Back when real American men modded their own Mustangs, Challengers, and Camaros to tear up any backroad with a quarter mile of straight.
Today, street racing typically involves a bunch of idiot kids drifting around in their JDM toys or repo'd German coups. But back in the day, it was organized. It was cool.
Instead of Supras and C63s, real American men modded their own Mustangs, Challengers, and Camaros to tear up any backroad with a quarter mile of straight.
Here are 20 pics from back when street racers raced for pink slips.
1
Drag Racing
In the desert outside Los Angeles.
2
Street Racing
In Marlborough, Massachusetts in the late 1970s.
3
70s Camaros
With drag tires, racing on the streets.
4
A 70s Street Machine
Dodge Challenger.
5
Dodge Challenger
Outfitted with drag tires. Owned by a “kid from Royal Oak.”
6
Street Racing Legend Joe Ruggirello
And his Mustang II
7
Joe Ruggirello
Checking under the hood.
8
Drag Racing, 1970s
Quarter mile strip.
9
Kevin Lawrence
Taking on a Camaro in a race-for-cash contest of acceleration. 1977.
10
Detroit Street Racing
Waiving the flag.
11
“The Black Ghost”
Detroit street racing legend Godfrey Qualls kept his identity secret due to his day job as a cop. But his black 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T was well known.
12
Dieter Scharschmidt
An Ontario street racer, seen here in 1979.
13
Scharschmidt’s 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator
Mechanic by day, drag racer by night.
14
Ontario Drag Racing
Race start.
15
Ontario Drag Racing
Continued.
16
British Columbia
Backroads street racing.
17
British Columbia
Continued.
18
British Columbia
Continued.
19
British Columbia
Continued.
20
British Columbia
Continued.
