Bob Hamilton’s Captain Nitrous FJ, formerly known as Mr Terrific, holds a special place in the world of street machines. The story dates back to the early 1980s when drag racing enthusiast Bob Hamilton set his eyes on the iconic blue and silver FJ named Mr Terrific. The car had a racing history dating back to 1969 under the ownership of Rob Sloan. Despite initial reluctance, Bob finally acquired the car and embarked on a journey to transform it into the legendary Captain Nitrous.
The transformation of Mr Terrific into Captain Nitrous was not just a cosmetic change. Bob delved into mechanical upgrades, including fitting a 100hp nitrous kit to enhance the car’s performance. The journey to unleash the full potential of Captain Nitrous was filled with challenges and innovations, such as modifying the cylinder head to achieve the desired power output.
Bob’s dedication to pushing the limits of the grey-powered FJ led to significant modifications, from replacing the clutch to upgrading the suspension and tires for improved traction. With meticulous attention to detail, Bob fine-tuned every aspect of the car to achieve his goal of running 12-second passes, a feat that many believed a grey engine couldn’t accomplish.
Throughout the years, Captain Nitrous underwent various upgrades and experiments, including a switch to methanol fuel and the introduction of a sophisticated nitrous system for optimal performance. Bob’s relentless pursuit of speed and power culminated in a groundbreaking moment at Willowbank in 1989 when Captain Nitrous clocked an impressive 12.98-second run, a testament to Bob’s unwavering determination.
Following a period of dormancy, Captain Nitrous made a triumphant return to the racing scene, powered by a new gas-assisted 199ci Holden six engine. With a team of dedicated experts working on the engine, Bob aimed to recapture the thrill of racing and entertain spectators with the iconic street machine.
Bob’s involvement in nitrous technology extended beyond his racing endeavors, as he leveraged his chemical expertise to develop innovative nitrous systems for various racing applications. His contributions to the drag racing community and his pioneering work in nitrous technology have left a lasting impact on the industry.
Today, Captain Nitrous stands as a symbol of Bob Hamilton’s passion for speed, innovation, and the thrill of drag racing. As the iconic grey-powered FJ continues to captivate enthusiasts and racers alike, Bob’s legacy lives on through his dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering excellence in the world of street machines.
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