Autofab might be one of those “lesser known” names in our circle of Motorsports, but when you jog someone’s memory by saying “do you remember the Coleman Brothers speed shop?” the older generation in our ranks often recall found memories of custom built machines from an era long ago.
Cranking up the wayback machine
In 1970, Don Garlits experienced a devastating starting line clutch explosion that severed half of his foot. Less than a year later, Garlits unveiled what is thought to be the very first rear engine dragster.
Many claimed: “The one that changed drag racing forever.” However, one of the first functional rear engine dragsters, was actually built and campaigned by Bill & Dave Coleman of Maryland’s “Coleman Bros Speed Shop” nearly 10 years earlier.
At one point the Coleman’s short wheelbase machine held the title of the fastest Chevy-powered dragster in the country, and upon its debut, drivers like Garlits, Kalitta, and other NHRA hall of famers practically tripped over one another running through the pits to get a glimpse of it. One magazine referred to the Colemans and their machine as the “Dark Horse From The East.” …. and so the legend was born.
Back to the future
Many years later, Rob Hamilton and his crew at Autofab Race Cars (above) would take over the Coleman Brothers facility. As a nod to the past, the Coleman Brothers sign and original buildings can still be seen from US Route-1 (below). Autofab may have taken over the facility but they have definitely been carrying on the tradition of spectacular creations in the spirit of the Coleman Bros.
In the 25 years Autofab Race Cars / S&H Racecraft has been in the racing industry, they have built numerous national record holders in Stock, Super Stock, Super Gas, and Super Comp in both divisional and national levels. Their home track and testing facility is Capitol Raceway located in Crofton, MD.
Their custom built cars and dragsters won the Super Pro Track Championship 9 years in a row and 14 of the last 16 years! Many of Autofabs primary customer base have won both NHRA and IHRA Divisional races and National Events, the NHRA Division 1 Bracket Finals, Race of Champions, SBRA Bracket Finals, numerous other track championships and many “Big Buck” bracket races all over the East Coast and South East.
More than meets the eye
Autofab doesn’t just work on dragsters, they are passionate about all sorts of racing, restorations and custom fabrication. If it’s got 4 wheels and an engine, they’re interested! Autofab is a state-of-the-art fabricating facility and have built project cars for Muscle Mustang, Fast Ford Magazine, and Pontiac High Performance Magazine. Their work has also been featured in National Dragster many times. They even have a relationship with Turbo Performance Center, working with the Porsches being prepared there.
Autofab takes great pride in quality workmanship, experience, technical expertise, outstanding racer support, and customer service. From record holding “10.5 tire” cars and 6-second top dragsters to 12-second foot brake cars, no job is too big or too small.
On a personal note…
I’ve personally had the pleasure of working with Rob over the years on various custom projects. The latest, was the completion of a custom header for my 1.8 turbo powered time trials car. (pictured above); They even created a custom set of tools to be able to service the header … talk about customer service!
We want to thank Autofab for sponsoring GTM, so if you have the time – stop by and see if Rob and his team can help complete your project. There’s really no such thing as “too custom” for Autofab… and if it doesn’t exist, they can surely create it!
Autofab Race Cars Inc.
7443 Washington Blvd
Elkridge, MD 21075
Phone: 410-796-8777
EDITORS NOTE: CHECK OUT THE GTM DYNO DAY 2020 RECAP, SPONSORED BY AUTOFAB.
