Clifford--my first turbo minivan
(Photo courtesy of my local drag strip, Rocky Mountain Raceways.)
On Friday June 2nd, 2000 I finally fulfilled a dream which began way back in 1991: I bought a turbo minivan to build into a drag race sleeper. The vehicle in question is a 1989 Plymouth Voyager SE automatic. I'm happy because it is a relatively lightweight example of the breed: 5-passenger model (only one bench seat), no power windows, no power locks, no power mirrors, no roof rack... and no wood grain. Oh the fun we're going to have! (I soon came up with a creative nickname for my new baby: Clifford.)
Am I mad? Maybe. But I had help: Gus Mahon obviously pioneered the concept with Mean Mini and, lately, Paul Smith has influenced me as well. For guys like us, beating Camaros and Mustangs while piloting a four cylinder minivan is one of the funniest things you could do. You should try it--it's hilarious.
To see Clifford's step-by-step timeline, including summaries of every visit to the drag strip, jump to the history page.
(Feb '02) Clifford has been SOLD and has gone to a good new home. The new owner is already amassing pieces to make more power and go faster than ever before, so the racing spirit will live on!
Modified: 2-19-08.