1968 Holman-Moody Spec., Ford Torino “Grand National” Super Speedway Car

1968 Holman-Moody Spec., Ford Torino “Grand National” Super Speedway Car
Fresh Restoration
The most original of the late 60’s “Grand National” cars in existence. Fresh Ernie Elliot restoration. Daytona and Talledega history as part of the “Alabama Gang”. Not many of these NASCAR Golden Era cars are left. Enjoy the camaraderie of the newest historic race group with this proven investment.

Description

1968 Ford “>Torino NASCAR “Grand National” Super Speedway Race Car. Originally driven by: Rhea Greenwell, Decatur, AL. Built by Rhea Greenwell with special assistance from the Alabama Gangs; Red Farmer, Bill Hamner and Bobby Allison in the fall of 1969 /spring 1970. Constructed with a 1968 Ford Torino Fastback body and a Holman Moody Roll cage / Chassis / Suspension Kit on NASCAR prepared 1958 Ford car frame, with a BOSS 351 Cleveland engine.

Ownership Chain

Rhea Greenwell retired from racing shortly after returning from Daytona in February of 1972. The car remained in his garage untouched until 1986. It was then sold to Don Collins, Coleman Alabama. Kyle Shelton of Decatur, Alabama purchased the car in August of 1989, and took special effort in preserving the originality of its last raced condition. The car was then demonstrated at the 16Th annual Mid-America Shelby meet at Hallet Motor Speedway, Tulsa, OK. Gene Felton, Roswell, GA purchased the Torino and sold it to Jeff King of Malvern, PA. In September of 2001. Ernie Elliott brother of NASCAR’s Bill Elliott, was commissioned to do the current cosmetic restoration in 2003. This car is still considered to be one of the most original late 1960’s era NASCAR Grand National stock cars. Current owner Lance Smith of Huntington Cars prepared the Torino for Road Racing and ran it with the Historic Grand National Stock Car Group at the 2008 Wine Country Classic at Infinion Raceway, Sonoma, CA

History

December 1970 “Snowball Festival” NASCAR sanctioned race, Pensacola FL. – Shake-down outing, car ran well but mechanical problems prevented a good finish. February 1971 “Permatex 300” NASCAR Grand National Daytona FL. – Qualified middle of the field. Moved up to tenth position by mid point, drive shaft vibration problems did not allow the car to finish. May 1971 “Permatex 250” NASCAR Grand National Talladega, AL. – Due to NASCAR rule changes car was not allowed to qualify or race. Car ran limited practice. Winter 1971 – The car under went modifications to comply with new NASCAR regulations and new exterior paint scheme was added. February 1972 “Permatex 300” NASCAR Grand National Daytona, FL. – Car qualified well but did not race due to the death of driver’s father before the start of the race.

July 1992 16Th Annual Mid-America Shelby Meet, Tulsa, OK – On track again! Demonstration runs May 2008 “Wine Country Classic” General Racing Ltd. Sonoma, CA – The Torino raced exhibition sessions with the Historic Grand National Stock Car Group. October 2008 CSRG Fall Festival Sonoma, CA. the Torino competed in the Grand National race group. Second in class at the La Jolla Motorcar Classic Concour D’ Elegance January 2009. February 2009 display and track lap at the NASCAR, Auto Club 500 in Fontana, CA.