• The liquid tyre chain was available as an option during 1969 Chevrolet models only.
• A polymer or 'sticky' compound was sprayed onto the rear tyres to provide grip in snowy conditions.
• Around 2 600 vehicles was fitted with the option.
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Just like the '90s and noughties was the peak for Japanese and German automakers, respectively, the '60s up until the late '80s was the twilight era for American muscle cars.
Petrolheads could revel in stretching the legs of bulky V8's that churned out brutal power figures and left thick black lines on the tarmac – Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Chevelle – the list is a long and delectable one.
Strangest designs
Besides producing some of the most iconic performance cars and halting Ferrari's dominance on the track, the '60s was also a time where automakers could enjoy more technological and design freedom.
Pontiac's GTO featured the bonnet-mounted tachometer, while the Dodge Charger Daytona's uniquely long 58cm rear wing meant it was a no holds barred affair back then.
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Chevrolet is one such company that took advantage of this freedom by introducing a 'never seen before, will never see again' component called the liquid tyre chain system. What it did was spray a polymer or 'ice melt' compound to the rear tyres through boot-positioned, aerosol-shaped cannisters that essentially sprayed better traction onto the rear tyres in snowy conditions.
It was an option that was only available during 1969, with a mere 2 600 motorists having it fitted to their hardtop sedans or coupes. According to an official 1969 Chevrolet Caprice brochure, the feature could be activated by engaging a control on the instrument panel and coating the tyres with 'sticky stuff'.
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While the idea made sense for snowy conditions, its use would be pretty much ineffective during the year's warmer times. Some probably viewed the liquid tyre chain option as a waste of money or just invested in a set of snow tyres altogether.
Gaining traction
Considering that around 160 000 units were produced in the US during the 1969 period, only about 2 600 people with the liquid tyre chain option fitted to their vehicles made it a flop. One of the main reasons it was shelved after only a single year.
There are numerous units still for sale on eBay for those looking to get their hands on the item locally for memorabilia purposes.
Implementing 4WD drivetrains and traction control systems (TCS) on modern performance cars virtually eliminates any hint of wheelspin. Besides places like Matroosberg, Sutherland and the Sani Pass, where snowfall is an occurrence, South Africa is a generally hot place, so any such contraption would never work successfully.
Just like the infamous Fyre Festival, the liquid tyre chain system had the making to become something good but ultimately fell flat on its face, never to be spoken about again.
