GADD’S LONGAWAITED RETURN

The name Neville Gadd is one that many readers will remember from three decades ago, associated with many sideways passes in the ‘Plum Crazy’ (ex ’Hombre’) altered. After 28 years away from the track, Neville, along with wife Wendy, is set to make a comeback, and it sounds as if that comeback will be as impressive as those in the know would expect. Neville’s time hasn’t been spent away from vehicles completely, as he’s been responsible for building various hot rods, both for himself and others. With the decision to hit the track again came the resolve that this time around it’d be both Neville and Wendy who would get to enjoy it, so two vehicles have now been purchased. The first car to hit the strip will be a 1992-built front-engine dragster (FED) that was raced in California with a nitro-fuelled 392 Hemi before being changed to an alcohol-drinking big block. The car was purchased locally from Dave Alexander, who imported it with the plan to sell it on, and the Gadds were in the right place at the right time. The car was purchased complete, but it was pulled apart and inspected before being reassembled. Neville is quite happy that the car is, by today’s standards, running old technology, similar to that which he remembers from last time he raced. While Wendy will end up in the FED in years to come, to get some seat time for now the pair began building up a Torana. However, they have now acquired one that’s already complete, although minus motor. For this, the plan is to build a naturally aspirated small block, which, all going to plan, may one day may see the 6-71 supercharger from the dragster engine swapped over. While the dragster is set to appear at Masterton Motorplex this season, chances are that the Torana will not be on the track until next season. One car or two, it’s set to be a hell of an impressive comeback from the Gadds!