Plymouth Savoy 426 Max Wedge
The Plymouth Savoy with the 426 Max Wedge engine represents the earliest and most raw expression of Chrysler's factory racing program in the 1960s. Before the legendary 426 Hemi arrived in 1964, the Max Wedge was Chrysler's ultimate weapon in the superstock drag racing wars, and the lightweight Plymouth Savoy was the preferred platform for delivering it to the starting line.
The choice of the Savoy as the Max Wedge's primary host was deliberate and calculated. The Savoy was Plymouth's base-level full-size car, with the simplest and lightest trim. Race-minded buyers could delete options like radios, heaters, sound deadening, and anything else that added unnecessary weight. Aluminum front fenders and bumper supports were available for further weight savings. The result was a big, powerful car that tipped the scales at around 3,300 pounds — light by full-size standards.
The 426 Max Wedge engine itself was a marvel of early 1960s engineering. Available in two stages — Stage II (11.0:1 compression, 415 hp) and Stage III (13.5:1 compression, 425 hp) — the engine used a unique cross-ram intake manifold with two four-barrel Carter AFB carburetors mounted on opposite sides of the engine. This arrangement optimized intake runner length for the rpm range where the engine spent most of its time: above 4,000 rpm. The cross-ram setup was visually dramatic and mechanically effective, with the long intake runners acting as tuned pipes that enhanced high-rpm power.
On the drag strip, the Max Wedge Savoy was devastating. Stock and Super Stock class records fell regularly to these cars, and the combination of massive power, relatively light weight, and Chrysler's robust TorqueFlite automatic (or four-speed manual) made them consistent performers. Quarter-mile times in the low 12-second range were achievable in near-stock trim — extraordinary for 1962.
The Stage III version with 13.5:1 compression was essentially a racing engine that required premium aviation fuel to run properly. Chrysler made no pretense about its intended use — the warranty was severely limited on Max Wedge cars, and the factory recommended them only for 'supervised acceleration trials.'
Today, genuine Max Wedge Savoys are among the most valuable and sought-after early muscle cars. Their historical significance as the cars that established Chrysler as the dominant force in factory drag racing, combined with extremely low production numbers, makes them blue-chip collectibles. Documented, matching-numbers examples with known racing provenance command the highest prices.
Authenticity documentation is absolutely critical at these price levels. Verify the fender tag, VIN, engine stamp, and broadcast sheet (if available) against known Max Wedge production codes. The cross-ram intake manifold and carburetors are worth thousands on their own — verify originality. Many Max Wedge clones exist; provenance and expert authentication are essential. The engine requires careful inspection — the high-compression Stage III engines are especially valuable but also especially prone to damage from improper fuel or overheating. Numbers-matching cars command extreme premiums. Restoring a documented Max Wedge car is worthwhile; building a clone from a standard Savoy is not, as the market clearly distinguishes between genuine and tribute cars.
The 426 Max Wedge was available in Stage II (415 hp) and Stage III (425 hp) configurations. Stage III required high-octane fuel and was essentially a racing engine. The Max Wedge was offered in Plymouth Savoy, Belvedere, and Fury models, but serious racers preferred the lightweight Savoy. Aluminum front fenders, bumper brackets, and other weight-saving components were available as factory options. Total Max Wedge production across all Plymouth models was very limited — estimates suggest fewer than 500 units per year.