Survivor Thunderbolts

[Hemi Moose]

[troublemaker427]

The total number of 1964 Thunderbolts built was 100. I have the VIN list and a Thunderbolt has never been found that was outside of this 100 on the list.

They were produced at DST as follows:

Group 1

October 1963
Consisted of 11 cars, all vintage burgundy
- 10 Four Speeds, 1 Automatic
Group 2

December 1963 - Feb 1964
Consisted of 39 cars, all white
- 9 Four Speeds, 30 Automatics
Group 3

March - May 1964
Consisted of 50 cars, all white
- 22 Four Speeds, 28 Automatics

Yes there were more automatics built than 4-speeds. Many of the automatics were converted to 4-speeds as the Lincoln auto trans just wasn't fast. Dearborn Steel Tubing actually sold a conversion kit to install a 4-speed into an auto car.

It is unknown an exact reason why there were a greater number of autos over 4-speeds. Possibly Ford wanted to compete with the Mopars but it just didn't work out with the Lincoln transmission.

[ww63]

Originally Posted by Hemi Moose

Where is this thing at today? Last I knew it was on the west coast and I think went thru a auction. Was still black with the gold tricks

[DRAKE VISCOME]

Hey...I'm sure...at least I think I'm "sure"...Jodi's numbers are correct...just squeezing the tomatoes...but I "guess" this...at least...I like the production numbers 1....and 100 (of 100 produced)...better for ownership (along with his other 3 Thunderbolts) of Don Snyder's "nice" collection ...I just have to be content for the couple years opportunity racing/driving the "then" SS/C Carmel Ford/VindicatorT-Bolt (original Bill Rick Ford car)...wasn't smart enough to hang on to it..am a very lucky/grateful guy...just not the "smartest" guy 'eh... Drake p.s. did make a few "laps" early on for ol' pal the late Nate"Nazy Crate" Cohen in his "then" SS/C T-Bolt as well...to get it to go from point a-b...under his watchful eye...

[Hemi Moose]

Originally Posted by ww63

Where is this thing at today? Last I knew it was on the west coast and I think went thru a auction. Was still black with the gold tricks

Here are a couple of other pics of the car, the last one was from the Grand National Roadster show back in 2010...have no idea where it's at today.

[Hemi Moose]

Here's a link to the Don Snyder collection...

http://www.snyderspecialtycars.com/#!


.

[DRAKE VISCOME]

The black "T-Bolt" was raced for a short time by Barrie Poole (one fine racer/driver...'eh) for a short time (early-mid 80's)...Jack Roush did the motor...they felt it would be a "killer" right out of the box...it did run well...but not "killer"...which would require more time/effort/$$$...Brent Hajak of Oklahoma purchased car I believe...again raced for short time...these cars take a great deal of dedication/time/money to run as Super/Stocks...do think Ray Paquet,Dallas Kelly,Paul Adams can attest to that......Barry had great success with fellow Canadian Sandy Elliott...for quite awhile with 428 Cobra Jet Mustangs...won a bunch...including NHRA National event or two back in the day...last I knew the car was showing up at various auctions...looking for big $$$ bids...which as far as I "know"...never happened...it's shame...this "rascal" had lots of potential...back then...just needed the right "player" like the guys mentioned above... Drake p.s. we had about the same "results" over a two season period with our Carmel Ford/Vindicator T-Bolt...very good McCandless chassis prep,Holbrook motor w/all the then time period "tricks"...we were just dis-tracted with our bookings/ Funny Car deal...didn't have time/dedication/interest...ran well...steady 10.30's in 1977/8...SS/C...reguarly...good...but hardly awesome