Well, now that the revamped Real Street Eliminator has successfully concluded, we can reveal our dirty little secret. We did not get a single RSE entry from a Ford or Mopar. Not one. And don't write in saying you entered but we ignored you, because we opened every letter and remember going back over the pile in shocked disbelief that not one Ford or Mopar owner had the brass to send in an application. So let this be a call to arms-if you want to see Fords, Mopars, or any other brand represented in RSE next time around, get off your ass and enter. We're planning to be back at Year One's Bristol Bash this fall, so watch for an announcement about the next Real Street Eliminator in the next couple of months.
NASCAR DreamingWho: Ty CookWhere: Stanwood, WashingtonWhat: '70 Ford Torino GTWhy: We like old school Stock Car stylingGoodies: Scant details were provided with Ty's entry, but the car looks too good to pass up. We do know that the Torino is equipped with 351 Cleveland power and a C-6 auto trans, and that it was painted at home. Though mainly used by Ty for cruising, we can't help but have visions of Talladega...
Reader's Letter of the MonthA True StoryWhen I was 15 years old, I purchased a well-used '82 Monte Carlo with a factory-original turbo V-6 under the hood. The turbo didn't work, the tires were bald, and there was a long crease in the driver's door, but I had dreams of a hot rod.
My father watched as I poured my hard-earned money and free time into that wreck week after week and made no real progress. After about a month, he finally stepped in. He offered to give me, free and clear, his '79 GMC half-ton pickup and help me sell the "money pit" Monte. Now, a true Car Craft story would have me refuse the offer and turn the Monte Carlo into a show piece, but this is the real world and I accepted his offer.
Time passed, and cars came and went. Some were really cool like the '65 Coronet 500 I picked up in trade for my old Yamaha dirt bike. The '73 Dodge Monaco was the smoothest ride I have ever owned, and the '76 Trans Am was the stuff dreams are made of, but Wisconsin winters are hard on cars, and my bag-boy income couldn't support keeping up with the new rust and fixing all the old damage.
Through it all, that old pickup, complete with rattle-can paint, a tired 305, and a huge ugly fiberglass topper stayed true. On the coldest winter mornings, the "Black Demon" would roar to life. Summer nights always meant that she was ready to send another set of junkyard snow tires to heaven in a great black cloud. With the air-cleaner lid flipped over, a burned-out glasspack held in place with a soup can and hose clamps, and an Aerosmith eight-track blasting through blown speakers, we took on the world.
About a year ago, I was searching through a local junkyard looking for yet another headlight lens to replace the deer-damaged front end of the '91 Grand Am I now drive to work, when I stumbled across what was left of the "Black Demon." Long gone were the engine, transmission, doors, and topper. Rust had taken over everything that was left, but under it all she was still my girl.
Now, a true Car Craft story would have me drag what was left of her home and turn her into a show piece, but this is the real world and I left her, knowing that section of yard was due for the crusher the following spring. Not all stories have happy endings, but most memories of the "Black Demon" do. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go find that Aerosmith eight-track.Nate KochAthens, WI
The Reader's Letter of the Month winner gets a free Car Craft license plate. There's just one rule: In order to receive the prize, you have to include your full name and return mailing address in your letter, fax, or e-mail so we can ship the prize to you