A990 Super Stockers

[Alex Polewik]

Hoping some of you long time east coast racers may be able to help with any information on ownership history...

I purchased Jack Wersts 65 5&50 65 Plymouth from Ken Montgomery in 2006. As some know Ken raced it in 1976 then had an accident with Dean Nicopolis in the turn off area at Indy. Nicopolis fixed his front end damage and continued racing that weekend,but Ken's car got hit in the driver rear quarter and flipped over. Ken never repaired it.

In talking with Ken he said he got it in the Scranton,PA area but couldn't remember who he got it from. Anybody remember who might have raced it before Ken did in 1976?

I also talked to Fred Ristagno(Hemi Fred), and he remembered a guy named Van Palmer who might have owned it around 1969. Van also raced a max wedge car called the Beach Comber if that rings any bells.

Here's some photos from back in the day, how it looked when I got it, and the resto up to this point.

You can email or call me at 515-227-1064. Thanks,Alex

[mopar68]

Originally Posted by a990hemi

The evolution of an A990 Plymouth:

Ruined it if you ask me. Why not get a plain Jane six-cylinder or 318 model if you're going to drastically modify it to this extent? I know, I know, they were 'just' race cars built and sold to be raced but this is RIDICULOUS.

M68

[mopar68]

Originally Posted by Alex Polewik

I purchased Jack Wersts 65 5&50 65 Plymouth from Ken Montgomery in 2006. As some know Ken raced it in 1976 then had an accident with Dean Nicopolis in the turn off area at Indy. Nicopolis fixed his front end damage and continued racing that weekend,but Ken's car got hit in the driver rear quarter and flipped over. Ken never repaired it.

I heard that story before but didn't realize this white Belvedere was not the original Triple NIckle car of Kenny's.

M68

P.S. Speaking of Triple Nickle, what relevance does that name have? I've been wondering for DECADES. Anyone know?

[340Cuda]

"Ruined it if you ask me. Why not get a plain Jane six-cylinder or 318 model if you're going to drastically modify it to this extent? I know, I know, they were 'just' race cars built and sold to be raced but this is RIDICULOUS."

Nobody had ANY idea.....
Bill

[Super Wedge Joe]

Alex - I was born & raised in Scranton and still active racing in 76, but I can't remember that car coming through there. In 74 I did talk with Ken on buying his 65, but we're weren't able to come together on a deal. I'll check with my contacts still back in Scranton and let you know what I can find out. Super Joe.

[GRAPE]

some where i have a pic of the the car from Late 75 early 76 just after Ken got the car.
It was white at that time with small red and blue stars all over the car.A place called CSE were putting the tubs and roll bar in just before Gainsville.There Phone # 215-855-5590 Ask for Billy Sherwood he may have pics of car from when he worked on it.
The 555 was Kens Parents or Grand Parents street address.

[a990hemi]

Originally Posted by 340Cuda

"Ruined it if you ask me. Why not get a plain Jane six-cylinder or 318 model if you're going to drastically modify it to this extent? I know, I know, they were 'just' race cars built and sold to be raced but this is RIDICULOUS."

Nobody had ANY idea.....
Bill

In 1965 the quickest and cheapest way to build an A/FX racer was by purchasing an A-990 sedan which already had all of the good race parts present. We must remember that Chrysler put its entire 1965 Motorsports budget into the altered wheelbase hardtop fleet which was deemed illegal by the NHRA at the very first national event of that year. Chrysler was so disappointed that they would never offer another altered wheelbase car to anyone beyond the original run of 11 cars. The public went nuts for thses freaky looking wheelstanding beasts and racers could not build them or book them quick enough. I belive that this is the primary reason for the scarcity of A-990 sedans today.

[SSDA3426]

GLAD You Got The Car Alex......

[mopar68]

Originally Posted by 340Cuda

"Ruined it if you ask me. Why not get a plain Jane six-cylinder or 318 model if you're going to drastically modify it to this extent? I know, I know, they were 'just' race cars built and sold to be raced but this is RIDICULOUS."

Nobody had ANY idea.....
Bill

Generally speaking, yes, nobody had ANY idea--they were just race cars. Still, those cars weren't cheap. If I bought one with my hard earned dollars, I most certainly wouldn't have modified mine into an altered wheelbase match racer. No way. And that's not 20/20 hindsight talking either.

M68

[mopar68]

Originally Posted by GRAPE

The 555 was Kens Parents or Grand Parents street address.

Finally! After all these years of wondering (not that I lost any sleep) what it meant. Thanks! In retrospect, I just should've asked Kenny the many times I've seen him at Raceway Park, Atco Dragway and Carlisle car shows over the years and talked to him but the thought never crossed my mind.

M68