Slick 60's

Hey Guys,

Today was "Ford Racing Demo Day" at the museum. I thought some of you might enjoy some of these pics…

The day started with the museum's Curator giving me a ride in our 1966 GT40. It may be the coolest ride that I've ever had…





We were fortunate enough to have on loan one of the two 1957 "Battlebirds"…



And Al Joniec's Boss 429 Mustang…





Of course, the '66 GT40 and the Daytona Coupe are both part of the permanent collection here…





After a brief lecture on the history of Ford Racing and these specific cars, we moved things outside…





The weather was PERFECT! So, we had a GREAT turnout…







Finally, we dropped the ropes and opened the hoods for all to see…



…Boss 429…



…292…



…312…



…Cockpit of the "Battlebird"…



All-in-all, it was a really fun day!

I get excited every time I see you have posted something!

Thanks for sharing what looks like a fantastic day at "work".

SPark

Its so cool that the cars on display are taken out and driven on rare occasions for the public to see. Thanks for sharing.

Never fails to amaze me the cars you guys get there for events.

That Daytona coupe is a big time favorite of mine. It does surprise me to see how high it sets off the ground.. Did they run that tall of a tire when they raced it I wonder?

Too Cool!
Thanks for sharing the pics

Randall

The wheels and tires that are on the Daytona Coupe are the same ones it used during its last Bonneville run. They are totally original. However, we also have a spare set of "street" tires (should the need ever arise). When Dr. Simeone acquired that car he did not plan to do a full restoration on it. Actually, he believes in "preservation, NOT restoration". Anyway, he did send the car to a speciality shop to have them go completely over the car to make sure that it was mechanically sound and safe to be driven. They replaced a few minor bolts and screws (and returned the replaced/original items to Dr. Simeone), but other than that it is totally original. In fact, while the car was at the shop they vacuumed up the Bonneville salt from the floorpans and put it in a zip-lock baggie that Dr. Simeone keeps on his desk. That is how anal he is about originality!

Very very cool I love the old Ford racers. Glad Dr. Simeone does what he does for the history of the old cars.

Not sure I choose my favorite, even with a gun to my head. They're all awesome.

Oops! On my last entry to this thread, I should have added that anyone interested in more of Dr. Simeone's thoughts on car preservation might want to check out his book; "The Stewardship of Historically Important Automobiles". It is available on the museum's website; www.SimeoneMuseum.org under the "Store" menu selection.

Enjoy...

Thanks for sharing . Tom