Filed under: Classics, Performance, Chrysler, Racing



Think of Chrysler performance and the names Mopar and Hemi are bound to come to mind. Chrysler and its Mopar performance parts division first introduced the original Hemi (so named for its hemispherical combustion chambers) back in 1951, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2011. But it was thirteen years later - 50 years ago - that the Pentastar automaker rolled out the most iconic Hemi of them all: the Gen II 426.

The massive 7.0-liter V8 engine instantly became a muscle car icon and went on to become a favorite of racecar constructors. Two competition versions of the Gen II 426 Hemi were made: one for the track and one for the drag strip, and both went on to illustrious strings of victories. The race engine first debuted at the 1964 Daytona 500 where it powered Richard Petty's Plymouth to the checkered flag and on to the NASCAR championship.

Meanwhile on the drag strip, the Gen II 426 Race Hemi propelled Don Garlits past 200 miles per hour and down the quarter-mile in 7.78 seconds. Changes in NASCAR regulations meant that Chrysler devoted the engine to NHRA drag racing, and to this day the Gen II 426 Race Hemi is still used in Funny Car and Top Fuel dragsters.

It's that long and proud heritage which Mopar celebrates this year with a range of Hemi merchandise bearing the logo above with the elephant that symbolizes the size and power of the engine. Mopar is also planning to launch a series of celebratory events throughout the semi-centennial year of the Gen II 426, the history of which you can read more about in the press release below.Continue reading Mopar celebrates 50 years of the 426 Hemi

Mopar celebrates 50 years of the 426 Hemi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jan 2014 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



Permalink | Email this | Comments

More...