Michael Franklin: 1966 Pontiac GTO

Michael Franklin. 1966 Pontiac GTO
Michael Franklin. 1966 Pontiac GTO
Michael Franklin. 1966 Pontiac GTO

Few cars evoke memories of the past or could have come straight from a previous place in time like Michael Franklin's absolutely bitchin' 1966 Pontiac GTO. Back in the heyday of Wild Bunch in the early 90's and beyond it was the alcohol breathing standard looking steel bodied street cars on steroids that defined the class and Michael's ride not only emulates that but looks as though that's exactly where it originated from.

Going on 35 years on and off in the sport these days, Michael has spent the last dozen or so morphing the Pontiac into the 7 second essentially stock frame rail (back halved) fan favourite that brings crowds to the fence every time it fires into life through the custom owner built zoomies (it took him a week per side). In fact take a look inside and you won't see a hacked up classic with a funny car cage, even the original woodgrain dash remains in what is basically a stupidly overpowered streetcar. Despite all that the car is consistently clicking off high 7's with ease, geez even chuck a passenger in the naturally provided seat and she will still run in the 7's, thats after the passenger has regained his breath from the smoke inhaled by one of Michael's trade mark monster smokey burnouts.

560 cubes of bowties finest pump out well over 1500 horses and with the combo sparked by a MSD20 magneto with the 10-71 supercharger overdriven 40% there's more than enough to make for an exciting ride. A Dart block and Dart heads topped with Jesel rockers make the valvetrain reliable and with 40 spline gun drilled axles encased in a Fab 9" housing out back, the BTE Poweglide can transfer the power through the Ultracase full spool to the relatively small 32" tires with ease.

With companies like Magnum Automotive and Auto Trans taking care of the stuff Michael can't, and Quality Equipment Ltd on board the super cool GTO is no stranger to going rounds, and don't be surprised if you see it in the hunt late Sunday arvo at Wild Bunch Wars.

Age: 55
Day job: Rope and Twine Manufacturer..
Daily driver: 2012 RS/SS Camaro / Ford Ranger.
Dumbest way you've hurt yourself: Jumped off a cliff while having a 'race' to see who could get to the bottom first, breaking both ankles.
Name a store you would max out your credit card: Good Vibrations Motorsport.
What movie title best describes you: Christine (coz i love 1958 Plymouth Furys).

Class Supercharged Outlaws
Body 1966 Pontiac GTO
Engine 560 Dart Chevrolet.
Supercharger 10-71 supercharger
Fuel Injection
Ignition MSD Pro Mag 20
Data Logger
Clutch
Gearbox BTE powerglide
Differential 9" Ford.
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
Chassis
Wheels
Tyres Mickey Thompson slicks
Brakes
Paint
Best times 7.757 secs. 178.31 mph
Major Sponsor Quality Equipment Ltd