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David Pearson, 1975 NASCAR • IMSA
• Ford Torino
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Complete printable PDF document with Photos
Look closely at the car pictured on these pages for it is without a doubt one of the most unusual “stock” cars ever built. Consider that this particular car was specifically built to run at night long before Humpy Wheeler lit up Charlotte Motor Speedway. Then there’s the fact that the car sports brake lights and headlights. And let’s not overlook the Ford’s really unusual looking (even by Grand National standards) “stock” bodywork.
The car stems from Bill France’s desire around 1975 to inject international sports car endurance competition with a taste of “good old boy” style stock car racing. He helped cook up a new NASCAR GT division for the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1976. Like all cars in Grand National competition, the new racing classification had to be based on two-door, OHV, V-8-powered sedans produced by one of the big three automakers.
This car was built by Jack Bowsher and John Holman to run at
Daytona and the 24 hours of Le Mans. Holman & Moody based it on a fully
fabricated Grand National style chassis that was nearly identical to the one
developed for oval track racing. The Ford Galaxie based front suspension components
and massive Grand National style drums were used up front, and another set
of drums and a trailing arm-equipped, coil spring combination brought up the
rear.
Power came from a dry sump equipped Boss 429 engine mounted as low and rearward
in the chassis as possible to aid handling. The car’s mechanical components
were covered in a “cheated up” cut-down version of a ‘75
Ford Torino body shell. The Torino’s body has been sectioned so severely
that its rocker panels are completely missing. As a result, its red metal
flake roofline barely rises above belt buckle level. Large front and rear
spoilers add to the car’s road race looks and serve as the mounting
points for brake and driving lights.
David Pearson, his son Larry, and Jack Bowsher’s sons, Gary and Jim, were signed to drive the car at Daytona. The two Pearsons piloted the car to a daytime lead in their class before surrendering the helm to the Bowsher brothers, who brought it home first in class and sixteenth overall; a very respectable showing considering that the Torino was sidelined for three full hours during the race while a blown motor was changed.
Plans to campaign the car at the fabled 24 Hours of LeMans fell through when John Holman unexpectedly passed away and the Torino never raced again.
This rare piece of history was truly a find! Having been stored in its’ original state since 1975, showing only the signs of wear and tear from a 24 hour endurance race - truly magnificent “patina”. Preserved, original; a real time capsule.
1975 Ford Torino Grand National Race Car
Built by: Holman & Moody
Engine: Ford Boss 429
Race Record
1976 Daytona 24 Hours: 1st in Class 16th Overall
Drivers: David Pearson, Larry Pearson, Gary Bowsher, and Jim Bowsher
2004 Goodwood Festival of Speed
Driver: David Pearson