Suicidal Lincoln Launch

By Jen

AKA SusyBruisy

After seeing this Monster Energy ad in Sport Compact Car, I was looking for the video of Ken Blocks 171-foot jump in his rally Subaru WRX. It was pretty cool, I guess. But check out this 1976 jump attempt, which makes the Subaru hop look like kids stuff. Death-crazed nutjob Kenny Powers decided it would be neat to launch a rocket-powered Lincoln Continental off an eight-story ramp across the St. Lawrence River, for a total distance of one mile. You can probably imagine the outcome, but youve gotta see the incredible footage. For the whole depressing story, watch this maudlin mini-documentary. If you just want some relatively clear views of the big Lincolns disastrous plunge into the St. Lawrence after disintegrating under the pressure of the 280-mph propulsion, check out this compilation of vintage jump mishaps. Could he have tried it in something lighter than a Continental, maybe?

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Posted at 8:54 am in Random Stuff

Comments

Alex
Jun 26, 2007 at 1:41 pm

I actually have the VHS documentary of this whole fiasco. I haven’t watched it in years, but remember it being a sad tale of over-ambition meeting under-experience. It’s called “Devil at your heels”.

artie99
Jun 21, 2007 at 11:08 pm

I remember watching a show that featured this years ago. During the build up, the announcer said that he chose the car for it’s aerodynamic qualities because it is boxy and would go through the air smoother… It’s funny what someone who doesn’t understand physics will try to do.
I also question if this was a legit attempt since the chute was open before the car had really started to lose it. Also, how come it floated?

nick
Jun 21, 2007 at 1:56 pm

yeah i guess i have no problem with him tryin it…i think id do it haha…what better way to go out than that??? except yea i would try maybe a more aerodynamic car than a lincoln…anyone wanna put up a million so i can attempt it???? hahaha

Jerry
Jun 21, 2007 at 1:40 pm

Hey Jen

Wonder what his one quarter mile time was? It would be interesting. Beyond that I guess there is only enough room on this planet for people that want to be here. Actually, I approve of him doing what he wanted to do as long as no one else was injured.

Jerry