Since the early days of the automobile, Ford and Chevrolet have been engaged in a competitive rivalry. While the focus today is on factors like tow ratings and all-electric range, in the 1960s, these Detroit-based companies were primarily competing for dominance in the realm of muscle and speed.
Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ford and Chevrolet not only competed through factory-backed drag racing programs, but their customers also took their Fords and Chevys to the drag strips. This drag race serves as proof of the excitement during that time.
In one lane, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS with a 396-cubic-inch (6.5-liter) V8 engine is lined up. This classic muscle car is fitted with the largest engine available at the time, except for the COPO-exclusive 427 (7.0-liter), which generates 375 horsepower and 415 pound-feet (563 Nm) of torque.
In the other lane is a 1970 Ford Torino, but this isn’t an ordinary Ford. It has a 429-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Super Cobra Jet V8 engine under the long hood, which is rated from the factory at 375 horsepower and 450 pound-feet (610 Nm) of torque. However, the Torino is almost 600 pounds (272 kg) heavier than the Camaro.
The outcome of the race is difficult to predict, but it’s an exciting encounter that includes a red light, traction issues, and a pair of raging vintage engines.
In the first race, the Camaro sprints off the line ahead of the Torino, but the driver hits the gas before the green light, resulting in an automatic win for the Super Cobra Jet with a 13.79-second run.
In the second round, the Chevy driver proves to have the quicker car by taking a comfortable win with a 13.59-second sprint. The Torino hits the line after 14.36 seconds.
The third and final race starts well, but the Camaro loses traction after a few seconds, and the driver chooses to coast toward the finish line. The Torino wins the round and the overall race with a 13.64-second run.
This exciting footage was captured at the 27th Annual Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race in 2021, and the action begins at the 2:50-minute mark.
