Blown HEMI A-Body Wagon Strikes in Bakersfield

Photos: Mike Garrett

So, the current example is proof positive that any car can be cool, even if some just take more work than others.

Mike Garrett over at Speedhunters.com found this Plymouth Valiant at the California Hot Rod Reunion, an event started by Steve Gibbs (NHRA VP) in 1992. This gathering was the 19th get together and by all accounts the grounds at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, in Bakersfield were full.

Aside from the car show, the event which is produced by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, features nostalgia drag racing, a swap meet, manufacturers’ midway and the signature “Cacklefest.” For this, historic race cars are push-started and then line up side by side in front of the grandstands, where they all “cackle” simultaneously. Apparently, they light up the night as well.

Surely, this car would likely have stood proud among the other cacklers. The Plymouth Valiant has a proud, but obscure heritage. First introduced in 1959, many European influences were recognized in its high-revving engine and torsion bar suspension. The car’s styling was a direct implementation of Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” design concepts which appeared on many 1955 through 1963 Chrysler products.

While Exner’s unique styling influence tailed off in the mid-60s, the Valiant led to many more notable A-body Chryslers, including the 383 Dodge Dart GTS, 440-powered Dodge Dart GSS, the supercharged 1972 Gran Spaulding Dodge Demons, Hurst-prepared 426 Dodge Darts and the infamous Mr. Norm’s Hemi-powered 1968 Dodge Dart.

From a more practical perspective, it was also the first car that Chrysler built with an alternator. It also featured a push-button operated automatic transmission. While this station wagon likely still has an alternator, we’re sure that the push-button transmission is long gone.

As a resto-mod example, there is a good dose of resto, but a whole lot more mods going on. The photos are ample evidence of the care taken in restoration. Of course, the jaw-dropping parts are found under the hood, well, and coming up through the hood as well, in Mad Max Interceptor style. There’s no doubt that this hot rod scores a 9.5+ on the cool meter. Now, you’ve got a reason to head to Bakersfield next October.

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