| |

Chaparral 2/2C
Works Prototype
Chassis 2A003, the third
Chaparral 2, had already met with great success (6 wins in 13
races) when it was rebuilt as the new "2/2C". This update included the
aerodynamic "tricks" from the new Chaparral 2C. Most notable was the
wild 'Flipper' wing!
The moveable rear 'Flipper' wing showed the way forward, the entire
science of aerodynamics being in its infancy at the time. The driver
operated a hydraulic actuator to adjust the angle of the rear spoiler
during a race; it could be set to a very aggressive angle for maximum
downforce in the corners, or to lie horizontally for minimum drag and
maximum top speed! The competition really never had a chance.
Many teams would have been satisfied with such a massive advance; the
2/2C went on to win every race it entered, including its debut race at
the L.A. Times Grand Prix. But for Chaparral, good was never good
enough and even more daring developments were already in the works.
|