Missile Program
Duster Missile Today
MOPAR MISSILE
That name echo's through the minds of people familiar with the early years of Pro/Stock Drag Racing. Only three cars can be called "The Missile." Ted Spehar and gang built and raced a 70/71 Challenger, a 72 Cuda, and my all time passion, a 72/73 Duster. During the dawn of ProStock racing, they had more trips down the drag strip than any other cars. Testing, innovation, hard work, and long hours were the norm. To paraphrase another famous gentleman.
"NEVER HAVE SO FEW, DONE SO MUCH, WITH SO LITTLE, FOR SO MANY"
These pictures are dedicated to all the people involved. I will try to name a few, Tom Hoover, Ted Spehar, Al Adams, Tom Coddington, John Bauman, Leonard Bartush, Dick Oldfield, Joe Pappas, and Don Carlton. My personal thanks to all of you that were involved.

Photo credits
My friends, Dick Oldfield, the original driver of the first "Motown Missile," Joe Pappas, Suzie and Dave Koffel (of B1 Head fame) have supplied the photos in this section. For that, on behalf of all Chrysler Drag Race Fans, I offer my heartfelt "THANKS." Without them, these historical photos would have been lost.

Enjoy,
Stewart
2006

 
 
 

The Missile as it sits today, unfortunately the people that "restored" it did it wrong. Sometime in the past the car was wrecked in the front. Instead of taking measurement of the car, it was cut off at the fire wall and a stock fiberglass fender was used to locate the front wheels, and a strut was used to locate the front wheels, and a strut front end was installed. They did not realize that the wheelbase had been altered 4"- therefore the nose is much too long.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Image: DRIVER SEAT BRACKET RF
Image: FRONT FENDER WRONG
Image: GARLITS SIGN
Image: INTERIOR AND TACH

Image: MISSILE ARTICLE GARLITS
Image: ORIGINAL CHUTE BAG
Image: PEDALS
Image: REAR END AND TRACK BAR

Image: REAR END
Image: TRANSMISSION MOUNT

 
[Home] [Register] [Archives] [Articles] [Library] [Found] [Events] [Links] [Services] [VIN Fraud] [Donate] [Contact]
 
Copyright © , hamtramck-historical.com, all rights reserved.   Terms Of Use