Motown Missile

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Intro

Motown Missile Challenger

The Motown Missile (the name changed to the Mopar Missile for the 72 Cuda) originally a 1970 Dodge Challenger that Chrysler had the Ram Chargers build as a test bed for the new Pro Stock class of the NHRA. New ideas were tied and the better ideas were passed along to the other Chrysler Sponsored Drivers.

Drivers

• Dick Oldfield was the first driver of the Motown Missile. He also worked on the transmissions and rear chassis. Oldfield, originally from Buffalo, New York, had previously driven a Chrysler sponsored 64 Hemi Dodge in Super Stock called the Iron Butterfly, which was made famous from a horrific transmission explosion at the US Nationals in 1969.
• Akron Arlen Vanke

Cars

70/71 Challenger

The first of the Motown Missiles was a 1970 Dodge Challenger. It was updated to a 1971 in 71 with replacement of the front and rear panels and tail lights. One of the more famous items tested was the Clutchflite, which was basically and automatic transmission using a heavy flywheel and a clutch (instead of a torque converter) to launch. They're were deemed to not be reliable and a 4-speed replaced it. Another one of the less successful items tested was to lighten the rear axle housing by acid dipping, Swiss Cheese Drill it, and use freeze plugs to plug the holes.

Sponsors

• Jegs

References

• Mopar Action Magazine October 2010 pgs 10-15
• Competition Plus.com