Magic Mountain, Wonderland and Museum Expansion Update

Historic Magic Mountain photos included with Bob Minick collection

Attractions offered in Magic Mountain’s initial ride line-up included the Chevron Grand Prix, sponsored by Standard Oil of California. The Arrow Development, guide-limited miniature autos featured 40 custom-painted cars powered by a seven-horsepower gasoline engine. Grownups and children alike enjoyed driving the competition Group-7-type mini sports cars through the beautifully landscaped 1,700-foot-long track. The Chevron Gran Prix operated with gas-powered cars through the 1985 season. In 1986 the cars were replaced with electric cars from D.H. Morgan Manufacturing. In 1988 the cars were moved across the park to Bugs Bunny’s World where it operated as Granny’s Gran Prix. NRCMA/BOB MINICK COLLECTION

From The Archives Collection 1913

Wonderland, the first amusement park in San Diego, California, opened outside the city in Ocean Beach, on July 4, 1913. The welcomed new park had a little bit of everything, including a zoological garden, chutes, carousel, swimming pool, and the area’s first roller coaster, the Blue Streak Racer. Designed by Audrey Ingersoll, the twin-tracked racing coaster was advertised as the largest on the West Coast. It operated for just three seasons when the apparent loss of patronage from the Panama-California Exposition (1915) forced the owners to close the park in March 1916. Two months earlier, the Racer was shut down due to storm-related foundation damage. Eventually, the big ride was sold and relocated to Santa Monica, where it operated until 1923 under the same name. —Richard W. Munch

Mark Moore Public Showroom Expansion Of The National Roller Coaster Museum

Over $372,000 has been raised towards our goal of $500,000! Donations are still needed from industry suppliers, parks, and individuals.

AmazonSmile

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Mail Your Donation

NRCMA is a 501c3 non-profit organization. You can send donations to the following:

National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives
Jerry Willard, Treasurer
PO Box 5424 Arlington, TX 76005