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CONTENTS
Poster Child
CORVETTE ZR1: Our road test of the seventh-gen Corvette ZR1 ...pg 26
WHEELS:
Wheels Buyers Guide ...pg 18
ALSO INSIDE:
Starting Lines-------------------------------- 4 Richard Teague AMX Prototype-----26 Quick Spin: 2020 Hellcat Redeye----30 Bubblicious-----------------------------------34 1970 HEMI Cuda---------------------------36 Parts Store------------------------------------42
The Dodge Dart Swinger was the face of low-cost muscle cars of the late ‘60s ...pg 12
OCT/NOV 2019 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE
STARTING LINES
Dodge Unveils LimitedProduction 717-horsepower Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition 2020 Charger Dodge has now unveiled its most powerful production Charger ever with the introduction of the 717 horsepower Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition, which also takes the title of the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world. Going back 50 years, Dodge launched the infamous Dodge Charger Daytona model with its distinctive wing and massive nose which was designed to dominate NASCAR racing. The prototype of that car was the first car to break 200 mph average lap speed and set a record that would stand for the next 17 years. Only 501 of those cars were ever produced which was the minimum number required to qualify for use on the NASCAR circuit. As a nod to that car, the new 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition features a design, attitude and limited-production numbers all of which pay tribute to the original record-setting Daytona. A unique Daytona decklid, rear-quarter decal with matching spoiler and Daytona-exclusive B5 Blue paint are featured and, just like the original, production will be limited to 501 units. The widebody package on the car adds 3.5-in. of width with wider wheels and tires which creates an aggressive stance that is unlike any other four-door sedan available today. In order to gain the 10 horsepower to go from 707 to 717, MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
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Volume 17, Issue No. 5 November / October 2019 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
Dodge has increased the shift points to 6,100 rpm in automatic mode. The car will be available in four colours including B5 Blue, Pitch Black, Triple Nickel and White Knuckle while a set of 20x11-in. Warp Speed wheels with a unique Satin Carbon finish are
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 Gerry Frechette John Gunnell Dan Heyman Cam Hutchins Paul Kennedy
Muscle Car Plus Magazine is published six times per year by RPM Media Inc. 2460 Kingsway Avenue Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada V3C 1T4 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:
featured, wrapped in Pirelli 305/35ZR20 all-season performance tires. In order to slow down such a powerful car, Dodge has added Ultra-high performance Black Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes with vented rotors. Inside, the Daytona features unique black heated and ventilated Nappa leather and Alcantara suede performance seats, a dynamica suede headliner, rear carbon fibre instrument panel and a flatbottom suede steering wheel. Finally, a custom IP badge with the Hellcat and Daytona logo will be located on the passenger side and will indicate which number of the 501 being produced it is. Dealer orders are set to begin in the fall of 2019 with actual vehicles arriving in early 2020.
MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
BC LOCATION
PHONE#
Invermere Kamloops Kamloops II Kamloops IV Kelowna Kimberley Ladner Ladysmith Lake Cowichan Langford Langley Lillooet Lumby Maple Ridge Merritt Mission Nanaimo Nanaimo II Nelson Newton North Kamloops North Vancouver North Vancouver II Oliver Osoyoos
RO
U DL Y
Ow
ned&
P C a n a dia
n
(250) 342-9210 (250) 374-4488 (250) 374-9922 (250) 372-2282 (250) 763-3621 (250) 427-4500 (604) 946-4679 (250) 912-0050 (250) 749-3341 (250) 391-1438 (604) 533-2444 (250) 256-0599 (250) 547-1355 (604) 467-1191 (250) 378-9004 (604) 826-7121 (250) 390-9232 (250) 753-1711 (250) 352-4699 (604) 543-2811 (250) 376-8200 (604) 984-0277 (604) 985-2222 (250) 498-0600 (250) 495-0445
r ate d
PHONE# (250) 395-4051 (604) 850-1446 (604) 796-3141 (604) 856-3483 (250) 546-8110 (604) 930-9316 (604) 291-6840 (604) 522-3947 (604) 412-9955 (250) 457-9644 (250) 830-1788 (250) 365-5015 (250) 679-3088 (604) 858-2200 (604) 792-1999 (604) 556-9800 (604) 576-2821 (604) 931-3830 (250) 338-6266 (250) 417-0888 (250) 428-5335 (604) 597-8668 (250) 746-8181 (250) 491-0531 (250) 838-2200 (250) 423-4477 (250) 367-7581 (250) 344-7488 (250) 442-5995 (604) 869-2441
BC LOCATION
Parksville Penticton Pitt Meadows Port Alberni Port Coquitlam PORT Coquitlam - OXFORD Port Kells Powell River Prince George Princeton Qualicum Beach Quesnel Revelstoke Richmond Salmon Arm Sidney Smithers Squamish Summerland Trail Tsawwassen Valemount Vancouver - E 2nd Vancouver - S.W. Marine Drive Vernon Victoria West Kelowna Whistler White Rock Winfield
PHONE#
(250) 248-5718 (250) 490-8880 (604) 465-7200 (250) 723-4200 (604) 942-3994 (604) 942-4113 (604) 513-2288 (604) 485-4477 (250) 612-0223 (250) 295-3880 (250) 752-5621 (250) 992-6880 (250) 814-0116 (604) 276-1866 (250) 832-7030 (250) 655-9311 (250) 847-0195 (604) 892-5988 (250) 404-0139 (250) 368-9116 (604) 943-1599 (250) 566-4140 (604) 879-9391 (604) 324-8000 (250) 503-2238 (250) 380-2088 (250) 707-0106 (604) 932-0900 (604) 531-8877 (250) 766-4457
pe
BC LOCATION 100 Mile House Abbotsford Agassiz Aldergrove Armstrong Bridgeview Burnaby - Douglas Rd Burnaby - Edmonds Burnaby - Metrotown Cache Creek Campbell River Castlegar Chase Chilliwack - Sardis Chilliwack - Yale Clearbrook Cloverdale Coquitlam - Clarke Rd Courtenay Cranbrook Creston Delta Duncan East Kelowna Enderby Fernie Fruitvale Golden Grand Forks Hope
SIN
O
CE 1974
NEW AB LOCATION Calgary
PHONE# (403) 264-9555
STARTING LINES
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R Gains New Chassis Technology from GT500 With Ford set to roll out one of the greatest ever Mustang performance lineups in 2020, the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT350R continues to up the ante as it picks up some new performance tech and colours from models in the Mustang lineup. The GT350R will feature a completely new front suspension geometry with a redesigned high-trail steering knuckle that has been borrowed from the all-new Shelby GT500. In addition, a new steering rack
and recalibrated electric power steering control will be featured for 2020. The GT350R also continues to target weight reduction with a rear seat delete, carbon fibre wheels and the elimination of exhaust resonators for a weight reduction and to provide a more aggressive exhaust tone. Ford has also upped the ante in terms of comfort in the Shelby GT350R with the available Technology Package with a 12-speaker sound system, Blind Spot Information System, Cobra Puddle Lamps and voice-activated navigation. In order to differentiate itself from the GT350, the GT350R features red painted brake calipers, red pin striping at the edges of the racing stripes and high-contrast red stitching inside. MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
1971 PLYMOUTH HEMI GTX SUNROOF
1970 PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD
1968 FORD MUSTANG GT “BULLITT” THE HERO CAR FROM THE ICONIC MOVIE “BULLITT” • DRIVEN BY STEVE McQUEEN
CONSIGN OR REGISTER TO BID
#WhereTheCarsAre FL License AB1919, VI/1021119/1
THE EXPERIENCE BEGINS AT MECUM.COM For Complete Auction Consignment or Bidding Information go to Mecum.com or call 262-275-5050
STARTING LINES
Mopar Celebrating a Decade of Customization with Limited-Edition Mopar 2019 Dodge Challenger Celebrating a decade of factory-vehicle customization, Mopar has unveiled a Brampton-built Mopar ’19 Dodge Challenger that is based on the Scat Pack 392 model but carries several exterior and interior features only available on this limitedproduction Mopar branded car. The special edition will be
offered in either Pitch Black or White Knuckle and features Mopar Shakedown graphics that are accented with asymmetrical Mopar Blue centre strips that run from the top of the front fascia to the rear decklid spoiler. The Shaker Hood package features an active air scoop flanked with Shaker badges on either side, while functional black hood pins provide a truly classic look. Standard 20x9-in. forged aluminum wheels are featured that ride on Goodyear 245/45ZR20 performance tires and are enhanced with Mopar-branded centre caps and valve stem caps. A Mopar cold air intake helps enhance air flow to the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that pumps out 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque and is paired to either an 8-speed auto transmission with manual shift mode, or an optional six-speed manual. Inside the Mopar ’19 Challenger are two-tone cloth seats with a Mopar logo embroidered into the seat backs while a custom Mopar ’19 instrument panel is featured. Owners who purchase the car will receive an exclusive Owner’s Kit packaged with a birth certificate with the exact date of manufacture and the proprietary build number. Also included in the kit are a full-colour Mopar ’19 booklet, a unique keepsake with engraved vehicle number and a Mopar ’19 rendering produced by the Mopar design team. Of the 100 units that are set to be produced, only 10 will be sold in Canada with pricing announced at a later date. Vehicles are expected to arrive at dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2019.
2020 Mecum Kissimmee Collector Car Auction The iconic 1968 Mustang “Bullitt,” driven by the “King of Cool” Steve McQueen in the car’s namesake film and then in hiding for 40 years, will headline the more than 3,500 vehicles that will be up for grabs at the world’s largest collector car auction: Mecum Kissimmee 2020. Slated for January 2-12
MAG Auctions Arizona This January 10-12, 2020, MAG Auctions kicks off auction week in Arizona, and with over 500 cars expected, the event looks to be a big hit! Auction week in the Phoenix area attracts buyers and sellers from all over the world and we look forward to what promises to be a terrific event. Held just a few miles down the 101 from Scottsdale, MAG Auctions will take place at P83 entertainment district in Peoria, AZ, within walking distance of many restaurants and hotels. Plan on going to the event? Consignments are being accepted now for January and bidder registration is open. Don’t miss all the action on the auction block at MAG Auctions in Peoria this January! For more information please visit www.motorsportauctiongroup.com 10 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, located 20 minutes from Disney World, the massive auction will feature American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, trucks, Hot Rods, Resto Mods and more. To consign a vehicle, to register to bid or to purchase spectator tickets, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.
Low-Buck Muscle Car The 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger represented some serious bang for your buck!
T
he 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger featured here with the 340 cu. in. V8 and four-speed manual is arguably the poster child for low-buck muscle cars of the late ‘60s. Big blocks could be stuffed inside and some were actually sold with 383 V8’s and bigger, and this may explain why so many are still in action on the strip and street today, 50 years after it was first sold. The car’s smaller size cut weight to under 2,900 lb. while the Dodge Super Bee weighed in at over 3,600 lbs. But the Dart was not always as lightweight as these fourth-generation cars built from 1967 to 1976. The Dart was introduced in 1959 as 1960 models to replace the Plymouth as the low priced car at Dodge dealerships. They were slightly smaller than the full-sized cars and got a restyling for 1961 to look dramati-
Story and photos by Cam Hutchins
cally different from the standard Dodge products of the era. The cars built for Canada had the interior trim and controls from the Plymouth while staying identical to American Dodges on the outside. All these Darts were built at the Windsor, Ontario plant.  1962 was a whole new car, and these second-generation cars dropped the names of Seneca, Pioneer, and Phoenix trim levels and now were known as Dart, Dart 330, and Dart 440. In Canada the base model was the Dart 220 and production had shifted to the Newark and Delaware plants. These cars also lost weight and size and were known as intermediate cars similar to Ford’s Fairlane, to compete with the popularity of the Chevy Novas and Ford Falcons.
Due to the sales of the compacts, the third generation of Dodge Dart was dramatically downsized, while the old B-body chassis platform got a name change and lived on until the 1981 models of cars sold by Chrysler. The Dart was now available as the base 170, midrange 270, and the premium GT, which was available only as a two-door hardtop or convertible. Built from 1963 to 1966, they originally had just two “slant-six” six-cylinder engines available. A 170 cu. in. (2.8L), 101-hp version was fitted as standard equipment, and a 225 cu. in. (3.7L) with 145 hp was $50 more. Just after the introduction of the 1964 model year, the all-new, small and lightweight 273 cu. in. (4.5L) LA V8 with two-barrel carb and 180 hp was added to the options list. The performance-minded 3.55:1 ratio was also available as optional equipment. For 1965, an improved Commando V8 was offered as was air conditioning and front disc brakes. A four-barrel carburetor, 10.5:1 compression, and hotter camshaft with solid tappets allowed for 235 hp. The marketing people also introduced the “Charger” name as a Dodge Dart Charger: yellow paint, Dart GT hardtops, black interiors, Commando 273 engines, premium mechanical and trim specifications, and special “Charger” badging. The next year the Charger was a model on the larger B-body Dodge Charger. The fourth generation got a fresh chassis and new square look and the 1967 base model was no longer the “170” but now just Dart, with the midrange being the “270” and the Dart GT being the top trim level. For 1968, the two-barrel 273 was replaced by a 318 cu. in. with 230 hp and the Commando 275 was replaced by the 340 cu..in. V8 with 275
14 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
hp, available only on the Swinger and GTS. The GTS also had the 383 cu. in. V8 as an option, while the 440 cu. in. V8 was very limited in availability. For 1970, the Dart’s option list got gutted so as not to interfere with the sales of the new Challenger and Cuda models. No more 383 V8 or convertibles. For 1970, the big news was that the fastback version of the Valiant known as the Duster was to be badge engineered as a Dodge. It was to be released as the Dodge Beaver, but it was learned that Beaver had another meaning in “CB” radio slang. Luckily, it was named the iconic Dodge Demon. This was also the last year for Chrysler’s long-time practice of having left-hand threaded wheel lugs on the left side of the vehicles, and right-hand threaded on the passenger side. The Dart Swinger was not available with the 340 until 1969, and along with that available engine, the Dart Swinger 340 included a
choice of four-speed manual, heavy-duty TorqueFlite Automatic transmission, heavy-duty limited-slip differential, Rallye suspension and dual exhaust. The buyer had a choice of rear end gear ratios of 3.23:1, 3.55 or 3.91. Outside, the Swinger also had a rear “Bumble
Bee’ stripe that crossed the trunk deck from fender to fender, and trim on the hood showing the engine size of 340. The base Swinger came with rubber floor covering, plain three-spoke steering wheel, basic instruments and bench seat. The Ad Men promised cheap thrills with slogans such as “6,000 rpm for under three grand.” And it was sold for a base price of $2,836, a little less than the Road Runners and much less than the Dart GTS. The Ad Men did a good enough job to sell 16,000 Swingers for 1969, with about half being four-speed manuals. In comparison, only 6,700 Dart GTS’s were sold in 1969. Other ad slogans include Dodge Swinger 340 - Maxi Performance at a Mini Price. Or this full-page ad with a Swinger on a ramp pointing 16 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
45-degrees skyward: Destination-Outasite! Newest of the Scat Pack, the 1969 Swinger 340 is really Outasite. It’s headed for the moon – full speed ahead. The Ad Men’s magic must have worked on a young Bert Worrall, as he bought his first at 18 years old. It was a wreck, but as he was a mechanic, he soon sorted it out. Worrall then went on a long spree of buying wrecked Darts and parting them or repairing them. Worrall estimates he has owned more than 30 Darts, many of them Swinger 340’s.
bench seat from Rocky Hildebrant in Cloverdale. The seat needs to be recovered and Bert finds correct headrests in Coombs on the island, but they are white. He has his upholstery done by Mark Reid at Interior Motives, who re-upholstered the front seat and dyed the headrests. The back seat and door panels are original and mint but the car needs a new headliner and carpets. The car had previously been painted but never restored. No reason to doubt the roughly 80,000 miles on the odometer when he bought it; the car seems to have been well cared for and not abused. It has the original seat belts and rear defroster, as well as the optional A while back, he was having a cold one with the technician who gauge package instead of idiot lights. The car came with only the had just installed a new HVAC system at his house, and they left-hand remotely operated mirror but no passenger-side mirror. were in the garage looking over his Dodge Dart race car. Bert mentioned he always wanted another 340 four-speed Swinger, When putting the car back together, it was decided to maybe and the guy happens to know where one is sitting in a carport improve upon the original a bit, but keeping that on the down and has been for some time. The car was located a half-hour low. Electronic ignition makes the car more streetable, but away in Ridge Meadows at a townhouse complex, so they went the headers had to go in favour of some stock manifolds Bert to take a look. had on hand. The rear springs are relocated inwards to make room for the rear rims to split and be widened to 8 inches. The The owner was done with trying to get the car through Air Care wheels are powder coated for durability as this car is going to (emissions testing) and a deal was struck. The next day, Bert be driven everywhere. The rear end axle was originally 3.91, finds out the car has used up all its available temporary permits but 3.55s were installed for better highway use...and speed. and it needs to be towed. Bert does a super tune and fails Air Care. A buddy specializing in such things gets the car through Air The bumpers got re-chromed and a new bumblebee stripe Care and one day of driving is enough for Bert to know it needs across the trunk added to the appearance of perfection, but a complete engine overhaul. the wider tires and slight engine modifications Bert added, means it would not be fair to race a factory stock Dart A very competent mechanic, Bert has the car up and running in Swinger. A new set of under-dash gauges and a column no time, but while it was on the hoist, he sees the rot in the rear hugging tach add to keeping the engine happy and well. quarter panels, but other than that it is rust-free. Sounds simple enough to take the car apart and fix the quarter. But Bert is hav- Since acquiring this gem, Worrall has completed his set of Darts ing some success with his race car and does not find the time, by adding a GTS with the 383 V8, and a GT Convertible. He still so gets Concept Muscle Cars in Cloverdale, B.C. to strip the car has a Demon he shares with his son and recently came within and do the body and paint. an RCH of having a small-block 9-second race car! His passion for the A-bodies will never be questioned, and look for him on As time permits, Bert goes about reassembling the car. Using the the track with his Orange race Swinger and his front wheels in VIN tag as his guide, he gets rid of the buckets and finds a correct the air! OCT/NOV 2019 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 17
PRODUCTS: WHEELS
BUYERS’ GUIDE American Racing VN504 Wheels Description: American Racing VN504 Wheels feature a one-piece cast aluminum five-spoke design that is ideal for classic and muscle cars. Available in 15- and 17-in. diameters, the wheels also come in a number of different five-lug bolt patterns as well as offsets and finishes. Specifications: Offered in polished or mag gray centre with a mirror lip. Applications: For classic and muscle cars that fit 15- and 17-in. diameters. Website: www.americanracing.com
Coker Chevrolet Rallye Wheel Description: Coker Tire’s Silver Chevrolet Rallye wheels are offered in original sizes as well as larger sizes to fit custom applications. The silver powder-coated wheels add a nice finish to your vehicle and are available in popular sizes from 14- to 18-in. diameters and widths from 4- to 10-in. in a variety of bolt patterns. Specifications: Wheels fit with OE GM hub caps or trim rings. Applications: Excellent fitment for 1967 to 1982 Chevrolets. Website: www.cokertire.com
Cragar Series 617B Modern Muscle Description: Cragar’s Series 617B Modern Muscle wheel features a one-piece aluminum construction and are made for today’s modern muscle cars with rear-wheel drive specific offsets. The wheels utilize conical, bulge or ET lug nuts which are available for purchase separately. They are finished with a matte black finish and come complete with the centre cap. Specifications: Features a one-piece aluminum construction. Applications: Available in 18- or 20-in. diameters. Website: www.cragarwheel.com
Foose Legend – F105 Description: Foose’s Legend-F105 wheels are a one-piece cast aluminum-constructed wheel that boasts a great high-lustre chrome finish. They include the centre cap, while the lug nuts and valve stems are sold separately. They are available in diameters for most earlyand late-model fitments. Specifications: One-piece cast aluminum construction. Available in 17-, 18-, 20- and 22in. diameters. Applications: Available for most early- and late-model fitments. Website: www.foosedesignwheels.com
Forgeline JOC3 Heritage Series Wheels Description: Forgeline’s JO3C wheels came to be via collaboration between Forgeline and country music sensation James Otto. James had a vision for the perfect wheel for the pro-touring restoration he was doing on his childhood Chevelle and helped create a throwback wheel to the Chevelle and Camaro rally wheels found in the 1960s and 1970s with a classic 5-spoke design with inverted tapered spokes and creative machining details. Specifications: Modern 3-piece wheel that is manufactured from fully forged 6061-T6 aluminum centres. Applications: Available in 18-, 19-, 20- and 22-in. fitments. Website: www.forgeline.com 18 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
FX11 Series Wheels Description: FX Wheels FX11 Series Wheels feature a one-piece cast aluminum construction and offer a load rating of 1,600 – 1,800 lbs. They feature a conical seat lug style and are fully compatible with TPMS systems for use on newer vehicles. The wheels are available in a number of different sizes, widths, bolt patterns and offsets to fit a wide variety of cars. Specifications: Available in either satin black or a gloss black/machined combination. Applications: Available for use with a wide variety of vehicles. Website: www.trailfx.com
Hurst Dazzler Wheels Description: Hurst Dazzler Wheels feature a timeless look that is reminiscent of those found back in the late 1960s. The wheels come in a variety of different sizes and offer you the choice of either black or gold accents. The one-piece aluminum wheels meet all necessary requirements and feature a machined mirror face and lip on some models, with the black or gold accents and protective clear coat. Specifications: Available in 15-, 17- and 20-in. sizes and a number of bolt patterns. Applications: Made in a variety of sizes to fit most muscle cars. Website: www.hurst-shifters.com Performance World Terminator Forged Wheel Adapters Description: Performance World’s Terminator Series Forged billet aluminum wheel spacers are black anodized and laser-etched, and feature grade 10.9 or 12.9 studs. They will widen your vehicle’s stance to give it an overall more aggressive look and/or help your vehicle adapt to custom wheels. Specifications: Manufactured from 6061-T6 forged aluminum. Applications: Available in 1, 1.25, 1.50 and 2.00-in. for a variety of 5-, 6- and 8-lug bolt patterns. Website: www.performance-world.com Rocket Racing Attack Wheels Description: Rocket Racing’s Attack Wheels feature a titanium machined finish with a precisionmachined face and outer lip, plus titanium accents and a premium clear coat. The one-piece design eliminates leaky bolts, maintenance and adjustments that are required from three-piece wheel designs, while generous caliper clearance specifications are used to fit today’s modern performance braking systems. Specifications: Centre cap included. Applications: Available in 18- and 20-in. diameters in a variety of widths to fit many applications. Website: www.rocketracingwheels.com WELD Vektor Wheels Description: WELD’s Vektor Wheels offer a contemporary look that boosts the appearance of your muscle car or late-model car. The forged aluminum wheels exhibit strength and stability while providing a lighter alternative to a regular cast constructed wheel. The wheels are available with a black anodized or polished centre. Specifications: Designed for use with 5/8-in. drive stud or short shank mag-style lug. Maximum load rating for street applications is 1,200 lbs. per wheel with a 28-in. tire. Applications: Fits many modern and classic muscle cars. Website: www.weldwheels.com
YearOne Honeycomb Wheels Description: YearOne Honeycomb Wheels are a 17x9 version of the wheel that originally came on the 1971-1972 Pontiac GTO and 1971-1976 Trans Am models and are able to accept the original style centre caps. The wheels use conical seat lug nuts and feature a silver powder coat centre with clear-coated machined edges. Specifications: Manufactured from cast aluminum. Applications: Available in a 17x9-in. size with 5.125-in. backspacing. Website: www.yearone.com 20 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
B.C. Owned & Operated
Three Convenient Locations (Vancouver) Tel: 604-945-9313
(Fraser Valley) Tel: 604-504-0133
(Vancouver Island) Tel: 250-652-7818
E-mail orders: sales@barry-hamel.ca www.barryhamel.com Toll free: 1-800-535-9261
ROAD TEST: 2019 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1
The
Ultimate ‘Vette
Story and photos by Gerry Frechette, additional photos courtesy of Chevrolet
has been upgraded several times over its lifespan, with the latest ZR1 model being the absolute zenith of Corvette performance.
I
That ZR1 name has a history in Corvettes, going back to 1970 when one could buy a racing-spec small-block car with stronger transmission, brakes and suspension, but no comfort and convenience items. Very few were sold, and it is now one of the more collectible Vettes.
t’s certainly an interesting time to be a fan of the Chevrolet Corvette. It’s a time when a new generation has been revealed, and of course, the mid-engined C8 is a big departure from the classic front-engine design that has been the basis for all previous generations.
But at the same time, today’s advances in performance technology and That ZR-1 moniker (now with hyphen) really hit the consciousness of power have not been ignored by Chevrolet, and the current C7 Corvette Corvette fans with the 1990-1995 model that featured the double-overhead cam engine that produced way more power than the pushrod 350 of the day, but also cost way more to buy and service. Interestingly, there hasn’t been anything but pushrod V8s under a Corvette’s hood since then. The C6 Corvette got a ZR1 (back to no hyphen) model in 2009, and the supercharged 6.2L V8 pumped out a crazy-for-then 638 horsepower. Its equipment and performance were topnotch back then, and still are now, except for the performance limitations of the C6 platform. It lasted until 2013. But of course, the C7 came along in 2014, and soon the Z06 model was introduced with 650 hp and some technical issues related to cooling in hard use. The horsepower war has been in full swing the past several years, with 700 now seeming to be the minimum ante to play in the upper reaches of American performance cars. GM had 22 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
to up its game so that the Corvette (and Camaro) performance technology could keep up with the Dodge and Ford competition. Enter the LT5 engine, an upgrade on the LT4 supercharged 6.2L V8 found in the Z06 and a few other GM cars. With, obviously, an eye on eliminating any cooling issues, and of course generating more power, the LT5 gets upgraded fuel injection, crankshaft and oiling system, along with a supercharger that is 52 percent larger than the LT4’s, plus no fewer than 13 different heat exchangers or radiators. With the same 6.2-litre displacement, the LT5 generates a mere 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Behind the monster engine is your choice of a 7-speed manual or 8speed automatic transmission. The one we drove was the automatic (for $1,990 extra), and we have to say that the car accelerates so fiercely, keeping up with shifting it is probably way easier, and quicker too, with the automatic left to its own devices, or via the paddles on the steering wheel. Just sayin’. The base (1ZR version) ZR1 includes a number of high-end performance features, standard, for its $138,595 price. There are Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, dry sump oil system, limited-slip differential with oil cooler, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and carbon fibre ground effects package. The up-level 3ZR package (for nearly $12,000 more) is mostly a comfort and convenience package, with better Bose audio, microfibre and leather trim, navigation, power seats, and a performance data video recorder. Either level is a pretty nice package, but there are still lots of options to choose from, and the ZR1 we drove had more performance goodies on it. For example – the ZTK Track Performance Package. Let’s face it, if you have a ZR1, you are going to want to get it out on a closed track if you can. So this package gives you even stickier Michelin Pilot Super
OCT/NOV 2019 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 23
Sport Cup 2 tires, performance suspension, removable (by hand or by curb) end plates for the front splitter, and an adjustable carbon fibre high wing, just so everyone knows what you’ve got. Actually, it greatly increases downforce at high speeds. The price for this package is a reasonable $3,445. You’ll need bolstered seats if you are going to track the ZR1, and Chevrolet will sell you Competition Sport Seats for $2,295. Like most such seats, they are harder to get in and out of, but oh so supportive once you park your butt in them.
ownership experience of a ZR1. Like any car with this one’s capabilities, the owner must be content in knowing that the car can achieve them, while most times, not being able to actually experience them. Much the same can be said about the 650-hp Corvette Z06, which is capable of maybe 90 percent of what the ZR1 is, but for about $40,000 less. Most will never or seldom get near what a Z06 can do either, so one must conclude that the ZR1 is really positioned as the ultimate Corvette, a halo car for the faithful, at this time of great change for the model. It has the most of everything – price, horsepower, torque, acceleration, top speed, handling, downforce – you name it, and the ZR1 is the top-dog Corvette – ever. It must also be said that it is a great value in the exotic car arena. And exotic it must be called.
Anything beyond the basic colours (black, white, red, silver) costs extra, and the ZR1 we drove had the “signature” Sebring Orange Tintcoat which, with all the black trim and intakes, is quite stunning. The three tintcoat colours (orange, red, and the famous Corvette racing yellow) It’s still for sale in Canada, if you go by the official Chevrolet Canada will set you back $1,495. website. Your local dealer may not have one in stock, but presumably, there are some left which will be available into the winter and the launch So, you get the picture – Chevrolet has spared no effort or expense to period for the C8. make the ZR1 the ultimate Corvette at the moment, And of course, there are the fans of the current horsepower wars, and the long-time Corvette Is the ZR1 the high-water mark for Corvette performance, or will the C8 lovers, and those who like to have a rare ‘end of the line’ model with all out-do it? It might take a few years to find that out, but for those who options – lots of people with a few extra dollars who can pull the trigger prefer their Corvette engines up front like they always have been, the on a car like this. But unless it is going to a collector who will put it away ZR1 is the ultimate Vette, and the last in a long line of ultra-performance as an investment, it is like any other car – it needs to be driven. So how cars that go back several decades. It was a great run. does the ZR1 stack up out on the road? Having not had the chance to drive it on any kind of track, our only exposure to the ZR1 was out on the open road far from the city, and in this environment, it is plenty of fun. Of course, everything you do with your right foot has to be considered through the lens of safety and legality, so any sustained speeds anywhere near its 212-mph top end are likely to be few and far between. But we managed a couple of inadvertent bursts a few km/h over the limit, and took very little time getting there, with zero-to-100 km/h achieved in the 3-second zone. To extrapolate on that, it’ll turn 10.6-second quarter miles at 134 mph all day long, according to GM. Cornering was flat, the ride was varying degrees of harsh depending on suspension settings, braking was stop on a dime and give you change. None of this should be a surprise to anyone, but like any supercar, you are not often going to approach its limits without access to a long track, or a dry lake bed. Such is the 24 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
FEATURE: RICHARD TEAGUE AMX PROTOTYPE
Street Car Becomes Dream Car for more,” he said. “They wanted full freedom of choice—custom ordering or as close as possible to it.”
Story and photos by John Gunnell
C
ar designer Richard A. Teague had developed a love of two-seat cars in the ‘50s. One of his earliest two-seaters was a hardtop convertible designed for Kaiser-Frazer in 1946. In the early ‘50s he worked at Packard. A handful of 1954 Packard Panther Daytonas represented another of Teague’s concepts for a sporty two-seater.
In 2003, at the AMC World Meet in Kenosha, Wis., former AMC clay modeler Keith Goodnough told the author. ”We thought that it was great to see muscle cars and pony cars coming out. Chuck Mashigan was put in charge of the American Motors Corp. Advanced Styling Studio and he was the one who designed hot pony cars like the AMX.”
In 1964, when he was only 40 years old, Teague was elevated to vice president in charge of AMC styling. Teague had studied at Art AMC boss Roy Abernethy had fought to resist the muscle car market. Center School of Design in Pasadena, Calif., where the focus was This attitude continued to rule as long as AMC was doing well selling on form and line, not tinsel. By the ‘60s, he was known as “Mr. Clean” in the industry. Car Life said he represented “fresh air amidst an atmosphere of the all-too-common ‘design by committee’ school of styling.” Teague favoured less flamboyance and exterior ornamentation on cars. He saw clean design as a “maturing of aesthetics,” as well as a safety enhancement with fewer doo-dads to impale pedestrians. “Teague has brought a young man’s outlook to Detroit’s styling studio,” wrote Gene Booth in the June 1964 issue of Car Life. The designer had a good handle on industrial design and accurately predicted to Booth that bucket seats, fastback roofs and performance engine modifications would become big trends between 1964 and 1974. In 1965, Teague discussed the early ‘60s upswing in his company’s fortunes and recent changes in the car buying habits. “Stimulated by a taste of variety and bolstered by continued national prosperity, the car buyers of this nation began asking 26 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
Several engines have been installed in the prototype.
small, economy cars. Problems arose when he started a movement to larger AMC cars that he liked. These did not sell very well, while pony cars expanded from 11.2 percent of market in 1966 to 14.6 in 1967.
Teague added the front clip from a ‘71 Javelin fibreglass mockup.
“I decided to do a really hot two-seat car—one like Ferrari would do,” Teague told Motor Trend. “But instead of (making) 10 a year, we’d design it so we could build 10,000.” Teague wanted the AMX to have a rumble seat, but said, “They (management) looked at me like I was from the moon.” Still, a working model of the AMX was approved and built by Vignale in Turin, Italy. It debuted at the 1966 New York International Auto Show. About the same time, Detroit industrialist Robert B. Evans bought 200,000 shares of AMC stock. He became the firm’s largest shareholder and was elected to the board of directors. Evans soon revealed AMC was going to build a production version of the AMX. Victor G. Raviolo was in charge of AMC creative projects in 1967 and made rapid changes. He told Car Life he had watched women and their reactions to changes in skirt lengths. “The skirts got shorter and women who were 40-50 years old said that wasn’t for them,” he pointed out. “But the next year, you see those women and their skirts are a little shorter. This is the influence of young people—they pull the rest of the market with them.” Not all of Teague’s young ideas made it to the assembly line. The rumble seat was a safety issue. The final AMX looked like a chopped Javelin with changes to the grille, hood and roof. “It is a very hot little vehicle with a strong family resemblance.” Teague said. “We tried to keep the cost down and build an uncomplicated vehicle, but it is still a different type of vehicle because it is a foot shorter than the Javelin, and a two-place car.”
very temporary increase--in 1969, when the number rose to 8,293. Then, in 1970, the total fell to 4,116. The car was not selling as hoped and other factors were shrinking its future market potential.
When America adopted the 1970 Clean Air Act, it sealed the fate of pony cars with high-compression V8s. Design studios kept their “Help Although it was good looking, hot performing and innovative, the Wanted” signs hidden. Keith Teter, head of the Industrial Design DeAMX never captured the fancy of young car buyers the way that the partment at the Art Center College, reported his graduates were being Mustang had. Only 6,725 were sold in 1968, followed by a slight--and hired to do snowmobiles, boats, trailers and ATVs instead of cars.
AMC was broke, so designer Dick Teague turned his own AMX into a prototype. OCT/NOV 2019 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 27
Red interior has a wood grained wheel and wood grained centre console lid.
A front view outside the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
At AMC, president Bill Luneberg informed Dick Teague that the two-seat AMX was going to be dropped after 1970. Luneberg was a production man and knew the extra work involved in building the two-seater was not justified by its sales. Teague wanted to convince AMC to continue building the two-seater, so he customized his own AMX. Teague’s car was a stock early production Rally Green Metallic car with a black vinyl interior, a 390-cid 315-hp V8 and automatic transmission. Teague painted the front bumper white, installed ’67 Plymouth Valiant turn signal lamps, bolted on a front spoiler and added 8-in. Kelsey-Hayes wheels, a Sidewinder exhaust system and a customized fuel filler on the left-hand sail panel. Other touches included competition style hood-locking pins, twin longitudinal racing stripes, special 390 badges and a red interior with armrest. Some of the changes like the painted bumper became a production option on AMC’s “Big Bad” trimmed cars. To get the racing stripes, AMC buyers could specify the ’68 Go-Package option. The Tadco-made Sidewinders were a ’69 option. Later, Javelin Trans Am and AMX models adopted the “chin” type front spoiler. Teague knew AMC was planning a four-seat Javelin-AMX and planned to give the Javelin new front and rear ends on a longer wheelbase, without altering outer door panels, windshield, unibody and trunk lid. He dusted off his custom AMX, which he hadn’t used for a while, added a ‘71 Javelin fibreglass mockup front clip, adopted bulging fender lines designed by Eric Kugler and added red Tstripes that were already set for production.
28 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
Teague installed circular 1971-’74 Javelin turn signals, a set of ‘70 Javelin taillights and a distinctive scooped hood. The racing-type fuel filler and spoiler were deleted. He added updated sideview mirrors and silver-blue paint. An adjustable rear spoiler was bolted on. Teague swapped steering wheels and seats, replacing the red originals with ’71-style bucket seats and custom door panels in the same colour. He added a rear cushion to make a car that could be converted to four-person use (if the rear passengers were small).
A n a d j u s t a b l e re a r spoiler was bolted on.
In essence, he turned his personalized AMX into a ’71 concept car. Teague showed his “1971 styling prototype” to the AMC board of directors on Nov. 4, 1969. The design was rejected, which was no big surprise. Teague had not had the time or money to integrate front and rear styling, but the interior did get some additional consideration. Teague kept the car. He later gave it to his son Rich as a high school graduation gift. Rich traded it in on a Gremlin. The car was then drag raced on Woodward Ave., before Unique Motorcars in Rockford, Ill., restored it. It almost went to a museum in 1975, but wound up with a teenager who drove it for five years and stored it in a garage in Whitewater, Wis. Don Loper, of the American Motors Owners Assoc. (www.amonational.com) heard about the car. In 1985, Loper told AMC collector Mike Spangler that Teague’s design car was less than 15 miles from his Jefferson, Wis., home.
rear spoiler with a reproduction spoiler for a Trans Am Javelin. He says just about everything else matches the prototype. Teague died in 1991, before Spangler finished his restoration, which took until 1999 to complete. Former AMO president Darryl A. Salisbury asked Mike Spangler to finish the car for the Eyes on Design show in Detroit, which was doing a Teague tribute. Spangler worked hard to put it back to its Nov. 4, 1969 configuration by show time.
During its storage, the car lost a few parts. When Spangler obtained it, he realized it needed restoration and he started to disassemble it. It sat partially assembled for 14 years, but Spangler did document its authenticity by contacting Dick Teague. Spangler learned that the car used several different AMC V8s, which explains its 401 badges.
Spangler stores the car at his AMC museum in Jefferson, where he has two large buildings filled with AMC cars, dealership memorabilia, literature and petroliana. During the twice-a-year Jefferson Swap Meets, he sells parking spaces on his land opposite the swap area and shows his collection to dozens of guests and visitors. Each spring he also hosts a Graduation Car Show and Pig Roast for Nash, Hudson Rich Teague damaged the fibreglass hood and hood scoop and substi- and AMC models, plus other types of cars. He and his wife Cheryl are tuted a flat steel hood. Spangler located an enthusiast in Oregon who also VIPs in the American Motors Owners Assoc. Mike is definitely the reproduces the scoops in fibreglass. Spangler replaced the damaged best person there is to be taking care of Dick Teague’s AMX.
The Tadco-made Sidewinder exhausts were a ’69 option.
OCT/NOV 2019 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 29
QUICK SPIN: 2020 DODGE CHALLENGER HELLCAT REDEYE
A True Revelation Story and photos by Dan Heyman
Y
doesn’t quite have the visual punch offered by the likes of the Scat Pack and Super Bee, what with their crazy decals and rally striping. Then again; there’s something to be said for a car like the Redeye that doesn’t really need all that bedazzlery to stand out, because once you mash that throttle, it could be painted your typical middlemanager SUV or sedan tint of silvery greyish something, and still blow your socks off.
es; the 2020 Challenger Hellcat Redeye has a long name – there’s no questioning that. After spending a little time on the drag strip and the Chelsea Proving Grounds in Michigan, however, it became apparent to me that Dodge and SRT were having a bit of a laugh, and that the name was long just so they could say “this baby goes from 0-100 km/h faster than you can say ‘Dodge ChalThe fact that we were on a drag strip means we had full use of both lenger Hellcat Redeye’!” the fire-breathing V8 and launch control system, which is easily acFirst, though, a little background. Essentially, the Hellcat Redeye tivated through the standard SRT Performance Pages app found on was developed by Dodge and SRT in order to provide a middle the infotainment screen. All you have to do is set your revs – 4,400 ground between the pretty manic Hellcat, and the positively bonkers rpm is good – hold the brake, floor the throttle and let ‘er rip, the Demon. Because this is SRT and SRT likes to take its model lines computers doing the rest to make sure just the right amount of wheel slip is allowed so as to not bog down the power delivery under the and engine choices as far as it can. ultra-sticky grip of those massive Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. Then, So, the Redeye gets the 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 from the Demon, just tuned to offer…797 hp as opposed to 840? Yep, that’s right: you’re down just 43 hp on the Demon. And, what you lose from the Demon – its optional skinny drag-style front tires, for example – you gain with ultrawide 275-section performance rubber and optional widebody fender flares. Which, I suspect, is an option box that most every Redeye owner is going to opt for. Why? Simply because when you’re buying something like this, you’re buying it not to blend in, but to show that you’re driving one of the most crazy muscle cars ever to roll out of the showroom. Heck, if we’re honest, with all that rubber and fender flaring and power, you’re buying one of the most bonkers muscle cars ever, period. Other styling adds include Hellcat fender badging with red eyes – subtle, but cool – special 20-in. machined wheels with granite pockets…and that’s pretty much it. Indeed, flashy as it is, some would argue the Redeye actually 30 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
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a version powered by the 6.4L Scat Pack engine. You don’t get quite the rubber you do with the Redeye, but the Scat Pack was nevertheless an able dance partner here, even though it is a large, heavy car. The 245 Goodyear RS-A tires you do get are still nice and grippy, but allow for just a little slip and wagging of the rear end. And, unlike the Redeye, the Scat Pack had a six-speed manual and while the clutch take-up could be a little shorter on travel, the lever action is good and a big step up on what the Challenger offered not too long ago. Of course, all that’s fine, but when you’re in Scat Pack territory, my bet is you’re more about deep-chested, torquey cruising with
it’s just a matter of holding on as you rocket down the strip, to the tune of 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. Thanks to an in-gauge cluster that displays all sorts of information, you can see what you’ve achieved as your 0-100 km/h (well, mph time, anyway). I’ve never known this, but it can be seriously addictive to bang through start after start, seeing how close you can get to that claimed time; best I could do was 3.8 seconds. Some of you may have noticed that I haven’t yet spoken about whether or not I was able to get my shift times in-tune with what the engine was doing; that’s because my tester was of the automatic variety. Not to worry, though; you can get a six-speed manual. It’s a the occasional drag strip adventure – more of a grand tourer than ZF-Sachs model with a twin-disc clutch, so you know it’s up to the a track star. With that big V8 ahead of you, you should do just fine in that regard. task of containing all that power. That Redeye really is a revelation, though. To be able to pack that much power into a car that’s meant to be driven day-to-day is a feat of engineering that deserves the respect of any petrol head. Even if you’re not hitting the drag strip every day, you’ll enjoy your time in the Redeye, confident in the knowledge that at any moment, that rumble ahead of you can become a howl and you’ve got what it takes While we weren’t given the opportunity to try the Redeye on a more to take on much more expensive machinery both at the track, and technical track –one with, you know, turns and stuff – we did take at the stoplight grand prix. I have to say, though, much as I am a manual aficionado, in this particular circumstance it’s not as if the auto is some enormous deal breaker. Indeed, if you really want to achieve those acceleration times, the auto is probably the better way to go unless you’re a real pro.
32 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
Bubblicious
Dennis Bell’s 1962 Chevrolet Bel-Air 409 Story and photos by Paul Kennedy
A
s we approach the end of the car show season, I always look forward to the Clayton, NY car show. Clayton is a fabulous setting for a car show, as the main drag, Riverside Drive, runs parallel to the St. Lawrence River which is about 100 feet away. It also has a world class boat museum, with many classic wooden boats, in some of which you can have rides! (Like a 30 foot, three cockpit Hacker Craft, powered by a Chevy big block). For Dennis Bell, as for thousands of other teenagers, the 1962 Beach Boys song, “409”, and its description of a “ 4-speed, dual quad, positraction 409”, Chevrolet, ignited a desire for these cars that still burns. They only sold 600 of this exact model (and only 9,775 2-doors overall) in 1962 (Beach Boys not withstanding) and with the distinctive slim pillared roof line called the bubble top used in 1961 and 1962 on many GM models, not just Chevys. I first saw this car in 2013 at the Clayton Vintage and Classic Street meet, and I look for it there every year. This year I finally got to talk to Dennis at length about the car. He purchased this Bel Air in Rochester NY, as a disassembled project, in 1993. He and his friend since kindergarten, John Bradley, pulled the body off the frame to begin the resurrection. While he and John detailed and restored the frame, Dennis shopped around to find someone to do the paint and bodywork. The car had the hood, trunk lid, doors and wheels already painted, and finally Long Pond Auto body in Rochester NY agreed to “blow in” the correct Nassau Blue paint on the remainder of the body. Twenty six years later the paint is still perfect, with no indication that is was painted at two different times. 34 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
The interior was detailed and painted, seat kits were installed, and new door panel cards were installed with the original door panel material. The running gear is all original, from the 409 with 409 hp, dual 600-cfm four-barrel Carter carbs, solid lifters, a close-ratio four-speed and a 3.36 ratio in the positraction rear end.
It entered its first show at Sackett’s Harbour in 2009, winning Best Muscle Car, and over the intervening years it’s won Best In Show, Best GM, and People’s Choice, and many other awards, enough times that two walls of Dennis’s garage are covered by awards and trophies. In 2019, it won Best GM at Clayton, People’s Choice and Best GM at the two Alexandria Bay shows, as well as Best In Show at the Coyote Moon Vineyard show. Dennis sometimes takes the car to shows for display only, since he thinks other cars deserve to compete for awards, thus energizing the competition. He is very thankful for the many he has accrued. Dennis is truly the keeper of the flame.
The restoration only took Dennis and John (a.k.a. Snidely Whiplash) 18 months, usually two nights a week and most weekends. John Bradley passed in 2009, but his memory lives on in the beautiful car he was instrumental in restoring. That 26 years have passed since the restoration was done is hard to believe – it still looks fresh and mint thanks in large part to I do at least have my red 1/18th scale model of this car, but it’s just not the same. the only 78,000 original miles on the car.
OCT/NOV 2019 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 35
FEATURE: 1970 ‘HEMI CUDA
All Original
Story and photos by John Gunnell
S
In order to get the horses to the pavement, Hemi-powered ‘Cudas relied on heavy-duty driveline parts. There was a choice of the New Process A-833 four-speed manual gearbox (found in Stefano Bimbi’s car) or the 727 TorqueFlight automatic. A Dana 9-3/4-inch differential was kept in place by a leaf-spring rear suspension with six leafs on the right and five leafs plus two half-leafs on the left.
tefano Bimbi of Nickey Chicago tossed us the key ring and said, “Here, you drive the ‘Cuda to where we’re going.” Sliding into the seat of the Vitamin C Orange Hemi ‘Cuda, the first thing you notice is that the ignition key seems to go into the slot upside down. Then, after a brief. but neck-snapping ride, you find the key won’t come back out, All ‘Cudas with performance V8s came with heavy-duty underpinnings, no matter how hard you tug on it. and those with a 440 or Hemi engine had extra-heavy-duty 0.92-in. “It doesn’t pull out unless you slide the Pistol-Grip shifter into reverse,” diameter front torsion bars with a spring rate of 124 pounds per inch, Stefano explains. “Chrysler things all seem to work a little weird, from the upside-down ignition switch to the door handles that lock by pushing them forward. Even the trunk lock is on the right side of the rear panel, instead of in the centre.” Despite such idiosyncrasies, the ‘Cuda was more like bigger Mopar muscle cars in 1970 — at least below the hood. Chrysler designers widened the car by more than five inches and spread both the front and rear track widths by three inches. That was to fit the 60 series tires needed to handle the weight and power of the street Hemi that now fit in the larger engine bay. The 426-cube 425-hp Hemi was now an option for the ‘Cuda and added $871.45 to the coupe’s $3,164 base price. The 1970 Hemi had hydraulic lifters, but thanks to a hot new cam profile, Mopar engineers found no reason to alter the advertised horsepower from solid lifter specs. The Hemi ‘Cuda’s dual Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors breathed through a functional shaker hood scoop. 36 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
Shaker scoop has white finish and “Hemicuda” badge on each side.
A textured charcoal-coloured trunk mat is installed.
652 hardtops had left the factory with Hemi power and 284 of them had four-speed transmissions. (Plymouth also made 14 Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles — five with a manual gearbox.) Outwardly, the ‘70 Barracuda, Gran Coupe and ‘Cuda models were cleaner and meaner looking than previous Barracudas. Their new Mopar “E-Body” was two inches lower and a half a foot shorter than its 1969 counterpart, but used the same wheelbase. This emphasized the new “wide body” styling, which was actually a fluke. Designers started out trying to build the new car off the ’66 Belvedere type B-Body front floor pan and cowl. Eventually the idea of B-Body sharing was dumped, but the wide body styling looked so good it stayed.
Automotive writer Jerry Heasley interviewed John Herlitz, a key designer who worked on the new E-Body. “He told me that their aim was to pull the rear quarters as high as possible and then spank the roof down as low as possible,” Heasley advised Muscle Car Plus. “This created a high haunch look in the rear quarter area, allowing the front fenders and a heavy-duty 0.94-in. diameter front stabilizer bar. At the rear, to become long, leading design elements that ran out past the engine, extra-heavy-duty 148 pounds per inch rear leaf springs were fitted giving the front a dramatic forward thrust.” The Mopar stylists took along with extra-heavy-duty shock absorbers, but no rear stabilizer the classic long hood/short deck look of the American pony car to the bar was used, absolute max and achieved a great-looking car. Describing the ‘Cuda suspension in 1984, Chrysler’s Larry Shepard told writer Anthony Young, “We offered our cars with a complete package and not just a big motor. The guy at the local drive-in could talk about his Mopar with Super-Stock springs, the heavy-duty rear axle, a TorqueFlight transmission with high-stall converter and so on, but the Chevy guys didn’t have any of that. All they could do was point to SS on the side of the car and talk about the motor.”
Smooth and uncluttered, the styling was emphasized on big-engined ‘Cudas with “hockey stick” graphics that accented the cars’ hunched “hinder” and carried engine call-outs that served as status symbols at the drive-in on Saturday nights. The ’70 ‘Cuda also gained recessed windshield wipers and flush door handles to make it even smoother looking. On ‘Cudas, a pair of rectangular exhaust pipe tips stuck out through the rear end sheet metal.
Raw power was the Hemi ‘Cuda’s long suit, but the list of buyers was short. Insurance companies frowned on Hemi ‘Cudas and didn’t care if they could do 0-to-60 mph in 5.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds at 103.2 mph. By the time the 1970 run came to an end, only
Like the car itself, the new “’Cuda” name was a streamlined version of “Barracuda” that grew out of the Saturday night cruising culture. Early, “fishbowl” type Barracudas with small engines were typically put down as “Back-A-Roodas” by Chevy and Ford fans hanging out at “Mel’s Din-
“Hockey Stick” graphics decorate rear flanks.
38 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
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ers” across the country, but as more and more styling improvements and performance upgrades were lavished on Plymouth’s pony, the name began to change to the tougher sounding slang term of ‘Cuda. Like other Detroit area carmakers, Plymouth monitored what was happening on Woodward Ave. and quickly picked up on the ‘Cuda name.
Randy Beren, of Scottsdale, Ariz., was the collector who unearthed the Hemi ‘Cuda that Steve Bimbi ultimately acquired for Nickey Chicago. Beren had heard rumours of a Hemi ‘Cuda that was squirreled away in his general vicinity. With Scottsdale being the home of big auctions like Barrett-Jackson, Russo and Steele and an RM sale, Beren knew that it wasn’t wise to spread the rumours further by asking lots of questions. Among ‘Cudas, the Hemi-powered cars were King Kong out on the Instead, he quietly set off on a bicycle to search for the car. Besides streets and quickly became legendary for both their performance and getting some good exercise, he was able to slip down some small their rarity. Today, they are regarded as one of the most desirable and streets and back alleys on his two-wheeler. valuable models in the muscle car market. Doc Hopkins has a jet black Hemi ‘Cuda coupe sitting in the muscle car museum at his flamboyant If he had thought ahead, perhaps Randy would have obtained a “bicycle Harley-Davidson dealership in Bonduel, Wis. The sign in front of the built for two” so he could find two Hemi ‘Cudas. That didn’t happen, but car places its value at $5 million. “I believe these cars are the last true era of collectible American cars,” says muscle car dealer Colin Comer of Milwaukee. “Let’s face it; much like other cars such as Model Ts or Tri-Five Chevys, they were never intended to be valuable. Collectibility wasn’t part of the plan. The muscle cars were stripped down versions of the most utilitarian and basic mass-produced cars Detroit had to offer. They were built to conform to a specific price point, with no regard given to longevity or sophistication. Junk, in other words! The hook is that they were fast junk; they were visually appealing with bright colours, stripes, mag wheels and hood scoops.” The youth market couldn’t get enough of them. Does Comer really think a Hemi ‘Cuda should be worth millions of dollars like a classic, one-off custom-bodied Duesenberg SJ? “No question,” he says. “But, unlike the SJ Duesy that was unobtainable to 99 percent of the population when it was new, anybody with a decent job and a couple of bucks down could have bought a new Hemi ‘Cuda and those same guys are buying them today.” As for the future, Comer says “The muscle market went crazy over the last five years and a lot of cars jumped in value when they shouldn’t have. However, I feel the ultra-rare, very low-production, special muscle cars like a Hemi ‘Cuda will always be in demand from educated collectors.”
Hood lock pins were provided to keep the darned thing down in place. as it turned out, he found the car he had heard stories about. It only took him a few days of peddling before he came across the hard-tosee Plymouth that was hidden from total view under a carport. Anyone passing by in a car at even slow speed would probably have missed this sighting, but because he was riding the bike, Randy caught a glimpse of what looked like a ‘Cuda.
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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.
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40 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
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.
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Chrome outside rear view mirror was standard on left-hand side.
panel replacements or metal work. It was a virtually unmolested Hemi ‘Cuda. The factory exhaust manifolds — usually the first thing to get replaced (with headers back then) — were still bolted onto the monster engine. Hemis were a little high-strung and often needed constant tuning, but this car even had its original spark plug wires!
The car’s fender tag — Chrysler’s form of a Protect-O-Plate — indicated that the car had left the factory in the Vitamin C orange colour with black stripes and white vinyl bucket seat interior. It also verified factory installation of a four-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter (which came with a Pistol Grip shifter that perfectly fit the driver’s hand). Also correct on the car were a black vinyl top, the shaker hood and the 426 Street Hemi V8. The car had the Super Trak Pak option, which included the 9-3/4-in. heavy-duty Dana Sure-Grip rear axle with Amazingly, it was not only a ‘Cuda, but a Hemi-powered version with optional 4.10:1 gearing, power front disc brakes, an 8-1/4-in. ring gear, 43,000 miles on its odometer. The car had no serious rust problems, a 7-blade Torque Drive fan with shroud, a wood-grained shift knob and but the desert climate had taken its toll after two decades of storage. a recess warning light. The interior was completely dried out and most fabric and vinyl had rotted away. The sun-baked finish was chalky and virtually colorless. Other factory options on the car include an AM radio and the Road Yet, the car was complete down to its shaker scoop and performance Lamp package. A three-spoke wood-grained steering wheel and bucket seats were standard and it has standard crank-up windows, too. In the hood and it was restorable. trunk is the factory-installed small spare tire. The car carries the VIN The man who owned the car said that it had been a locally owned ve- BS23ROB222674 and was manufactured in December 1969. Bimbi hicle that never saw long distance driving. He had originally purchased has an Arizona certificate of title that shows it was licensed in 1971 and it as a project car that he intended to restore when time and money 1973, and 1983 date tags were obtained in May 1982, when it belonged permitted. As often happens, the car sat and sat waiting for the “right” to a man in Clifton, Arizona. time to start the work. Somehow, the job never even got started and now the man told Randy that he would be happy to sell the car and The car was judged “Excellent” by the Arizona Challenger Cuda Club of Phoenix, which awarded it 97 of a possible 100 points. The interior and have it gone. engine compartment were perfect and it lost one point on the exterior Randy bought the car and soon had the long-stalled restoration because the tires weren’t original. It now has original-style Goodyear underway. He was amazed to find out that the car required no body F60-15 Polyglas GT tires.
OCT/NOV 2019 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 41
PARTS STORE Performance Air Intake System for Ford Mustang V6 from K&N
Ididit Pro-Lite Straight Floor Shift Steering Column for 1967-68 Camaro
K&N’s 57-2594 Performance Air Intake System for 2015-2017 Ford Mustangs with the V6 engine option boasts a high-density polyethylene rotationally-molded tube that helps increase the volume of airflow to your engine and will provide a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque. The systems are paired with a washable and reusable High-Flow Air Filter that features oiled cotton filter media. The oversized, conical design allows you to go for a long time under normal driving conditions. A custom heat shield is also featured which helps protect intake air from the high temperature of your engine bay.
Ididit’s Pro-Lite lightweight steering column features an innovative design that comes in at under 6 lbs., which is half the weight of a standard Ididit column and is also lighter than most typical OE columns. The column includes self-canceling turn signals, 4-way flashers, horn wiring, 3-7/8-in. wiring plug and a 1-in. 48 lower shaft. The column is also able to collapse a full 5-in. for enhanced driver safety. It is designed to work with most quick release steering wheel hubs with the steering wheel adapters sold separately. For more information please go to www.knfilters.com For more information please go to www.ididitinc.com
United Pacific Industries Announces Sheet Metal Panels and Wide Variety of Products for Chevy C10
Wilwood’s New Compact Tandem Master Cylinder
United Pacific Industries has announced that in addition to the array of lighting options, bumpers, mirrors and accessories they are now offering for the Chevy and GMC Fleetside trucks, they have also unveiled a full range of sheet metal
components. The lineup includes a Shortbed Bedside Panel for 1968-72 Chevy and GMC Fleetside trucks, and Bed Floor Pan and Tailgate with GMC Script for 1967-72 Chevy and GMC Fleetside shortbed trucks, with a blank tailgate available soon. The complete longbed to shortbed conversion is manufactured using high-quality 20-gauge steel and is stamped with all of the original contours and detailing.
Wilwood’s new Compact Tandem Master Cylinder is an integral reservoir master cylinder that provides a stylish and high-performance solution for pressure actuation and fluid control on both manual and power boosted applications. The lightweight, high-pressure, die-cast aluminum body measures 6.55-in. in overall length from the mounting flange, with an overall height of 3.03-in. from the piston bore centreline to the top.
For more information please go to www.upauto.com
For more information please go to www.wilwood.com
42 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
GLA - Golden Leaf Automotive is your unique source for restoration parts store. We are committed to sell only the best restoration products available and providing lowest price to our valued customers. Golden Leaf Automotive is the Canadian extension of Dynacorn International Inc. Located in Ontario Canada, over 40,000 sq/f of warehouse stocking inventory to provide the best service for what you need when you need it. No more cross border shopping and hassles with wrong parts and the damage. All product shipped from GLA are carefully inspected and packed to ensure no damage and on time.
Golden Leaf Automotive Molding & Muscle Car Parts Check out our website for product detail today C a n a d a Toll Free:1-866-640-1324
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TECH: NEW PRODUCTS
Holley Announces Release of MSD Pro-Billet Front Drive Distributors
Magnuson Introduces New TVS2650R Supercharger with Fit Kit for Chevrolet Camaro LT4 Magnuson Superchargers have introduced the all-new TVS2650R supercharger upgrade for the 2017-2019 Chevrolet Camaro with the LT4 engine. The supercharger, which comes with a fit kit for installation, features the highest efficiency positive displacement available and is able to deliver maximum performance with dramatically lower inlet air temperatures. Two massive air-to-water charger coolers are featured as are OEM validated components which ensures consistent and reliable performance. The kit fits under the hood of the factory Camaro and requires no cutting of the hood or the cowl. For more information please go to www.magnusonsuperchargers.com
44 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
Holley has recently announced the release of MSD Pro-Billet Front Drive Distributors that have been developed for both big block and small block Chevys. The distributors are ideal for race engines that need a camsync signal for EFI systems but don’t have room for a standard distributor because of inadequate firewall clearance or bulky intake setups. Additionally, the distributors feature an adjustable Hall Effect sync pickup with a built-in LED for easy adjustments and an extra wide 9mm belt driven by a pulley on the camshaft. For more information please go to www.holley.com
OCT/NOV 2019 MUSCLE CAR Plus MAGAZINE 45
Advertiser Index
Great Canadian Oil Change--------------------------------------24 All Parts ---------------------------------------------------------- 45 Barry-Hamel ----------------------------------------------------- 21 BowTie Auto Parts ---------------------------------------------- 41 CAM Oils --------------------------------------------------------- 45 Canadian Hot Rods --------------------------------------------- 33 Classified Motorsports ----------------------------------------- 44 COMP Cams ----------------------------------------------------- 47 Easy Build ------------------------------------------------------- 40 Formula Distributors ------------------------------------------- 25 G&M Trailers ---------------------------------------------------- 45 Golden Leaf Automotive --------------------------------------- 43 Good Vibrations ------------------------------------------------- 19 Ididit -------------------------------------------------------------- 35 Jellybean --------------------------------------------------------- 45 KMS Tools ------------------------------------------------------- 37 LMC Truck ------------------------------------------------------- 48 Lordco Auto Parts ------------------------------------------------7 MAG Auctions --------------------------------------------------- 11 Mecum Auctions --------------------------------------------------9 Meguiar’s -------------------------------------------------------- 15 Procar --------------------------------------------------------------2 Red Line -----------------------------------------------------------3 Scott’s Super Trucks ------------------------------------------- 45 SEMA Show ----------------------------------------------------- 39 Stone’s Speed Shop -------------------------------------------- 45 Summit Racing ------------------------------------------------- 31 Tungsram ----------------------------------------------------------5 Westar Trailers -------------------------------------------------- 45
Procar’s Rally Interior Kit for Camaro Procar’s Rally Interior Kit for the 1967-69 Chevrolet Camaro contains everything you need to transform your older, warn out interior in one turnkey package. The kit comes with front driver and passenger Rally seats and a custom slip-on rear seat cover with drawstring tie downs that are coordinated to match the front seats in colour, pattern and material. The kit also contains a rear speaker tray and custom centre console with hide-away radio or cassette compartment available. Additionally, sliders and adapters are included with each kit which is available in four colour options. For more information please go to www.procarbyscat.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 Plus.
If interested, please email us at ReadersRides@rpmcanada.ca 46 MUSCLE CAR PLUS MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2019
W HEN YOU TUCK HER IN, DO YOU SING HER A LULLABY?
To say that she’s special is to state the obvious. Some people might call you obsessive. Or misguided. Or foolish. Some people have never driven a truck in their lives. The truth is, you were overjoyed when she became yours. And years later your feelings for her have only grown. So, when you turn off the light and close the door, we’ll understand if you linger for a moment before you say goodnight.
Get your FREE CATALOG at LMCTruck.com
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