Perfect explanation of the greatest 3 years in drag racing. I was there too and clearly remember what and how the scene was evolving. As for the arguments over the subject it is very simple ...AWB means Altered Wheelbase period. The Chrysler guys were the first to alter the wheel base. First in '64 with the 2% cars then for '65 the released the radically altered Dodge and Plymouths . When they showed up at the Winternationals they were not allowed to run in AFX and were forced to run in a gas dragster class or altered class . They were so funny looking the term FUNNY CAR was born . As for The title AWB belonging only to the Mopars I have to disagree. True they were the first but within weeks other makes were getting chopped up and converted to AWB Match racers. AHRA created a class for them but NHRA SAID NO. Match Race fever started and the evolution was advancing in leaps all thru '1965. Then in '66 the Goodyear and M&H wrinklewall slicks were born along with the flip top tube frame Mercury Comets and a new era was born. Although no longer funny looking with AWB class and term continued. My favorite time was '65 and '66 !! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Those were indeed the days. Match races of the AWB cars were almost as good a show as the early AA/FA cars. They too evolved into longer lower cars, (many were "transformer" cars that ran as altereds some times and with a body change became Funny Cars on other weekends), but as stated, '64-'66 was a special time in drag racing. The altereds ran fast and tried to stay between the lines and the sight of a pair of AWB beasts leaving the line on their rear bumpers will forever be a great memory.
Foster Motor Co. Quick Draw Jolly Green Giant JR Humikowski & Carrol Lutz & Lumberg Holiday Olds again Mike Gaines Speed Sport
Mr Plymouth Quicksilver II Shields Chevy The Flying Texan Shirl Greer tension Slaton Shaker Slaton Chevrolet
A lot going on here....looks like a transverse front spring.....wonder what Mopar they got that from.
Shirl Greer pirated that front axle assembly from a 30s era Ford! Hard to imagine that much diversity in a class today. Sent from my SM-J320R4 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
tension is also a center steer car in this pic. the firewall has been cut for engine setback. it later had the trunk cut off for extra weight savings. this car is one of my all time favorites from the era. I ran into shirls son at pri last year. he is a very cool guy with a treasure trove of pics. he is currently running a unaltered 65 painted like his fathers car. he said anything and everything was done to keep this car competitive as long as possible. it was bought brand new by shirl.
Spindle mount t-70 American probly magnesium I have a set but mine are bolt on they made them both ways Chrome don't get ya home
Frawley dodge Early Gay Pontiac Mystery Tornado Haulin Hemi II Len Peterson Learners Sales and Service Early wood Chevrolet Palomino Later Wood Chevrolet Palomino II
Mr. Speed Nickey Chevrolet Dick Harrell Orion Texas Bandit Sam Harris That Girl The Head Hunter Tickles Me Pink
Duke's Automotive at Dragway 42 Hurbert Platt Paul Harvey Ford Ramrod The Virginian at Paradise Tenn. Drag Strip
Uh, Pontiac Tri Power is good stuff. Just my positive 2 cents. **************Edit - reference to deleted GTO abomination post***********
Loudbang, You're ''blowin' it up'' as ever. Green and gold cars are a fav of mine. Kodachrome is truly the best way to view them, IMHO.
You are more correct than you know LOL. This batch has some very small photos in it like 1"x 1" but I tried experimenting and found I can make them bigger. The Green one and the gold mustang were both about 2x2 and when blown up they still look pretty good.
Chevoom Dave Strickler running altered Dick Harrell Psyco Tom Sherlock Ford Randy Walls Super Nova Seaton's shaker