When Jerry McClanahan, who’s son Bryan and grandson Ryan are now ass kickers on the NHRA Stock and Super Stock scene, won the 1973 AND 1974 NHRA Stock Eliminator National Championship, it was a feat nobody would repeat until Kevin Helms pulled it off in 2002. And the 1966 Impala wagon he won both of those championships in, and that would go on to have a storied and colorful life after Jerry, is now for sale in Phoenix for only $1900! To be fair, the car is not in stock eliminator trim, at least not the engine and trans anyway, and it’s been sitting for a few years. The car has been painted, neglected, and beat on like a rented mule, but is still a super solid rust free wagon. The interior is in it, the body looks pretty straight, and it comes as a roller. If someone wants the 283 and glide combo that was most recently run in the car, it is available as well.
But that’s only part of the story. You see, I live two blocks away from Bryan and Ryan McClanahan. I’ve never spoken to them until last night when I went knocking on their door to ask about the car, but thankfully Bryan knew who I was and didn’t call the cops. I’m sure it didn’t hurt that I showed up in Daphne’s 1966 Bel Air wagon as well. I’m no dummy.
We’re going to be doing some interviews with the McClanahan’s to talk about all their family history in NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing, but for now it’s all about Jerry’s wagon being for sale. I asked Bryan if they had thought about buying it, and he said that the thought had crossed their minds. In fact his wife asked if they were going to and then commented on the fact that it would cost at least $25,000 to make the car McClanahan nice! We like her already.
Bryan told us that he asked his dad, who is not in the best of health these days, whether he would drive it if they put it together and his response was something along the lines of “Strap my oxygen tank in there with me and I’ll f’ing run it!”.
We love Jerry already!
Before leaving Bryan’s house he told me that he hoped someone would buy this car and make it nice. He said it’s a really good car and he remembers it fondly, and the fact that it’s still in “race car” trim is pretty cool. If one of you BangShifters out there picks this thing up, I can definitely get you a complete history straight from the McClanahans who seem like awesome people. Tonight I either made a friend for life, or at least one that will continue to help me get into trouble with race cars, which is awesome.
I have to tell you, I have the original untouched 283 out of Daphne’s wagon in the shop, along with a built ‘Glide, 6.17 12 bolt gears, and just about everything but valvetrain to build this thing into a legit stocker. If it wasn’t for the fact that I just bought Daphne a vintage travel trailer I probably would have been hooking up the car trailer and driving to Phoenix tonight or in the morning. This thing is cool.
Here’s the car and the info provided by the seller.
Historic Racer from the Nicols and Long Roof Racing. This car went straight from the assembly line to the track in 1966. 12 Bolt rear set up for 1/4 mile track worth more than what I’m asking.
Interior is still in the car if you want to return it to a streetable car.
Also have the 283 short block that this car was set up to run that has been rebuilt and is mean as they come. Selling separately with spare heads and other parts.
LOCAL DELIVERY AVAILABLE
480-678-4830
