Joe Perronello Prowlers Member

Joe’s roadster was one of the early entries into the scene of the “T” bucket era. Along with Norm Grabowski and Tommy Ivo this was a new phase, an open field of hot rodding.

We were a lot closer to our heritage then which was RACING. Street racing, primered cars, loud exhaust, and leather jackets were all proof the kids of the era were going to “Hot Rod Hell” and that these cars were a serious social problem.

As 15 year olds we were transfixed by this car when we saw it in Balboa Park’s old Electric Building. We totally understood what this car stood for because we already knew the “language”…..this car was “bad” to the fullest measure, a “street rail” that was so well disguised from establishment disapproval with it’s clean white top, chromed cowl lanterns, shiny red paint and pinstriping that masked the message of the 6-97’s, wire cycle front wheels, rear slicks and “shadowy” touches of the iron cross.

Bill Pitts has documented Joe’s hotrodding legacy in a four part effort called “Portrait of a Prowler”. Mr. Pitts worked with Joe in the S.D. Fire Dept. He owns an old style (Sling Shot) dragster. He is the voice at the “Cackle Fests”,  at Del Mar Good Guys, El Cajon & Escondido Cruise Nights. He has a very extensive photo collection of old fuel dragsters from the past. A great guy to talk with about drag racing!