Kirk Gratopp wanted something different than the standard Plymouth Road Runner, so he resurrected this 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II. Packing a 440-cubic-inch wedge with two 4-barrel carbs, the car is known as "Wiley's Revenge," in tribute to Wile E. Coyote, the cartoon nemesis of the Road Runner.
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A 440-inch Max Wedge V-8 built by Tracy's Automotive pumps out 485-plus horsepower, thanks to a Lunati cam, a cross-ram manifold equipped with a pair of Edelbrock 4-barrel carbs and TTI long-tube headers. Tracy's also installed the Tremec 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission.
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The distinctive Belvedere front end features a blacked out grille, a big, functional hood scoop and an obligatory "ACME" license plate.
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This is the view Kirk Gratopp hopes will become familiar to Road Runners. The "Wiley's Revenge" logo was applied by Egraf-X.
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One of the car owner's favorite features is the famous Chrysler inverted pyramid rear roof pillar on the two-door hardtop.
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The Wile E. Coyote theme is carried over to the interior, with a Road Runner figure hanging from the rear view mirror and a set of floor mats showing Wile E. setting yet another trap for the Road Runner.
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Wile E. Coyote kicks up some dust tearing along the belt line of the Belvedere. Note the Road Runner "kills" toted up on the upper door panel.
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Morgan-Bulleigh covered the set of aftermarket bucket seats and the stock rear seat in deep charcoal vinyl, with Wile E. Coyote emblems adorning the headrests.
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A set of 15-inch AWC 5-spoke mag wheels mounting Cooper Cobra GT tires put the power to the ground. Kirk Gratopp said the wheels are almost indistinguishable from Cragar period-correct wheels.
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The Max Wedge emblem on the front fender hints at the power potential lurking under the hood. The custom mix paint, featuring extra pearl and metal flake, called "Rock Canyon Red," was whipped up and applied by Kurt Fowler at Auto Tech, as was the distinctive black side spear.
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Kirk Gratopp displays "Wiley's Revenge" alongside this barbecue diorama, with grilled Road Runner smoke provided by dry ice.
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Electrical power is supplied by -- what else? -- an ACME battery mounted in the trunk for better weight distribution.
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Morgan-Bulleigh crafted the upholstered deck lid liner in "Wiley's Revenge."
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