I was just reading in AutoWeek or Road & Track the other day about the Dodge Challenger drag car that Chrysler is making; you know, a factory stripper made in limited quantities to go racing.
Seems that Ford has had similar ideas and has just rolled out the Cobra Jet Mustang to do battle with the Dodge Boys.
Why does that sound familiar? What does that remind me of? Oh yeah, it reminds me of when I was a kid.
Back in the 60s, American car manufacturers all seemed to have some sort of car like the 2008 Cobra Jet, shoot even American Motors had a drag car.
And I don’t mean a factory-backed race team; I mean products that any Manny, Moe, or Jack off the street could walk into the dealership and buy. They’d happily sell you the car, and back then, they’d turn you loose on the streets with it.
Seriously, if you ever get the chance (or have had the chance) to ride in or drive a Hemi Dart, do so. You won’t forget it. Assuming you live.
That’s not the case these days. The drag pack Challenger isn’t street legal, and neither is the Cobra jet. I guess that’s a better idea; safety and all that … but still, encountering something like a Hemi Dart or a Cobra Jet on the street is quite an experience.
Specs after the jump.
Functional
* 5.4 Cobra Jet engine
* Cobra Jet cold air kit
* Throttle body
* A/C deleted
* Crankshaft damper
* Cobra Jet bell housing
* 6-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission with SFI bell housing
* Stainless steel long-tube racing headers
* 9″ rear axle assembly
* One-piece driveshaft drive shaft
* Single hoop drive shaft loop
* Cobra Jet rear control arms and anti-roll bar
* Ford Racing adjustable dampers
* Drag race spring kit
* Cobra Jet wheels — 15″ x 4″ (front), 15″ x 10″ (rear)
Exterior
* Painted Cobra Jet body in white
* Cobra Jet hood scoop
* Cobra Jet Lexan backlight
* Flush quarter window louvers
Interior
* 5″ pedestal tachometer
* SVT Mustang short-throw shifter with black shift knob and handle
* Cobra Jet seat package
