| Year
(of specifications) |
1963 - 1965 |
| Engine |
Chevy
Small block (size varies) |
| Transmission |
4
speed manual, automatic in C model |
| Max
speed |
- |
| 0-60
mph |
- |
| Horsepower |
up
to 480 horsepower |
| weight |
1,600
lbs / 725 kgs |
External
review by Sam Mc.
The Chaparral 2 had three different configurations, the 2A,
2B, and the 2C. They were designed in Texas by Jim Hall and
had numerous innovations, many of which were banned shortly
after being introduced.
The Chaparral 2A was unsuccessful because of front end lift
at speeds, causing difficult handling, and was quickly quickly
retrofitted and re-designated.
The new Chaparral 2B was, unlike the 2A, extremely successful
in competition, both domestic and international. The small mid-engined
sports racer was nimble in the corners and fast on the straits.
It featured a cutting edge fiberglass monocoque chassis.
From the 2B evolved the 2C, with an automatic transmission,
which at first may seem odd, until you know that replacing the
clutch pedal with a new third pedal which, believe it or not,
controlled the angle of the rear wing! Because of this, you
could lower downforce on the straits, increasing speed, and
add downforce in the corners, increasing grip. It was an ingenious
design from an ingenious designer.
Counting the A, B, and C, the Chaparral won 22 out of the 39
races it entered, an impressive result.
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