Winged Warriors/National B-Body Owners Association
Chrysler Winged Car Development and Testing

By Sue George

Shown here are many slides taken by Chrysler engineers during the development and wind tunnel testing of different aerodynamic bodies, nosecones, wings and windows.


The photo at left was taken inside the wind tunnel of the new 1966 Charger clay mock-up. At right is a 1967 Sport Fury in the wind tunnel. Note that it even has a front license plate on!



These photos illustrate the different angles, sizes and materials used to test the front spoiler on the Daytona. Notice in the first two images that the area in the center of the spoiler has been covered with masking tape. Chrysler engineers have repeatedly told us that more time and money was spent developing the front spoiler than any other part of the Daytona or SuperBird.




At left the Charger scale model is in Charger 500 configuration. The middle image shows tufts of yarn that were taped to the surfaces of the car and you can see how they lay back flat against the body while the car is in the wind tunnel. In the right hand photo, note that an air intake area has been cut out of the leading edge of the nosecone.



The first photo shows an experiment with the front and side glass on the clay mock-up. This test was also done after the air intake opening was made in the nose. The remaining images show the first rear stabilizer experiments. Several different wing heights were tested in the wind tunnel and at the proving grounds. The engineers told us that this short wing proved to be the most aerodynamic. However, because the trunk area had to be accessible to the customers who purchased the street versions, the wing was raised to two feet above the deck. Note the crude adjustable stanchions and wooden horizontal bar. In the far right photo you can also see the material used to change the shape of the rear window area.



The development of the 1969 Charger 500. Notice that in the first photo from left, this is actually the 1968 version of the 3/8 scale model and the stylists are working on it, redesigning the tail lights. The 3/8 scale model began life as a 1968 Charger and was modified throughout the years to a 1969 standard Charger, 1969 Charger 500, 1969 Daytona and 1970 Charger!



These photos chronicle the first experiments with the standard 1971 RoadRunner and attempts to make it a winged car. In the first photo, note the grille area has been flushed up with black tape or paper in the first shot. That was one big nosecone they experimented with for '71! Note the different air intake areas tested and the very deep front spoiler.



These photos trace the development of the 1971 Dodge winged car based on the standard 1971 Charger. Isn't that forward-bubbled windshield bizarre?! According to the signboards, the windshield was pulled forward 26.7 inches! Notice the different rear wings that were tested...a big fat wing, two bi-level wings angled at different degrees, and a single wing. Also note the very deep front spoiler tested.

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