Best Pontiac Powered Super Stockers

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by oldskool

While lookin for pics of J.B.'s car when it ran an auto trans, I found this pic. It shows a '73 GP that John Clegg ran. It was a feature car in the H-O newsletter. Article says it could run a 400, a D-port 455, or the round port SD455. Although the SD455 never came in anything but a '73-'74 Bird, apparently, NHRA has always allowed it, in other body styles, also.

http://www.classracerinfo.com/Engine...px?ENGINE=2080

Phil Szupka, an east coast "hitter" but seemingly forgotten in this Pontiac history lesson, had a 73 GP, 455SD that was bought new at the dealership that he was working in at the time. VERY rare car.

[oldskool]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Phil Szupka, an east coast "hitter" but seemingly forgotten in this Pontiac history lesson, had a 73 GP, 455SD that was bought new at the dealership that he was working in at the time. VERY rare car.

Yeah, I'm sorry, but that is just a name I'm not familiar with. Would love for someone to post info about his Pontiacs & their performance & wins.

I've always read that the SD455 engines were only available in '73 & '74 Birds. I especially remember that a car mag had already pronounced the SD455 GTO as their Car of the Year, on the cover. But, the GTO was supposedly never offered with the SD455 as an option. But, if a GP came off the assembly line with one, I suppose it's not unreasonable to think that a Lemans, GA, or GTO may have, also. As mentioned, NHRA allows the SD455 in several body styles.

"...The legendary 310-horse SD 455 engine was planned as an option for the Grand Am and GTO but remained exclusive to the Trans Am. A Grand Am in Pontiac’s official promotional photos, painted Desert Sand, showed SD-455 callouts on the front fenders..."

As most know, the 310hp version was never released. But the 290hp version came in both T/A & Formula models. So, IF somebody did buy a factory produced SD455 car, that was not a Firebird, it is indeed a VERY rare car, as mentioned.

Posted in a Hot Rod mag article:

"...Restricted Duty
The SD-455 was originally scheduled to be offered in several Pontiac models, including the Grand Prix and Le Mans/GTO. The EPA-driven production delays squashed those plans, as Pontiac focused on certifying the engine solely for the F-Body platform. That didn’t stop one magazine, however, from prematurely declaring the Super Duty–powered 1973 GTO its Car of the Year..."

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/articl...ar-that-wasnt/

[oldskool]

"...Phil Szupka, an east coast "hitter" but seemingly forgotten in this Pontiac history lesson..."

Since his name has been broght up twice in the thread, I decided to Google him & see what turned up.

Seems he was voted into the div 1 hall of fame. Also said he raced Pontiacs til he quit driving.

https://classracer.com/magazine/?p=4268

From the small pic in that article, it appears to be a '74 or earlier T/A. Can't see the front or the rear. Has "Pontiaction" on the door.

OK, here's more info. This pdf of an H-O newsletter not only has the Clegg SD455 GP on the cover, but, on page 5, also mentions that Phil beat Fred Moore for the SS win at a big race at Maple Grove. Says Phil's car was the former Herslow & Morlock Bird.

http://missiongarage.com/photogaller...t-nov-1977.pdf

I don't suppose there are many online records of his driving accomplishments. At least I haven't found much.