No legend is without it's "history." Back in the early 1970's (when I was
a teenager racing slot cars) there was a V-8, Black & White Olds running in
the NHRA V/Stock class titled the "County Mounty". I think this car was
early 50's (but close enough to '49 to capture the flavor). Even back then
the 16 year old '55 Chevy was about the most senior of the Stock classes,
thus the "County Mounty" really stood out.
At the time the NHRA Stock classes basically allowed, blueprinting, a
"cheater" cam (stock lift/duration but significant "ramp") rear ratio
changes and 7" slicks, EVERYTHING else had to be stock. If V/Stock wasn't
the lowest class it was right down there. Regardless, the "Mounty" lumbered
to 15 second E.T's as best I recall. Due to the class index it was amusing
waching the Olds get a 4-5 second head start and then watching some A/Stock
427 Fairlane try and run it down. The good old days...., when Irwindale
Raceway used to host the Winternational Warm-up and spectator admission was
only $1 (for real). I remember one "Warm-up" trying to "hang out" all day
with Bob Glidden and he being a good sport about having a 14 year old
around.
Tom Witt
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Laifman <SLaifman@socal.rr.com>
To: Tiger's Den <tigers@Autox.Team.Net>
Cc: Al Johnson <twojohnsons@cox.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2004 12:57 PM
Subject: Rocket Olds and Muscle Cars
> Our good Tiger buddy, Al Johnson, sent me this message which I think
> needs sharing,
>
> It relates to my '49 Olds 88 and the question of the first factory
> muscle car.
>
> After due consideration, I believe he hit the nail on the head. The
> award should go to the light bodied '49 Olds Rocket 88 as the first
> Muscle Car form Detroit. (See TigersUnited.com "My Life With Cars::
>
> http://www.tigersunited.com/articles/sl-mc/SteveLaifman.asp
>
> (Turn speakers on!)
>
> Steve
>
> Al Johnson wrote:
>
> > I was sad to see them go.
> > They were really the 1st "muscle cars."
> > Stick-shift Rocket Olds ruled the streets prior to the inception of the
55
> >Hi-po Chevy---save for hopped up flatheads, of which there were only a
few
> >around.
> > There were 2 stick-shift coupes w/4 BBL carbs & duals in my area that
were
> >really quick.
> > Oddly enough, the T-bird linkage fit the Olds tranny, and both had this
> >floorshift conversion.
> > Much later, I had a 53 88 vert stickshift w/a '56 engine, but it was a
> >heavyweight pig.
> > Al J
|