As a general rule, we like to think we’re getting a great deal more creative when it comes to transport than we were 40 years ago. As it turns out…nope. These rail cars stowed 30 Vegas per car, nose down, in the early 70′s, ya’ll.
Some quick checking revealed that Chevy and Southern Pacific designed the entire rail car system dubbed “Vert-A-Pac,” which overnight almost doubled the previous best-loading method’s record of 18. Ramps were lowered by forklifts and the cars were backed off and delivered to waiting dealerships. If it weren’t for its ability to break down and leave a pile of rust in the driveway, the sporty good looks and the sweet rail transport system might have made this a more common sight.
Performance of the actual vehicle aside, it’s worth mentioning the engine was designed so the oil didn’t flow into the cylinders while they’re vertical, and the other fluids were designed not to leak into their various components, either. Looking back, it was pretty forward thinking, even if the car was discontinued after about seven years.
