Friday, February 6, 2009
I have always liked the idea of a sleeper. To quote Hot Rod Magazine, "There's just something cool about an unassuming car that goes fast" But to me, some sleepers don't make the cut. Some have American Racing wheels, a flame job, or other showy I-go-fast parts that take away from the concept of a sleeper. So here's what a sleeper is in my mind and probably yours:
A car that looks completely stock or may be customized (just not in a sort of way that makes it look like it's faster than a stock version), but has tons of power underneath. A sleeper is not a rat rod, it is a clean car that may be a wagon, four-door, or something like an AMC Pacer that is not known for speed at all. Then the basic trend is to drop in a monstrous V8 (though I would go for a V-12, not that I could actually buy one) and other gear that can only be seen when the hood is open or the car disassembled. And then, Viola! Your sleeper is ready to astound.
photo from www.turbomirage.com
