New Muscle Car classes

[Guest]

Just saw in my regional newsletter that the AACA has created several new Muscle Car classes. While I think it's great to see some recognition for the musclecars, I do have one question.<P>In the Mopar class, I note that all Hemi powered Mopars from '66-'71 are included. Certainly appropriate, however I must wonder why the 440+6 is not included as well. While not all B/RB blocks should make the cut, the 440 Six Pak, with more low-range torque than a Hemi, seems like an obvious choice. It is the pinnacle big-block for those of us who didn't buy the cars new, or inherit money.<P>Anyway I was just wondering. I don't want to seem too critical of the new Muscle Cars classes as I'm glad they exist *at all*. But the article says you want input so here you go. <P>Cheers, 3MP<P>

[ronbarn]

3MP, I'm back! (at least for a few days). Probably a good recommendation. The current list of Muscle Cars was prepared by one of the members of the Class Judging Committee and may very well have not picked up all of the logical candidates. But it was a start. The procedure now for others is to submit a written application to the VP Class Judging via snailmail (sorry) with supporting info to get it approved by the committee. I spent most of the Muscle Car era overseas so am not an expert on these cars. We need the input from you youngsters. Thanx

[Guest]

All right, I'm game for that. What kind of supporting info do they look for? Historical or technical significance, current popularity, amount of survivors? I don't know what criteria are used to decide which cars are accepted and which are not.<P>Cheers, 3MP

[ronbarn]

3MP, Current popularity and survival rate are NOT considerations. Am not sure what you mean by historical, so cannot say re applicability. Technical details re drive train specs are the most important detail. Person to contact is Dave Berg, VP Class Judging (see list of officers on page 2, Antique Automobile. Separate item - would like to discuss article we talked about. Contact me at ronbarn@mindspring.com or call 256-498-5068. If you get answering machine leave message and I'll return.

[Guest]

Ron,<BR>What I meant by historical significance was technological breakthroughs or a noteworthy racing history for the powertrain or anything else that might cause it to get a footnote in the history of the automobile.<P>Personally I love triple-carbed engines. It's just too cool. I'll send a letter to this guy when I find the time to make a really good case for it.<P>Cheers, 3MP

[Guest Old55ford]

Please post the muscle car classes so we can check them out

[Guest]

As an owner of a 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II Hemi (senior), please post the new "Muscle Car Classses" you guys are talking about.<P>This is the first I've heard of such. I think it's a good -no, great idea to have a muscle car class or even serveral classes, but please let us know of such a decision.

[ronbarn]

The Winter issue of the Rummage Box has an article by Earl Beauchamp that lists the new classes and applicable cars. It has not been posted in the Publications section of the home page. I will contact the web master to get it posted asap.

[Guest]

I haven't posted it because it was very long and detailed. I don't have the time to transcribe it. I wonder why apparently my region was the only one to publish the new classes?<P>Cheers, 3MP

[Guest boettger]

I printed the list in the Iroquois Region January Newsletter. Have got the article from the rummage box scanned into a word file at home. If no one has any objections,<BR>I'll post the class list when I get home tonight!<P>------------------<BR>Steve Boettger<BR>'30 DeSoto 8<BR>'59 Nash Metropolitan<BR>'23 Chevrolet Touring<P>

[Guest boettger]

Here is the text from the Rummage Box Article<P>By Earl D. Beanchampjr. <BR>Vice President, National Activities "Here comes the judge!" National meets will be more exciting for you in 2000, if you are a <BR>connoisseur of those high performance "fire-breathing" cars of the 1960s and 1970s. <BR>This is a scoop, direct from meetings held in Hershey. Five new classes have been established for high performance cars. <BR>It is felt that such special separation of these vehicles so popular among young, and young at heart adults will spur the interest of these collectors, and swell the ranks of AACA membership. Of note, Mustangs will remain classed with Mustangs. Here's the preliminary breakdown: <P>Class 36A: Buick/Pontiac <BR>1970-1972 Buick GSX/GS455, 1962-1963 Pontiac Su- per Duty Catalina; 1964-1972 GTO/GTO Judge, 1970 Pontiac Hurst Grand Prix SSJ; 1970-1972 Pontiac Firebird TA455HO; 1973-1974 Pontiac Firebird SD455 <P>Class 36B: Chevrolet/Oldsmobile<BR> All Factory 409 Chevrolets; 1965 Chevelle 216 option (396 c.i.); 1967-1969 Yenco Chevrolet 427 Camaro, 1969 Yenco "SYC" 427 Nova; 1969 Chevelle and Camaro, COPO; 1967-1969 Impala SS427 only; 1968-1969 Olds 442 and Hurst Olds; 1970 Olds 442 (W30); 1971 Olds 442; 1970-1972 Chevelle SS454 including El Camino <P>Class 36C: Mopar<BR> 1955-1965 Chrysler 300 Letter Series; 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst; 1966-1971 Dodge and Plymouth, All models with factory 426 Hemi engines; 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona; 1970 Plymouth Superbird; 1970 Challenger TA/AAR Cuda; 1962-1966 Plymouth Super stocks, Max wedges, vehicles with Factory Race Hemi engines. <P>Class 36D: Ford <BR>1963 Galaxie "Lightweight", 1964 Fairlane Thunder- bolt-, 1966-1967 Fairlane 427 "Street Machine", 1969 Torino Talledega; 1970-1971 Torino Cobra; 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler 11. Mustangs have their own classes. <P>Class 36E: AMC<BR> 1968-1970 AMX 343 Cl and larger; 1968-1970 Javelin SST 343 c.i. and larger (includes Trans Am and Mark Doncloe editions); 1969 SC/Rambler (Scrambler); 1970 Rebel Machine"; 1971-1972 Javelin AMX/Javelin SST 360 c.i. and larger; 1971 Homet SC 360. <P>If you don"t see your factory high performance car on the list, mark down the reasons why it should be and drop. a line to David A. Berg, AACA Vice President Class Judging, <BR>19, Harmony, PA 16037 <P><BR><P>------------------<BR>Steve Boettger<BR>'30 DeSoto 8<BR>'59 Nash Metropolitan<BR>'23 Chevrolet Touring<P>