Eric and the Bandit!

By Eric Morrison

Eric and his dream machine. Photo thanks to Eric Morrison

Years ago, I'm driving down an out of the way road in St. Petersburg, Florida. Not exactly a funny car town, okay? All of the sudden out of the corner of my eye I see what turned out to be Prudhomme's car from '87 car at a body shop on a side street. If the body hadn't been up, I'd have never seen it. Turns out the body shop had received a call to pick up a "show car" from Daytona Beach. The driver gets there and -- lo and behold -- this. Since it was loaded on a Jerr-Dan, he said it really got a lot of attention. Duh. 

Eric in the hot seat of the Skoal Bandit and view from inside. Photos thanks to Eric Morrison

Apparently, it was scheduled for delivery to Skoal in New York or something. I can't remember the details, but they brought it there for a few days to change tow rigs. Fortunately, the body shop dudes were accommodating. They allowed me to go home, gather the proper attire and a camera, and get these pics. My business partner at the time has never forgiven me for being late to help him because of this. I still think I had my priorities straight that day, though! It was my first time sitting in a funny and I loved it.

Eric's dream came true -- at least a little bit. Photo thanks to Eric Morrison

You KNOW we wanted to fire that thing! But no driveshaft, no starter, no nitro. My guess is that car was good for 5.30s - 40s @ 270 -80. In my mind, that's how quick I went!

Eric Morrison
ericmorrison@netzero.net