Louis Senter Has Passed Away at the Age of 95 - Engine Builder Magazine

Louis Senter Has Passed Away at the Age of 95

Louis Senter—one of SEMA’s founding members and a Hall of Famer—died Saturday, May 28. He was 95. Senter got his start by building and modifying engines for midgets and other forms of oval-track racing. He was the founder of Ansen Automotive and, later, the Senter Wheel Company.

Louis Senter
Louis Senter

Louis Senter—one of SEMA’s founding members and a Hall of Famer—died Saturday, May 28. He was 95.

Senter got his start by building and modifying engines for midgets and other forms of oval-track racing. He was the founder of Ansen Automotive and, later, the Senter Wheel Company.

He opened his own machine shop on Crocker Street in downtown Los Angeles called Senter Engineering.

After moving the business to Jefferson Boulevard in 1947, he took on Jack Andrews as a partner. The new partnership also brought a name change from Senter Engineering to Ansen Automotive Engineering—a combination of Andrews and Senter—and was one of the first true speed shops in the city, according to Senter. There, Senter developed a lightened, balanced and polished Ford flathead crankshaft kit. The firm sold complete engines, which were shipped for the most part to NASCAR drivers in the southern states.

During that period, Senter became well acquainted with other industry pioneers, such as Ed Iskenderian, Vic Edelbrock Sr. and Phil Weiand. All of them grew increasingly adept at producing specialty-equipment parts.

In addition, Senter became involved in drag racing. He began at the Santa Ana Blimp Base in Los Angeles—the first strip in the area—and then at the Saugus Drag Strip, where he held races every Sunday.

In late October of 1950, after Senter became the sole owner of Ansen Automotive, the company expanded again into a building on Normandie Boulevard in Los Angeles. During the ensuing years, a number of automotive icons worked there, including Lou Raney, Ed Pink and Jim Kavanaugh.

In 1963, Senter and other manufacturers formed an organization known as the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA), later renamed the Specialty Equipment Market Association. Senter said that the organization was designed to formulate safety standards in the high-performance industry and organize the manufacturers for representation in Washington, D.C., to keep SEMA informed about legislation being introduced that might affect the industry.

After entering a partnership with Jack Andrews, in 1947, Senter (second from left) changed the name of his business from Senter Engineering to Ansen Automotive Engineering.
After entering a partnership with Jack Andrews, in 1947, Senter (second from left) changed the name of his business from Senter Engineering to Ansen Automotive Engineering.

In the early ’60s, Ansen Automotive moved to a building constructed specifically for the business on Western Avenue in Gardena, California. The company’s catalog grew to more than 100 pages and featured hundreds of parts, including forged pistons and forged-steel rods, aluminum connecting rods and a safety bell housing that became compulsory at all dragstrips. The piston department was later sold to Nick Arias, who is still making pistons today, and the rod department was sold to Miller Rods.

During the ’60s, Ansen Automotive began to build one-piece and two-piece aluminum wheels for first race cars and then street cars using a centrifugal casting machine of Senter’s design. In 1963, Senter developed the Ansen Sprint wheel, which was a slotted aluminum type that could be disassembled to change offsets.
During the ’60s, Ansen Automotive began to build one-piece and two-piece aluminum wheels for first race cars and then street cars using a centrifugal casting machine of Senter’s design. In 1963, Senter developed the Ansen Sprint wheel, which was a slotted aluminum type that could be disassembled to change offsets.

Senter began to pull back from the business in 1969, selling to Whittaker Corp. He stayed with Ansen until 1974 and then became a consultant for W.R. Grace, which included Appliance Industries, Mr. Gasket, Lakewood and Hickey. In 1978, Louis Senter was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame.

Senter continued to develop wheel products and companies over the next few years but eventually retired for good. He was named to the Hot Rod Magazine Hall of Fame in 1997, received a Western Racing Association award for his 50-year contribution to racing in 1998 and was named to the Dry Lakes Hall of Fame in 1999.

You May Also Like

Summit Racing Launches ‘My Garage’

In an effort to give car enthusiasts an additional space to show off their vehicles and talk about their projects, Summit Racing has created My Garage on SummitRacing.com. My Garage is a place where you can connect with a community of like-minded folks. You create a ‘garage’ where you can post photos, videos, and updates on your vehicles

In an effort to give car enthusiasts an additional space to show off their vehicles and talk about their projects, Summit Racing has created My Garage on SummitRacing.com. My Garage is a place where you can connect with a community of like-minded folks. You create a ‘garage’ where you can post photos, videos, and updates on your vehicles and projects, then share them with other My Garage enthusiasts. 

TOPDON USA Donates $25,000 for Auto Techs

TOPDON USA, a provider of cutting-edge technology and advanced tools for auto repair professionals and enthusiasts, has announced the donation of $10,000 cash and $15,000 in products to TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the education, training and career development of aspiring auto technicians. To date, TOPDON has donated over $66,000 to aid organizations

Amsoil Becomes Official Lubricant of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering

AMSOIL INC. has formed a strategic partnership with Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) to make AMSOIL products the official lubricants of LPE performance-engineered products. LPE is renowned for its cutting-edge engine builds and engine and chassis tuning components. They also provide component product-development services, durability testing and life-cycle improvements for manufacturers. Founded in 1973, LPE has

Liqui Moly USA Promotes Two to VP of Sales

The two VPs will help assist in shaping the future of the sales department and driving the success of Liqui Moly.

Formula Drift and Partners to Launch Student Program

The 2024 Driven Experience will be free for students and schools, and will include all eight rounds of the 2024 Formula Drift season. 

Other Posts

Motul Partners with Vance & Hines in Numerous Racing Series

Motul’s oils and lubricants will be used by Vance & Hines in King of the Baggers, Twins Cup, and NHRA.

NTK Technologies Announces Merger into Niterra North America, Inc.

NTK Technologies, Inc. has announced it will merge with Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc.). The merger aligns with the organization’s strategy to unify its global brand and aims to enhance its competitiveness and agility in responding to changing business environments. The merger will take effect on April 1, 2024, and

Thousands Oppose California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales

SEMA members and industry consumers send EPA over 5,000 letters in opposition to ACC II Waiver

Howell EFI Launches New Website and Promotions

Howell EFI, a leading manufacturer of electronic fuel injection for older pre-computer vehicles of all types, has newly launched a user-friendly website, as well as introduced free ground shipping on orders over $500 to the lower 48 states, and a March Madness sale of 10% off any order. Related Articles – Cummins Announces Next Gen