| Chaparral Reborn | ||
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(Thu 11 Aug 05) Under the guidance of the brilliant Jim Hall, Chaparral was also years ahead of most other companies in developing aerodynamic aids. In one case, a snowmobile engine (fitted with a three-disc protective cover known as the "Martian bra") literally sucked air from underneath the chassis in order to promote downforce. Other models were distinguished by very high aerofoils which squeezed them on to the surface of the road. One of the more famous Chaparral models is the 2E, of which only one example now exists in the Petroleum Musem in Texas (www.petroleummuseum.org). However, Chaparral Cars LLC has announced that it will be using the original body moulds, plans and engineering drawings to build a limited-edition "continuation of series" run of 2Es. These will be unveiled for the first time at the Rolex Monterey Historic Race event on August 19-21 (where historic Chaparral racers will also be on display), and they are certain to be very highly sought-after. More information about the races at www.montereyhistoric.com. Full details of the 2E Continuation Series will become available at another website, www.chaparralcars.com, which goes live on August 19. |
It almost defies belief, but a few very lucky people will soon be able to own a brand new Chaparral. You don't know what we're talking about? Well, Chaparral was an extraordinarily innovative US race car manufacturer which built a series of amazing sports cars in the 1960s, most famously in the Can-Am series for two-seater monsters with colossal American V8 engines.
