At a time when most race car drivers were a rough-and-tumble bunch – with blue-collar backgrounds, greasy fingernails and oily clothes – Manuel Leaonedas Ayulo was a bit of an oddity.
Manny, as he came to be known, was born in Burbank, Calif., in 1922 to aristocratic Peruvian diplomat Don Manuel Ayulo and his American wife.
Supervised by a governess, Ayulo traveled the world as a youngster, enjoying all the privileges his wealthy family provided. He attended numerous L.A. private schools before graduating from Hollywood High.
After graduation, Ayulo’s future seemed unlimited. He was a world traveler, a VIP in political circles and, with his father’s connections, had found minor roles in several films.
However, a world miles removed from his sheltered existence allured him. The world of cars – fast cars and cool cars.
By his 16th birthday, Ayulo was embroiled in the L.A. hot rod scene. World War II interrupted pursuit of his passion, as he became a pilot with the Army Air Corps. But, when the hostilities ceased, Ayulo built a Ford roadster and raced it regularly in events at what was then known as Muroc Dry Lake.
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