Chaparral Gallery
Those of us beyond a certain age hold the Chaparral sports cars with respect as machines that were far, far ahead of the then current state of technology. Automatic tranmissions and aerodynamic wings were just two of the innovations that designer/driver Jim Hall brought to the racing world.
“The 2E was my favorite Chaparral. That car was good enough that we could take it to any race track in the world, and with a few minor adjustments, be set up to race and race fast. It was a really good car. The aerodynamics on that car were more sophisticated than what they run right now.” - Jim Hall
This weekend marks the opening of the Petroleum Museums Chaparral Gallery. Located in Midland Texas I urge all that can attend the weekend festivities, do so. For those, like myself, not within easy traveling range of Texas the Gallery has provided a virtual tour that is very impressive.
For those with more than a casual interest The Racesite has a review of photographer and writer Dave Friedman’s book, Chaparral Can-Am & Prototype Race Cars, Gallery notes of interest, and contact information.
HatTip: Jessica’s Well
Cars included in the Gallery
? Chaparral 2 ? first race car designed by Jim Hall which won 22 of its 39 races.
? Chaparral 2D ? built for endurance races such as 24 Hours of LeMans, Daytona, and Sebring.
? Chaparral 2E ? first Chaparral race car built to carry the high movable wing.
? Chaparral 2F ? Phil Hill/Mike Spence won the International Championship BOAC 500 with 2F.
? Chaparral 2H ? advanced, integrated, composite design.
? Chaparral 2J ? first ever ground effects car, nick-named ?sucker car.?
? Chaparral 2K ? ?ground effects? design, won 1980 Indy 500 with Johnny Rutherford.
