. It was a huge loss for friends, family and the sport of drag racing. With the help of Harry Hibler and Bill Carter, one of Tony's last projects came to fruition at the 2003 California Hot Rod Reunion when his immaculately restored first, last and only front engine Top Fuel dragster led the way for Cacklefest IV.

Nancy, whose nickname was "The Loner" based on his ability to practically field a car by himself, entered the Top Fuel ranks with this car in 1970 and was runner-up to Larry Dixon at that year's Winternationals. Two months later, he defeated a strong 32-car field to win the prestigious Bakersfield March Meet. He would go on to have success with this car until he retired it in early 1972 and switched to the rear engine configuration.

Nancy set at least one NHRA record or Drag News 1320 mark in every class in which he competed, which encompassed cars such as a V/Fuel Dragster in 1957 through Top Fuel, where he held the national speed record at 236.22 in 1971 with this car.

Nancy retired from racing after the 1976 March Meet to concentrate on Tony Nancy Enterprises, his famed Sherman Oaks, Calif., upholstery business that beautified the interiors of everything from Ferraris to Top Fuel dragsters and the cars of many Hollywood stars, including Clark Gable, James Garner, Steve McQueen, and Burt Reynolds.He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1997 California Hot Rod Reunion.

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