Henry Lauterbach driving. Circa 1956.

Original  Designer & Builder:	Henry E. Lauterbach of Portsmouth, VA - 1953
Original  Engine Builder:	Vic Edelbrock and Bobby Meeks of Edelbrock Racing Engines – 1955
Wa Wa too Drivers: (circa '53 through '58)	Henry E. Lauterbach-1955 Orangebowl Regatta winner Ron Musson (deceased) Miss Bardahl driver Don Wilson (deceased) Miss Budweiser driver Stu Wilson, St. Petersburg Southland winner
Accomplishments:	12/28/1955 -  Miami, Florida Orange Bowl Regatta International Grand Prix Winner with Driver Henry Lauterbach beating the more powerful Italian challengers. 1956, 1957, 1958 - APBA National Champion and US1. 1956 through 1958 - 5 Mile Competition World Record Holder for 266 cubic inch hydroplane at 82.797 mph. 02/1958 - St. Petersburg, FL Southland Sweepstakes Winner with Driver Ron Musson.
Misc. Facts:	Bill Ritner’s boats accumulated over 1,000 wins with an outstanding collection of well over 2,400 trophies. In 1953, Bill Ritner was inducted into the Gulf 100 MPH Club. In 1970, Bill was awarded the John W. Mulford Trophy for outstanding contributions to the sport of Powerboating in North America as Owner/Driver of Inboard Hydros.

This raceboat is one of the famous hydroplanes that were campaigned by Bill Ritner. 
They were all were named Wa Wa too. The boats reputation speaks for itself. In motor sports history, this is the first racing vehicle powered with a modified 265 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 Edelbrock racing engine as well as the first boat in APBA history. The hydro won first place the first time out in competition! 
This is the forerunner of today's most popular racing engine, the small block Chevy. 
Top Speed is 135 to 140 mph. The 265 Chevy V-8 dynoed horsepower is 375 at 7,200 rpm.
©2000 Tom D'Eath

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