there are some parts that are clearly speeded up the film to make it look like they were going faster than they were. at 1 point the cars changed direction like an F1 car...those old heavy cars with primtive tires could never do that.
shareThose cars had sophisticated suspension, beefed up for street racing, and tires made for racing. They definitely could and did do what was shown in the movie.
shareThat's right, they were specially prepared for the scene and driven by very professional drivers.
Check out the chase in The Seven Ups for the same team doing another great period chase.
You're both correct about the modifications to the cars (and the abilities of their drivers), but the OP is also correct: some of the shots in the sequence were indeed "undercranked" to speed up the action.
shareBill Hickman
He also drove in the French Connection car/subway chase
Love that sequence.
I just recently learned that he also did the ramp jump (and only the ramp jump) in Diamonds Are Forever with the 1971 Mustang Mach 1 after the stunt driver they had already hired had wrecked 2 or 3 cars trying to get it right. Hickman drove for hours to get there and did it in one take.
Hickman was the best!
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