Factory experimental

Chuck Norton · 01-23-2009, 12:26 PM

Bruce,

I had my doubts that anyone around today would remember the events that transpired during the 1964 Winternationals so I didn't bring it up. The short story is that, on the first day of tech at that event, Ford rolled a couple of new Galaxies off the trailer that were unlike any of the '64 427 Galaxies then available on the showroom floors around town. Sure, anyone could buy a 427 Galaxy and many people did so but they were not equipped with a fiberglass bubbled hood, van front seats, and a few other amenities. I don't know if they had VIN numbers or not. They were lettered with "A/S" and "A/SA" on the window. The drama associated with those cars was far overshadowed by their cousins, the '64 Fairlane-based Thunderbolts and not much was ever said about the situation but those of us who were involved with Stockers at that time were very aware.

The ultimate resolution at that moment in time was that Farmer Dismuke (or someone) reclassified the cars as "B/FX" on the spot. Later that season, after their performance potential was determined, they became the original AA/S and AA/SA cars. I believe that Mike Schmitt ended up winning the National Championship with what is now referenced by the term "lightweight" Galaxy sponsored by Desert Motors in Ridgecrest, California. Of course, Gas Ronda won the National Championship in S/S with a Thunderbolt.

One of those cars sold last week at Barrett-Jackson as I recall. I probably have the issue of Hot Rod Magazine complete with pictures around here somewhere.

Highest regards,

c

MPR · 01-23-2009, 12:47 PM

we were told BY FORD that they had already picked who was going to receive one and that our customer was not elidgible.

Chad, This statement simply is not true! The dealers were notified and all 50 cars were sold in 3 days. Like any limited production car the Cobra Jet will be a big hit with collectors. If your customer wants a CJ he can still buy one as a few are for sale by the original purchaser. If your customer wants a CJ, have him call me.

Chad Rhodes · 01-23-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPR

we were told BY FORD that they had already picked who was going to receive one and that our customer was not elidgible.

Chad, This statement simply is not true! The dealers were notified and all 50 cars were sold in 3 days. Like any limited production car the Cobra Jet will be a big hit with collectors. If your customer wants a CJ he can still buy one as a few are for sale by the original purchaser. If your customer wants a CJ, have him call me.

I'm just telling you what i was told by someone employed by Ford Racing. I will contact my customer and tell him that he may still be able to get one of these cars. Not sure if he has moved on to other projects or not. Send me a PM with your info

bsa633 · 01-23-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck Norton

I had my doubts that anyone around today would remember the events that transpired during the 1964 Winternationals so I didn't bring it up.

45 years ago..and a man who was there to tell.. CYA soon Chuck!

Bruce Noland · 01-23-2009, 02:28 PM

Thanks Chuck,
I thought something like this had come up before. Excellent details. I think you should write a book about the history of Stock and Super Stock.

Bruce Noland · 01-23-2009, 02:46 PM

I called the Ford Performance Parts folks today and was told that Ford would not publish actual Horsepower figures because they did not want nhra to find out how much Horsepower the motor made. They were happy to talk about Horsepower numbers but nothing in writing. They don't mind talking numbers in the 750+ range.

01-23-2009, 12:26 PM	#1
Chuck Norton Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Covina, CA Posts: 474 Likes: 112 Liked 89 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Factory experimental Bruce, I had my doubts that anyone around today would remember the events that transpired during the 1964 Winternationals so I didn't bring it up. The short story is that, on the first day of tech at that event, Ford rolled a couple of new Galaxies off the trailer that were unlike any of the '64 427 Galaxies then available on the showroom floors around town. Sure, anyone could buy a 427 Galaxy and many people did so but they were not equipped with a fiberglass bubbled hood, van front seats, and a few other amenities. I don't know if they had VIN numbers or not. They were lettered with "A/S" and "A/SA" on the window. The drama associated with those cars was far overshadowed by their cousins, the '64 Fairlane-based Thunderbolts and not much was ever said about the situation but those of us who were involved with Stockers at that time were very aware. The ultimate resolution at that moment in time was that Farmer Dismuke (or someone) reclassified the cars as "B/FX" on the spot. Later that season, after their performance potential was determined, they became the original AA/S and AA/SA cars. I believe that Mike Schmitt ended up winning the National Championship with what is now referenced by the term "lightweight" Galaxy sponsored by Desert Motors in Ridgecrest, California. Of course, Gas Ronda won the National Championship in S/S with a Thunderbolt. One of those cars sold last week at Barrett-Jackson as I recall. I probably have the issue of Hot Rod Magazine complete with pictures around here somewhere. Highest regards, c

01-23-2009, 12:47 PM	#2
MPR Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 48 Likes: 0 Liked 23 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Factory experimental we were told BY FORD that they had already picked who was going to receive one and that our customer was not elidgible. Chad, This statement simply is not true! The dealers were notified and all 50 cars were sold in 3 days. Like any limited production car the Cobra Jet will be a big hit with collectors. If your customer wants a CJ he can still buy one as a few are for sale by the original purchaser. If your customer wants a CJ, have him call me.

01-23-2009, 02:28 PM	#5
Bruce Noland VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,855 Likes: 83 Liked 444 Times in 145 Posts	Re: Factory experimental Thanks Chuck, I thought something like this had come up before. Excellent details. I think you should write a book about the history of Stock and Super Stock. __________________ Bruce Noland 1788 STK

01-23-2009, 02:46 PM	#6
Bruce Noland VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,855 Likes: 83 Liked 444 Times in 145 Posts	Re: Factory experimental I called the Ford Performance Parts folks today and was told that Ford would not publish actual Horsepower figures because they did not want nhra to find out how much Horsepower the motor made. They were happy to talk about Horsepower numbers but nothing in writing. They don't mind talking numbers in the 750+ range. __________________ Bruce Noland 1788 STK Last edited by Bruce Noland; 01-23-2009 at 02:49 PM.