Mulholland Drive, a winding ribbon of asphalt snaking through the Hollywood Hills, has long been synonymous with Hollywood’s elite. Celebrities like Madonna, John Legend, and Jack Nicholson have called this iconic road home. But beneath the veneer of glitz and glamour, this stretch of road held a different kind of fame – it was a mecca for underground street racing, attracting speed enthusiasts from all walks of life. This is the story of Mulholland Drive, a place where dreams of speed and racing glory collide with the harsh reality of danger, thrilling us with tales of stars, speed, cliffs, and cuffs.
Mulholland’s Roots
The tale of Mulholland Drive begins with its namesake, William Mulholland, often regarded as the father of Los Angeles. Mulholland’s journey from a young Irish runaway to the superintendent of the Los Angeles water department mirrors the city’s growth from a small town of 9,000 to a bustling metropolis of 320,000. His controversial water projects secured the city’s future, albeit at the expense of Owens Valley’s farmers. In honor of his role, the city named a road after him, and Mulholland Drive was born.
Racing Pioneers
Mulholland Drive’s racing heritage dates back to the early days of Hollywood. Silver screen stars like John Kerine and Gary Cooper would cap their days on set by racing their Duesenbergs down the twisting road. Notable personalities like Dick Goldstrand, known as “Mr. Corvette,” found their passion on this treacherous track. However, the local enthusiasts, like Chris Banning and his lime-green Fiat 850 Spider, truly embodied the spirit of Mulholland racing.
Enter Crazy Charlie
One figure stood out among the many racing enthusiasts – Crazy Charlie, known for his daredevil driving and wild demeanor. Charlie was the undisputed king of the mountain, chasing down rivals with a beer in hand and tossing empty cans at his competitors as he zoomed by. His 1965 Corvette racecar was an unbeatable force on the winding road.
The Quest for Supremacy
Chris Banning, who had upgraded to a Porsche 911S, thought he had beaten everyone on Mulholland Drive until the night he encountered Crazy Charlie. Their race became the stuff of legends, the battle between Porsche and Corvette. While Chris managed to catch up on the straights, he couldn’t match Charlie’s skills in the curves.
Building the Ultimate Race Car
Not one to accept defeat, Chris embarked on a mission to build the ultimate Mulholland race car. He chose a 1974 Porsche 911 as his base, stripped it down, and sought expertise in Germany to create a machine optimized for the 1.8-mile Mulholland stretch.
Rise of the Racing Scene
As stories about the custom-built Porsche spread, the media descended on Mulholland Drive. It wasn’t long before the police noticed and tried to crack down on the racing. The racers, familiar with every twist and turn, often outsmarted the authorities.
High Stakes and Near Escapes
The racing on Mulholland Drive was not without its perils. The road claimed lives and cars, but the thrill of racing continued. Drivers like Chuck Turner often had their cars impounded but were undeterred.
The End of an Era
The road became even more perilous, with serious accidents involving out-of-town drivers. The tragic hit-and-run incident involving a 12-year-old boy led to the city closing segments of Mulholland Drive. Charlie, the king of the mountain, passed away on another treacherous road, Vasquez Canyon Road.
Retirement and Restoration
Chris Banning eventually stepped away from racing and built a metal shed to hide his beloved Porsche 911. After a thread about the car’s whereabouts surfaced on a Porsche forum, Chris decided to restore it. The car now stands as a testament to Mulholland’s racing legacy.
Mulholland Drive’s legendary status endures inspiring movies, video games, books, and even special edition Singer Porsches. It’s a road that has seen the best and worst of speed, ambition, and danger. The tales of Mulholland Drive are a testament to the love of racing and the sense of community it fostered, even in the face of adversity. However, it’s crucial to remember that the road’s beauty conceals its peril, and racing there is not just risky but illegal. It remains a powerful reminder of the need for responsible driving and respect for the rules of the road.
