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Aero Warriors, also calledaero-cars, is a nickname for fourmuscle cars developed specifically to race on theNASCAR circuit byDodge,Plymouth,Ford andMercury for the 1969 and 1970 racing seasons.[1] The cars were based on production stock cars but had additional aerodynamic features.
The first Aero Warrior was the 1969Ford Torino Talladega. TheTorino already had afastback design; the Talladega added a longer, slightly rounded front end. The second Aero Warrior was the 1969Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II. The Cyclone was nearly identical to the Torino with the only major distinctions being the front grille and rear tail lights.[1]Another aero car is theDodge Charger Daytona, which was a redesign of the Charger 500 and had a more radical aerodynamic nose as well as a high-mounted wing at the rear, hitting 243 mph (391 km/h) on Chrysler's five-mile oval track.[1] The final Aero Warrior was the 1970Plymouth Superbird (based on thePlymouth Road Runner), which had the same aerodynamic additions as the Daytona. Because of their wings, theMopar Aero Warriors are sometimes called theWinged Warriors.
Due to NASCARhomologation rules a minimum number (500) of these cars had to be offered for sale to the public so there are approximately 3,000 of these cars in private ownership. The Aero Warriors were successful in winning many races, but NASCAR made rule changes that equalized the advantages in 1971.
Chrysler had funded testing of their new 1971 designs at Wichita State University's wind tunnel. The team used3⁄8-scale models of Chargers and Road Runners and fitted them with an array of wings, nose cones, and other aero bits, but it became a wasted effort when NASCAR banned the winged cars from competition.[2]
Ford had also planned to introduce 1971 versions of their Aero Warriors, named theKing Cobra andMercury Cyclone Spoiler II, based upon their new for 1971 body-styles, but with a long aerodynamic nose (similar to the Daytona and the Superbird). As with Chrysler, due to the NASCAR rule changes, the project was abandoned. However, three prototype cars were produced and are today considered highly prized due to their rarity.
Every five years, fans and owners of Aero Warriors gather to celebrate the legacy of the rare vehicles. The 2019 Wing Car Reunion was held atTalladega Speedway, and in October, Aero Warrior cars completed laps atAtlanta Motor Speedway to celebrate the vehicles' 50th anniversary.[3]
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