Toyota Celica Pro Stocker

[jannes_z-28]

Back in the early eighties the rules were somewhat liberal for our Pro Stock class here in Sweden. The body and engine could be a mix and didn't need to be from the same manufacturer. So me and tw buddies got a deal with Toyota and got a brand new 1983 Toyota Celica in sheetmetal bodypanels to build a Pro Stocker.

This was about the same time as NHRA went to 500 cu in so there was a lot of "old" engines in the USA that could be bought for a low amount of dollars. We got two engines from Pat Musi, they were destroked Chevy Big Blocks at 366 cu in. 4-speed Lenco, Strange strut suspension in front and a Strange 9 inch in the rear.

I built the chassie and did all the sheet metal work. Fibreglass work was done by some guys we knew. Car was built in just three months from scratch. Another month in paintshop.

It ran 8.8 @ 158mph and that was very competitive in Europe back then. We won one race at LeMans in France. Runner ups and third for the ret of the races.

Later owners has run high sevens with bigger engines in it.







Jan