Sunday, May 1, 2011

The NASCAR T-Bird


            In 1959 through early 1960, the Thunderbird was the car of choice for Ford race teams. In 1959 Daytona opened its brand new Speedway and Johnny Beauchamp drove a ’59 T-bird to a photo finish victory over Lee Petty.
            It is believed that only 10 1960 T-birds that were special ordered to run in NASCAR events have survived. Ed Finke is lucky enough to own one. When Ford teams switched to the lighter Galaxy, his car was purchased by a NASCAR official who allegedly used it in the moonshine business through North Carolina.
            It was discovered in the Wilkes County Transportation Museum where it was bought and restored. Now Ed drives it around from time to time, when he wants to really fly down the road. And he shows it whenever he gets the chance.

No comments:

Post a Comment