All of this is channeled through a four-speed trans with the requisite pistol grip. Remarkably, the retina-burning red paint was applied in 1986 and is testimony to how well John takes care of his steed. The racy nature of the beast ultimately hurt its overall score in the ride-and-drive, but John more than made up for it in the show-and-strip portions of the competition. Had he not broken, we feel he would have gone even faster.
The WinnerPatrick ButlerNorth Glenn, CO'73 Dodge ChallengerPatrick Butler purchased the "Yellow Bird," as his late mother affectionately called it, as a junior in high school. The '73 Challenger was in pretty good shape when he bought it, and it sported the original 340/727 combo. Patrick partook in his fair share of late-night speed contest activities while toting a bottle of laughing gas in the trunk, and he reports a modicum of success against many Brand-X vehicles. Three years ago, he decided to get serious, so he pulled the small-block in favor of a low-deck stroker displacing 451 inches.
With the engine out of the way, he got busy on the appearance. Patrick's a bodyman by trade, and the sheetmetal was ironed to perfection, fiberglass fenders, hood, and bumpers were added, and he shot the whole mess in bright yellow paint. The 4.86 gears and spool, a rollcage, and a barely muffled 3.5-inch exhaust system somewhat compromised his Challenger's street manners. But it didn't really hurt Pat's score by much, as his beautiful yellow Challenger did so well in the showfield-not to mention that he set low e.t. and flat-out scorched the Tinsel Town quarter-mile. We think he may have even gone faster had he not backed out of it on the top end when his 'glass hood began to bow rather dangerously at the top of the track.
So there you have it. The 2nd Annual Mopar Muscle True Street Challenge winner. What's next for Pat? He's commissioned Ray Barton to screw together a very serious 14.5:1-compression 500-inch wedge. Streetable? It's doubtful, but it will haul the mail.