Mention the word Supermodified today and visions of low-slung open wheel machines with off-set big-blocks and huge Sprint Car-like wings come to mind. But one look at this vintage machine doesn’t conjure up images of such a macho-sounding name. But back in the late ’60s and even on into the early ’80s, this was a Supermodified. Unlike their modern day cousins which are found throughout Ohio and upstate New York, these roadster-looking race cars were more commonly found in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.
And Texas is exactly where Chuck Falkner found this example back in 1995 forlornly resting behind a body shop. Believe it or not, the car had been converted to carry a Sprint Car tail with a wooden overhead wing. Yes, we said wooden. The previous owner explained that the car had last run in the early ’70s in the Lone Star State, reporting the odd-looking racer enjoy its share of success. For the $1,500 that Chuck paid, he received not only the car but a collection of parts as well. It turned out to be a monumental effort to return the car to its original glory, but as you’ll see Falkner did a spectacular job.
The model started out using...
The model started out using a ’32 Model B Ford body which was narrowed for this application. The wheelbase is about 100 inches which was required by NCRA (National Championship Racing Association) where the car originally raced. The inside frame width is only 20 inches wide between the two 4130 steel framerails, but those rails are a hefty 2 inches in diameter.
Excellent protection is certainly...
Excellent protection is certainly in place at the front of the car. To damage that large radiator, it would be necessary to cave in that front bumper and that imposing multi-leaf cross spring setup. Weight bias is achieved by adjusting the two bolts sitting atop the cross leaf spring.
This rear view shows just...
This rear view shows just how narrow the body really is, barely wide enough for the driver. Note that there is only a slight right-side off-set with the right side tire slightly larger than the left rear. Also, it was possible to raise or lower the body depending on track surface, an early design popularized by car builder Laverne Nance. Check out the solid protection from a rear hit thanks to that triple-bar rear bumper and the excellent visibility from the cockpit.
The rollcage is carefully...
The rollcage is carefully hidden. In certain parts of the country, these 1,800-pound cars ran against caged Sprint Cars. They, however, were not effective against the lighter Sprints. Note the triangulation in the frame for strength purposes.
There is an interesting mounting...
There is an interesting mounting technique for the front bumper and shocks. First, two bars are joined to the frame and angled outward. The top grille bars attach to the bar about a third of the way up. Then, on top of the bars are the upper shock mounts.
The classic looks of the body...
The classic looks of the body were maintained with the nifty header installation with a clean-cut opening in the body on both sides.
A unique roller attachment...
A unique roller attachment to the front axle allows the leaf spring flexibility and permits weight jacking into the right front. These cars’ suspension designs were extremely easy to work on with the changes normally being made only to the torsion bars, rearend gears, and tire stagger.
In the rear suspension, the...
In the rear suspension, the top of the shock is mounted to a stud attached to the frame.
It was the custom back in...
It was the custom back in the day to put the driver’s or the owner’s initials in the bumper, so Chuck Falkner decided to follow that trend putting his there.
A variety of engines were...
A variety of engines were used in these cars including GMC six-cylinders along with Buick, Olds, and Caddy V-8s. Not surprisingly, the most popualr was the small-block Chevy which you see here in Falkner’s car.
Falkner highjacked the transmission...
Falkner highjacked the transmission from Chevy pick-up truck. The left rod with the yellow handle was the hand clutch as there wasn’t room for it on the floor. The car also also carries a period Schroeder power steering unit. The fuel shut-off valve is on the lower right side.
The original quick-change...
The original quick-change rearend is still in place. Note the added rear protection from two bars coming from the back of the rollcage. For safety purposes, Chuck added a modern fuel cell. Back in the day, they were hand-fabricated.
Note the interesting curving...
Note the interesting curving of the front axle and the leaf spring.
Bodies for these cars were...
Bodies for these cars were originally steel, but over the years the harsh realities of racing took a toll on their supply. Enter car builder Laverne Nance, who crafted a mold and began producing fiberglass versions of the body. Falkner’s car has one of the original ’glass bodies. It can easily be lifted by one person and probably weighs less than 40 pounds.
This photo of Chuck and legendary...
This photo of Chuck and legendary motorsports journalist Chris Economaki was taken some years back at Pikes Peak International Speedway, where it was the pace car for both the USAC Midgets and Silver Crown Cars. Part of that event included a car show of some 80 vintage race cars. Falkner’s car was voted the Best of Show by Economaki.