History

The Teapot was originally owned by Glenn Parker in San Jose California. It was fabricated by Ray Tirri at the famed Dos Palmas machine shop in San Jose. The shop was home to four race cars: two altered’s and two top fuel cars owned by Steve and Mario San Palo, known as The Spaghetti Benders top fuel team. Glenn Parker and friend Frank Alves shared the driving chores. From 1965 thru 1967 the car held all 6-cylinder records turning 10.20/138mph. The national record at the time was 10.40. The Teapot frequented tracks in Fremont, Sacramento and Half Moon Bay with occasional runs to Famoso. It also appeared at the ‘65 and ‘66 winter nationals.

The car was originally candy blue with the numbers 337 on the doors, having been appointed to the car by the NHRA. On the deck lid was the Bergermeister man and the name Teapot. The car got its name from its owner Glenn and the lettering and graphic’s man. Their first choice was The Teacup but the name was taken so it became The Teapot instead.

In 1968 the car changed hands and began its professional NHRA racing career at the hands of Ken Chew. That year, Ken and the Teapot were invited to race with Division 7, Magnificent 7. The car would spend two more successful years running for points and bracket racing. In 1971 with a new chassis and engine the Teapot was chasing Kay Sissell’s 9.90 record. Without sponsors and out of money Ken left racing and sold the car.

The car was raced extensively from 1971 through 1979, piling up bracket racing victories and record runs, but unfortunately, there is not much documentation due to the sudden passing of the cars then-current owner Gordon Farnum. During Gordon’s watch the car’s name was changed to “Sixth Encounter” with Door lettering “Filipponi & Thompson”.

The Teapot changed hands a number of times from 1980 to 2001 when the current owner Ron Anzalone bought the car and completely updated it to meet current stringent NHRA standards. The car is currently running in the low 9’s / 140mph range. The fastest run was 8.75 seconds, with the fastest speed being 171 mph. The Teapot won Best Appearing Car at Good Guys Pomona Nitro Nationals, 2005, was NOS III runner-up at the 2006 Good Guys Nitro Nationals and was declared a true nostalgia drag car. The original car is still intact and owned by Ron Anzalone.