Wendell Scott by Ned Jarrett
We sometimes forget about the history and the stories behind the cars we find and collect. One of the things I love most about car collecting are the people and the stories. Most of us get a kick out of Barn Finds and even strolling through junk yards. We enjoy the vintage iron in its “used and abandoned” condition. The next time you see one of these vehicles think of what the history behind it might tell.
I recently received several Barn Find photos of Wendell Scott’s old race cars. Many of you will say so what or ask who is Wendell Scott? Well, Wendell Scott was the first Black race car driver in NASCAR to win a Grand National (today’s CUP series) race! He was also an underfunded independent who loved racing but struggled throughout his life. If you ever saw the Richard Pryor movie Greased Lightening that was the Hollywood version of Wendell’s life.
Here are some Barn Find photos of Wendell Scott’s race cars provided by Bob Duprie.
Want to know a little more about Wendell Scott? We have included a two part video done by Ned Jarrett back in the day that will give you a good start on not only getting to know who Wendell Scott is but what the original NASCAR was really like.
Bob Duprie stated that Wendell’s old race cars were found behind the home of Wendell’s sister a number of years ago. According to Duprie there is a lot of history of NASCAR with these pictures. Look at how many years these cars were sitting in the trees. One fellow bought the original #34 red car and the #34 hauler. The white car which was actually a more significant car in history but sat for several more years. It is believed that this car was once owned and raced for two years by by David Pearson and then was given to Wendell to help him keep racing. Someone purchased this car a little later for a reported $900.00. Anyone know where these cars are today?
Excellent show on Wendell. Would love to Shake that man’s hand. A true American!
I’m not sure, but, I think the article makes reference to the car that is now owned by Barry Miller.
Barry now owns a Holman-Moody Race Car that was raced by Wendell Scott after he had aquired it from Benny Parsons. Benny Parsons had driven it in ARCA in 68 and 69, winning the ARCA championship both years with that same car. Prior to Benny Parsons, it was also raced by Parnelli Jones. The car underwent several sheet metal changes over the years. It is currently dressed out as a Talladega, as it appeared in 1969 for Benny Parsons. For more information about this car, see the article that was put together by Richard.
I apologize if the article is actually referring to a different car that was aquired by Wendell Scott from Benny Parsons.
Thanks, Carl. You can also read more about Barry’s Benny Parsons car by going to https://www.legendarycollectorcars.com/featured-vehicles/race-cars/benny-parsons-arca-torino-1969/
on this site. It is under the Featured Cars/Race Cars button.
I was told that during the memorial service that was held in Danville,Va. that the last car he drove and one that most Danvillians saw sitting in his yard near his home prior to Wendells death, was I believe a 70 or 71 torino body car. It had been taken to a salvage yard ran by a man named Charlie Hyatt. He was asked about it for the service and we hear he told them that it had been stripped and not much remained of it. His business phone number is listed if you would like to confirm if any of it is left. If my memory is correct it was a gold or gold and black car. Wendell also had a 62 Chevy that he ran a few times in some local tracks in the OldTimers? Class of cars. I saw it a few times at his shop. I hope this info helps you.
I would love to have a oriangal race car that belonged to mr.scott I wold like to restore it and take to the shows here in danville
does any one knows where wendell scotts 1971 monte carlo is