The Beastly Thunderbolt.... [PIC]

One hundred of thee heavily modified 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 posters were built to house the 427 FE V8 w/2X4 bbls coupled to either a Lincoln MX 3 speed Cruise O Matic or a Borg-Warner 4 speed manual. The compression ratio was said to be 13.5:1. The engine was rated at 425 HP, but dyno results had it at 540 HP at the flywheel. The final drive ratio averaged about 4.50:1. Fiberglass doors, hood and, in early models, front bumpers (later replaced with aluminum). side and rear window glazing were Plexiglas. The interior was gutted down to essential with drivers seat from a Ford Econoline van.  The rear suspension was completely reworked with traction bar reinforcements. The final assmbly of this street legal vehicle was done by Dearborn Steel Tubing. A disclaimer metal plate was riveted ti the inside of the glove box door and read: "This vehicle has been built specially as a lightweight competitive car and includes certain fiberglass and aluminium components. Because of the specialized purpose for which this car has been built and in order to achieve maximum weight reduction, normal quality standards of the Ford Motor Company in terms of exterior panel fit and surface appearance are not met on this vehicle.
   This information is included on this vehicle to assure that all customers who purchase this car are aware of the deviation from the regular high appearance quality standards of the Ford Motor Company." These cars came it two colors: The first 11 in Vintage Maroon and the remainder in Wimbledon White so I guess this Gas Ronda car was painted orange by its sponsor, Russ David Ford of Covina, California. This model of the Gas Ronda car was the winning car with a pass of 11.78 seconds at 123.40 mph. The car took the NHRA national Top Stock crown for 1964. It's a really well done model by ERTL and what tickled me was the rear seat spring supports viewed through the trunk.

And it comes with a little 1/64 buddy!