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.