yet another thing I never knew

[The Ghoul]

This logo bring back a warm fuzzy feeling of your past?
Does any one remember what it stood for?
I am just 24 and can recall seeing this logo on every bad ass car I have ever seen. I always referred to it as 'the thrush duck' because I knew that you get a free sticker with every muffler you buy that features the little guy.
I had no clue about the origins of this little guy until I was reading an old issue of hemmings muscle machines magazine.

Here is a quick article I found on wikipedia that sums it up nicely.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Horsepower

And after reading the article I noticed that the band on the woodpeckers cigar reads "clay smith cams."  The article basically states that the woodpecker was a cartoon representation of clay smith. He was a red headed, hyper active, business man that made his name by hand grinding custom cam shaft profiles; whom was very rarely seen not chomping on a stogie.

Here is a link to his business which is still family owned and operated. The article stated that they never advertised there business much, but instead relied on word of mouth.

http://www.claysmithcams.com/

[Ghoste]

Cool, I had always thought it was the Thrush muffler woodpecker.

[71ChallengeHer]

Cool, I had always thought it was the Thrush muffler woodpecker.

Me too

[69bronzeT5]

My dad had that on the nose draft window of his 72 International 3/4ton 4x4 pickup. It had that little guy and then it said "I dont get mad, I get even".

[The Ghoul]

My dad had that on the nose draft window of his 72 International 3/4ton 4x4 pickup. It had that little guy and then it said "I dont get mad, I get even".

My grand father had a 32 ford high boy wayyyyyy back in the day with a hand painted version on the door, the rest of the car was flat black.

[tan top]

Cool, I had always thought it was the Thrush muffler woodpecker.

Me too

        me three  .  .....   intresting info (TheGhoul)

[mikepmcs]

Thrush Logo

[Ghoste]

So which was first?  I'm guessing Clay Smith?

[mikepmcs]

Clay Smith - early 1930's
So I believe you are right on.

[Ghoste]

  !!! He must be the first of the custom cam grinders.  I thought he didn't come on the scene until the late 50's, early 60's.  Neither link mentions if they ever got upset about the Thrush infringement or if they even thought it was.  I say "they" because a closer read of the links shows that Clay himself passed away in 1954, before I thought the company was even established.

[mikepmcs]

The "Mr. Horsepower" legacy began in the early 1930's with Camshafts that were literally hand-ground by Clay Smith to high performance specifications. His technical expertise was recognized by the industry and racers were mesmerized by the overall performance of his products. Although he specialized in camshafts, his high performance engines were setting world speed records. Clay's strict attention to a high standard of quality and performance made his components among the most asked for items in racing.

Clay Smith Engineering Company was founded in the late 40's. Since that time, the company has strived to maintain the standards set up by Clay himself. Throughout the years, Clay Smith Engineering has continued to push the boundaries of engine performance through constant research and development. Following the death of Clay Smith in 1954, "Red" Wilson took over the reigns, and then in the 70's, George "Honker" Striegel took on the challenge.

"Honker" had a reputation of his own in the racing industry, setting numerous records in the super stock classes in drag racing and then with the ever famous Henry J (the Henry Honker). He also experienced great success in boat racing where he won numerous world championships and was the first driver to acquire the APBA Triple Crown with his competition jet (the American Revolution). George's high performance engines are in great demand and he has established himself as a competitor in the high performance world - continuing the legacy of Clay Smith by always building a high quality product and proudly displaying the now famous "Mr. Horsepower Woodpecker."

In the 80's and on into the 90's George has established a Clay Smith Team dedicated to building quality products that set the standard for the industry. Joining him in this endeavor is his daughter, Sherry, whose goal is customer satisfaction through quality service and timely delivery and several other dedicated employees who support our motto.


They even have clothing and accessories due to people liking this logo.

v/r
Mike

[Charger_Fan]

Cool, I had always thought it was the Thrush muffler woodpecker.

Me too

 

        me three 

Me four!
Pretty cool info.

[The Ghoul]

It was one of clays friends/employees originally made the logo (Ill find the article and get specific). I know it was one of the first trade marked logos but I would bet dollars to doughnuts that after clay's death (very sad accident involving clay in the wrong place in the pit at the wrong time [when an out of control car spun into it, driven by one of his friends]) the original artist went on to sell the variations to other people.

!!! He must be the first of the custom cam grinders.  I thought he didn't come on the scene until the late 50's, early 60's.  Neither link mentions if they ever got upset about the Thrush infringement or if they even thought it was.  I say "they" because a closer read of the links shows that Clay himself passed away in 1954, before I thought the company was even established.

[Bullit_68]

I remember when my dad put thrush mufflers on our 68 Galaxie and he put that sticker on the window.That car sounded badass when he got done.

Aww the good old days.