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Reports from independent speed shops and custom car builders have emerged that Holley, the performance automotive aftermarket heavyweight, is phasing out the celebrated Hilborn brand. Renowned for its pioneering efforts in mechanical fuel injection technology for nearly eight decades, Hilborn was acquired by Holley in 2019. Although no formal statement has been released to the public, the evidence suggests that the Hilborn era is coming to an end.
The Drive has attempted to contact Holley for comments, but to no avail. Specifics regarding the shutdown remain sparse.
Since its acquisition, Hilborn has maintained a low profile in the online retail space, especially in the last 18 months. The brand’s Facebook page saw limited activity in 2023, with a few posts related to a company-wide holiday sale by Holley in December and a product launch that featured a new LS3 EFI-R injector manifold and LS Gen IV valley cover kits shortly before.
Users commenting on the brand’s social media hint at the possibility that Hilborn’s legacy may persist despite the closure. A user claimed that Nick Smithberg of Smithberg Racing and Boss Fuel Injection has acquired Hilborn’s inventory, supporting this assertion with a Facebook mention. Smithberg himself confirmed his presence in this unfolding scenario by commenting, “Checking in.” This interaction seems to corroborate the decision by Holley.
Hilborn Fuel Injection
Stuart Hilborn was a central figure in the adoption of mechanical fuel injection in the American aftermarket scene. He got hooked on hot-rodding in 1938 while observing racers on Southern California’s dry lake beds exceeding 100 mph, which inspired him to strive for speed. Hilborn’s streamliner was the first to breach the 150 mph mark in 1948.
Though a crash that damaged Hilborn’s vertebrae cut his racing pursuits short, his designs gained fame among dry lake bed and track racers nationwide. The distinctive Hilborn setup, with its gleaming, flared velocity stacks, was a hallmark of speed and performance.
Hilborn passed away in 2013 at 96, but his firm continued to provide performance intakes and fuel injection systems for various engines. Hot rod community forums from 2019 reflect optimism around the Holley-Hilborn collaboration.
Currently, Hilborn’s official website displays a limited selection of product offerings, primarily focused on small-block Chevy components.
Have any insights or inquiries for the writer? Reach out to them directly at caleb@thedrive.com
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FAQ Section
Who was Stuart Hilborn?
Stuart Hilborn was an innovator in the automotive industry, known for introducing mechanical fuel injection systems to the American aftermarket and achieving remarkable speeds on dry lake beds with his own racing designs.
What is Holley known for in the industry?
Holley is a notable name in the performance automotive aftermarket, recognized for its expansive selection of performance parts, including carburetors, fuel systems, and engine performance components.
Will Hilborn’s designs still be available after the closure?
While there is no definitive answer from Holley, social media interactions suggest that Nick Smithberg may continue to offer Hilborn’s designs through his racing and fuel injection ventures.
What could this mean for the hot-rodding community?
The discontinuation of the Hilborn brand by Holley could mark the end of a significant chapter in hot-rodding history, though the spirit and technology pioneered by Hilborn may persist through other providers and enthusiasts in the community.
Conclusion
The cessation of the Hilborn brand by Holley marks a poignant moment in automotive aftermarket history. While Holley remains silent on the matter, enthusiasts and industry professionals have observed signs that Holley is transitioning away from the Hilborn line, stirring up memories of the brand’s illustrious past and speculation about its future role in the world of speed and performance. As the hot-rodding community bids farewell to a legend, it also waits with bated breath to see what lasting impact Hilborn’s innovative spirit will have on the industry.
