SAAC Forum

IMHO electric cars, particularly performance ones, are souless. And no, I don't care if they have 3-second 0-60 times.

Just shows life's persective. I doubt few, if any, thought about their cars 5, 10, or 20 years into the future. During that time, life happens - work, family, stuff. Now, the perspective is looking back, via the restoration lens and the stratospheric rise in values.

Actually the article was a refreshing reminder that the Pantera's design (sans wing) remains fresh 50 plus years later.

Its still looks like a ferrari

Would that be a good thing or a bad thing, looking like a Ferrari  ?

Bad because Ferrari styling has long been excessive and that applies to most mid-engine designs. I think the C8 is better looking, but mid-engine cars limit styling creativity. FWIW, the Ford GT design works better thanks mainly to its flying buttress design.  But otherwise, in profile, mid-engine cars tend to look similar.

PS: The C8 is a 21st century performance bargain because that's what American auto manufacturers do best: deliver performance bang for the buck.

Would this sequel also include a scene where Gurney drives a lap and can't get the door shut? Oh, and a scene having Henry Ford II acting like a buffoon?

Stephan:

Love your photographic historical research. What I also enjoy is studying the photos for minor details that reveal what performance cars and people involved  with them were like 55 years ago.

For instance:

I wonder why they had stewardess models for the photo. Was it an airline promotion? And this was in the day when airline stewardesses wore designer uniforms and hats.

As for the Daytona Coupe, I notice the headlight appears to be a quartz halogen type, probably Cibie. The Cobra has sealed beams, since the quartz halogens were illegal in the US.

Note the tread pattern. It's very different than what you see on race cars today.

Finally, look at the wheel balance weights. Looks like a lot of weight was added. What's up with that?

Was that a custom bodied Falcon ?

According to the Falcon Challengers story written by Max Muhleman in the July 1962 Motor Trend, Challenger I was built by Holman Moody for the Sebring 12 Hour Grand Prix of Endurance. It was built in 10 days based on a Falcon Futura body. They finished 2nd in class behind a Jim Hall Chevy powered Chapparal.

The car was powered by a 221 cubic inch Windsor, bored out to 243.9 cubic inches, just under the 244 cubic inch limit. Compression was bumped from 8.5 to 10.5:1 and a 4V carb was installed. During the race the cylinder heads were replaced due to an oiling problem. Top speed was 135 mph and drum brakes were 3-inch wide in the front and 2.5-inch in the back.

A Challenger II had 3 inches sectioned out of the body center line. 

A Challenger III, in the photo, was built with the 3-inch section along with the fastback configuration. The rear window was plexiglass with an aluminum roof. 

Historical fyi Addendum

Not only did Eric Rickman write and photograph a story on the GT350, but 32 years later in the February 1987 issue of Petersen's Mustang, he also wrote and photographed a story about the Saleen Mustang. Mustang history comes full circle.