Flintstone Flyer
Corvette-powered 1949 Packard automobile
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Flintstone Flyer is a Corvette-powered 1949 Packard gasser of the 1960s, built and driven by Dave Koffel.[1] It set one national class record (in 1961) and won two class titles (1962 and 1963).[2]
| Flintstone Flyer | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Packard |
| Production | 1961 |
| Model years | 1961-1964 |
| Designer | Dave Koffel |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Gasser |
| Body style | 4-door Sedan |
| Layout | Front Engine RWD |
| Platform | 1949 Packard Custom Super Eight |
| Related | Packard Custom Super Eight Chevrolet Corvette C1 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4,790 cc (292.3 cu in; 4.8 L) Chevrolet Small Block V8 |
| Power output | 436 bhp (442.0 PS; 325.1 kW) @ 5,000 rpm 451 lb⋅ft (611.5 N⋅m) @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed Manual, from a Corvette |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,581 mm (141.0 in) |
| Length | 5,730 mm (225.6 in) |
| Width | 1,968 mm (77.5 in) |
| Height | 1,524.0 mm (60 in) |
| Curb weight | 4,430 lb (2,009.4 kg) |
History
The car was a dark blue 1949 Packard, purchased for US$50 and built in Koffel's own garage.[3]
The engine was swapped for a 4,790 cc (292.3 cu in) Chevrolet small-block V8 (from a 1961 Corvette bored 0.060 in (1.5 mm) over). It was only mildly modified, fitted with 270 heads solid-lifter camshaft, and Offenhauser intake manifold (with three two-barrel (twin-choke) carburetors).[3]
The transmission was a four-speed manual from a Corvette, and the rear axle came from a 1957 Plymouth with a steep 6.17:1 ratio (because of the car's high weight, 4,430 lb (2,009.4 kg)).[3]
In 1961, Koffel changed the three deuces to Hilborn fuel injection.[3] In this trim, the car set a new NHRA national record in E/G at 13.33 seconds and 104.04 mph (167.44 km/h).[3]
It won the 1962 E/G national title at the NHRA Nationals, Indianapolis Raceway Park, with a pass of 13.71 seconds at 102.85 mph (165.52 km/h).[4]
In 1963, Koffel replaced the steel front end panels with custom fiberglass items produced by Walt Sari of Ashtabula, Ohio.[3] With the fiberglass panels fitted, 'Flintstone Flyer won the 1963 F/G national title at the NHRA Nationals in Indianapolis, with a pass of 13.69 seconds at 101.80 mph (163.83 km/h).[4]
