A-Body Drag Cars: GM’s Legendary Muscle Machines

When it comes to American muscle cars, few can match the legacy and performance of GM’s A-body drag cars. These sleek and powerful machines dominated the drag strips in the 1960s and 1970s, and they continue to be sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts today.

A-body drag cars were based on GM’s intermediate-sized platform, which was used for a variety of vehicles, including the Chevrolet Chevelle, Pontiac GTO, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Buick Skylark. These cars were relatively lightweight and agile, making them ideal for drag racing.

GM offered a variety of performance options for its A-body drag cars, including powerful V8 engines, heavy-duty transmissions, and racing suspensions. These cars were also available with a variety of aerodynamic modifications, such as spoilers and hood scoops, which helped to improve their performance on the track.

Chevrolet Chevelle

The Chevrolet Chevelle was one of the most popular A-body drag cars. It was available with a variety of engine options, including the legendary 427 cubic-inch V8. The Chevelle was also offered with a variety of performance packages, such as the SS and the Z/28.

• Some of the most famous Chevelle drag racers include:
  • Dick Harrell
  • Don Garlits
  • Tom McEwen

Pontiac GTO

The Pontiac GTO was another popular A-body drag car. It was introduced in 1964 as a high-performance version of the Pontiac Tempest. The GTO was available with a variety of engine options, including the 389 cubic-inch V8 and the 400 cubic-inch V8.

• Some of the most famous GTO drag racers include:
  • Bill Jenkins
  • Jerry Eisert
  • Ronnie Sox

Oldsmobile Cutlass

The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a slightly less popular A-body drag car than the Chevelle and GTO, but it was still a formidable competitor. It was available with a variety of engine options, including the 455 cubic-inch V8.

• Some of the most famous Cutlass drag racers include:
  • Ed Hamburger
  • John Morton
  • Wally Booth

Buick Skylark

The Buick Skylark was the least popular A-body drag car, but it still had its share of success on the track. It was available with a variety of engine options, including the 350 cubic-inch V8 and the 400 cubic-inch V8.

• Some of the most famous Skylark drag racers include:
  • Raybestos Raybestos
  • Roger Penske
  • Dick Guldstrand

Legacy

GM’s A-body drag cars played a major role in the development of drag racing in the United States. They were some of the most powerful and fastest cars on the track, and they helped to make drag racing a popular spectator sport.

Today, A-body drag cars are still highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts. They are a reminder of a time when American muscle cars ruled the drag strips.