History of the 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback
The 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback was a legendary racing car built by the Holman and Moody racing team. This high-performance car was based on the 1967 Ford Mustang notchback, which was already a popular model among racing enthusiasts due to its aerodynamic design. In this article, we’ll explore the features and significance of this iconic car.
The Birth of the 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback
The Holman and Moody Racing Team
Holman and Moody was a racing team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that specialized in building high-performance cars for racing. The team was founded in 1957 by John Holman and Ralph Moody, who were both former employees of the Ford Motor Company. They built cars that dominated the racing circuits in the 1960s and helped establish Ford as a major player in motorsports.
The 1967 Ford Mustang Notchback
The 1967 Ford Mustang was already a popular car among racing enthusiasts due to its sleek design and powerful engine. It had a 390 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 320 horsepower, which was more than enough to make it a formidable car on the racetrack.
The Holman and Moody Treatment
The Holman and Moody racing team took the already impressive 1967 Ford Mustang notchback and transformed it into a high-performance racing machine. They upgraded the engine to a 427 cubic inch V8 that produced over 500 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful racing cars of its time. The car also had a four-speed manual transmission, which allowed drivers to shift quickly and efficiently during races.
Features of the 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback
Lightweight Body
The 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback featured a lightweight body made of aluminum and fiberglass. This helped to reduce the car’s weight and improve its handling, which was crucial for racing.
Advanced Suspension and Braking Systems
The car also had advanced suspension and braking systems that allowed it to handle tight turns and stop quickly when needed. This was essential for racing, where every second counts.
Roll Cage and Safety Harnesses
The 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback also had a roll cage and safety harnesses, which were essential safety features for racing cars. The roll cage protected the driver in case of a crash, while the safety harnesses kept the driver securely in their seat during high-speed maneuvers.
Striking Paint Scheme
One of the most notable features of the 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback was its striking paint scheme. The car was painted with blue and white stripes on a red background, which became synonymous with the Holman and Moody racing team. This distinctive livery helped to establish the car as an iconic symbol of American racing heritage.
Significance of the 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback
Dominant Force in American Racing
The 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback was a dominant force in American racing, winning numerous races and championships. It helped to establish Ford as a major player in the world of motorsports and paved the way for future racing cars.
Enduring Appeal
Today, the 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback is a highly sought-after collector’s car, with only a few examples still in existence. The car’s enduring appeal is a testament to its iconic design and racing pedigree, which continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world.
Conclusion
The 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback was a remarkable car that embodied the best of American racing technology and design. Its powerful engine, advanced features, and iconic livery make it a true classic, and its significance in automotive history cannot be overstated. The car’s dominance in American racing circuits helped to establish Ford as a major player in motorsports, and its enduring appeal as a collector’s car speaks to its lasting impact on the automotive industry.
The Holman and Moody racing team’s ability to take an already impressive car and transform it into a high-performance racing machine is a testament to their skill and expertise. The 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback is a true reflection of their commitment to pushing the limits of automotive engineering.
In conclusion, the 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback is a legendary car that represents the best of American racing heritage. Its legacy continues to inspire car enthusiasts and racing fans alike, and it will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the art of automotive engineering.
FAQs
- How many 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchbacks were built?
- Only a few examples of this car are still in existence today, and the exact number of cars built is not known.
- What made the 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback so fast?
- The car’s powerful 427 cubic inch V8 engine, lightweight body, and advanced suspension and braking systems made it a high-performance racing machine.
- How much is a 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback worth today?
- The value of this car varies depending on its condition and history, but it is highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a high price at auction.
- Did the Holman and Moody racing team build other cars besides the 1967 Ford Mustang Holman and Moody Competition Notchback?
- Yes, the team built a variety of high-performance racing cars throughout the 1960s, including the Ford Galaxie, the Ford Torino, and the Ford Thunderbird.
- What was the Holman and Moody racing team’s impact on the automotive industry?
- The Holman and Moody racing team played a significant role in the development of American racing technology and helped establish Ford as a major player in motorsports.
