In the early 1960s, Pontiac was the dominant manufacturer in both NASCAR and NHRA drag racing.

As the 1963 season approached, the other auto manufacturers were gaining ground, but Pontiac engineers had a few new ideas up their sleeves for the 1963 model.

The first order of business was to lighten the frame of the car by drilling approximately 130 holes in it and eliminating the boxed rails.

The result became known as the "Swiss Cheese" Super Duty Catalina.

Also removed was the front sway bar, as it was not needed for drag racing.

To further reduce weight, aluminum was substituted for steel components, including the front fenders, hood, inner fender wells, radiator core support, bumpers and bumper brackets.

The exhaust manifolds, bellhousing and rear axle center section were also specially made from aluminum.

More weight loss was achieved by eliminating all non-essential equipment, soundproofing and body sealers.

To qualify for the stock drag race classes, these cars needed to b...