Vanderwoude’s Charger 3

By Joel Johanssen

Al Vanderwoude's race cars were not cookie cutter vehicles like those of today. The Flying Dutchman Charger 3 was a great example of this unique spirit. The Charger 3 was a Chrysler concept car that never made it to production. Vanderwoude got a funny car body made of the Corvette like design. Al experienced handling problems with the Charger 3, much like victims of the so called "Corvette Curse.” Ironically, when rules outlawed the sleek Charger 3, Vanderwoude mounted a Ford Maverick body. The dour Maverick instantly went faster than the Charger 3 ever did.