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Missile Program
Duster Missile Today
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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
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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.
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CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
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