High-Tech That WorksYou may think we're coming down pretty hard on high-tech cars, but that's not the intent. We just firmly believe that high-tech shouldn't be a billet-laden appearance label; these cars should function, too. Too many guys seem to want high-zoot technology simply because it's "the latest thing." We say, if you've got it, use it! That's what these cars do.
The '55 210 is actually the mule car for Art Morrison Enterprises. More specifically, it's the testbed for Morrison's '55-57 Chevy replacement chassis, which features a computer-designed frame, coilover front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, triangulated four-bar rear suspension, and Wilwood disc brakes. The car's top side isn't done yet, but you can see the Morrisons are already willing to flog the whee out of this thing, with expectations it will perform like a new performance car.
Speaking of whee flogging, we were pleasantly surprised to see that Norm Cowdrey was willing to do just that to his exceptionally clean '56 Nomad during last year's Ego-Rama. The wagon rides on a Paul Newman Car Creations chassis, which means it has C4 suspension components at all four corners. It also has a Ram Jet-injected small-block, an overdrive automatic, gorgeous paint, a leather interior, and a detailed undercarriage. That's all fine and dandy because Norm is actually willing to use all that technology, whether he's burning rubber at the dragstrip, throwing the car into a corner, or simply cruising down the freeway in comfort.
The bottom line is, even if a Tri-five doesn't impress us with a bold, innovative appearance, it can still wow us with performance. Maybe you'll build one that'll do both.