Monterey Historics Can-Am Action Gallery

The 1966-1974 salad days of Can-Am racing were a result of the Sports Car Club of America and the Canadian Automobile Sports Club joining forces. The adoption of Group 7 FIA rules spawned a North American racing class with no restrictions on engine size or boost pressure. Tire size was wide open. Weight was optional. While there were no rules on construction materials, Can-Am cars had to have an open cockpit, two seats, and two doors. Unlimited rules encouraged innovative thinking. The Jim Hall Chaparral 2J featured not one but two engines. A snowmobile mill spun a set of rear-mounted fans that generated over 1000 pounds of downforce without need for drag-inducing wings. We didn't see the 2J or driver Jackie Stewart at the Monterey Historics, but we did catch Chris MacAllister of Indianapolis, Indiana drive his number 5 1971 McLaren M8F to the checkered flag.[Can-Am History via Vintage RPM]

Texas' Finest in the Motor City

A while back, the boys over at Winding Road got to spend some time around the Chaparral 2E Can-Am car at GM's spread across the street from the Ham Center in Warren, MI. Somebody suggested earlier today that Ed Welburn deserves a raise. We'd forgo a raise for some seat time in a 2E, which still stands as one of the manliest, most forward-looking racing cars of all time. – Davey G. Johnson More »

Faster Miles an Hour: The Chaparral 2E

Our pals at the road that tends to have little to do with straightaways posted this video of a car designed for adjustable drag/downforce given the state of said roads. Oh, and it also happens to be wicked-awesome. Yes, it's the Chaparral 2E. Yes, we will buy one as soon as our number comes up. And no, we won't think less of you if your girlfriend leaves you for it. – Davey G. Johnson More »

You Wish You Were This Cool

Seriously. Really. Look at this Ed Sauer photo of Jim Hall with his partially-disassembled Chaparral, circa '64. Panache! Quiet verve! Texan authenticity! Sports-racing derring-do. You are simply not worthy. Face it. Just try to name a modern racing driver who looks this cool. We dare you. – Davey G. Johnson More »

Because Overgrown Boys Still Love Drawing Can-Am Cars: Future Chaparral

The Canadian-American Challenge Cup. Just thinking about those halcyon days of death-defying hypermotorsport makes our bowels begin to rumble and our head a bit light. When men were men and racing cars that did more than go in a straight line were propelled by big block Chevy mills. And while Jim Hall's clandestinely-supported team never dominated the series like Porsche did, there's no question that the Texas racer was the most innovative of the bunch. Plus, those white cars just looked ridiculously cool. GM Design Director Ed Wellburn slipped the Winding Road kids some sketches done by his team of what a modern Chaparral might look like. After all, is one really ever too old to doodle Can-Am racers? – Davey G. Johnson More »

32nd Annual Monterey Historics Recap

While we've yet to see any more information the reborn Chaparral 2E that was to make its debut at the Monterey Historics, this piece from the Monterey Herald has info on Jim Hall's famed originals, as well as the raucous reception they received from fans at the races both on display and during parade laps. While none of the wing cars competed, the Trans-Am race, fittingly, was won by an ex-Hall '70 Camaro piloted by Mark Mountanos of Ukiah, CA. More »