1987 Ford Thunderbird Stock Car, Raced by Bill Elliott
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Artifact Overview
Bill Elliott set NASCAR's all-time speed record with this car when he qualified for the 1987 Winston 500 at Talladega at 212.809 miles per hour. By the 1980s, "stock cars" only looked stock. Underneath this Thunderbird sheet metal is a purpose-built steel tube frame, racing suspension and brakes, and a racing engine that no Ford dealer ever sold.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Racing car
Date Made
1987
Creators
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
88.84.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Melling Racing Enterprises, Inc.
Material
Metal
Steel
Fiberglass
Rubber (Material)
Plastic
Color
Red
White (Color)
Gold (Color)
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 51 in
Width: 71 in
Length: 197.5 in
Wheelbase: 110 in
Weight: 3700 lbs
Inscriptions
On side: 9 | COORS | MOTORCRAFT / QUALITY PARTS / Melling Oil Pumps
On hood: COORS / MELLING OIL PUMPS / FORD
Above doors : Bill Elliott
Edge of hood: Thunderbird emblem
Specifications
Make & Model: 1987 Ford Thunderbird (stock car racing)
Maker: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan
Engine: Ford V-8, overhead valves, 351 cubic inches
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Height: 51 inches
Width: 71 inches
Wheelbase: 110 inches
Overall length: 197.5 inches
Weight: 3700 pounds
Horsepower: 625
Pounds per horsepower: 5.9
Competition History: Fastest qualifier for the 1987 Winston 500, Talladega, Alabama, at 212.809 mph. This remains NASCAR's fastest official lap ever. Winner, 1987 Talladega 500, Talladega, Alabama.
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