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Images: eBay Motors
I remember being a young kid, around the age of 9 or 10, when I wanted to put together my very first model car. I’ve always had a draw towards cars as long back as I can think of; and as a child my first step up after Hot Wheels and Matchbox Cars were the model cars. I have fond memories of countless days with sticky fingers from the modeling glue and a lackluster finished product to show for it.
I’m sure I’m not alone in this aspect. Unfortunately I missed the hay-day of model manufacturer AMT. AMT (which stands for Aluminum Model Toys) was a highly prominent 1:25th scale model manufacturer with roots in Detroit dating back to 1948.
Originally the brainchild of West Gallogly Sr., AMT moved from a side project in the 40’s to becoming THE model company for almost every classic American movie and race car. AMT became such a prominent figure in the modeling industry during the 60’s and 70’s that they began sponsoring professional racers and making models of their amazing rides.
Some of these include Bobby Allison’s 1975 AMC Matador, the 1967 “Rebel Ford” Ford Galaxie hardtop featuring the 427 motor, and Darrell Waltrip’s “Pepsi Challenger” – his famous 1983 Monte Carlo. However, these all pale in comparison to Bob Hamiltons’ notorious Chevelle dragster named “Red Alert.”
As almost all things do in time; almost all of these famous racecars have fallen into disrepair or have simply vanished from racing entirely. This is most definitely not the case with Red Alert. Originally purchased as a daily driver for his wife, Bob made sure to get the ’70 Chevelle SS fully loaded to the brim with all the options including the 454 motor option.
Occasionally the car would mysteriously disappear on the weekends with Bob inside. He would often sneak the car off to the track to lay down some serious power on Sundays and bring it back with a few new mods.
Over the period of a year, the Hamiltons decided to turn the car into an all-track monster and attempt to claim the SS/DA (Super Sport D-Automatic class) title.
Given the name “Red Alert,” and with the slogan “The devil made me do it” painted on the trunk, Bob’s new car began to cause quite a stir. After modifying the Chevelle to push it to its’ limits, AMT became interested in the car in the form of a sponsorship. This was a payoff for both AMT as well as Bob Hamilton in the form of publicity.
Not only was the Red Alert 1/25th scale model the best selling model AMT has ever produced, but it also pushed the image of Bobs’ asphalt-pounding red Chevelle with black racing stripes to the masses; an icon that almost everyone thinks of today when they think of a classic drag race car.
In 1972 Bob was able to realize his dream and captured the SS/DA championship for most of the year. At this time, the battle for the championship was so intense that it was changing hands on an almost weekly basis.
Shortly before the retirement of Red Alert in 1976, the powerful Chevelle held the Top Eliminator title for 14 out of 16 races at Bradenton Dragway in Florida as well as laying down record track times across the country.
After retirement from racing in ‘76, the Hamiltons decided to sell Red Alert. Ever since then, the car has never stopped racing despite being passed through several different owners.
The current configuration of the car has it hitting low 10’s in the quarter with top speeds in the 130’s and laying down over 700 horsepower. Not too bad for a 3,900 lb. car! However the car is once again for sale and this time the chance to own the iconic Chevelle can be all yours as the car is being sold on eBay. Whoever becomes the new owner will not only have a classic muscle car, but will also own one of the most recognizable cars in American racing history.
