Classic muscle car powers a trip down memory lane

Published: October 6, 2008

Trivia time, and a little change of pace. See if you know the answers.

Hey, Don. I know this is a bit off your normal "route,” but can you help with a little discussion we’re having about a movie called something like "Two-Lane Blacktop?” I don’t remember the year, but I think there were several stars in the movie and two of them were touring around in a car, drag racing and things like that. We think it was a 1956 Chevrolet or Ford. Just thought that since you talk about roads and cars and such, you might have a clue.

Dean, Oklahoma City

It just so happens that I do know a little about this one, Dean.

You have the title right. "Two-Lane Blacktop” was a 1971 release that has been referred to as a cult classic. Among the stars were Warren Oates, singer-songwriter James Taylor, and Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson.

Taylor and Wilson raced around in a ’55 Chevy, with Taylor driving and Wilson as the mechanic. Oates drove a yellow ’70 Pontiac GTO Judge. They end up racing across the country for pink slips — destination, Washington, D.C.

Their cars are as different as their lives. Oates has money and a fancy ride. Taylor and Wilson have little more than their older, primer-gray hotrod. Muscle-car movie deluxe.

By the way ...

The Chevy in "Two-Lane Blacktop” drove another actor toward stardom. Two years after "Blacktop,” the hood scoop was removed and the car was painted black.

It was still racing, however, with a young Harrison Ford behind the wheel as Bob Falfa.

Falfa steals the girl-friend, Laurie (Cindy Williams), of Steve (Ron Howard), then rolls the Chevy in a drag race with Howard’s buddy, John Milner (Paul le Mat).

It also starred a young Richard Dreyfuss and was directed by future film giant George Lucas.

"American Graffiti,” ah, a trip down Memory Lane.

Enjoy your week and drive safely.

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