America's Greatest Race Car

[Big Dave]

With a carburated 289 the Daytona Coupe blew the doors off the GT40 with its 427 (and the Ferrari to boot) down the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans. This bespeaks aero excellence to exceed the top speed of cosiderably more powerful cars.

The rear end is beautiful, but for normal speed drivers, it would give better MPG if the cutout were perpendicular to grade. On the race car it is slanted back about 30 degrees at the top. Obviously this generated downforce (negative lift), but any time you generate lift, you generate drag.

Downforce is important as you traverse the French countryside at 300 ft/sec, but is less important at 90 ft/sec. And when you go all-oout for MPG, every little bit helps.

While you are at it, note the engine compartment vent on the front of the hood.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by thatguitarguy

While yer at it, why not a big ol' 2" receiver out that beautiful backside...

Cuz, even though I'd do that, I can't afford the car.

Yes. I would put a hitch on it. Why not?