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The idea for this car came from John Mecom, Jr., the son of an American oil millionaire, who ran a race team based out of Houston, Texas. He ran a variety of very fast cars including various Ferraris, a Lola GT, a Lotus 19 and a Scarab, but he wanted something even faster for A. J. Foyt to drive. He eventually decided to modify a Cooper Monaco to the requirements, so a Cooper without engine, gearbox and body was ordered.
The car was named the Hussein 1 after King Hussein of Jordan, who was a great racing enthusiast. The connection between King Hussein and the Mecom team is that John Mecom's father secured the oil drilling rights in Jordan and the King visited the company's headquarters in Texas. He naturally did not miss the opportunity to see the competition cars and John Mecom decided to call the car Hussein in his honor.
The chassis of the Cooper is basically unaltered, except to accept the 426-cu. in. Chrysler Corp. Hemi V-8 engine, upgraded brakes, and stiffer springs and shock absorbers. The 525 hp engine power is transmitted through a Colotti type 37 gearbox to heavy duty drive shafts and the rear wheels. The car weighs 1,820 pounds, is fitted with larger American magnesium wheels, and is capable of over 200 mph in suitable conditions. © 1998-2009. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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