Photo courtesy of Bayside Camaro
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CONTENTS Canadian Pontiac RENT-A-RACER: A modern take on a rent-acar legend ...pg 14
AAR ‘CUDA:
The Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda was every inch a hot rod ...pg 28
ALSO INSIDE:
Starting Lines-------------------------------------------- 4 Stone Soup GTO --------------------------------------- 18 1996 Dodge Viper RT/10 --------------------------------- 24 Big Red Chrysler 300 ------------------------------- 32 Rebel Machine ----------------------------------------- 36 Parts Store------------------------------------------------ 42
Susie Lauro’s 1958 Pontiac Parisienne ...pg 8
Your Online G-Body Parts Specialists w w w . B C G B O D Y. c o m s a l e s @ b c g b o d y. c o m JUNE/JULY 2021 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE
STARTING LINES
Chevrolet Introduces Special Edition 2022 Corvette Stingray
I
n order to celebrate Corvette Racing’s dominant 2020 season, Chevrolet recently took over the Raceway at Belle Isle Park to introduce the 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition. Chevrolet says they will release just 1,000 of these distinctly styled Corvettes in the U.S. and Canada, which resemble the No. 3 and No. 4 Corvette C8.R race cars. The special edition supercars were meant to commemorate the C8.R’s inaugural season but it turned into a celebratory model as Corvette Racing swept IMSA’s sport car championship series, taking the Manufacturers, Drivers and Team titles. “Racing has been part of the Corvette’s DNA from nearly the beginning,” said Laura Klauser, General Motors Sports Car Program manager. “Both the Corvette Stingray and C8.R have seen tremendous success capitalizing on the benefits of a mid-engine platform – and we’re just getting started.” The special edition is optional on the 3LT trim with the available Z51 package and each car includes Corvette Racing-themed graphics packages. Accelerate Yellow No.3 editions feature gray graphics and Hypersonic Gray No.4 editions feature yellow accents. Inside features Strike Yellow and Sky Cool Gray cabin that mimics the exterior racing themes with standard GT2 seats and yellow seat belts along with a C8.R Special Edition numbered plaque. Additionally, each car comes with a custom-fitted indoor car cover rendered to the appearance of the actual race cars. The 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition will begin production late in the third quarter of this year. MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
Volume 19, Issue No. 3 June / July 2021
Second Class Mailing Agreement #40050183 Publisher: Dean Washington dean@rpmcanada.ca Associate Publisher: David Symons david@rpmcanada.ca Managing Editor Jordan Allan jordan@rpmcanada.ca Distribution Manager: Brenda Washington brenda@rpmcanada.ca Copy Editor: Gerry Frechette gerryf@rpmcanada.ca Advertising Sales: Elaine Fontaine elaine@rpmcanada.ca Contributing Writers / Photographers: Jordan Allan John Gunnell Cam Hutchins
Dodge and The LEGO Group Launch New Mopar Top Fuel Dragster and 1970 Challenger Building Set Dodge and the LEGO Group have announced a second LEGO Speed Champions collaboration pairing the two iconic brands. The LEGO Speed Champions Mopar Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster and the 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A building set will be the first purple vehicle and first Top Fuel Dragster in the Speed Champion series, which was released in early June. “Owning, or aspiring to own, a Dodge muscle car is as much about the lifestyle of joining the Brotherhood of Muscle as it is about the vehicle purchase,” said Tim Kuniskis,
Muscle Car Plus Magazine is published six times per year by RPM Media Inc. 2506-2789 Shaughnessy Street Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 0C3 TELEPHONE: (604) 629-9669 FAX: (778) 285-2449 TOLL FREE: 1-888-500-4591 EMAIL: info@rpmcanada.ca WEBSITE: www.rpmcanada.ca
Pick up your copy at your local Performance Shop or at the following participating locations: Dodge Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “As a result, our brand enthusiasts are passionate about all things Dodge, including the latest cool collectibles. So, following the success of the Dodge 2018 LEGO Speed Champion building set, fans will now be able to build and show off not only the first ever 8-inch-wide (8W) muscle car, but also the first ever Plum Crazy 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A, along with an incredibly detailed 13½-inch-long Top Fuel Dragster.” “In 2021, we are extremely excited to re-team with Dodge and expand the Speed Champions 8W Vehicle Collection even further by including new vehicle types and building experiences, for the first time, that appeal to vehicle fans of all ages,” said Christopher Stamp, LEGO Design Lead. The sets include 627 pieces and box art of their real-life counterparts. MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
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Eye-Catching Susie Lauro’s 1958 Pontiac Parisienne has been in the family since new!
veryone needs an Uncle Jim and Auntie Lil! Susie Lauro grew up in Burnaby and was E always thrilled to see her Aunt and Uncle come to visit in the shiny blue convertible! It meant a ride for Ice Cream and getting to hang out with the cool Aunt and Uncle. The car was part of the family and even used in Susie’s older sister’s wedding. Susie’s Aunt and Uncle also liked the way “Little Susie” was so delighted to see them and the car. Susie’s love of the car paid off, as Uncle Jim often mentioned that she would get the car, and when Aunt Lil could no long drive, the car became Susie’s!
Story and photos by Cam Hutchins
The car had always been well cared for and every bit of paperwork from the initial picking of the car to the subsequent repairs through its charmed life have all been kept. This is one special car! The tariffs and cross-border dealings between the U.S. and Canada regarding autos meant it was cheaper for Canada to take an American Pontiac design, re-size it and put it on the frames of Chevrolets than it was to import cars from the states. The “Canadian” Pontiacs, well up into the mid ‘60s were all Chevrolet under the skin.... but not the floorboards apparently. More on that later!
This Pontiac Parisienne is quite a bit narrower than its American Cousin, the Bonneville. This car was manufactured at GM’s plant in Oshawa, Ontario. They only made 2,811 Parisiennes for 1958 and that includes just over 300 exported to other countries. Only 759 were convertibles compared to approximately 10,000 American Pontiac Convertibles and 55,989 Chevrolet Impala convertibles. The 1958 Pontiac Parisienne was a new model on the top for the 1958 Canadian Pontiac line of fine cars. The cars were not cheap but offered lots of nice things not found on the lower lines, including lighting in the trunk and under the dash. The sales brochure copy writers really took hyperbole to a higher art-form with the 1958 Canadian Pontiacs! “Much longer, lower, wider, every one of these 1958 Laurentians is the most eye-catching car in the modest price range, thanks to “New Direction” styling. They’re boldly new in the get-up-and-go, and in deep-down riding comfort, too.” But yep, there is more....the “Parisienne.” “Sleekest model in the Laurentian line-is rakishly low, more than seventeen feet long. Four simulated louvres on the front fenders, a special plaque at the flair of the side moulding, and nine parallel indentations sweeping forward from the name plate on the trunk lid help make the Parisiennes immediately identifiable!” Uncle Jim ordered his brand new 1958 Pontiac Parisienne from Bowell McLean Motor Co. Ltd. at 615 Burrard Street, Vancouver with the awesome phone number of “PAcific 9111”....sort of a Pontiac Emergency phone line!!! Bowell McLean or BowMac as they soon became known as, maybe had to compete because Uncle Jim has a sales brochure from Marshall Pontiac Buick on Cambie at 18th. But judging from the notations on the sales brochure for the 1958 Pontiacs, Uncle Jim was a bit frugal. On the page showing “The Parisienne Convertible,” there is a handwritten tabulation with everything he needed on the car.
$3,917.00 $198.60 - Automatic $115.25 - Radio $42.00 - Tires $4,302.85
10 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
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There was no indication of adding the optional 283 cu. in. engine instead of the the standard 6-cylinder, because Uncle Jim ordered the model known as “POKER,” the 283 V8 car, for a base price of $3,917.00, not the “BATER” or 6-cylinder car. The car was ordered with Fathom Blue Met paint , Viking Blue side inserts and light blue top with Gunmetal and Silver interior. The code was typed in as a “POKER” 7867 in 2304 with a 929 colour interior. To be fair, now with the new paint, roof, and interior it is a “POKER 7867 in 2317 with a 930 interior!” The Parisienne was only available as a two door hardtop or convertible, pretty fancy back in the days. His work, as a fleet buyer for Tilden Rent a Cars, was probably helpful in getting the best deal for his new car. It was ordered through Tilden but was never part of Tilden’s fleet of cars. Knowing of his buying power, he still only chose three options. He chose better tires, automatic transmission and Wonderbar AM radio, which came with the power antenna. Strangely on such a big car, the power antenna motor sticks into the front passenger compartment foot well. No side mirrors, no seat belts, no back-up lights.....if it was not included in the Parisienne package it was not needed; even the optional more powerful 348 cu. in. V8 was forsaken. Some other things not included on the entry level package of the Parisienne were power windows, or power seats, but two ashtrays were included as was a clock and sun visors on both driver’s and passenger’s side. Cigarette lighters were standard on all models; General Motors were not heathens, after all! Sitting in the driver’s seat, the odometer showing just over 96,000 miles, this is certainly a time capsule of the opulence of the ‘50s. This car has been down many miles, but still the running gear is all original and has not been rebuilt. One other thing you notice from the driver’s seat is the transmission shifter indicator shows a GR to the very right side of Drive. “GR” stands for “Grade Retarder” and is not to be used at higher than 45 mph (70 km/h) and used cautiously on wet roads or slippery surfaces. Not to be used at any other time. Do not start off in “GR” 12 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
The interior was very fancy for the era with lots of brightwork and shiny bits on the dashboard. From the sales brochure...”Instruments: Twin circular gauges; one for speedometer, odometer, Country beam indicator and left turn signal indicator. The right side has the right turn indicator, generator and oil pressure lights” Be sure to flash your “Country beams” at the next guy who cuts you off!!! But the brochure descriptions of this car and its features are pure gold from the 50’s. The exterior is the latest “Sculpturamic styling” and “Polished enamel finish in solid or two-tone combinations.” They offered the car in a huge array of colours with a host of names, Aegean Turquoise Metallic, Anniversary Gold Metallic, Burma Green Metallic, Colonial Cream, Cay Coral Metallic, Dover White, Fathom Blue Metallic, Forest Green Metallic, Honey Beige, Redwood Copper, Marlin Turquoise, Mallard Turquoise Metallic, Metallic Calypso Green, Onyx Black, Rio Red, Seaforth Green, Sierra Gold Metallic, Silver Blue Metallic, Silver Grey Metallic, Tropic Turquoise, Viking Blue. Some of the colours on the small colour chips have the word
Metallic abbreviated to Met. By using these 21 colours, there Electroshine Metal Refinishers Ltd on Vancouver Island. were an almost unending variety of two tone colour schemes. Although based on the Canadian Chevy Impala, the floorboards and trunk Aunt Lil drove the car from their home in South Granville to work at floors were from some other planet. Luckily, Lewis Thaw of Canadian Clasthe phone company downtown every day. She lost count at how often sics Auto Supply was up to the task. What could not be found, i.e. floorpeople offered to buy her car in the 1970’s and up to her retirement in boards, was fabricated in-house at Jellybean’s. Materials for the interior were the 1980’s. Retirement meant a move over to the island and upon Uncle sourced from SMS Auto Fabrics and stitched locally by STS Upholstery. Jim’s death, Aunt Lil and the car came back to the lower mainland. Some parts came by fluke, but most were original to the car. One part Susie looked after Aunt Lil and her husband Patrick made room for the that still remains elusive is the left-rear taillight housing. The one that Pontiac in his one car garage, finding another place to keep his prized came with the car has a crack. It is not the same as the one from the Triumph TR6. They even got to take Aunt Lil for White Spot hamburg- States, and if anyone has a good replacement part sitting on a shelf, ers and milkshakes before she passed away. The car was promised to there is a need for it!!! The front Chrome bits that tack onto the bumper Susie, and she and Patrick assured they would take great care of the car. had seen better days and the guys at Jellybean had a spare set lying around. Strange as it may seem, they drove to Saskatchewan in 2004 But they were in for a shock when they found out what had been to pick up a 1959 Dodge for their cousin and found a great 1927 Hudson going one under the “smiling face” of the Pontiac. The bottom to make into a desk for the office. They also spied a great looking front part of the car had been quietly rusting away for all these years, grille that would look cool hanging on the wall of their office, and these but there was no evidence of any mechanical problems - the car cool chrome bits that if turned sideways would make great taillights for a was running great. But something had to be done about the rust. lead sled. They are now on this car; as crazy as it seems, the grille and the “Dagmars,” those chrome bumper bits, were from a 1958 Parisienne! Patrick, after years in the food industry, went looking for a shop. Sometimes just a quick glance into the shop from the office had him running. The state Uncle Jim had added a compass and back-up lights after purchase of disarray of many auto shops was very concerning, but he was relieved of the car and the restoring of the compass had to be sacrificed as to find Jellybean Autocrafters out in Langley. The shop was well organized the extensive restoration proceeded. The guys at Jellybean deand the crew were friendly and obviously very passionate about their work. cided to not only restore and paint the compass to match the new colour, but also installed a light in the compass for that “wow” factor! Luckily, once the car was started to be dismantled, it was discovered just how many pieces on the car were in really great shape. It took The car was finished in December of 2020 and Jellybean pulled out all quite some time to fabricate all the missing or rusted metal work, and the stops and had a great buffet spread for the unveiling. Alyn Edwards, that was good, because it took that long to find the perfect colour for one of the lower mainland’s premier auto journalists, and a car collector, the car. The original colour was long since covered up by a respray was on hand to take photos and interview the couple as the car was of a darker blue in the late 60’s and they felt it would be okay to pick shown to Susie for the first time in almost a year! one of the other 21 colours that the car had been offered in when new. They were firm on keeping the Dover white “Cove” on the side, but The wait was clearly worth it and the beaming Susie was smiles ear-to-ear finally they picked the great shade of light blue called “Viking Blue.” as she saw the car and got to sit in it for the first time. They were ecstatic with the results and very happy with their colour choice. The couple have A matching interior was picked, and although the original interior was in had their fair share of cool cars including Alfas, the aforementioned TR6, good shape, the 50 years of being driven by smokers just could not be and big fast BMWs, but this 63 year-old Pontiac is the most fun they have erased by cleansers of any type. Same with the roof; originally blue, it had on the road in years. Lots of trips are planned for this old girl, lots was better to have a new roof of bright white. The chrome in many pieces of ice cream and burgers, and the best part according to Patrick is that only needed polishing and the front and rear bumpers were quite good... after a two hours drive, you almost are too comfortable to get out of it. but eventually they were sent off in massive crates for re-chroming at Strong praise for the Canadian Auto industry!
JUNE/JULY 2021 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 13
Rent-A-Racer
Modern take on a rent-a-car legend Story and photos by John Gunnell
Production of roughly 140 copies was mentioned at the announcement of the new muscle car, although 171 were actually o celebrate the 50th anniversary of the fabled Shelby built. Rather than GT350-H, the 2016 version was called the GT350-H (a rental-car-only performance model available Shelby GT-H. through Hertz Rent-A-Car System), Ford, Shelby American and Hertz teamed up again, in 2016, to create a modern take As in 1966, the “Hertz” cars had black and gold livery. Also as before, they were offered exclusively as rental cars through on the legendary 1966 “rent-a-racer.” Hertz. In fact, they were created as part of Hertz’s “Adrenaline Collection” and were made available only at select airport locations in the continental United States starting on Memorial Day Weekend in 2016.
T
“Our goal was to give everyone a chance to add some fun to their travel with a distinctive American pony car,” said Doug White, Ford Performance Parts manager. “So, Ford Performance and Shelby-American sharpened the handling, improved the performance, sweetened the exhaust note and added distinctive Hertz styling to the Mustang.” White added, “Anyone who rents a limited-edition Ford Shelby GT-H will enjoy a very special driving experience.” There’s a Shelby American serial number plate above the glove box. 14 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
The cars were built at the Shelby American assembly facility in Las
Vegas, Nev. The 2016 Shelby GTH upped the ante of the standard Mustang GT both cosmetically and functionally. Power came from a 5.0litre Coyote V8 with 435 hp.
The car has just over 9,000 original miles; must not have been rented very much.
The GT-H transformation also consisted of a Shelby-designed polycarbonate hood with air vents, a carbon fibre front spoiler and a rear splitter and spoiler. In addition to Shelby GT-H lettering in the side stripes, each GT-H carried special badges on its grille, along with GT-H logos on the seat head restraints. As a premium level Mustang, the GT-H was also equipped with a navigation system, a back-up camera, heated and cooled seats, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks and power front seats. For improved handling, the Ford Performance Handling Pack was installed in GT-H models. It included tuned dampers, larger sway bars, lowering springs and a staggered wheel kit for the 19-inch aluminum wheels, which were wrapped with high-performance Michelin tires. A Ford Performance exhaust system, which ends with chrome tailpipe tips, was also included to enhance the sweet sounds the GT-H makes on the highway. “The 1966 Ford Shelby GT350-H became a legend from the moment it was introduced,” said Joe Conway,
GT-H name is on gold rocker panel stripes. JUNE/JULY 2021 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 15
The Coyote V8 puts out 435 hp.
Check out the special GT-H front floor mat. 16 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
GT-H name is also on centre of rear end panel. Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of ShelbyAmerican. “Ten years ago, the 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H earned the same ‘rock star’ status when it was introduced at the New York Auto Show. We worked closely with Ford Performance to make the 2016 Shelby GT-H the most exciting Mustang ever to wear the iconic Hertz black and gold livery.” The 2016 rental requirements were tightened up a bit from 1966. You had to be at least 25 years old. You also needed to be a member of the Hertz Adrenaline Club. Both a valid driver’s license and insurance were mandatory. In addition, you had to have a charge card with a $50,000 credit limit. Lastly, if you were not a resident of the city the car was being rented in, you had to supply a copy of your return airline ticket. It was also required that you return the GT-H to the location that you rented it from.
The 11th symbol indicates the Ford assembly plant: 5=Flat Rock, Mich. The last six symbols are the sequential production number: 307254. GT-H Shelby-Mustangs also have Shelby-American serial numbers. For example, the featured car is CSM 110. It is the 110th of the 171 GT-H models built. How much is a GT-H worth? On Jan. 26, 2016 Yahoo! reported that Ford dealers were “asking more than twice as much” as the sticker price for regular Shelby Mustangs and he said that prices “up to $115,000” were being asked for such cars. Yahoo! said that the base price of a Shelby was $48,000. According to a December 2017 NADA Official Used Car Guide, the list price was $48,400 for the cheapest Shelby model. The GT-H was never sold to the public, so it never had an actual “sticker price.” Dana Mecum’s January 2018 auction in Kissimmee, Fla., included a varied assortment of Hertz Mustangs with several of the 50th Anniversary 2016s in the mix. The pre-auction bid estimates on such cars was $90,000 to $110,000. They wound up selling for less, but that meant there was a chance to buy low and sell high at a later date.
All that and $399 a day would get you into the driver’s seat of the 2016 rent-a-racer with its 435-hp V8 and six-speed automatic transmission (no stick shift cars were made). These Mustangs appear to be a hot ticket item in the collector’s market now. The story goes that the few built were not sold to the public but were offered to Hertz executives when they left the rental car fleet. One 2016 Shelby Mustang GT-H at the Mecum Kissimmee auction was bid to $70,000, but not sold. That suggests that The serial number on the GT-H dashboard is viewable through someone was willing to pay $70,000 for the car and that the the windshield. The 2016 Mustang serial number (or VIN) seller was not inclined to let it go that cheaply. That particular takes the format 1FX6P8X#G5200001. The first three symbols transaction gives us a good idea of what the high end is for this 1FX=Ford Motor Co. USA Passenger Car; the fourth symbol model. The car featured here is a top condition car with low indicates type of restraint system: 6=seat belts and front side air- original miles and should be a great future collectible bags; The next three symbols indicate the model: P8X=Mustang GT-500 Shelby coupe. The eighth symbol indicates the type of The accompanying statistics and list of equipment give you more engine: F=5.0-litre 435-hp Coyote V8. The ninth symbol is a information about these rare Shelby-Mustangs that are certain check digit [9]. The 10th symbol indicates model year: G=2016. to become more sought after and valuable as time goes by. JUNE/JULY 2021 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 17
Stone Soup The Story of the Stone Soup GTO
Story and photos by John Gunnell
fender sides and trunk had bold GTO letters. In addition to more noticeable markings, the hood of the GTO-equipped cars featured ontiac’s iconic Grand Turismo Omologato option was released a very distinctive hood scoop, a feature that would follow the GTO for LeMans hardtops, coupes and convertibles in mid-1964. throughout its production years. Pontiac used the package to turn its mid-size model into a muscle car that made the name “GTO” famous. In a similar fashion, the The morning crew at Detroit’s 94.7 WCSX Classic Rock radio staLeMans ragtop featured here was converted to GTO specifica- tion hosted the giveaway after restoring the ‘65 Pontiac LeMans tions as part of a Detroit Rock N’ Roll radio station’s “Stone Soup” and converting it to GTO specs. The station’s made-over muscle promotion that benefited the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of car was nicknamed the “Stone Soup GTO” after a European folktale that told how sharing benefits all contributors. It was given Michigan. away during the 2005 Woodward Ave. Dream Cruise. The GTO was conceived as a way to circumvent a General Motors high-performance ban by making the 389-cid V8 an option in Pontiac’s fanciest Tempest—the LeMans. GTOs had special appearance items in place of regular LeMans equipment. Also standard on GTOs was a deluxe steering wheel, dual horns, bucket seats, carpets, a three-speed synchromesh transmission with floor shift, dual exhausts, sports type springs and shock absorbers, a special seven-blade fan, redline tires, a chrome air cleaner cover and chrome rocker arm covers.
P
Other GTO elements were a chrome oil filler cap, a full-length body paint stripe, a dashboard assist bar handle and a whipcord perforated headliner. Pontiac also added unique identifiers to GTO-equipped cars. The grille, rear
Rock n’ roll radio station built the ragtop resto-mod for a giveaway promo.
18 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
Once done, Alice Cooper drove the car at the Motor City Muscle music festival. The potent Poncho won awards at many Midwestern car shows. The Stone Soup GTO was also featured in the August 2016 issue of Street Rodder.
The front bucket seats were custom upholstered in leather.
Ownership of the Stone Soup GTO later passed on to Paul Kardish, a Green Bay, Wisconsin attorney who wanted a car from the era he grew up in. After he and his family bought the GTO, they enjoyed driving it with the top down. Then, they felt that it was time for them to share. They donated the GTO to a non-profit started by legendary Green Bay Packer quarterback, Bart Starr. Rawhide Youth Services receives about 8,000 annual vehicle donations to help raise funds for programs that transform the lives of troubled youth. Rawhide consigned the Stone Soup GTO to Dana Mecum’s Spring Indy Auction in May. Proceeds from the auction sale were earmarked to benefit Rawhide’s efforts. “I truly believe in the Rawhide mission of making a difference in children’s lives by providing the skills and support they need,” Paul Kardish said. After its muscular makeover, the LeMans ragtop with GTO looks and attitude still had just 18,101.9 original miles. It was appraised at $75,000 before heading to the auction block in Indy.
The engine puts out 609 hp.
All LeMans versions of the mid-sized Pontiac Tempest had distinct styling touches such as LeMans nameplates on the rear fender sides, ribbed decor plates for the deck lid latch panel, model badges on the deck lid, simulated slanting louvres ahead of rear wheel cutouts and LeMans script plates for the dashboard. Front bucket seats were standard in all three sporty body types. The Vehicle Identification Number on the Stone Soup GTO’s left front door post accurately reflects its LeMans origins. The first symbol 2 indicates it was made by GM’s
The grille, rear fender sides and trunk had bold GTO letters. JUNE/JULY 2021 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 19
The car was sold for $79,200 at Mecum’s May Indy auction.
Pontiac Motor Division. The second and third symbols are 37 for stock 206.2-in. overall length and 58-in. tread width front and the LeMans series. The next two symbols 67 indicate a two-door rear. A Tremec 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is used in conjunction with a 3.73:1 Posi-Traction rear end. It convertible. has a March Performance Serpentine belt system; a Dynatech Next comes a 5 for 1965, followed by a P that tells us it was aluminum driveshaft; a Global West suspension with QA1 coilassembled at the home plant in Pontiac, Michigan. Then comes over shocks; stainless steel disc brakes and billet aluminum the sequential production number that starts with 100001 at each Rally II wheels. assembly plant. The car’s full VIN is 237675P223502. Under the hood is the Fisher Body Style Plate that reveals the assembly The custom leather interior sports new upholstery and head restraints with “JJ & Lynn’s GTO Stone Soup 94.7 WCSX The plant, trim code, paint code and accessory codes. This car ’s plate reads 65-23767. (237 indicates Pontiac LeMans series and 67 means convertible. Originally, the VIN also appeared on front of the engine at the right-hand cylinder bank, along with an alpha-numerical engine production code. However, the Stone Soup GTO has a very special engine. The original GTO engine was a 389-cid V8 with TriPower. The Stone Soup GTO’s engine is bored to 468 cid. This beefed-up motor has been dyno-tested at 609 hp and also produced 602 lb-ft of torque. The cylinder heads are ported and it has a modified roller camshaft and a 10.5:1 compression ratio. The transformed LeMans shares the 115-in. GTO wheelbase and retains the 20 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
A Pontiac factory in-dash tachometer was added by the radio station.
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Classic Rock Station” embossments. The canvas convertible top has a glass rear window. With its rock roots, the Kenwood Excelon 25th Anniversary edition entertainment system is no big surprise. It has a touch screen; a high-definition stereo system with Kenwood speakers in the doors and back seats; two Kenwood 25th Anniversary 10-inch subwoofers with Pontiac logos and T2 amplifiers mounted in the car’s trunk. Other options on the car include backup lamps; Wonder-Touch power steering; Wonder-Touch power brakes; a water-volts-oil pressure triple gauge cluster; Soft-Ray tinted glass in all windows; a Saf-T-Track differential; power windows; a custom Bob’s Speedometer Safe; a Pontiac factory in-dash tachometer; a locking centre console with a Pontiac factory vacuum gauge; a woodgrain steering wheel; a WCSX Radio fuel/battery gauge and split exhausts. In 1965, Pontiac built 13,897 LeMans convertibles with a $3,093 base price, as well as 11,311 GTO convertibles. However, there is only one Stone Soup GTO convertible and that’s the car you see here. It was sold for $79,200 at the Mecum Indy Auction on Saturday, May 15, 2021. .
22 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
Dual splitter type exhausts protrude from behind the rear wheels.
Very Special Viper RT/10 Anniversary Edition Roadster
Story and photos by John Gunnell
The Viper idea actually started around 1986 during a brainstorming session by Chrysler’s president Bob Lutz, vice-president of design n 1989, this writer was working for a car-collecting publication called Tom Gale, vice-president of vehicle engineering Francois Castaing and Old Cars Weekly. One assignment that fall was to attend the big SEMA Carroll Shelby. They thought it was time for a successor to the great Show in Las Vegas, where there are many press conferences. One of American sports cars of the 1960s like Shelby’s famous Cobra. these was organized by Chrysler to promote a new car called the Viper. I have no idea how Carroll Shelby knew I would be there, but he called The four men envisioned a car that brought back all the memories and me out of the crowd to ask me if the Viper would be a future collector emotions of the 1960s roadster, but with the technology and refinement of the 1990s. They all agreed that the new car had to have a car. I assured him that this beautiful creation surely would. smooth, sensuous shape. It had to fit equally well in someone’s driveway or at the track. It had to be more stunning and more refined than the Cobra. And all this had to be incorporated into a package selling for under $50,000.
I
Gale used the analogy of remembering a high school sweetheart. “Looking back, we always remember her as absolutely perfect. She was pretty, smart and courteous. The car would be everything a perfect person could be. That’s how the Viper had to be. In our minds’ eye, it was perfection, so we had to design Viper as we remembered Cobra.” The shape recalled roadsters of the mid- ‘60s and featured an integrated sport bar and side exhaust pipes. The full-width sport bar contained both head restraints and high-mounted stop lamp. The instrument panel provided large, driver-oriented analog gauges.
Anniversary Edition has unique colouring, blue steering wheel and blue gear shifter. 24 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
Recreating the Cobra’s driving attributes and making them “perfect” for the modern world was Francois Castaing’s job. “The Viper had to evoke all the emotions of driving the 1960s muscle car, but it had to be refined to today’s engineering standards. The engine had to be
powerful—and sound like it—but much more drivable and durable than yesterday’s muscle car engines,” Castaing said. Power for the concept car came from an aluminum V10 that produced 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. It was mated to a six-speed gearbox that featured a gated selector. The Viper rode on 17-inch wheels and tires.
The V10 engine puts out 415 hp.
The original Viper concept car made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 1989. The reaction from both the press and the public was overwhelmingly positive. Letters started flowing into Chrysler’s headquarters demanding that the car be developed for production. Enthusiastic customers mailed deposit cheques directly to Chrysler Corporation for the car. (The cheques were returned.) Chrysler quickly formed a small task force to study the feasibility of producing such a vehicle. Chassis mules were built to study vehicle dynamics. Within a year, the first V8 Viper prototype was completed. A second, this time powered by a V10 engine, was completed by spring 1990. In May 1990, Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca announced the official “go ahead” for the program. The task force grew to a team of 85 engineers, designers, finance experts, purchasing agents and manufacturing personnel representing every aspect of vehicle development. They worked side-by-side to bring Viper to market. Iacocca challenged Team Viper to bring the Viper to production within three years of when the first concept was shown in January 1989—a world-class development time. Iacocca said, “People may ask if we can afford to put one more new model on our plate. My response is, with a program that implements a new, more responsive product development process, that dramatically cuts lead time and investment and develops an approach that can be applied to other product programs, how can we afford not to?” Although some minor modifications were made between its debut at the Indy 500 and final production, the Dodge Viper Pace Car was nearly identical to the showroom version of the car. It was seen and driven for the first time publicly at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that May. The Pace Car retained all the design and engineering integrity that
Base price in 1996 was $58,600.
The car is a true roadster with side curtains instead of door windows. JUNE/JULY 2021 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 25
Roll bar was built into the roof design of the roadster. made it such a popular concept car. The shape remained intact and the performance lived up to its promise. In fact, the Viper needed no power train modifications to pace the race. It was only the third vehicle in the race’s 75 years able to make that claim.
Exterior design themes for 1996 were Red with yellow wheels, Black with silver stripe and silver wheels and White with blue stripe and white wheels. The stripes were “sabre-tipped.” New were five-spoke cast wheels with MXX3 Michelin Tires.
The 1996 Dodge Viper RT/10 roadster was considered a 10th anniversary model based on the original lead time. It received several enhancements including a removable hardtop; sliding rigid plastic side windows; a more robust differential; stronger drive shafts; aluminum suspension control arms and revised spring and shock absorber rates.
This was the first year of Viper production at the Conner Ave. Assembly Plant (CAAP), which was formerly a Champion Spark Plug facility. Minor changes in the car included the reverb canister removed from the corrugated intake hoses, an OBD-II vehicle diagnostics system and exhaust and intake changes that allowed the engine to be tuned to 415 hp. The 1996 inner hood was from the upcoming GTS and had openings to facilitate louvres. The hood changed from RTM (Resin Transfer Mold) to SMC (Sheet Molded Compound). The 1996 Viper was the first model with molded key heads with the Viper logo and the only model on which the stripes continue through the license plate area. The radio was moved above climate controls (from below) for easier access.
The 488-cid (8.0-litre) V10 engine continued to power the Viper. The 90-degree V10 had a cast aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, aluminum cylinder heads and an aluminum crankcase. It had a 4.00inch bore and a 3.88-inch stroke and a 9.1:1 compression ratio. It was attached to a six-speed manual, fully synchronized transmission with electronic 1-4 skip-shift and reverse-lockout mechanisms.
This RT/10 Convertible Anniversary Edition is a very special Viper. In A new rear-existing exhaust system replaced the side-mounted pipes 1996, U.S. production was limited to 685 vehicles and few were the used 1992-‘95. In addition to a cleaner look and quieter operation, this Anniversary Edition recognizable by its unique colour combination along change was partly responsible for extra horsepower. New spark tuning with a special blue steering wheel and gear shifter. and fuel calibration also helped boost the engine’s output to 415 hp at 5,200 rpm and 488 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Motor Trend (November 1995) reported a 0-to-60-mph time of five seconds and a standing start quarter mile in 13.2 seconds at 113.4 mph. Car and Driver reported a 4.1-second 0-to-60-mph run and a 12.6-second quarter mile at 113 mph and a top speed of 173 mph! The resin transfer molded composite body work was mounted on a tubular space frame chassis with a separate cowl structure. The Viper roadster tipped the scales at 3,445 pounds, with the weight distributed an even 50/50 front to rear. It had double-acting gas-charged hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable rebound rates, a 16.7:1 power rack-and-pinion steering system and vented disc brakes on all four wheels. For the model year, Dodge manufactured 721 Viper RT/10 roadsters. About 231 of the roadsters were Black, about 166 were Red and about 324 were White. A Dodge Viper was entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and took 10th place in the GT-1 class. 26 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
Car was photographed when The Automobile Gallery brought it to Green Bay, Wis.
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Split Personality
8,000-mile AAR ‘Cuda Story and photos by John Gunnell
meant Mopar’s potent 340-cid small-block V8 could be de-stroked to 303.8 in. and slipped in under the Trans-Am sanctioning body’s he Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda was one very fast muscle car even 305-cu. in. displacement limit. Plymouth could legalize its Trans-Am though it only had a “small-block” V8. That was a trend in the equipment by building 1,900 or more special models. The result was late-1960s and early 1970s, when insurance companies raised their the 1970 AAR ’Cuda. rates on muscle cars with big-block V8s. And the high insurance of that era may be the reason that the car we’re highlighting has only The new option package for the Barracuda two-door hardtop was named after Dan Gurney’s All-American Racers (AAR) team. Gurney 8,070 original miles. was signed to campaign for Chrysler’s Plymouth Division in 1970. He While its name came from Trans-Am racing, the AAR had a split had driven for Mercury the previous few seasons. Gurney entered a personality. “Everything makes sense if you forget all about Dan ’Cuda in the Trans-Am series with Swede Savage driving the car. Gurney and think of it in terms of the Burbank Blue Bombers,” said The stripes widened towards the rear near the Car and Driver. “The AAR ‘Cuda is Cuda and American flag decals. every inch a hot rod.”
T
Having a player in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) TransAmerican sedan racing series was a must for purveyors of Detroit’s Mustang-inspired “pony cars” at the dawn of the ‘70s. There were factory-backed efforts from American Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., and Dodge and Plymouth. Chevrolet and Pontiac had back-door programs. Open Plymouth and Dodge participation was new. It came together because of new Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger designs and because competition rules changed so that the 5.0-litre engines used in the racing cars didn’t have to be exactly the same size as the production engines they were derived from. That 28 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
Powering the AAR ’Cuda was a version of the 340-cid small-block V8 with highperformance heads and thicker webbing in the block to allow the racing team to use four-bolt main bearing caps. Even though a single four-barrel carb was the only setup allowed for race cars, that didn’t prevent triple two-barrel Holleys from being used on production-car engines. A fibreglass, cold-air-induction hood let the carburetors breathe fresh air.
The underhood view is extremely colourful with engine painted orange.
Other parts of the package were a rear spoiler, front and rear sway bars, exhaust exiting in front of the rear tires, E60x15 front tires on rally wheels and G60 rear tires. Transmissions included the A-833 four-speed gearbox with a Hurst gear shifter or the Chrysler 727 TorqueFlite automatic. AAR decals and striping identified the package. The AAR ’Cuda was not exactly plentiful with only 2,724 being built. It was a oneyear-only model with unique stripes and AAR ‘Cuda logos. The hood scoop on the AAR actually took in fresh air. For spoilers, it had front “eyebrow” spoilers and a rear “duck tail.” Unlike on a standard ‘Cuda, the AAR’s exhaust came out the sides, near the back wheels. The back side of the strobe stripe is where the AAR logo is located. It features four white stars surrounded in blue at the top and “AAR” below the stars. The whole AAR
JUNE/JULY 2021 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 29
The ‘Cuda wears E60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires today. logo has a white background with a black outline. Right next to the AAR logo, is the name “’Cuda.” The small vertical lines get wider as you move forward. Finally, the forward lines get shorter again. The logo doesn’t quite come to a point up front, but rounds out.
“Eyebrow” spoilers were ahead of the front tires. A duck tail spoiler was on the trunk lid. The exhaust came out in front of the rear wheels. Before exiting out the sides, exhaust gasses were routed through standard mufflers mounted below the rear seat area.
The hood on an AAR ‘Cuda is something that sets it apart from standard ‘Cudas and other cars. It is made of lightweight fibreglass and has a special air scoop. The sleek design blends in nicely with the rest of the car. Some might think that the air scoop is all show and no go, but this scoop is fully functional because it draws in fresh air. The hood, along with the fender and door tops, was usually painted a colour called Organasol.
The AAR ‘Cuda production began on March 10, 1970 and officially continued thru April 17. A pilot car was produced on Feb. 3, 1970 and at least one AAR with an April 20, 1970 date has been reported, so the actual production dates may not have exactly followed the factory schedule. According to a few AAR Cuda Registries, no cars were produced on March 10, March 25–27 or March 30. Only 2,724 AAR ‘Cudas were produced in the six-week time period. Of those, 1,120
Wood-grained steering wheel is a valuable accessory today.
30 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
Rear panel and spoiler were finished in texturedlook black paint called Organasol.
were built with four-speed manual transmissions and the remaining There is also a Body Number Plate on the inner left fender, cowl 1,614 had three-speed automatic transmissions. or radiator support that indicates the SO number; body production sequence number; body style code (23); trim code and paint code. Despite Dan Gurney’s efforts, the ‘Cuda did not win a Trans-Am Engine numbers are stamped on the right side of the block and race in 1970. Factory support for racing was quickly eroding at that for V8s is located below the distributor. The engine number shows time and there would be no 1971 AAR ’Cudas. In fact, even the All year, displacement, Month starting with A and day starting with 1 American Racing team disappeared. The Automobile Gallery (www. (A1 is January 1). TheAutomobileGallery.org) of Green Bay, Wis., owns this AAR ‘Cuda which sports a frame-up restoration by the Adcock Brothers that All original factory option codes were listed on the inner fender was completed in 2008. tag. Details on the fender tag of this heavily-optioned feature car included: V5X: Body side moldings; Y05: Special Order: Built to AAR collectors will check the VIN on a plate attached to the left door U.S. specifications; 26: D70x14 black sidewall tires; N88: Auto hinge pillar. The car being appraised has number BS23J0B168929. speed control; N41: Dual exhaust without chrome tips; N42: Chrome The first symbol identifies the car line: B=Barracuda. The second exhaust tips; N85: Tachometer; R11: Music Master AM radio; G36: symbol identifies the series: S=Special. The third and fourth symbols Dual, painted, sport style outside rearview mirrors; J45: Hood pins identify the body style: 23=two-door Hardtop Coupe. The fifth symbol with lanyards; L31: Hood/Fender mounted turn signals; M21: Roof identifies the engine: J=340-cid 290-hp “Six-Pack” high-performance drip rail moldings; M25: Wide sill moldings; M31: Belt line moldings; V8. The sixth symbol indicates model year: 0=1970. The seventh FM3: Moulin Rouge Paint; AO1: Light package; AO4: Basic group; symbol indicates the assembly plant: B=Hamtramck, Michigan. The A62: Rallye Instrument Cluster; C16: Console with bucket seats; last six symbols are the sequential production number. C55: Bucket Seats; F12: 41-amp alternator; H6X9: Black vinyl buckets; 000: Trim-Door panel goes all the way up to door glass; A25: Interior convenience group; 031270: “340 Six Barrel” decal dresses up the No information; E55: 340-6-pack with A53 package huge and functional air grabber. 1970; D32 and Heavy-Duty 727 Automatic Transmission. The tag also indicated BS23 (Start of VIN); J08 (Middle of VIN); 168929 (production number); TRANS AM: AAR ‘Cuda. This rare Plymouth is in excellent condition inside, outside and mechanically. It has the correct engine and automatic transmission. As you saw, it is a heavily-optioned muscle car with rare Moulin Rouge paint. It is correct in all details including body graphics. According to the multi-year auction results tracked by ConceptCarz.com, the average sale value of such a car is in excess of $100,000 today. Just think, if Dan Gurney and his drivers knew that in 1970, they probably would have driven them with kid’s gloves. Or maybe they did, which might explain why their powerful “sea creatures” never won a race! JUNE/JULY 2021 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 31
Big Racy Red gets Restored
Story and photos by John Gunnell
from Chambersburg had a new car. Faubel already held five class and Stock Eliminator wins and top speed records at Mason-Dixon Drag-O-Way with his ’61 Dodge B-Stocker Police Pursuit model and A/SA Plymouth Fury. But Bud had come to the dragstrip the previous Sunday with a sleek ’62 Chrysler 300 hardtop equipped with Mopar’s new, ultra-high-performance 413-cid 405-hp engine that featured a special “short ram” induction setup.
“Bud Faubel--piloting his big red Chrysler 300 1962 B-Factory experimental--lapped up the gravy again this past Sunday at the Mason-Dixon Drag-O-Way at US Rt 40 East,” read a newspaper article about Harry “Bud” Faubel’s racing feats. “Charles Anderson, Clark County, Va., was duelling Bud in his 300 Challenge, but was drawn down in two consecutive runs by only 3/100ths of a second by Faubel.” The newspaper documented that Anderson was racing The powerful Chrysler broke all Mason-Dixon A-Stock class top speed records with consistent runs at above 105 mph and low ET’s a much lighter fuel-injected B-Sport ‘61 Corvette. Bud Faubel’s Chrysler 300—later nicknamed “Big Red”--was ordered especially for the Flying Mile competition at Daytona Beach, Fla., during the 1962 SpeedWeeks. But it was not the first Chrysler 300 that Faubel raced at Daytona. Time sheets dated Feb. 18, 1961 show results from the 1961 NASCAR Beach Run where Harry Faubel of Chambersburg, Pa. came in first in the Unlimited Displacement class with a ’61 Chrysler that went 156.657 mph heading north and a 136.570 mph heading south for an average of 145.926 mph. Of the top 10 cars that ran in 1961, six were Chryslers. Faubel also took a Class Z first for cars up to 390 cu. in. with a ’61 Dodge that averaged 136.003 mph. A Nov. 26, 1961 article by J. R. Huntzberry noted that the popular driver 32 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
The bright red Chrysler 300 had an equally bright red interior.
around 14.10 sec. However, missing a first-to-second shift lost Bud a Stock Eliminator trophy that day, but he did win in Class A.
Patterson Motors entered the car in the ’62 Pure Oil Trials at Daytona.
Faubel vowed to return the next week and did. This time he brought the new ’62 Dodge with a 413-cid 350-hp engine. Wesley Koogle drove the “Lean Breed” Dodge Dart and copped Top Stock honours running a virtual dead heat against Faubel’s Chrysler 300. The team took S/SA, A/S and Stock Eliminator honors for the weekend. Fast forward to April Fool’s Day 2013 and a man named Jim Kramer who happens to own another car Bud Faubel raced--a 1965 Dodge altered-wheelbase car called the “Honker.“ Kramer had just been informed that Bud Faubel’s 1962 Chrysler 300— the one called Big Red—had been found and was ready to be auctioned off. Because of the April and funds to buy the car. A few other collectors from Chicago and 1 date, Kramer first thought that someone was pulling a prank on Michigan also wanted the car, but the auction was over quickly. A high bid from Kramer deferred further bidding and he soon owned the him, but it was true. car. It turned out that he was the third owner after Bud Faubel and When he realized it wasn’t a joke, Kramer decided what he had to the man who had bought the race car and parked it near a stream do. Arrangements were made to attend the auction with a trailer in Pennsylvania way back in 1974.
The special short rams had the same exterior length as long rams, but the inside passages were reduced in length. 34 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
The car—now with faded red paint—was in need of some tender loving care. It had to be removed from a cornfield where the stalks were higher than a tractor trailer. During his inspection of the car, Kramer found that the special water-heated cross rams were in the trunk, along with the air cleaners. A pair of non-drilled, prototype exhaust manifolds--as chronicled in two magazine articles (one in the May 1962 issue of CARS)-- were also with the car. Also, still on the car were the rearview-mirror-mounted cable-drive tachometer and a gear shift knob that looked ready for the trash can. The special features proved this was the early prototype racing car that was put together for Bud Faubel at Chrysler’s Jefferson Ave. plant in Detroit. It was one of just a handful of cars built with the 405-hp short ram V8. Chrysler sold it to the race driver for $1, knowing he would generate buyer interest when he raced it in late1961 and 1962. Kramer quickly contacted Ed Strzelecki of Hemieddie Restorations in Rochester, Mich., to have the car resurrected to its former glory. The restoration was supposed to be a full-steam-ahead project and pressure was put on to start pumping life back into the on-of-a-kind Chrysler while Faubel was still around to drive it again. Unfortunately, Faubel did pass away during the restoration, but after he had acknowledged that it was his car. Many things did not quite go as planned with the Big Red restoration. Delays set in. At times it felt like Faubel was slowing the project down to make sure it was done right. Kramer and Strzelecki did additional
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research and questions about small details kept surfacing. For instance, a picture was found from the 1962 Pure Oil Performance and Economy Trials at Daytona that showed the car with no side mirror. Weeks before the red paint was going to be applied, a filled-in hole in the driver side fender was discovered. It was not a factory hole. It was where a side mirror had been installed after Faubel sold the car. If there had been no project delays, the filled-in hole might have been missed. There were other parts on the old race car that differed from passenger-car items. For example, the bushings were completely unique to the car and standard ones did not fit. It was a challenge to find proper replacements. There were also other non-stock parts on the factory-built race car. Chrysler did not expect to simply drop a big engine in an assembly line vehicle and sell it for a dollar to anyone who wanted to go racing. Remember the gear shift knob mentioned earlier? There was no exact replacement, so it was polished until it had the high lustre and feel that it once when Bud Faubel pulled the gears on his way to a win. When the restoration was done, Jim Kramer said, “Big Red Rides again.” Kramer said that the project was undertaken to preserve history and to remember one of the great factory race car drivers—Bud Faubel.
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The Machine
AMC and Hurst teamed up to create Rebel Machine Story and photos by John Gunnell
usually a patriotic looking red, white and blue high-performance model that had actually made its debut at the National “ tanding before you is the car you’ve always wanted,” Hot Rod Association World Championship drag races two American Motors Corporation teasingly titillated potential months earlier. buyers in a two-page advertisement introducing a new high-performance car to readers of Hot Rod magazine in Using a very unusual product promotion technique, the December 1969. The ad showcased the Rebel “Machine,” AMC advertising copy warned, “Incidentally, if you have delusions of entering the Daytona 500 with The Machine, or challenging people at random, The Machine is not that fast. You should know that. For instance, it is not as fast on the getaway as a 427 Corvette, or a Hemi, but it is faster on the getaway than a Volkswagen, a slow freight train and your old man’s Cadillac.” It was certainly a strange way to introduce a new muscle car.
S
Special badges with “The Machine” spelled out in block letters was seen on the front fenders below the bright red, tapering-to-the-front stripe. 36 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
In reality, The Machine was fast enough to make many buyers happy. It had a 390-cid V8 that was AMC’s most powerful engine offering at that time. This engine produced 340-hp at 5,100 rpm. Also on The Machine’s standard equipment list was a four-speed, close-ratio synchromesh transmission; a Hurst gear shifter; a lighted 8,000-rpm hood tachometer,
a Ram-Air induction setup; the choice of either a 3.54:1 or 3.91:1 rear axle ratio; heavy-duty shock absorbers and springs; a low-back-pressure dual exhaust system; hefty front and rear sway bars; 15-inch raised white-letter tires; styled steel wheels; high-back bucket seats and power front disc brakes. All these goodies – which were often extra-cost options on competing muscle cars--came at a base price of just $3,475. And the 390-cid four-barrel engine was more than sufficient in moving a car with a 114-inch wheelbase and curb weight of 3,640 pounds. The motor and the gearbox combination produced performance in the range of a 14.4-second quarter-mile run at a 98-mph terminal speed. However, it only produced showroom sales of 2,326 Rebel Machines. That may explain why it lasted only one year.
A lighted 8,000-rpm hood tachometer with display facing the driver was integrated into the Ram-Air induction hood scoop.
The first 100 cars were delivered from the AMC factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin, finished in white. Hurst Performance Products did up the lower beltline stripes and hood in blue, and then added red stripes on the upper body sides. At the rear, red-white-and-blue stripes ran across the fender tips and deck. Special “The Machine” emblems were tacked on the front fender sides and on the rear trim panel’s right-hand side.
At the rear, red-white-and-blue stripes ran across the fender tips and deck. Special “The Machine” emblems were tacked on the rear trim panel’s right-hand side.
38 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
The interior had front bucket seats as standard, and a four-speed manual gearbox with floor-mounted Hurst shifter was standard, too.
For buyers who didn’t like the 25A patriotic paint scheme, AMC advertised, “If you like everything about it except for the paint job, which admittedly looks startling, you can order the car painted in the colour of your choice.” When buyers did this, they got silver striping and a blacked-out hood. The original colour scheme then became a $75 option.
The window sticker for a typical Rebel Machine listed the following “Safe Command” standard features: seat belts; two front shoulder belts; two rear shoulder belt anchors; two front head restraints; 4-way hazard warning signals; “Lane Changer” turn signals; automatic back-up lights; Side-of-Car Safety Markers; “Guard Glow” headlights; an inside rearview
The bottom of the grille surround was also fished in red, white and blue, with the colours applied in this same order right to left. JUNE/JULY 2021 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 39
self-adjusting brake linings; a mechanical stoplight switch; corrosion-resistant brake lines; Safety-Rim wheels and tire tread wear indicators. Lock and door handle features were an anti-theft ignition, steering and transmission lock with warning buzzer; High-Strength door locks; SafetyShaped door handles; a two-key locking system; Safety-Shaped control knobs; a Safety-Styled instrument panel; front seat-back locks; and a Dual-Action hood lock. A typical Rebel Machine might have had the following options adding to the $3,475 base price. The Red, White and Blue 25A paint package for $75; power steering for $105.35; tinted glass in all windows for $35.65; a visibility group for $42.75 and an AM/FM push-button radio for $133.80. What you didn’t have to pay extra for with The Machine package was the 390-cid 340-hp V8; the Machine trim package; the Ram-Air hood scoop; a tachometer; dual exhausts; carpeting; mag style mirror with twin ball joint pivots; a left-side rear view mirror; wheels; a full synchro four-speed transmission; a Spacemanual windshield washers; non-glare windshield wipers; a Saver spare and vinyl seat trim with a centre cushion and armrest. With these few options and a $126 truck delivery heater and a windshield defroster. charge, the total “damage” would be more like $3,993.55. Standard construction, brake and wheel features included single-unit body construction; an energy-absorbing steer- Although “The Machine” was a joint venture between AMC ing column; a Deep-Dish steering wheel; high-strength and Hurst, this association was, again strangely, never prowindshield glass; tempered side and rear glass; a moulded moted to AMC buyers. Customers were, however, offered a ceiling headliner; padded sun visors; a padded instrument chance to purchase “Up with the Rebel Machine” decals for panel; padded armrests; non-glare finish on inside parts; a 25 cents each. We wonder what those decals are worth now Double-Safety brake system; a brake system warning light; with inflation and all that jazz? Here’s another look at the details of the 25A paint scheme, which became a $25 option.
Buyers who didn’t like the 25A patriotic paint scheme could order the car painted in the AMC colour of their choice. 40 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
PARTS STORE Mickey Thompson’s New ET Street Front
BOLT Locks Protect Race Cars in Enclosed Haulers
Mickey Thompson’s all-new ET Street line of front tires are a great complement to Mickey Thompson’s popular ET Street R and ET Street S/S drag radial products. The lightweight ET Street Front features radial construction and lower rolling resistance. They are also DOT-approved and fully street legal and come available in narrow sizes to fit early and late-model muscle cars, older hot rods and street rods. They are available in 26x6.00R15LT, 26x6.00R17LT, 27x6.00R15LT, 27x6.00R17LT, 28x6.00R18LT.
BOLT Locks are designed to deliver both convenience and security to trailer owners while also preventing trailer theft, which is ideal for protecting your race car and tools in your enclosed hauler. BOLT Locks feature patented Breakthrough One-Key Technology, which permanently programs all BOLT locks to the vehicle’s ignition key. This is done through one simple turn of the key which codes the cylinder to that key alone. The BOLT line of locks includes receiver locks, coupler pin locks, padlocks, cable locks and off-vehicle coupler locks.
For more information please go to www.mickeythompsontires.
42 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
For more information please go to www.boltlock.com
TECH: NEW PRODUCTS
Lakewood Bellhousings for Small-Block Ford Lakewood’s Bellhousings for Small-Block Fords are made from cast aluminum and are meant to connect small block Ford engines to either the Ford T5 five-speed manual or the Tremec Ford-style, TKX, TKO 500/600 or TR3550 five-speed manual. Designed as a compact, lightweight option for transmission swaps, these bellhousings use a 157-tooth flywheel, 10-5-in. clutch and can use hydraulic or cable actuation. Additionally, the bellhousings include a block plate for a complete fitment solution. For more information please go to www.holley.com
Edelbrock’s Supercharger System for 2016-2019 Chevrolet Camaro V6 Edelbrock’s new supercharger kit for 2016-2019 Chevrolet Camaro with the HFV6 3.6L engine provides a 36-percent wheel horsepower boost over stock while using Edelbrock’s optional engine calibration. No modifications to the stock hood are required for installation, and thanks to an integrated bypass valve, there is little-to-no loss in fuel economy. The unit provides a dyno-tested 100 horsepower and 86 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. Due to its lighter weight, the supercharged V6 Camaro provides roughly the same power-to-weight ratio as the V8 model. For more information please go to www.edelbrock.com
Pre-Engineered Building Kits No Welding • Maintenance Free
Residential • Commercial
E
asy Build Structures pre-engineered 2” x 3” galvanized steel framing system uses a unique “slip-fit” design that simplifies the installation process with the added strength and durability to withstand our Canadian winters. Whether you are looking for roof-coverage only to protect your investment or fully-enclosed garage and warehouse packages, Easy Build Structures has the building for you.
55-13325 115th Avenue, Surrey 604.589.4280 | Toll Free: 888.589.4280
www.easybuildstructures.ca
Our sales team will work with you to customize your structure package to meet all your requirements. Easy Build packages come complete with everything you need, ranging from overhead and man doors, windows, insulation options, sheeting and flashing colours, and hardware.
CALL NOW FOR A CUSTOM QUOTE:
44 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
Our structure widths range from 10’ through 50’, with the length being as long as you need. Our engineer can provide you with stamped and sealed drawings, Schedule B and C-B, and site inspections to help assist you with DO-IT-YOURSELF any permitting processed required Take advantage of our by your municipality. full installation services These services also include throughout British Columbia, our CSA-A660 certification including complimentary on-site for pre-engineered steel consultations in the Lower Mainland structures in Canada. to fully design your custom structure. Furthermore, all our building packages are designed as do-it-yourself kits with a step-by-step installation manual.
604.589.4280
Is your engine flat tappet? Does your vehicle require API rated engine oil?
Is your vehicle for passenger use? If you answered, yes. Then YOU NEED
Collector Automobile Motor Oil
Canadian made CAMOil is the only API certified engine oil with highest level of ZDDP specifically formulated for flat tappet engines. With an additive that clings to moving parts when the engine is stored for long periods. For a retail location near you.
camoils.com OR contact
specialtyoils@gmail.com By phone: 1-403-828-7168
JUNE/JULY 2021 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 45
HushMat Quiet Tape I deal for Installers
Advertiser Index
Great Canadian Oil Change--------------------------------------24 360 Fabrication ------------------------------------------------- 19
HushMat’s all-new Quiet Tape is a 1-in. wide, single sided, reusable tape that has an endless number of applications in your garage, home, boat, RV or off-road vehicle. Quiet Tape can be used to secure wiring, harnesses or cables and also works great as an ‘anti-rattle’ tape for things like plastic trim panels and cabinet doors. It is sold as a 1-in x 20-ft. roll that tears easily with your hands.
All-Parts Trailer Sales ------------------------------------------ 45 Barry-Hamel ----------------------------------------------------- 43 CAM Oils --------------------------------------------------------- 45 Classified Motorsports ----------------------------------------- 35 Colby Valve ------------------------------------------------------ 44 Easy Build ------------------------------------------------------- 42 Formula Distributors ------------------------------------------- 33
For more information please go to www.hushmat.com
G&M Trailers ---------------------------------------------------- 45 Golden Leaf Automotive --------------------------------------- 13 Good Vibrations ------------------------------------------------- 31 Howard Cams --------------------------------------------------- 17 Ididit ----------------------------------------------------------------5 Jellybean AutoCrafters ----------------------------------------- 45 KMS Tools ------------------------------------------------------- 23 Kool Coat -------------------------------------------------------- 45 LBC Parts ----------------------------------------------------------3 LMC Truck ------------------------------------------------------- 48 Lordco -------------------------------------------------------------7 Mopac Auto Supply - ------------------------------------------- 47 Procar --------------------------------------------------------------2 Red Line Oil ----------------------------------------------------- 41 Scott’s Super Trucks ------------------------------------------- 45 Westar ----------------------------------------------------------- 45
MagnaFlow’s xMOD Series Exhaust System for 2021 Chevrolet C8 Corvette MagnaFlow’s xMOD Series Exhaust System for the 2021 Chevrolet C8 Corvette offers four different configurations using the interchangeable Muffler Modules or xTreme Deletes while maintaining full functionality of the factory Bi-modal technology. The race-inspired, 4.5-in. Round Tips are available in either bright silver or black chrome. The exhaust system is manufactured using 304 stainless steel and boosts max power by up to 18 horsepower and 17 lb-ft of torque. For more information please go to www.magnaflow.com
WANT TO SEE YOUR VEHICLE IN THE MAGAZINE? Send in a few hi-res photos of your classic car or truck with a short description of around 60-80 words and we may include you in the Reader’s Rides section at the back of Muscle Car If interested, please email us at
ReadersRides@rpmcanada.ca 46 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
REDISOVER YOUR PASSION
Rodney, 1951 Chevrolet
Remember when you got her? You had all the time in the world to just drive and dream. Twenty years later, she still holds a special place in your heart. We understand. We’ve been in the passion rediscovery business for over 35 years. And we’ll be here when you’re ready to get her back on the road where she, and you, belong. Get your FREE CATALOG at LMCTruck.com
1947-13 Chevy/GMC 1948-16 Ford 1972-15 Dodge
LMCTruck.com 800.562.8782
KEEPING GENERATIONS ON THE ROAD ™
