[misterp266]

Of course Ford had them beat with a ‘69 Boss 429 Mustang mid engine.

["QUICK-SILVER"]

Originally Posted by Stuart

I wonder what they used for a transmission (or transaxle). In the picture above there appears to be a torque tube connection to the engine, along with independent suspension.

Think that's CV joint on the drive shaft and bolt on axle tube.

Clay

[Drag Star Le Mans]

My first thought was that it was a Photoshop. I have had my eyes on Pontiacs in magazines since early 80's and never seen this. No doubt it is a Pontiac based on alternator location, power steering pump and rocker cover style. I would bet a Toranado/ElDorado trans but looks to have some type of quick change rear end? This would explain still having honeycombs on the rear and also looks to still retain rear leaf springs? This would be a great find but highly doubt it exists.

[Dynoking]

Originally Posted by Stuart

Another picture:

It looks like they even have the EVAP canister installed for emissions compliance.

[poncho-mike]

I was 13 when the Firebirds came out, and I thought the T/As and Formulas were the baddest cars on the road. I got to see a 1971 a year later, a local guy bought it and did a lot of street racing with it. I subscribed to several car magazines back then, and I faintly remember this. I also faintly remember something called the Fitch Bird, which looked like a first Gen firebird with AMX rear panel treatment.

I also remember somebody taking a big V8 and making a mid-engined El Camino using the Olds Toronado transmission back in that era.

There was a lot of interesting stuff going on in the magazines back then.

[Tom Vaught]

The Ford Pantera was one of those "One Off" Vehicles.

"American imports of the Pantera were discontinued after 1974. However, the car continued to be sold with Ford of Australia engines at much reduced levels in Europe, where it was largely unchanged for years.

Lincoln-Mercury said it sold 6,091 Panteras, but most sources said the figure was 5,629 cars.
In any case, many owners of surviving Panteras fixed reliability problems long ago."

One issue, I personally know of, was the poor sealing of the body panels right behind the doors. One day at the Proving Ground at Dearborn Michigan I saw 8 Panteras with inspection holes cut into the area behind the doors. But Ford did a much better job on the new version of the Ford GT cars. I did some of the initial Supercharger engine installation design work on that Ford GT vehicle.

Mid engine Prototypes and low production vehicles have been out there for many years. Thanks for the Pontiac Pictures.

Tom V.

[misterp266]

Tom, what do you know about the ‘69 Mustang?

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Tom Vaught

In any case, many owners of surviving Panteras fixed reliability problems long ago.

Tom V.

A friend used to own a 1972 Pantera and stored it in my garage. They're kind of unique for exotic cars, modifications from stock aren't frowned on. The Pantera club actually has a thick binder describing recommend mods and upgrades, after the shortcomings of the original design have been addressed they're pretty reliable and usable.

He sold it before their prices took off, I wish now that I would have bought it when I had the chance.

[Tom Vaught]

Originally Posted by misterp266

Tom, what do you know about the ‘69 Mustang?

Well, My cousin bought one when he came back from Vietnam.
Had the basic 351 engine, Automatic trans. Red color. Black interior, I believe.
It did not have the louvers.

He was driving on a 2 lane blacktop road and it was icy. He put it into
the concrete bridge. Seems like several guys had meetings with bridges in those days.

I do not know if he sold it after that or they sent it to the junk yard.

Why do you ask?

Tom V.

[Mr Twister]

Can you imagine getting paid to dream up and build things like that? Herb Adams must have never woke up wishing he had a different job or occupation.

[misterp266]

Originally Posted by Tom Vaught

Well, My cousin bought one when he came back from Vietnam.
Had the basic 351 engine, Automatic trans. Red color. Black interior, I believe.
It did not have the louvers.

He was driving on a 2 lane blacktop road and it was icy. He put it into
the concrete bridge. Seems like several guys had meetings with bridges in those days.

I do not know if he sold it after that or they sent it to the junk yard.

Why do you ask?

Tom V.

I meant the mid engined one I posted about.

[poncho-mike]

I went to college for mechanical engineering, and I always dreamed of doing automotive design. I graduated at the top of my class, and I carried a light load my final semester so I could interview for my first professional position. Just before my final spring semester started, one of the guys on my floor in the dorm asked me to share driving duties to Buffalo, NY. At that time, I had several interviews scheduled, but had not been on any yet. I drove the first leg of the trip since I had never driven in snow before.

All I have to say is that I had never experienced cold like that before in my life. I came home and cancelled any interview outside of NC or SC. I accepted a job with IBM in Charlotte, less than 25 miles from where I grew up. So much for a career in automotive design.

[Tom Vaught]

Originally Posted by misterp266

I meant the mid engined one I posted about.

Mid engine was in a bird. Not a expert on birds, only owned one, a 1978 TA.
So you are asking the wrong guy the question.

My wife had a 1979 Mustang. Comparing the two cars, the TA was terrible on a trip but good handling.
The Mustang was low on power but you could drive across the USA and enjoy the ride.

Most Mid Engine cars, Ford GT included are not comfortable to be in for a long drive.

Tom V.

[kingbuzzo]

Wow never seen this one before...cool

Don't tell Nader lol

[misterp266]

Originally Posted by Tom Vaught

Mid engine was in a bird. Not a expert on birds, only owned one, a 1978 TA.
So you are asking the wrong guy the question.

My wife had a 1979 Mustang. Comparing the two cars, the TA was terrible on a trip but good handling.
The Mustang was low on power but you could drive across the USA and enjoy the ride.

Most Mid Engine cars, Ford GT included are not comfortable to be in for a long drive.

Tom V.

See post #21 Tom.
Yes, my initial post was a FB but then I posted the ‘69 Mustang.
I think you’re the right guy.
You must not have seen my post.