Plain Jane

Barry White is learning the hard way that some wrecks are better than others. Despite 25 years in the Hot Rod business, he can still find that he's bought himself a lemon once his team strips it down. It's a craps shoot, costing time and money just to get the body in shape before he can work his Super Muscle Car magic. Well, this time he's taking a shortcut. He's found a '71 Ford Torino in almost showroom condition. It's a perfect blank canvas to transform into a hot street machine. Sure, it's more money upfront — $12k compared with his usual 3 to 6 — but this thing looks like it has only been driven to Wal-Mart on Sundays. Tony Correia, the body guy, thinks Christmas has come early. For the first time he only has to tweak the panels to exaggerate the factory lines. Designer and parts guy Chris Brown thinks he's on easy street. Just a few parts to find, nothing too exotic, and a reasonable schedule compared to the normal race. And to cap it all off, a team of cyclists wants in on the build, taking even more heat off the team. What could go wrong with this cruise? Try an AWOL engine, mismatched paint, a car accident and the wrong brakes. And the auction price? You won't believe it.