Where Were You In '62?

Even if you're not a car enthusiast, you'll probably recognize the title of this week's post from the George Lucas film, "American Graffiti". Granted, I was in my first 12 months of life back then, so I have zero recollection of anything that went on that year - which is a major bummer because when it came to muscle cars, hot rods, and drag racing as 1962 was one of those truly milestone years.

The infamous Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA) ban that kept Detroit manufacturers from offering and supplying direct factory support to all aspects of racing was still in effect, but at times one would completely disagree. Pontiac was the most visible violator and by 1962 were known as the performance leader - not just in GM ranks - but throughout the entire industry. Their 421 Super Duty proved almost invincible in both Super Stock as well as A/FX, especially with the influence of Mickey Thompson. Chevrolet, after seeing several years of go-fast enthusiasts waiver over to Pontiac, got serious with their 409 W-motor that would eventually

pump out 425 horsepower.  By the late Spring of 1962, Chrysler developed what would become one of the most potent (non Hemi) V-8 engines in history along side the Super Duty; the 413 Max Wedge. But it would be until almost the end of the year before more of these engines made it into the hands of racers and enthusiasts to truly make a dent in things. With all this rampant horsepower on tap, not only for drag racers, but also available to the general public, one would think this would be the start of the muscle car era. While there's still a great deal of debate on this subject, you have to admit one thing; If these brutal machines didn't start the muscle car wars, then they were all impossible to miss landmarks.

If there was another ban that was showing major cracks, it was the nitro-burning engines of drag racing, especially top fuel diggers. Mickey Thompson, again, delivered a major blow to this ban by inviting these alternative fuel belching beasts back to Lions Dragway, which he operated. In 1962, Mickey Thompson seemed to be everywhere - he was a track and show promoter, racer, equipment manufacturer, and race car builder - on top of his performance affiliation with Pontiac. This was also a great year for dragster innovation. Newer designs, wheelbases were experimented with, and in some cases, aerodynamics.

But 1962 wasn't all muscle cars and drag racing. This also marked the year when the sports car and road course racing fans got their first glimpse and taste of a British-styled roaster that would eventually turn the automotive world on it's ear; the first Carroll Shelby roadster, namely CSX2000, the very first unit produced. This particular model even had temporary lettering in select areas due to delayed arrival of the first "Cobra" emblems. The same car started appearing on magazine covers like Motor Trend by June 1962, and the rest is history. The very first Cobra still exists today and recently sold at auction for a whopping $13.75 million dollars!

If only I was around to purchase one of these beauties brand new...
Until next time, peace out.
Dave