SOLVED: WTH # 289 - Allison V12 electrical generator for EJ Potter's Super Slot Car

[sixtee5cuda]

Quick Expert point?

What is going on in this picture?  Name the man and the car associated with this device.

[WayneB]

The device in the photo is an Allison V12 jet engine starter that was adapted to power an electrical generator.
The two reels mounted alongside it held 1/4 mile of electrical wire cable which was laid out on a drag strip to provide voltage via a electrical pickup to an electric motor powered 4 wheel drive modified Austin 1100.

It was called "Super Slot Car" and was built and operated by a gentleman called EJ Potter, AKA "The Michigan Madman" in the mid '60's.

Heres a photo of the car the device powered.

[sixtee5cuda]

A very quick point for WayneB.

I wish there were more pictures, but these are the only two I have found.

[WayneB]

I remember EJ potter from his Chev V8 powered Harley, I would love to see some footage of him driving that electric car.

Its definitely no Prius!

[sixtee5cuda]

Potter also put an Allison in the back of a Dodge Dart Wagon...

[Otto Puzzell]

"...which was a four-wheel-drive subcompact powered by four 200hp aircraft starer motors and two cables running the length of the strip. "No one was really interested in the electric car deal," Potter explained. That car ran in the 10s."