David Pearson was one of NASCARs greatest heroes. Known as the Silver Fox when he ran in the 60s and 70s, Pearson won an amazing 105 features (second behind Richard Petty) and Grand National (now Winston Cup) titles in 1966, 1968, and 1969. He also finished third in points in 1974. Much of his success came in the famous #21 cars of the Wood Brothers during that period.
One of the cars that provided some early seat time for him was a magnificent 37 eggshell blue Ford Sedan stock car. The car was 22 years old when it won the track championship at Greenville-Pickens Speedway in Easley, South Carolina in 1959. It won 28 of 30 races that season. Pearson had started driving the car in the 58 season.
The car, owned in authentic, restored condition by J.B. Day of South Carolina, provides a glimpse back to an era where race car technology was simple at best.
The #16 Ford is unique in the fact that its a sedan instead of the expected coupes that dominated during the period. It also weighed more than 3,000 pounds. But Day says several of the bulky sedans ran fairly well at that time.
The car started out as a street car, so the doors were still functionaleven the door handles were kept. Straps were used to ensure the doors remained closed at race speeds.
With a few exceptions, these cars were maintained with original external trim with one exception: a pair of heavy steel bumpers, which were attached and were capable of receiving and administering quite a hit. Another noticeable modification involved the headlight openings, which were covered.
The interior was gutted for weight savings, and a single racing seat was installed. The stock gauges also were retained. Even though this vintage car was built with heavy sheetmetal, sturdy internal rollcages were included. The rollcage was fabricated of 1¼-inch-thick steel pipe.
Experience had shown that the stock suspension system was not capable of handling the stress of high speed racing on oval tracks. So, heavy-duty hubs and other suspension parts were usually installed. In the case of Pearsons #16, truck hubs from a three-quarter Ford truck were used. Day says the car used street tires on beefed-up wheels.
Power certainly wasnt excessive with the stock flathead under the hood, but it was strong enough for Pearson to win. The powerplant used a common arrangement with a pair of 97 Stromberg carbs.
All in all, this car was a racing marvel and provided a great foundation for Pearson. The #16 is maintained in top running condition today. Wouldnt you just love to take this little Ford for a spin at a dirt track near you?