| By The Numbers |
| Engine: | 410ci big-block Chevy |
| Intake: | Weiand |
| Carburetion: | Holley 780-cfm |
| Ignition: | MSD |
| Exhaust: | Hooker headers |
| Transmission: | Turbo 400 |
| Rear: | GM 12-bolt, 3.23 gears |
1968 Mustang * Mark Panther * Schaumburg, IL
"One day, a tourist in a rental car decided he would go the wrong way, and the best course of action was an immediate righthand turn from the left lane," writes Mark Panther. "I swerved to avoid him, and jumped the curb and high-sided a fire hydrant. It didn't shoot water like the movies, but it did total my '68 Mustang. Luckily, the rollcage kept it from being worse." Mark finally found a replacement--another '68 California Special Mustang, and three years later (and with salvaged parts from the first Mustang), it's nearing completion. As for what's going to be under the hood, Mark writes: "I can't really give up much information on the drivetrain, because I don't want my competition to get an edge on me."
| By The Numbers |
| Engine: | “won’t say!” |
| Previous engine: | big-block with Hilborne injection |
| Transmission: | Ford C-6 w/trans brake |
| Other driveline: | 35-spline axles, spool |
| Rear: | Ford 9-inch |
| Wheels: | Centerline Convo-Pro |
| Favorite movie: | Two-Lane Blacktop |
1974 El Camino * Michael Moore * Clarence Center, NY
"I have always been interested in muscle cars, mostly because I have grown up working on, and watching my dad restore a '69 Chevelle SS," writes Michael Moore. [No, not that Michael Moore!] One day after school last September, my dad asked me if I liked a car that was across the street from our fire station. I asked, `why?' and he said `because there might be one showing up in the driveway tonight." Sure enough, a black '74 El Camino SS pulled into Michael's driveway, and it was his. Michael and his dad have spent the last seven months stripping, grinding, cutting, and welding the El Camino to the best of their ability. With the floor pans just finished, Michael says he's ready to take on the quarter panels.
| By The Numbers |
| Engine: | 454ci big-block |
| Trivia: | lives 15 miles from Tonawanda |
| Transmission: | Turbo 400 |
| Suspension: | stock |
| Rear: | GM 12-bolt |
| Future paint color: | Silver |
1972 Olds Cutlass * Frank Mares * Riverside, CA
"I bought this Cutlass from the original owner for $1,000," writes Frank Mares. "It was completely stock, and still had its original paint and interior. The Cutlass served duty as the family vehicle for a few years and then became my daily driver. I have been driving it ever since to the tune of over 350,000 miles." Frank's future plans for the Cutlass include installing a W-30 ram air hood, sport springs and sway bar, wider stock-appearing rally wheels, a new interior, and a 403ci Olds motor (which Frank can use all his existing brackets and pulleys with). Paint and body work is also in the mix. "I am sort of an A-body junkie, and have owned quite a few of them. I like the Olds because it is so different, and you don't see many at shows or events."