The VW Bug wasn’t created to be a race car, but that hasn’t stopped anybody from building them into high-performance machines. The “Inch Pincher” was the first VW Bug built for the drag strip, and it spawned an entire series of vehicles. Travis Rider’s “Inch Pincher IV” was inspired by the original VW Bug, and carries on the tradition with pride.
Darrell Vittone created the original Inch Pincher to help promote his business, EMPI. Dean Lowry got the call to help build the car and things took off from there. The Inch Pincher went on to win lots of rounds and set plenty of records along the way.
Rider’s 1958 VW Bug wears a stunning Apricot Metalflake paint job and pays homage to the original Inch Pincher. The Bug’s roll cage is skillfully hidden inside the car and the interior is period correct. What makes the Inch Pincher IV cool is the fact that it’s a right-hand-drive car still.
In the rear of Inch Pincher IV, you’ll find a 2500cc air-cooled mill. The engine has been outfitted with EMPI parts including a 78mm crank, custom flywheel, and custom 5.7 Titanium rods. Anothony “The Wizard” Chicca ported the Autocraft 910 heads that help the engine breathe. The engine also features parts from JaySee and Geers Engineering.
Don’t let the small engine fool you, it cranks out well over 200 horsepower. While this may not seem like a lot, you have to remember the Inch Pincher IV doesn’t weigh much more than your typical go-kart. This combination makes the Inch Pincher IV a fun ride for Rider to wheel at the track.
Drag racing is really good about not forgetting its past. Racers will happily keep the legacy of famous cars alive with modern takes, and introduce them to new fans. Travis Rider’s Inch Pincher IV captures the essence of what the original Inch Pincher was designed for and elevates it with modern technology.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at DragzineDragzine…