3 Minutes
Vintage Meets Cutting-Edge at Barona Dragstrip
Automotive fans were treated to a captivating drag race at the Barona Dragstrip in Lakeside, California, as captured by the SSDracer YouTube channel. This time, the spotlight shone on a unique 1/8-mile showdown that pitted a beautifully restored 1967 Ford Fairlane against the technological marvel that is the Tesla Model S Plaid. The difference in performance was as entertaining as it was telling about the evolution of automotive engineering.
The Ford Fairlane Legacy: Time-Honored American Muscle
The Ford Fairlane, a name that resonates deeply with classic car enthusiasts, was produced from 1955 to 1970 in North America—making this 1967 model one of the iconic entries in Ford's muscle car heritage. Renowned for its bold design and robust V8 engines, the Fairlane has long stood as a symbol of classic American automotive culture. The version featured in this drag race had all the hallmarks of a high-quality restomod, combining nostalgic looks with modern performance upgrades typically hidden under the hood.
Tesla Model S Plaid: The Benchmark for EV Performance
Facing off against this vintage icon was the Tesla Model S Plaid. Known for revolutionizing the electric vehicle market, the Plaid boasts a staggering 1,020 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and instant torque delivery that can rocket it from zero to sixty in under 2 seconds. Finished in sleek black, the Plaid was primed to showcase the heights of modern EV technology against classic American muscle.
Design: Classic Charm vs. Futuristic Minimalism
Onlookers couldn’t help but admire the Fairlane’s timeless styling—its retro bodywork and pronounced lines stood out on the strip. In stark contrast, the Tesla Model S Plaid delivered an understated, aerodynamic silhouette that speaks to contemporary tastes and efficiency. Both cars, though worlds apart in design philosophy, drew plenty of attention from the crowd.
On the Track: Performance Showdown
Prior to launch, the 1967 Fairlane performed a classic burnout to prime its slick tires—an old-school ritual that’s always a crowd pleaser. The anticipation in the air was palpable as both drivers prepared for optimal reaction times, neither car holding back in this ICE (internal combustion engine) vs. EV rivalry.
Yet, when the lights turned green, the technological prowess of the Tesla Model S Plaid became apparent. Not only did the Plaid demonstrate a superior reaction time, but its acceleration was impossible for the old-school Ford to match. The EV stormed down the 1/8 mile in an astonishing 6.51 seconds at nearly 116 mph, leaving the Fairlane trailing with a 9.14-second pass at just 84 mph.
Comparative Benchmarks
For context, the SSDracer channel’s usual contender—a stock C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray equipped with the 495-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 and Z51 package—typically runs the 1/8 mile in the low 8-second range. While the restored Fairlane’s performance is certainly respectable for a vintage muscle car, it simply couldn’t compete with the sheer instant power delivery of the Plaid’s tri-motor electric setup.
Market Position and Takeaways
This race isn’t just a fun comparison; it highlights the dramatic leaps in automotive technology over the past half-century. While the 1967 Ford Fairlane remains a beloved classic and a testament to the golden age of American muscle, the Tesla Model S Plaid is a beacon for the electric vehicle revolution—offering record-breaking acceleration, modern connectivity, and zero emissions.
In the end, the Fairlane’s strong showing was overshadowed only by the overwhelming power of the Tesla, proving that sometimes, progress really is unbeatable. Whether you’re passionate about classic muscle cars or future-forward electric vehicles, there’s no denying that today’s drag strip battles are more exciting—and diverse—than ever before.
Source: autoevolution
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