Backfire
I noticed the mention of car show trophies in Backfire back in March. I own a 1970 Boss 429 Mustang that I drive to shows. I live in Colorado and have driven to shows in Pomona, California, Arlington, Texas, and several cities in Montana, and have many trophies and plaques. I’ve come to the point where I don’t put my info card out and, when asked, I tell the officials that I’m not interested in the recognition, and would prefer someone who has never received a trophy get one. The best award is hearing people say, “I’ve never seen one in person.” Most shows I go to are smaller and people have no idea what they’re looking at, so I have a handwritten note in the window explaining the Boss 429, along with original window stickers and my timeslips from the drags. Some people ask why I drive this car and I say, “Because I can, and I have a blast driving it.” Some people tell me, “That’s what it was made for.” I am 61 years old and the seventh owner of this car, and I just want to share it with the car-loving public.
Jim Goss Colorado Springs, Colorado
I have been following Hemmings Motor News for years and enjoy reading it. While the “German Buffet” in the February issue was a good, in-depth representation, I think you missed a few important marques. NSU for instance.
Beginning in 1903, NSU began building motorized bicycles, which eventually morphed into GP race-winning motorcycles. In the late 1950s, the firm used its air-cooled engine experience to develop a rear-engine economy car called the Prinz, a small two-door family sedan that held four people and featured easily identifiable radiused rear side windows.
In the mid-1960s, they hired Bertone to style the Sport Prinz coupe, which used a 600-cc air-cooled, rear-mounted engine. This car was equipped with front disc brakes, was adequate for highway speeds, and handled well. I own one, and I still drive it with some regularity.
However, the Spyder version, also styled by Bertone, utilized the NSU-developed Wankel engine. It was so low and compact that the engine sat a few years ago.
