Top 10 Factory Drag Cars That Redefined Speed
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When it comes to the world of muscle cars, the 1964 Pontiac GTO often takes the spotlight. However, it was just the beginning of a craze that had Detroit cranking out high-performance V-8 cars for decades. The year 1964 marked a significant shift as American automakers recognized a growing market for fast and stylish cars.
The essence of the classic muscle car era during the 1960s and early 1970s was all about creating cars built for street racing. No one bought these cars to run errands or commute to work. Muscle cars were meant for one thing – dominating the competition on the streets. These were essentially semi-professional factory drag cars accessible to anyone through their local dealerships.
During this era, automakers engaged in fierce competition, often producing special edition vehicles with professional track-ready performance. These limited variants were made available to the public to meet racing circuit requirements, including NASCAR and NHRA. This unique situation allowed everyday drivers to get behind the wheel of some of the fastest factory drag cars ever built.
What makes a car a "factory drag car"? It must roll off the production line with no second-party enhancements. This means that iconic models like the Hurst Performance special editions, such as the HEMI Dart, don't make the cut. It must also be an official offering from the automaker, ruling out cars like the original Yenko and COPO Camaros. Street legality is another key criterion, eliminating recent models like the Chevy COPO Camaros. Lastly, it must have been sold to the general public, not exclusively to professional race drivers. To keep things old-school, we won't be including cars like the Demon 170s. We've compiled this list of the fastest factory drag cars using data from reputable sources like MotorTrend and the NHRA.
1. 1962 Dodge Dart Max Wedge 413
- Top Speed: 121 mph
- Engine: 413ci Max Wedge V-8
- Engine Output: 420 horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque
- Transmission: 727 Torqueflite automatic
- 0-60 Time: 4.9 seconds
- Quarter-mile: 13.4 seconds
- Production: 214 units
The 1962 Dodge Dart Max Wedge 413 may have caused some naming confusion, but on the drag strip, it was a clear winner. This car dominated the competition and was a force to be reckoned with.
2. 1963 Chevrolet Impala Z11
- Top Speed: 124 mph
- Engine: 427ci V-8
- Engine Output: 430 horsepower, 575 pound-feet of torque
- Transmission: Four-speed manual
- 0-60 Time: 4.3 seconds
- Quarter-mile: 10.8 seconds
- Production: 57 units
In 1963, Chevrolet introduced the Impala Z11 with a powerful 427ci engine, making it a limited edition drag car. Its lightweight aluminum body parts made it a legend on the track.
3. 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Drag Pack
- Top Speed: 125 mph
- Engine: 429ci Super Cobra Jet V-8
- Engine Output: 425 horsepower, 475 pound-feet of torque
- Transmission: Four-speed manual
- 0-60 Time: 5.1 seconds
- Quarter-mile: 13.8 seconds
- Production: 531 units
The 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Drag Pack finally achieved the coveted 13-second quarter-mile time, thanks to its powerful 429 Super Cobra Jet engine and other performance enhancements.
4. 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt
- Top Speed: 130 mph
- Engine: 427ci V-8
- Engine Output: 425 horsepower, 480 pound-feet of torque
- Transmission: Four-speed manual
- 0-60 Time: 4.7 seconds
- Quarter-mile: 11.6 seconds
- Production: 500 units
The Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt, equipped with a 427 V-8 engine, was a dominant force on the quarter-mile track and a favorite among drag racing enthusiasts.
5. 1969 Ford Torino Talladega
- Top Speed: 130 mph
- Engine: 428ci Cobra Jet V-8
- Engine Output: 335 horsepower, 440 pound-feet of torque
- Transmission: C6 automatic
- 0-60 Time: 5.5 seconds
- Quarter-mile: 14.4 seconds
- Production: 500 units
The 1969 Ford Torino Talladega, originally designed for NASCAR, became a favorite for drag racers due to its powerful 428 Cobra Jet engine.
6. 1964 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT
- Top Speed: 133 mph
- Engine: 427ci V-8
- Engine Output: 425 horsepower, 480 pound-feet of torque
- Transmission: Four-speed manual
- 0-60 Time: 4.2 seconds
- Quarter-mile: 12.0 seconds
- Production: 50 units
The Mercury Comet Cyclone GT, a close cousin to the Thunderbolt, was a rare gem with incredible speed and limited production.
7. 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 Super Duty
- Top Speed: 155 mph
- Engine: 455ci LS2 V-8
- Engine Output: 310 horsepower, 395 pound-feet of torque
- Transmission: Four-speed manual
- 0-60 Time: 5.6 seconds
- Quarter-mile: 13.5 seconds
- Production: 252 units
Pontiac broke free from engine size restrictions in 1970, and the 1973 Firebird Trans Am Super Duty, with its LS2 engine, showcased their racing prowess.
8. 1965 Dodge Coronet A990
- Top Speed: 160 mph
- Engine: 426 Hemi V-8
- Engine Output: 500 horsepower, 490 pound-feet of torque
- Transmission: Four-speed manual
- 0-60 Time: 4.3 seconds (est.)
- Quarter-mile: 11.8 seconds
- Production: 101 units
Dodge's A990 variant of the 1965 Coronet was a creative response to racing regulations, resulting in a powerful and innovative drag car.
9. 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 SS
- Top Speed: 160 mph
- Engine: 396ci V-8
- Engine Output: 375 horsepower, 420 pound-feet of torque
- Transmission: Four-speed manual
- 0-60 Time: 5.5 seconds (est.)
- Quarter-mile: 14.1 seconds
- Production: 201 units
The 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 SS was a limited edition powerhouse designed to compete on the streets and tracks, showcasing Chevy's racing capabilities.
10. 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
- Top Speed: 170 mph
- Engine: 426 Hemi V-8
- Engine Output: 425 horsepower, 490 pound-feet of torque
- - Transmission: Four-speed manual
- - 0-60 Time: 5.3 seconds
- - Quarter-mile: 13.7 seconds
- - Production: 503 units
The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, an aero car designed for NASCAR, became the fastest factory drag car in private hands, solidifying its legendary status.
These factory drag cars from the classic era represent a thrilling chapter in automotive history. Their speed, power, and innovation continue to captivate car enthusiasts to this day.
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