In this old promotional reel, watch thrill show drivers Jimmy Lynch and Lucky Teter pound the snot out of some 1936 Plymouths. It’s a good time.
Okay, the “trial by torture” setup at the beginning is more than a little creepy, but once the action starts, this 1936 film is entertaining and informative. And it does a fine job demonstrating the ruggedness of the ’36 Plymouth line. Key moments to watch:
+ At around 1:00, admire the basic but undoubtedly effective frame testing rig.
+ Check out the seat belt installation used by thrill show driver Jimmy Lynch at around 2:37.
+ The suspension test using railroad ties at the 3:45 mark is impressive even today.
+ At 5:38, there’s a nifty reverse bootleg turn.
And finally, at around the 6:45 point, we learn that much of this great action has been taking place at the old VFW Motor Speedway, also known as Motor City Speedway. Long gone now, the old dirt track, originally a half-mile, then shortened to a quarter-mile, was located at 8 Mile Road and Schoenherr in Detroit. There’s a shopping center there now, but the track was once a top midget racing venue. Enjoy the movie.
I love these clips! Those old cars were surprisingly sturdy, if not particularly safe in a crash. And as you say, I doubt many of today’s cars would put up with some of those stunts.
Imagine what those railroad ties would do to 20-inch aluminum wheels and McPherson struts.
Fantastic!
~ Splendid selection, awesome alliteration.