Alternately called McPhail’s Nail and “Wild Thing” this oddball machine was built by one Angus McPhail as a contender for the three-wheel speed record. Who knew such a category even existed?
It was originally powered by a transverse Ford Kent four, supercharged and running on methanol, although later iterations mounted a Renault V6 behind the prone pilot. I don’t know if it ever achieved any speed records, but it does take the prize as the weirdest dragster you’ll probably ever see.
Last Call indicates the end of Hooniverse’s broadcast day. It’s meant to be an open forum for anyone and anything. Thread jacking is not only accepted, it’s encouraged.
Image: UKDRN Forums
Last Call: McPhail's Nail Edition
About
-
Spotted on my way to work today. Just barely got this cell phone shot before the light changed. The lettering on the lower right corner of the window says [HOONIGAN]. In a way, it reminded me of the ’62 Chevy II Nova wagon my Dad had back in the day, but that was a straight six with a 2-speed Powerglide. The black steelies, dual exhaust and wonderful, burbly engine sound when the light turned green on this one leads me to suspect a different powertrain.
-
Craig Breedlove’s first Spirit of America had three wheels, so it’s hard to imagine this beating that.
-
Different categories for jet and piston power?
-
Breedlove chased land speed records. The picture above is of a burnout at a dragstrip.
Here’s McPhail’s followup bike in action. Note it only has two wheels, but self-balances because of the wide rear slick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XoHflQ2tI8-
The original post said *the* three-wheel speed record.
-
-
-
-
Head first gets maximum dedication points.
-
Umm… How does one “buckle-up” in such a vehicle?
-
I don’t think that one who is willing to go head first into history on one’s belly is worried about bucking oneself. I could be wrong.
-
When the driver is included in the crumple zone, it MAY* in fact be safer to be “thrown clear” (of the engine that’s about to crush you).
* This statement is not intended to be entirely factual.
-
Leave a Reply