Serpent Afterburner

1970 Serpent Afterburner (road car)

(5 prototypes)

The Serpent Afterburner (sometimes *Spur/Jubilant Afterburner*, or *Brawler Afterburner* depending on the version) is a limited production homologated aero-car designed by Serpent Motor Company for use in the 1970 NASCAR season. The car's sharp nosecone and very high rear wing helped it reach much higher speeds than what was previously possible in the sport.

## History and prototypes

Previously, Serpent had raced the first-generation Spur in NASCAR. With the idea of aerodynamics and downforce in motorsport quickly setting in around the late 1960's, the "Afterburner" project was greenlit at Serpent in mid-1968. Following some time of benchmarking and testing, the aptly-named Afterburner trim level of the Serpent Brawler was launched alongside its motorsport-counterpart.

Previously, Serpent had been experimenting with an Afterburner trim of the newly released second generation Spur/Jubilant, but this functioned exclusively as a test car as the wheelbase was too short to be eligible, and the first-generation Spur, while eligible, had been discontinued. 5 prototypes on the second-generation Spur/Jubilant were produced, which were as follows;

 Unit #2
 Unit #3
 Unit #4
 Unit #5

While the prototypes were used to test engine and transmission combinations as well as aerodynamics, they were ultimately shelved in favor of a Brawler-bodied model, which had in 1968 received a new body style with a 3-meter wheelbase.

## Production

Previously, NASCAR regulations mandated that a total of 500 road-going units be produced, which Serpent had prepared for. However, for the 1970 season, this number was increased to one unit per one dealer the automaker had in the United States. This led Serpent to greatly increase production numbers, and a reported 1,859 units were built. The Afterburner was sold only in the US, as well as in Canada in very limited numbers. Approx. 1/4 of these were fitted with the 441 cui V8, while the rest had the 365 cui V8. No other engines were available. Additionally, approx. half of the cars were fitted with a 3-speed automatic, while the other half had a 5-speed manual.

The Afterburner was touted as the "top-of-the-line" Serpent, at least in the performance market. It came standard with several would-be options such as radial tires, a heater, radio, and so on. The nosecone featured protruding air dams, as well as protruding casings for the indicator lights. It also featured pop-up headlights, which had black-painted housings to compliment the black "Afterburner" decals. While Serpent aggressively tried to market the car as both powerful and efficient due to its low aerodynamic coefficient, many found its styling too extreme and its economy lacking (averaging just 6.6 miles per gallon), leading to many unsold vehicles. Some of these were later converted back into the more conventional Brawler. There also exist a small amount of Afterburners featuring only the rear spoiler and the conventional front air-dam grille, or only the front nosecone with a conventional low rear spoiler.

## Editions

The Afterburner was available in various trim levels, from pure-bred muscle featuring almost no options to fully loaded versions with luxury equipment. In addition, a convertible was available to order, though only 22 units were ever ordered as such. The convertible Afterburner has become a valued collectors item due to its rarity. Only seven of the 22 produced were equipped with the 441 engine, and these have been known to fetch high prices at auctions and other private sales.

Furthermore, a unique Astro White-colored version named "Apollo" with a white-starred blue side stripe was made to commemorate the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing and subsequent Apollo program launches. This version emulates the look of the Saturn V rocket used by NASA at the time. Eleven were produced, leading to them commanding similarly high prices as the convertible model.

Finally, via special order only, Serpent produced a wagon estate Afterburner. This option was normally not available as a tick box, and had to be specified as a write-in order. Demand was very low, with only 6 produced.

## Discontinuation

While the prototype units were produced in 1969, the Afterburner would only be officially produced in 1970, as the updated post-season ruleset for the 1971 were introduced, limiting the "aero-warrior" cars' engine sizes to 305 cubic inches. Serpent found the smaller engine size to be detrimental to its performance. Pressing regulations on emissions also made their engines unviable, and the Afterburner project was discontinued shortly after. It has since become collectible due to its rarity, and unusual appearance.

Several third-party companies produce conversion kits for the 1968-71 model year Brawler to convert them into Afterburner specifications.

1969 Afterburner Prototype. Built on the Jubilant/Spur chassis, it was shorter and had curvier lines. This was the final prototype produced, using the Spur's 440 cui V8. This option would not be available on the production model, as a brand new 441 replaced the old 440.1969 Afterburner Prototype rear. The Spur/Jubilant rear was carried over from the stock models, much like on the Brawler. This is the second prototype produced, featuring a 365 cui V8 and a 3-speed automatic.1970 Afterburner production model. It featured distinct "Afterburner" decals, and otherwise carried over the rear from the Brawler. This model features a 365 cui V8 and a 5-speed manual.The Afterburner's distinct side profile. The nosecone and large rear spoiler give an aggressive, yet very unusual appearance.Front quarter of the Afterburner. Note the protruding air dam and indicator housings.