1977 Bill Harrah “Jerrari”
How bad-arse is this car? Let us count the ways.
- 365 horsepower Ferrari V12 in a 1977 Jeep Wagoneer
- Wood panelling. Seriously.
- Awesome colour.
- The engine is so much longer than the standard AMC 360 donk that it took up the space where the radiator would normally be “so dual radiators were mounted on each side of the engine under the spacious hood of the Wagoneer”.
- For added engine protection, “Oil coolers from a helicopter were also added and route cool air from under the bumper”. From a helicopter.
The story. (There’s always a story about these sort of cars):
Legend has it that a man came to Reno with the intent to sell Bill Harrah a helicopter so he could travel more easily between his property in Reno and South Lake Tahoe. “Let’s make a deal,” Harrah is reported to have said, “you fly your helicopter and I’ll drive my old Jeep. If you get to Tahoe before me I’ll buy your helicopter.” Top speed of the Jerrari was reported to be 140 mph, but of course the poor helicopter salesman never knew that.
(Pic via Tonk at 6speedonline; quotes from the story on the ‘77 Jerrari at JP Magazine and; big thanks to Phil for tipping me off.)
