The History of Wilcap Transmission Adapters

🏁 Origins: 1947 – Founding in Southern California

• Founders: Red Wilson and Tony Capanna teamed up in 1947—“Wil” from Wilson and “Cap” from Capanna—hence the name WILCAP.

• Location & Focus: Started in South Central Los Angeles, near Lynwood/South Gate, catering to drag racers and hot rodders, including providing nitromethane and alcohol fuels.

Growth and Expansion: 1958–1967

• In 1958, Wilcap opened Hot Rod City on acreage in Torrance, shifting focus from racing to business operations.

• By 1964, the property spanned ~15,000 sq ft, leased to various speed shops.

• A 1967 catalog listed 14 pages of flywheels, adapters, engine hardware, and racing fuel.

Continued Influence & Legacy

• Wilcap established a strong reputation in classic hot rod and NHRA circles, featuring their parts and cars (e.g., Hemi-powered Bonneville Coupes and dyno hot rods).

• Their adapter and flywheel components were commonly discussed on forums like Jalopy Journal, and they maintained a presence into the 2000s.

Relocation & Current Status

• The company later relocated to Pismo Beach, CA, with catalog operations still under the Wilcap name.

• Today, Wilcap is operated by Speed Gems, rebranded as Wilcap by Speed Gems and based in Wisconsin. They still produce engine-to-transmission adapters, flywheels, and alignment pins for vintage engines.

📅 Timeline at a Glance

Year Event

• 1947 Founded by Red Wilson & Tony Capanna in SoCal
• 1958 Opened Hot Rod City in Torrance; moved away from racing
• 1964 15,000 sq ft complex with multiple speed shops
• 1967 Published catalog featuring 14 pages of high-performance parts
• 2000s Continued presence in Pismo Beach, forum mentions into 2020s
• By 2022 Acquired by Speed Gems and moved to Wisconsin

✅ Present-Day Operations

• Wilcap by Speed Gems currently offers:

• Transmission & engine adapter plates

• Flywheels

• Adjustable alignment pins and accessories 

• Based in Wisconsin, servicing hot rod and vintage engine enthusiasts .

In Summary

Wilcap began in 1947 as a hot rod and drag racing parts supplier in SoCal, flourished through the 1950s–60s with fuel, hardware, and speed shops, then evolved into a recognized adapter and parts brand. Today, as Wilcap by Speed Gems in Wisconsin, the legacy continues—manufacturing gear for classic engines and transmissions.