Flintstone Flyer

Last updated
Flintstone Flyer
Overview
Manufacturer Packard
Production1961
Model years 1961-1964
Designer Dave Koffel
Body and chassis
Class Gasser
Body style 4-door Sedan
Layout Front Engine RWD
Platform 1949 Packard Custom Super Eight
Related Packard Custom Super Eight
Chevrolet Corvette C1
Powertrain
Engine 4,790 cc (292.3 cu in; 4.8 L) Chevrolet Small Block V8
Power output436 bhp (442.0 PS; 325.1 kW) @ 5,000 rpm
451 lb⋅ft (611.5 N⋅m) @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission 4-speed Manual, from a Corvette
Dimensions
Wheelbase 3,581 mm (141.0 in)
Length5,730 mm (225.6 in)
Width1,968 mm (77.5 in)
Height1,524.0 mm (60 in)
Curb weight 4,430 lb (2,009.4 kg)

The Flintstone Flyer is a Corvette-powered 1949 Packard gasser of the 1960s, built and driven by Dave Koffel. [1] It set one national claas record (in 1961) and won two class titles (1962 and 1963). [2]

Contents

History

The Packard used being almost exactly like this one, but in blue Packard De Luxe Eight 4-Door Sedan 1949.jpg
The Packard used being almost exactly like this one, but in blue

The car was a dark blue 1949 Packard, purchased for US$50 and built in Koffel's own garage. [3]

The engine was swapped for a 4,790 cc (292.3 cu in) Chevrolet small-block V8 (from a 1961 Corvette bored 0.060 in (1.5 mm) over). It was only mildly modified, fitted with 270 heads solid-lifter camshaft, and Offenhauser intake manifold (with three two-barrel (twin-choke) carburetors). [3]

The transmission was a four-speed manual from a Corvette, and the rear axle came from a 1957 Plymouth with a steep 6.17:1 ratio (because of the car's high weight, 4,430 lb (2,009.4 kg)). [3]

In 1961, Koffel changed the three deuces to Hilborn fuel injection. [3] In this trim, the car set a new NHRA national record in E/G at 13.33 seconds and 104.04 mph (167.44 km/h). [3]

It won the 1962 E/G national title at the NHRA Nationals, Indianapolis Raceway Park, with a pass of 13.71 seconds at 102.85 mph (165.52 km/h). [4]

In 1963, Koffel replaced the steel front end panels with custom fiberglass items produced by Walt Sari of Ashtabula, Ohio. [3] With the fiberglass panels fitted, 'Flintstone Flyer won the 1963 F/G national title at the NHRA Nationals in Indianapolis, with a pass of 13.69 seconds at 101.80 mph (163.83 km/h). [4]

Notes

  1. ↑ Davis, Larry. Gasser Wars (Cartech, 2003), pp.13 and 180-8.
  2. ↑ Davis, pp.13 and 183.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Davis, p.13.
  4. 1 2 Davis, p.183.

Sources

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