DESCRIPTION: In late 1968 after returning from Vietnam, Andy Plym of Niles, Michigan caught the drag racing bug, and soon after purchased a Boss 302 Mustang. Having limited success he turned to Gapp and Roush Racing of Livonia, Michigan for advice. They suggested a 428 1970 Mustang coupe. This was the start of the Polaris Drag Team. Team members included Larry Mihaleil, Jerry Baker, Wayne Van Gilder, Bill Reeves, and Andy Plym. They went with a Red, White and Blue patriotic theme called the “American Way”. Super stock racing was very successful to the Polaris Drag Team. So they decided to add a Pro Stock car to their efforts.
With the expertise of Larry Mihalek and his connections with the Ford Drag Team, they selected a new 1971 Fastback Mustang. It was a plain Jane, Grabber Blue, 6 cylinder, 3-speed, Sportsroof, VIN 1F02L135858. The 1971 Mustang car was immediately cut apart at the dealership, and hauled to California for acid dipping. It was next taken to the Logghe Brothers Shop for tin, brakes and chassis work. They chose a Gapp and Roush raised port Boss 429 engine backed by a B&M clutch and a C6 transmission. These were all first for Pro Stock. A Dana 60 with 4:88 gear ratio was used. The body is currently restored to the same red, white, and blue Polaris Drag Team colors, including the unique red, white and blue interior – seats, door panels and carpet. This car was raced Nationwide along with the Super Stock car, winning many awards including the Best Appearing Crew Award in Indianapolis in 1972 and 1973. When the team disbanded after the 1973 season, the car was painted all red and raced in the Midwest until it was put in storage in the mid 80’s.
Fast forward to 2012 when VIN 1F02L135858 received a rotisserie restoration on the original acid dipped body, which includes a fiberglass hood and deck lid, and it still retains the Logghe tin, brakes and chassis work. A Holman and Moody Boss 429 was topped with Gapp and Roush Raised Port Heads and matching tunnel Ram which Dynoed at 703 HP. All this is backed with an NOS B&M clutch which operates a C-6 transmission. This Polaris Drag Team Pro Stock 1971 Mustang is a TRUE piece of drag racing history. HIGHLIGHTS - 1971 Pro Stock Mustang, the original Polaris Race Team “American Way” - Vintage 1970’s Pro Stocker with documented history - Holman Moody fresh Boss 429 engine, dyno tested at 700 HP - Gapp and Rousch raised port heads with matching tunnel ram - B&M clutch operated C6 transmission - Original acid dipped 1971 body - Dana 60 with 4.88 gears - Rotisserie restoration - Fiberglass hood and deck lid - Best Appearing Crew award at Indy in 1972 - Originally a six cylinder, 3-speed car that was converted to a Pro Stocker when new - A unique part of drag racing history - Press release kit
I actually have an original press release kit from this race team. Jerry Baker is an old family friend here in OKC. I haven't spoke with him in a couple of years - last I heard his health was marginal at best... Serious Ford fan.
here are some pics of the (new 6 cyl) car being stripped. Jerry told me the dealership (I think in Michigan?) and its salesmen were freaking out that anyone would totally destroy a complete car to make a race car!
Ray
So ended my Fuel Bike carer 1 more tale of the neverwas haha
