1965 Plymouth Barracuda Funny Car

America's drag strips grew in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s with the 'run whatcha brung' philosophy which became a breeding ground for new ideas for going faster and quicker. Bob and Shirley Sullivan of Kansas City, Kansas were among many innovators who built a number of drag cars and were considered pioneers in all-steel production body, nitromethane fueled drag cars.

The dictionary defines 'Pandemonium' as any place or scene of wild disorder, noise or confusion. This just about sums up this particular car, credited as one of the earliest Funny Cars. With the rapid growth in popularity and hunger for grabbing attention, the Sullivans certainly took things a step beyond with this radical interpretation of a Funny Car.

Each of the vehicles Bob campaigned were impressive performers, such as this Plymouth, Pandemonium V, a virtually stock 1965 Barracuda weighing about 3700 lbs that turned amazing 1/4 mile times of 9.78 seconds at 160 mph that year. Alas, the NHRA was taken by surprise, and would then classify it as a B/Fuel Dragster.

Blasts down the 1320 with billowing clouds of smoke from massive slicks spinning the entire length of the drag strip were awe inspiring for any car, especially a full bodied vehicle. Power came from a 392 cubic-inch Chrysler Hemi engine characteristic of Top Fuel Dragsters of the time, and with direct drive (no transmission) also from TF/D, engine output was in the range of 2,000 horsepower. Initially with no class in National Hot Rod Association drag racing, Pandemonium V became an exhibition car that was far faster and quicker than typical Super Stock and A/Factory Experimental cars.

Super/Xperimental Stock class was invented for drag cars of this type, a class featuring the most innovative cars available that evolved into 'Funny Cars' the next year, even more innovative with tubular frames like short wheelbase dragsters and lift-up fiberglass bodies. Pandemonium V was among the history making class of 1965 drag race cars.

This car has been restored by its present owner with an eye toward current safety regulations. The upgrades allow this car to not only participate in Cackle Fests, but also to again run the entire quarter mile. It is truly a prime example of a history making class of 1965 drag racing.