Limited-Edition Print o
f 350 (13x19) prints
Signed and numbered by the Artist.
In 1966, the AMT Corporation came up with the idea to produce their own racecar, in hopes of promoting their line of Drag Racing model kits. They did this in their own factory in Phoenix Arizona, by creating the original Nitro Fish car, the "Piranha." The car featured a "Vacu-formed" body made out of a new plastic called "Cycolac." AMT also produced a sports car street version of the "Piranha" powered by a Corvair engine...
In this painting we the 66 version of the car driven by Walt Stevens, it has the lower, downward facing position for the engine, (typical for that time).
In 67, Connie Swingle to over the driving chores, and the car was revamped... In an attempt to stop the car from smoking the tires the length of the strip, the engine position and cars ride-height was changed. The engine was raised up about 15 inches, and was now slanted backwards, the cars ride-height was adjusted raising the car several inches, in hopes of transferring more weight to the rear tires. The Model kit AMT produced, represents the 67 version of the car.
The Nitro Phish did eventually top the 200 mph barrier and dipped into the 7 second range. As the "Piranha" barnstormed the country, it was the car to beat at any track it appeared.
