An Early Chrysler-Fiat Merger

Words: Roger Meiners

The linkup between Fiat and Chrysler first occurred fifty years ago—at least in the United States. The Wall Street Journal probably didn’t hear about it either because it happened on the drag strips of America—more than once, if you 
must know.

Drag racers are an innovative bunch, always looking for more speed. Every avenue is explored; more horsepower, less weight, better aerodynamics, “alternative fuel.” It didn’t take these home-grown geniuses long to discover the econo-boxes of the day; cars like the Ford Anglia and the Fiat 500 “Topolino.”

The Fiat Topolino had it all; light weight and great aero, with its sloped hood and narrow body. Many hot rodders jumped on this program and stuffed huge supercharged Chrysler HEMI® engines into the Topo. The cars were sensational. They looked just right and went really fast, making the name Fiat something to respect in the annals of drag racing history.

Here’s one of the most famous of the Fiat-Chryslers; Walt’s Puffer, driven to National records by Wally Knoch of Inkster, Mich. He capped it all off by winning the U.S. Nationals in 1962. NHRA remembered the Puffer in 2004, when it was invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Nationals in a display at Raceway Park in Indianapolis during the big event.

Here is a bit of history of the Walt’s Puffers, including Walt’s Puffer II, the Nationals winner.