When it comes to muscle cars, few matchups can rival the raw power of a 1970 Cougar Eliminator with a modified Boss 351C motor squaring off against a fully loaded 1969 Camaro drag car. This epic battle played out on the streets in 1979, as Dieters’ 1970 Cougar Eliminator roared to life for some high-stakes street racing.
The Cougar Eliminator was a high-performance version of the Mercury Cougar, built to compete with other legendary muscle cars of its era, including the Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger. It was available with a range of engines, including the rare and powerful modified Boss 351C motor, capable of cranking out up to 330 horsepower. For even more muscle, the Eliminator could be fitted with the Drag Pak performance package, featuring a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.91:1 rear axle ratio, and heavy-duty cooling and suspension components.
Interestingly, the Boss 302 engine was also available as an option for the Cougar Eliminator in 1970, but it lacked a special name to distinguish it from the other engines.
Meanwhile, the 1969 Camaro was another high-performance muscle car, designed to take on rivals like the Mustang and Challenger. It came equipped with a range of engines, including the fearsome 427 cubic inch V8 engine that could produce a staggering 425 horsepower.
When Dieters’ 1970 Cougar Eliminator and the all-out 1969 Camaro drag car hit the streets in 1979, it was a clash of automotive titans. Though the outcome of the race remains shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain: both cars were outstanding examples of the muscle car era.
All in all, the 1970 Cougar Eliminator and 1969 Camaro drag car were two of the most iconic and memorable muscle cars of their time. Their 1979 showdown represents a momentous event in the history of American muscle cars, and a testament to the raw power and adrenaline-fueled excitement that these legendary vehicles still evoke today.
Flash Back 1977: Exploring the History of Street Racing in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
