Cracking the 200-mph speed barrier — twice

NIKA ROLCZEWSKI FOR THE TORONTO STAR

Louli’s Ferrari and Klutt’s `Cuda both topped 200 mph; Louli’s 347 km/h was fastest speed at track

Nika Rolczewski

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

The buzz around the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Mich., where the automaker tests new vehicles, was that two mad Canadians were there to use the 4.7-mile (7.56-km) oval track to break the 200-mph (321.8 km/h) barrier — a feat only the drivers of a few production cars, race cars and jets have ever achieved.

Peter Klutt, owner of Legendary Motor Car in Halton Hills, was there with a metallic green, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, with a V-10 twin turbo Dodge Viper motor and transmission and four-wheel independent suspension with custom control arms and a Viper differential.

While the body of the car was original, there was modern engineering below and Klutt was confident he had the horsepower.

"By far, this is the most radical street car we've ever built," said Klutt, who's been in the business for 24 years. "I want it to look cool" — which was a given — "but I want it to work. Too many custom cars are just into looks, not engineering."

The second car off the truck, a 2003 Ferrari Enzo, was met with less fanfare. The 'Cuda was drooled on like a tasty treat while the misfit Ferrari got barely a glance. No insult meant but this is Detroit, the home of the American muscle car.

The Ferrari Enzo, known for its aerodynamics, has a rear diffuser. Two moveable flaps at the front give it the downforce needed at high speed. Klutt had added similar carbon fibre diffusers to help the 'Cuda stick to the road.

Ferrari Challenge Racing Series driver Michael Louli – my husband – was driving the Ferrari.

"The car is a masterpiece of engineering and style," he said. "Anyone who doesn't see its beauty inside and out is just envious that they haven't had the honour to drive it. I wish every car guy like me could experience it."

Driving on a banked oval is not for the faint of heart. The 38-degree banking in the corners – more than that of the Daytona (31 degrees) and Talladega (37 degrees) speedways – can be intimidating.

Both cars went through rigorous safety inspections. The hood scoop of the 'Cuda was duct-taped so that the flow of air at speed wouldn't lift the hood right off.

The Ferrari soared by sounding like a fighter jet. Moments later, the 'Cuda with a '70s body but very much a "today" car also roared past. Louli clocked a 202-mph (324 km/h) time just before lunch, with the American muscle car right alongside.

There was no speed recorded for the 'Cuda because its speedometer broke, but it kept up with the Ferrari until the final run, when Louli posted an incredible 347 km/h.

He was told it was the highest speed that any production car had ever reached there.

Cars go fast all the time – the Bonneville Salt Flats has a special 200-mph club for its straight line racers. But there were no awards in Michigan, just the satisfaction of accomplishment.

"(Running) 218.2 mph, 96.39 metres/second is an incredible feat," Louli said. "To have a 1970 'Cuda close behind is a testament to what Peter can do, both as a driver and a builder."

"I ran out of aerodynamics, not power," Klutt said.

To see this adventure first-hand, tune in Saturday, Dec. 12, to Dream Car Garage. Check your local listings or go to www.legendarymotorcar.com

More videos from Wheels.ca and our partners