GM’s factory skunkworks turned out this Chevy Vega with a well-engineered all-aluminum small-block engine in 1972. It didn’t make it to production, but it inspired a generation of hot-rodders!

In moving the engine to the rear, Garlits learned three lessons: slow the steering down, use an open rearend, and put an airfoil on the front! The following story originally appeared with the title of ...