Henry George Bechtloff. Photo from powerperformancenews

A guru in the world of automotive machining passed away Sunday, January 3, 2016 at the age of 76. Better known as “Hank the Crank,” Henry George Bechtloff was well known the world of hot rods and drag racing. For those unfamiliar with Bechtloff, the editors at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) wrote a short profile on the man behind the machine. Starting in the early days of the hot rod craze of the 1950’s, Bechtloff began his career dialing in engines and street racing.

As his interest in performance and racing evolved, he began to take part in organized events at Lions Drag Strip. His performance beginnings started humbly enough in the bay of gas station with a friend. This small business venture served as the inspiration for his future endeavors in the hot rod and racing communities.

Cars accompanied by the hot rod culture helped to drive Bechtloff to expand his horizons from a small gas station bay to his own company, appropriately named Hank the Crank Inc., in 1971. From the information provided by SEMA, it appears that Bechtloff earned his nickname thanks to Terry Cook, an Editor at Petersen Publishing.

For those outside of Southern California or the drag racing universe, “Hank the Crank” may be unfamiliar, but his performance parts will live on inside the engine compartments of countless cars. He was known for making top of the line parts for drag racers who frequented drag strips like Lions and Famoso. Next time you hit the swap meet watch out for his work and perhaps you can own a piece of hot rod history.