Originally posted by drg84
Hey tech, are those stock times? They seem kind of low considering the weight of the cars in question.

1964 Dodge 426 Hemi 426 n/a 425@6000 480@4600 n/a 11.40@125mph MCR no date
1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt 427 427 n/a 425@6000 480@3700 n/a 11.76@122.78mph B.Leal at 1964 NHRA Nats
Those were "Factory Race Cars" with lightened front ends and limited production motors. They did not even have window regulators in the doors, just straps that pulled the windows up and down. The fact that the Thunderbolt time is attributed to Butch Leal at the the Nationals indicates these were not run on street tires with closed exhaust either. They are impressive for sure, but not truly indicative of the cars the average Joe could buy and drive around on the street.

I remember when folks were driving their muscle cars every day. My Biscayne was the only car I had, my daily driver. Put snow tires on it in the winter in Omaha. Had to adjust the valves every couple weeks and change the plugs once a month at least. Drove it to the track with a toolbox and slicks in the trunk and changed them when we got there. Prayed you did not break anything so you would be able to drive home, and to work on Monday morning. I can remember my leg shaking from driving that heavy clutch in stop and go traffic. And that was the normal thing, lots of guys did it, not like now when they only come out on sunny week-end days. Think a lot of folks don't realize that those 60s and 70s muscle cars were basic transportation for a lot of folks. Working guys that spent every dime they had to be able to drive a car like that. I know I had two jobs. Anyway, enough of my rant. I am glad to have been there and experienced it. It was a time that probably wont be repeated.

Pat