1964 S/SA National Record Setter with a Hemi

[Mike Bassin]

Jack,

I do remember the '64 black 4-speed hemi car that Vernon Rowley drove. I don't recall the first time the car was run at 75-80. Funny how things stick with you though, Vernon made a run with that car with a passenger, don't know it was, he left the line and missed second gear, he stopped the car out near the food stand, maybe 250 ft. down track, re-launched and ran 109 mph from there down. That I remember well, just tickled me a car could run such a short distance and go that fast. Going back further, 1961 - 1962, Vernon had the Olds powered B/Roadster record for at time, he later switched to a sm. blk. chevy for power, then bought a '63 red max wedge automatic Plymouth. Those cars named "Mr. Speed" What a nice person he was also.

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Mike Bassin

Jack,

I do remember the '64 black 4-speed hemi car that Vernon Rowley drove. I don't recall the first time the car was run at 75-80. Funny how things stick with you though, Vernon made a run with that car with a passenger, don't know it was, he left the line and missed second gear, he stopped the car out near the food stand, maybe 250 ft. down track, re-launched and ran 109 mph from there down. That I remember well, just tickled me a car could run such a short distance and go that fast. Going back further, 1961 - 1962, Vernon had the Olds powered B/Roadster record for at time, he later switched to a sm. blk. chevy for power, then bought a '63 red max wedge automatic Plymouth. Those cars named "Mr. Speed" What a nice person he was also.

That Red 63 MAX Wedge was the only car to get close to the 63 Z-11 "OLD RELIABLE" the day Aquasco Speedway had the $100 bounty on Stricker & Jenkins out of about 30 other cars trying to beat them back in 1963. 11.90's for the Z-11 and 12.0's for Vernon. The rest were in the 12.20's and up. I remember it like it was yesterdy.

[Hemi Moose]

X-T-M:
Are you sure about the RamCharger cars. I was told the one in your picture was the max-wedge car, then was sent back and converted to the 2% altered wheelbase A/FX car. Note the max-wedge hoodscoop which was changed later after the 1964 Winter Nationals, and the Hemi S/S they received was a production car??? Who can really say for sure except perhaps Jim Thorton.

HM:
Yes you are correct on most of your points above, yes the car started off as a 64 426 Max-Wedge Dodge 330 sedan w/max-wedge scoop, then they installed the new 426 Hemi into it and headed to California for the Winter Nationals. I heard they ran lousy because they were out of tune, I guess they hadn't worked all the bugs out of them yet... And yes the hood scoop was changed after to the new Hemi scoop... Now as far as receiving a second production Hemi car, that I do not know because I've never heard of that story before.

[X-TECH MAN]

They ran 2 1964 Hemi Dodges at a big FX meet at Cecil Count Md. back in 1964, One the 2 % car and a regular S/S car. Dyno Don won the event in his 64 Comet coupe. The S/S car was quicker than the 2 % car that day but neither one could handle the Dyno man.

[X-TECH MAN]

I remember Tom "Smoker" Smith who lived near me recieved a SILVER (more like an ugly gray) 64 Hemi Plymouth. Does that count? He later painted it (white or tan I think) and his 65 Hemi Plymouth was gray or silver also. The 64 car used to set OUTSIDE in the weather in his driveway as he didnt have a garage at that time.

[Paul Ceasrine]

Is it true,
that not anyone could buy a 64' S/SA car.
The regional representative would do a pre-screening. to make sure a
qualified person was going to purchase one of these cars.

I think Gramatan Dodge, Mt. Vernon, New York got shut out trying
to purchase a new 64' Race Hemi.

pc

[X-TECH MAN]

Hemi Moose.....You have another PM about the race and I found the magzine with the article on the race. Super Stock 1964 December issue. The RamChargers had to run each other in the third round. The S/S car won then was beaten by Dyno in the semis. Bud Faubel was RU to Dyno.

[Hemi Moose]

Originally Posted by Paul Ceasrine

Is it true,
that not anyone could buy a 64' S/SA car.
The regional representative would do a pre-screening to make sure a
qualified person was going to purchase one of these cars.

I think Gramatan Dodge, Mt. Vernon, New York got shut out trying
to purchase a new 64' Race Hemi.

pc

I'm not sure about the dealer/person you mentioned above that got shut down trying to buy one, but I do recall a story printed in a magazine about 25 years ago were they said a gentleman walked into Chrysler dealership and ordered one. I can't remember all of the details but he ended up getting a steel nose 64 426 Hemi Dodge Hardtop. I think Marvin Hughes ended up with this car, and has changed hands several times by now. Does anyone here remember or know who the original owner was.

[Geerhead55]

Originally Posted by Hemi Moose

X-T-M:
Are you sure about the RamCharger cars. I was told the one in your picture was the max-wedge car, then was sent back and converted to the 2% altered wheelbase A/FX car. Note the max-wedge hoodscoop which was changed later after the 1964 Winter Nationals, and the Hemi S/S they received was a production car??? Who can really say for sure except perhaps Jim Thorton.

HM:
Yes you are correct on most of your points above, yes the car started off as a 64 426 Max-Wedge Dodge 330 sedan w/max-wedge scoop, then they installed the new 426 Hemi into it and headed to California for the Winter Nationals. I heard they ran lousy because they were out of tune, I guess they hadn't worked all the bugs out of them yet... And yes the hood scoop was changed after to the new Hemi scoop... Now as far as receiving a second production Hemi car, that I do not know because I've never heard of that story before.

I'm thinking the Ramchargers car in post #28 is an original Hemi car even though it is showing a Max Wedge hood,,,the reason I say this because Plymouth and Dodge put single headlights on their '64 Hemi models,, whereas the Max Wedge and other engine combos recieved double headlights,,look at some of the other photos, especially the group shot from back in the day. This has been another great thread,,keep it up fellas.
Danny Durham

[Paul Ceasrine]

Moose,

Nice job on the 'Hemi Wagon' find.
Looks like a 1965 photo.......at NHRA Winternationals.
B/MP just right with the added weight.
I'm guessing, a lightweight nose on that 64' Wagon.

pc