Halibrand Engineering

Like so many other people who became highly successful as racing and hot-rodding entrepreneurs in the years that followed World War II, Ted Halibrand learned his chops working in the West Coast aircraft industry, which grew explosively both before and during the conflict. Out of necessity, military aviation technology advanced with stunning speed, particularly the use of exotic metals alloyed for lightness.

In Halibrand's world magnesium was highly coveted for its lightness and strength, two critical considerations when designing airplanes. Once the war ended, Halibrand, who was already deeply immersed in Southern California oval-track racing, became intrigued by its prospect as a material for casting racing wheels: Less unsprung weight, and less weight, period, was obviously cheaper to find than additional horsepower. Not only that, he believed his wheel would be considerably stronger and safer. On all counts, Halibrand was absolutely right. Almost single-handedly, he put the phrase "mag wheel" into the automotive lexicon.

Subject ID: 29536

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Like so many other people who became highly successful as racing and hot-rodding entrepreneurs in the years that followed World War II, Ted Halibrand learned his chops working in the West Coast aircraft industry, which grew explosively both before and during the conflict. Out of necessity, military aviation technology advanced with stunning speed, particularly the use of exotic metals alloyed for lightness.

In Halibrand's world magnesium was highly coveted for its lightness and strength, two critical considerations when designing airplanes. Once the war ended, Halibrand, who was already deeply immersed in Southern California oval-track racing, became intrigued by its prospect as a material for casting racing wheels: Less unsprung weight, and less weight, period, was obviously cheaper to find than additional horsepower. Not only that, he believed his wheel would be considerably stronger and safer. On all counts, Halibrand was absolutely right. Almost single-handedly, he put the phrase "mag wheel" into the automotive lexicon.

Subject ID: 29536

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