Andy Granatelli

“His ‘Souped-Up’ Cars Do 3 to 119 mph in High” – A 1950 article from The Register spotlighting a young Andy Granatelli and his brothers Joe and Vince. The piece highlights the Granatelli brothers’ reputation for transforming everyday cars into high-performance machines—not for street racing, but for the discerning driver who valued both power and safety. Andy’s cautious approach and technical innovations set the foundation for what would become a legendary career in motorsports.

Joaquin Arnett's 1934 Ford 3-window coupe of San Diego, California was completed in 1951. Shortly after completing the build, Joaquin sold the coupe to Andy Granatelli

Andy Granatelli was a pioneering performance tuner and automotive innovator from Chicago, Illinois. By the age of 26, he had already gained a national reputation as the man who could transform an everyday family sedan into a speed demon’s dream. With the help of his brothers, Joe and Vince, Andy turned a boyhood passion for tinkering into a full-blown enterprise that catered to discerning drivers looking for more power, economy, and performance from their vehicles.

In 1950, a newspaper correspondent from The Register took a ride with Andy in his 1950 low-priced American car, which had been heavily modified in the Granatelli shop. The upgrades included twin carburetors, aluminum heads, a heavier ignition system, and a pair of “straight-through” mufflers to reduce back-pressure. These modifications boosted the car’s horsepower from 100 to 220 and improved gas mileage from 15 to 24 miles per gallon. The result was a vehicle capable of accelerating from 3 to 119 mph in high gear — while still delivering smooth, reliable performance.

Andy’s modifications were not intended for reckless street racing. He was known as a cautious driver and emphasized that his upgrades were for the discriminating motorist, someone who appreciated extra power for safety and performance, not to outgun fellow drivers at traffic lights. According to the article, Granatelli’s internal accessories could boost gas mileage to 25 mpg and horsepower from 85 to as high as 238.

Despite his involvement in the racing world, including stints as a Speedway driver, Andy spoke in favor of speed limits. "I'd gladly give up my shop," he told the reporter, "if it would help pass a federal law limiting speed to 70 miles an hour. There's no need for any higher speed."

The Granatelli brothers were not in the business of building hot rods for thrill-seekers. They offered finely tuned performance enhancements for motorists who valued both power and practicality, a philosophy that would define Andy’s later contributions to the automotive and racing industries.

Andy Granatelli's Cars

Joaquin Arnett's 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe