The Chuck and Joanna Quesnel Photo Collection

An early shot of the Pierson Brothers' 1936 Ford 3-Window Coupe at a dry lakes meet. Both Bob and Dick were members of the Coupes of Inglewood car club. "The "Wheel Car"" was written on the back of the photo. Photo by Joanna and Chuck Quesnel, courtesy of Douglas Blake.

Joanna Quesnel's 1932 Ford roadster. Joanna was married to Chuck Quesnel. Chuck was a member of the Culver City Screwdrivers. Joanna was also a part of the club, but she was not considered a member as she was a girl. Joanna told her son Douglas that the girls were never allowed to race the guys. She liked to race, but her car never had any race numbers on. Photo by Joanna and Chuck Quesnel, courtesy of Douglas Blake.

Don Towel's 1934 Ford Victoria at a dry lakes event. Don was a member of the Coupes Auto Club of Inglewood. According to the caption on the back of the photo, Don's Edelbrock equipped Victoria was good for 114 mph. Photo by Joanna and Chuck Quesnel, courtesy of Douglas Blake.

A photo of Chuck Quesnel's belly-pan'ed 1927 Ford Model T lakester. The caption on the back of the photo says "Chuck's Car. Ed Olson in car, Janet Olson in jacket." Photo by Joanna and Chuck Quesnel, courtesy of Douglas Blake.

A photo of The Coupes car club member Fran Hernandez' 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe taken at a dry lakes event. The back of the photo reads "Fran Hernandez and Fred Offenhauser King of the Coupes car club." After coupes and sedans were banned from running SCTA-sanctioned events, a group of racers formed the Coupes club and began racing for the Rusetta Timing Association. Photo by Joanna and Chuck Quesnel, courtesy of Douglas Blake.

A photo of Joanna Quesnel leaning herself against a 1940 Ford coupe at a dry lakes event. The race-ready coupe has been fit with what seems to be 1940 Oldsmobile bumpers, fenderskirts and shortened sidetrim on the hood. Photo by Joanna and Chuck Quesnel, courtesy of Douglas Blake.

The Ralph Schenck Streamliner at a Rosamond lakes event. At the time, the old streamliner was owned by Culver City Screwdrivers member Bob Arner. The caption written on the back of this photo reads: "Being towed in Rosamond". "69'er" is written on the cowl of the streamliner. Photo by Joanna Quesnel, courtesy of Douglas Blake.

A photo of Don Waite's 1927 Ford Roadster at a 1949 dry lakes event, possibly a Rusetta lakes meet. The caption on the back of the photo by Chuck or Joanna Quesnel read "Don Waite's car went 154 mph!". Notice the artwork on the track nose, and the number #48 on the door instead of #348. The class destination is also C and not CL, as Don ran his roadster in the Lakester class due to 1949 SCTA rule changes. 1950 saw the Modified Roadster class introduced. Photo by Joanna Quesnel, courtesy of Douglas Blake.

A photo showing fellow Culver City Screwdrivers member Jim Papworth's 1927 Ford Model T Roadster at El Mirage. Jim ran the roadster in 1948 and 1949, so this photo must have been taken in 1948 or 1949. Jim achieved a top speed of 129.56 mph with the roadster in 1949. Jim Papworth is the guy in the white overall, while Joanna Quesnel is the lady wearing a scarf in the photo. Photo by Joanna Quesnel, courtesy of Douglas Blake.

Kustomrama Photo Archive

The Chuck and Joanna Quesnel Photo Collection is a treasure trove of automotive history, capturing the vibrant early days of dry lakes racing and the burgeoning custom car culture. This collection, generously shared by Douglas Blake, Joanna’s son, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of two passionate enthusiasts who were deeply involved in the scene.

Racing Roots: Chuck and the Culver City Screwdrivers

Chuck Quesnel was a dedicated member of the Culver City Screwdrivers, a club renowned for its contributions to the early days of dry lakes racing. These pioneers were at the forefront of speed and innovation, pushing the limits of their machines on the sun-baked lake beds of Southern California. Chuck’s involvement with the Screwdrivers is well documented in this collection, showcasing his commitment to the sport and the camaraderie of the club.

Breaking Boundaries: Joanna’s Untold Story

Joanna Quesnel, while not officially recognized as a member due to the gender norms of the time, was an integral part of the Culver City Screwdrivers’ community. Despite the era's restrictions, Joanna’s passion for racing shone through. She owned a 1932 Ford roadster, a sleek and powerful machine that she loved to race. However, as Douglas recalls from his mother’s stories, the girls were never allowed to compete against the guys, and Joanna's roadster bore no race numbers. This collection highlights Joanna’s unheralded contributions and her spirit of determination, capturing a slice of history often overlooked.

A Legacy in Metal: Jerry Quesnel’s Mastery

The collection also sheds light on Chuck’s younger brother, Jerry Quesnel, an expert metal-man employed by the legendary Barris Kustoms. Jerry’s craftsmanship was ahead of its time, with his customized 1949 Mercury standing as a testament to his skills. Known as one of the first, if not the first, chopped 1949-1951 Mercuries, Jerry’s creation became an icon in the custom car world. His work, featured prominently in this collection, underscores the innovative spirit that ran in the Quesnel family.

Preserving the Past: Douglas’s Contribution

Douglas’s decision to share these photos and stories with the Kustomrama Photo Archive ensures that the legacy of Chuck, Joanna, and Jerry Quesnel lives on. Through his efforts, we gain a deeper appreciation for the early days of hot rodding and custom cars, and the often unrecognized contributions of women like Joanna. The Chuck and Joanna Quesnel Photo Collection is more than just a series of images; it is a narrative of passion, innovation, and breaking barriers. It celebrates the early days of dry lakes racing, the craftsmanship of custom car building, and the enduring spirit of those who dared to dream. As you explore this collection, you are invited to step back in time and experience the rich history that shaped the world of hot rodding and custom cars.