I've been binge-watching 71-72 NASCAR. This period is a bit before my time so it's fascinating to see these cars on the race track, especially the slower tracks where the 68-70 cars can mix it up with the 71-72 cars (instead of getting blown away like they do on the fast tracks). I usually think of the 2nd gen Charger as being better looking than the 3rd gen, but on the track the 3rd gen looks like a powerful, hulking brute and the 2nd gen is more dainty and delicate looking. Most of the effect is in the fuselage styling around the c pillar. The 3rd gen has so much visual mass there, where the 2nd gen greenhouse is tapering down into the flying buttresses. Sorry 2nd gen owners, but the 3rd gen looks like it can beat up the 2nd gen and take its lunch money - which it is actually doing on the faster tracks.
I was upset to hear Petty say the 71 cars were less aerodynamic than the previous cars, even though it was only because they'd begun running open windows and window nets. Even like that, they were getting into the 190's at Talladega. One of the other drivers hit 212, I think it was in a Mercury. It makes me wonder what the top end speed would be with windows. Lamborghinis and Ferraris of the 80's and 90's don't seem so special anymore. I don't think many muscle cars were built for overall top speed, but if you wanted a 200 mph 3rd gen that seems doable.
