Larry Miller has lived most of his years in South Vancouver. He was an early hot rodder and hung out at Fraser and Kingsway, and the Aristocratic restaurant, in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s. His first hot rod was a 1934 Ford Coupe.

Larry was a naturally fast driver, and in 1950, like many of his peers, he joined the British Columbia Roadster Racing Association (BCRRA) to race hot rod roadsters at Digney Speedway in Burnaby. One of his first rides there was a 1932 Ford roadster owned by Ken Whitcher. A year or so later, Digney introduced Stock Car racing at the 1/4 mile asphalt oval and Larry drove a 1936 Ford coupe in those competitions.

In 1952, Larry joined the British Columbia Custom Car Association

LARRY MILLER - Inducted 2002

Pioneer - Hot Rod, Custom Car and Drag Racing

Right: Larry Miller Left: Don Johnson  (GVMPS collection)

by Larry Braine, 2002, edited 2006

(BCCCA). He served on the executive in various capacities, and participated in many association activities, including Drag racing.

In 1953 he installed a ‘53 Buick OHV V-8 engine in his nice 1940 Ford

Coupe and created one of the first big engine street rods around. Throughout the mid 1950s Larry drag raced a variety of cars and dragsters powered by the same Buick OHV V8.

He raced at Abbotsford and Bellingham, often in partnership with other BCCCA members including his friends, Ed Fox and Don Johnson. Larry was awarded the BCCCA Annual Trophy as the top point drag racer in 1954. He continued to the late ‘50s.

Larry was employed most of his working years as a steelworker, first at Westeel, then at Wilkinson Steel.

Larry and wife, Lucy, continue to live in South Vancouver as well as enjoying their vacation home on Chilliwack Lake Road in the Fraser Valley.

 

Larry Miller