TEAM: Buck Kinney Special
Driver: Buck Kinney
Class: SS/JA
Five time NHRA National Record Holder
Engine: 454 Cubic Inch V8
Horsepower: 512
Quarter Mile: 10.51 sec. 127.10 MPH
Seven Time — Winternationals Class Champion
This 1972 Chevelle convertible known as the Buck Kinney Special was the second Chevelle convertible built by John Hoffman of Hoffman Machine in Stoney Plains Field, New Jersey. The first one was the 1970 Chevelle owned by Ray Allen. He dominated the SS/EA class in NHRA.
With the success of Ray Allen’s car, John Hoffman wanted to try a low horsepower Big Block the ‘72 model. The car was shipped from the GM dealership in Newark, New Jersey to Hoffman Machine in Stoney Plains Field, New Jersey. This car has never been on the street, always a race car from day one. John sent the engine to Truppi-Kling Competition (same engine builders as Ray Allen’s car) for performance work. The ‘72 Chevelle was campaigned in SS/MA to which it ran a full second under the index. NHRA raised the horsepower rating per weight ratio and he had to move the car to SS/KA. He set another record in that class.
Buck Kinney purchased the Chevelle in 1975 from John Hoffman, put his magic to the engine, and set a new national record at the very first event. With weight and horsepower ratios changing, Buck moved the car to SS/JA and dominated the class. He set the NHRA record on 5 different occasions including a divisional title and hundreds of local events. Buck Kinney is the only Canadian ever inducted into the NHRA Hall of Fame.
In 2000 Buck sold the car to Wayne Darby who campaigned it for 6 years on the west coast. In the fall of 2006 the car went through a mild restoration, with a new top, carpets, and detailing to bring it as close to original as possible. All the stickers are as they were for the past 30 years.
Engine
Oliver rods, vacuum oil system and special pan, Jessel belt drive, Buck Kinney cam, Heads Up heads, Hooker headers, Special Q jet carb, Crank trigger ignition by MSD. Engine is fresh in September of 2006 with only one test run.
Transmission
Turbo 400, 2:45 to 1 first gear, 5500 stall TCI convertor, Manual shift valve body, trans brake
Fresh in 2006 with new square cut gars
Rear End
5.86 ratio, spool, Summers Bros. axles, 4 link suspension, and aluminum drive shaft.
Achievements
NHRA record holder in 1971, 1977, 1990, 1991, and 1993
Winter nationals class champion 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1986
Winter nationals Super/Stock Eliminator runner up twice
Winston Division 6 Super/Stock Champion 1991
Mission Raceway most wins for 6 years in a row.
T.R.W. Points leader 1992
Engle Motorplex Super/Stock Champion
Northwest Governors Trophy
