Classic Funny Car

A funny car is a drag racing car that has the engine placed in front and a carbon fiber body placed over the chassis. It has an appearance that resembles cars designed with the engine under the hood. Nowadays, classic funny cars that were produced years ago by Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet or Dodge are commonly used in the National Hot Rod Association.

All these carbon-fiber bodies have an important role in aerodynamics. A car can be considered to be a funny car only if it meets certain conditions. The most important rule is related to the engine which can only be a V8 displacing no more than 500 cubic inches. Moreover, the engine can have only two valves per cylinder.

The engine block is made out of billet while the intake valves are made from titanium and have 2.40 inch. Usually, classic funny cars are equipped with ballistic blankets that cover some parts of the engine. The fuel system of a funny car is the key to produce more power. For example, during a single run a car can burn about 15 US gallons of fuel. The mixture that represents the fuel is composed of 85-90% nitro-methane and 10-15% methanol.

Some other rule that a classic funny car manufacturer should keep in mind is the distance from the car’s body to the ground that must have a value of 3 inches. The wheelbase has also a standard value that ranges between 100 and 125 inches. These cars often achieve 6G acceleration from a standing start. Of course there are also many safety rules involved. The most important rule is the existence of the twin parachutes that provide stability and help the car decelerate after it has crossed the finish line.

The first classic funny car was built in the ’60s and was called so because the rear wheels were moved forward on the chassis. That was made to improve weight transfer under acceleration and to increase the traction on the rear tires.

Nowadays, the classic funny cars are part of the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance. At this event you can admire the collection of Prudhomme that includes amazing Plymouths. One of these is a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, a classic funny car that was entirely restored in 2008. The restoration featured the original body, rolling chassis and the original 446 cubic inch engine. It also included an original front, an original 671 blower and rear wheels.

Another classic funny car is the fully restored 1967 Dodge D-700 owned by Prudhomme. The car had the frame and the original spare 1966 426 cubic inch stock Hemi engine restored. Prudhomme also owns a white 1972 Hot Wheels Plymouth Cuda funny car, a 1974 Army Chevrolet Vega funny car and the 1978 Army Plymouth Arrow funny car.

1967 Dodge D-700

Other interesting classic funny cars that you can find on display at the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance are a 1932 Ford Phaenton Hot Rod, a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, a 1958 Ferrari 250 Tour de France or a 1980 Kawasaki K2. And, of course, you cannot miss the incredible 1952 Muntz Jet Convertible and the crazy 1957 Fiat “Eden Rock”.

Maybe not each one of us is attracted by these classic funny cars, but you must admit that they are amazing cars. Driving one of these funny cars might prove to be a one of a kind experience that will make you feel the adrenaline flowing through your veins.

Post tags: Tags: 1967 Dodge D-700, 1972 Plymouth Cuda, Classic Funny Car