Funny Car Body

A Funny Car Body is a one-piece fiberglass or carbon fiber shell that covers a drag racing vehicle, designed to loosely resemble a production car while sitting on top of a custom racing chassis.

Unlike regular cars where the body is permanently attached, a funny car body tilts up like a giant hinged lid. This allows racing crews to quickly access the engine and other components between runs. The entire body lifts from the front, revealing the powerful engine and intricate mechanical systems underneath.

These bodies are designed to look like cars you might see on the street - think Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, or Dodge Charger. However, they're much more exaggerated and stretched out than their street counterparts. The proportions look "funny" because the chassis underneath has been modified for maximum performance, not to match the original car's dimensions.

The funny car body serves an important aerodynamic purpose beyond just looks. At speeds exceeding 330 mph, the shape helps manage airflow around the vehicle, providing stability and reducing drag. Every curve and angle is carefully designed to help the car slice through the air as efficiently as possible.

The term "funny car" originated in the 1960s when racers began putting extremely powerful engines into modified street car bodies. The altered wheelbases and protruding engine components made these vehicles look unusual or "funny" compared to regular cars, hence the name stuck.

Modern funny car bodies are typically made from lightweight carbon fiber and can cost around $70,000 each. Teams often have multiple bodies on hand since the intense forces and occasional crashes in drag racing can damage these expensive components. The investment reflects just how crucial aerodynamics and weight reduction are in professional drag racing.