"409" is a song recorded by The Beach Boys. It was written by Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Gary Rusher, while Murry Wilson produced the song. The song features Love singing lead vocals. It was originally released as the B-side of the single "Surfin' Safari" (1962). It was later released on their 1962 album, Surfin' Safari and appeared again on their 1963 album, Little Deuce Coupe. The song is credited for initiating the hot rod music craze of the 1960s.
Composition[]
"409" was inspired by Gary Usher's obsession with hot rods. Its title refers to an automobile fitted with Chevrolet's 409-cubic-inch-displacement "big block" V8 engine. The song's narrator concludes with the description "My four speed, dual-quad, positraction four-oh-nine." This version of the engine - at 409 hp, achieving 1 hp per cubic inch - featured twin "D" series Carter AFB (Aluminum Four Barrel) carburetors ("dual-quads"). It was offered in new vehicles (Impala SS ["Super Sport"]; Bel Air; Biscayne) and as replacement units in the 1962 model year.
