Three Sides To Every Story - Yours, Mine & The Truth

Controversy; noun. A disagreement, typically when public, prolonged and/or heated. Also see dispute, argument, war of words. We're not talking about the latest Trump and Palin media smash and grab headlines - but when it comes to controversy with muscle cars as well motor-sports, those two talking heads look like total amateurs when compared to some of the drama that has come down the pike over the past few decades. Besides - the vintage automotive and racing aspects are way more interesting. For example, wouldn't you rather read about the story behind the Dodge Charger that's pictured to the right or read about Republicans slamming each other?

Memories started flowing innocently enough with a humorous discussion at the automotive repair shop at where I work. Mainly, the brief, but idiotic, federal law dating back to 1974 and the seat belt starter interlock system. The what? For about 6 months, the feds mandated all new 1974 model year cars and light trucks sold in the US to be equipped with the maddening seat belt starter interlock system. The way this system worked in a nutshell was both driver and front passenger seat belts had to be fastened or said vehicle would not start. The law came about after a study was done by Ralph Nader and a few other political zealots that concluded a whopping 72% of all drivers and passengers did not wear a seat belt at all. Their logic was to force their findings down the buying public's throats and mandate the country's first semi-seat belt law. Unfortunately, the system was not very reliable and was prone to electrical malfunctions - never mind it was a total pain in the ass. By the Spring of 1974, politicians literally had their ears blow-torched off by the public and other government officials (where do you think fleet vehicles went). The law was quickly repealed and recalls went out with instructions on how to remove the system.

Stepping back a few years, when muscle cars were in their glory era, lying about an engine's horsepower level was rampant - on both ends of the spectrum. With bread and butter big blocks like Chevy's 396, Chrysler's 440, and Ford's 390, horsepower ratings were usually bumped in order to get enthusiasts excited about them. It was not uncommon to have a well-known super-car dealership like Royal Pontiac, Grand-Spaulding Dodge, or Tasca Ford, modify the big blocks that were prepped and then handed over to magazine writers and editors as press mules. Hey - the more positive ink the cars got, the better. So what if people cheated... a little.
However, when it came to top dogs like Chrysler's Max Wedge or Hemi engines, Pontiac's 421 Super Duty, as well as the Ford and GM 427 inch big blocks, the manufacturers down-played the actual power numbers. Some examples were so bogus and underrated, it was almost laughable. Other examples were more stealth - like the Chrysler 340 and the Buick 455 Stage 1 (pictured above right). In regards to the Buick, the Stage 1 was an iron fist in a velvet glove. Most people thought, "...it's a Buick. How fast can it really be? The engine is only rated at 360 horsepower." Guess again and try closer to at least 430 horsepower. Combine that with a stump-pulling 510 pound feet of torque and you had an old-man's car that could clean your clock to the tune of low 13 second quarter mile times in stock trim and low 12's with some very simple modifications.

NASCAR is also no stranger to pulling the wool over someone's eyes, but it's usually the drivers that push the envelope. Case in point - the 1974 Firecracker 400. On the second to last lap at Daytona, David Pearson knew he was a sitting duck. Richard Petty, who was right behind him, would simply ride the draft until the last possible moment, then slingshot passed him for the win. However, just before the white flag, Pearson drove down by the apron as if he had a blown engine, leaving Petty to inherit the lead. It appeared that the future seven-time Cup champion was going to take the checkered flag. But did Pearson really have engine trouble? Lies - all of it! It wasn't until the final turn when Petty realized that Pearson was right on his tail. Pearson's No. 21 car shot next to Petty off Turn 4 and then finally past the No. 43 car to take the checkered.
But the race wasn't over - another battle was taking place for third between Buddy Baker and Cale Yarborough. The pair fought for position, eventually crossing the finish line at the exact same time, prompting NASCAR to declare an official tie for third.

But one of the oddest stories and situations to ever come down the history line, was back in July of 1959 at a Bakersfield California meet, where Jack Chrisman had to race himself in the final. How did this happen? He found a technical loophole in the racing rule book and ran in two different dragster classes - AOD as well as A/D - and happened to win both. So, in the final heat, Chrisman chose to pull his Sidewinder digger out of the Top Eliminator final and handed the win to... himself. It was a first and I guarantee you also a last in drag racing.

Until next time, peace out.
Dave