Ep 22. Vintage Race Fords, Crate Engines

In season 12 episode 22 of My Classic Car, titled "Vintage Race Fords, Crate Engines," the focus is on the excitement of vintage racing and the power of crate engines in classic Fords. Host Dennis Gage travels to the Waterford Hills Vintage Races in Michigan to see some iconic classic Fords take to the track.

First up on Dennis' tour of classic race cars is a 1965 Mustang GT350 clone owned by Jim Ray. Ray shares his story of how he turned his Mustang into a vintage racer with the addition of a powerful crate engine. With its impressive horsepower and torque, Ray's Mustang is a force to be reckoned with on the track.

Next, Dennis meets up with racing legend Parnelli Jones to talk about his experiences racing vintage Fords in events like the prestigious Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Jones shares his stories of racing some of the most iconic Ford race cars in history, including the famous Boss 302 Mustang.

Dennis also tours the pit area of the Waterford Hills Vintage Races to see some of the other classic Fords that are competing, including a 1965 Shelby GT350 and a 1966 Ford GT40 replica. He talks to the owners and drivers of these impressive machines to learn about their history and the modifications that have been made to make them race-ready.

Throughout the episode, Dennis emphasizes the importance of crate engines in the world of vintage racing. He highlights their reliability and power, which allow classic cars to keep up with modern racers on the track. He also shows how crate engines can be installed in a classic Ford relatively easily, making them an accessible option for those looking to upgrade their vintage race car.

As always, Dennis wraps up the episode with his signature 'Two-Minute Test Drive,' taking a spin in a 1968 Ford Mustang GT500KR owned by Jeff Yergovich. With its factory crate engine and original Shelby modifications, Yergovich's Mustang is a true muscle car masterpiece. Dennis takes it for a spin on the roads around the racetrack and is blown away by its power and handling.

Overall, "Vintage Race Fords, Crate Engines" is a celebration of classic Ford race cars and the power of modern technology to keep them competitive on the track. With its mix of historical insights and hands-on automotive knowledge, this episode is a must-see for any fan of classic cars or vintage racing.