Ride Nickname:
Racer 66
Make:
Ford
Model:
Coupe
Year:
1938
Introduction / Overview:
By now everyone who has visited our garage knows that RoadSide Werx builds and collects Classic cars and Hot Rods with pure heart and soul. Many people are in it for the money. We are in it for the nostalgia of the sport, and to pay tribute to the men and cars themselves that created a classic American era. To tell you a little bit about this car, it is a 1938 Ford Special Deluxe Business Couple, which I'm sure any car enthusiast knows is a gem in its rarity to the era. I would also like to tell you that while I may not know the exact history behind the automobile, the factoids and stories that I have come across tell me that this is not a piece of automotive history to be overlooked.
Being a survivor of the 1964 Denver flood, much of the car's exterior and interior has been left rusted and worn. Fortunately, for history's purpose, on the driver's side door, one can clearly see that this is car #66, that was raced at Lakeside Amusement Park/ Raceway in Lakewood, CO. From the history that I have received on the car, it was also raced on the Englewood speedway, which was prominently active in the 1950's and 1960's by local gear-heads and builders. The car is also known as a dirt oval, the earliest form of a NASCAR.
To my knowledge, it is in its complete and original form from this period in which is was driven. As I mentioned earlier, I unfortunately cannot provide you with the exact history of racer #66. From what I am told, it is from two brothers with the last name of Bluemont. I was also loosely told that it is likely that these brothers were local racers and perhaps owned a gas station or two in the area. My guess would be that their stations had affiliation with Amoco, due to a sticker that is on the car. Don't take my word for it, but that would be my best guess. The car itself was found fenced into a backyard that couldn't be seen from the road. It sat in this yard from the late 50's or early 60's until I was lucky enough to stumble upon it. The woman whose yard it resided in is probably close to 90 years old. That being said, I am not sure her accuracy is up to par, but it is thought that her husband and/or brother-in-law owned and raced the car. This was outstanding to me, if that is true, than this makes me only the second or third owner of a car that is around 70 years old. Sadly, at this point, my story and knowledge of the car is limited. I do look forward to learning more about it and experiencing this true find of an authentic hot rod.
Best,
Matt @ RoadSide Werx
Drivetrain:
24 Stud Flathead Engine
1938-39: 3-speet - Top Loader Transmission
Chassis:
Ford wide bolt pattern with custom off set for oval racing.
The rear bumper is a narrow gauge railroad track piece...not really significant to the performance or ability, but just a fun fact about the car to be shared and mentioned.
The front wishbone was used as a radiator protector.
Steering shaft with sector gear on the front was removeable to remove tow bar, the car then, was towed behind a car to the track.
Wheels:
The wheels are Volkswagon style, which offered better performance for racing because it didn't tear the lug nuts out.
Custom offset wheels that were done by the owner, showing his true early race background. It also demonstrates that the builder put true thought and detail behind this racer.
Body:
Believed to have come out of the factory painted green. From what we can tell it was then re-painted to a cream or white color.
Interioir:
Rusted Away
Lifestyles:
Restorer, Old-School, Hot Rodder, Race only
