I CAN’T DRIVE 145mph

I once had my '81 BMW 7-series (factory turbo with a few mods, 3.5 liter six running 15 psi boost, 3.45:1 gears with an OD 5th gear) up to 145 mph. It was still climbing briskly when I ran out of road and nerve. The wind noise was tremendous. But what decided me to lift was that I only had about three miles of empty interstate in front of me and I couldn't decide if that little dot in the distance was a car... possibly a state trooper! :eek:

For A-bodies, my 383 4-speed Valiant with 3.23 rear was up to 120 on an empty stretch of two-lane US 15 north of Leesburg VA about 35 years ago (now it's all townhouses and Starbucks and heavy traffic). I recall only 4700 rpm. The car had never gone that fast before (used to be a 318/auto) and suddenly a tornado of leaves and dirt blew into my face from the air vents. Not fun losing your vision at 120 mph! So I hung onto the wheel, lifted my foot and blinked my eyes clear. Finally got down to 70 and I could see again.

I don't do that stuff any more. Well, not if anyone's watching.
:lol: