Film: The Holman Moody Challenger III at the 1962 Nassau Trophy Race
The one-of-a-kind Holman Moody Challenger III made its racing debut at the 9th Annual International Bahamas Speed Weeks held from December 2 to December 10, 1962.
This modified Ford Falcon Futura, running as #26, can be seen battling Jaguars, Cobras and Ferraris. The driver was Marvin Panch, a NASCAR race driver who often drove for Holman Moody on ovals and road course.
This 9-minute highlight film documents the Challenger III competing in the 252-mile Nassau Trophy Race held on December 9, 1962. This unique racer finished 52nd of 63 entrants after completing 17 of the 56 laps. It was disabled when fan belt snapped and engine overheated. The race was won by Innes Ireland driving a Lotus 19 Climax.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Holman Moody Challenger III Highlights
Mark 1:47: The Challenger III's driver Marvin Panch (far right).
Mark 2:33: Marvin Panch checking out the Challenger III before the race.
Mark 3:03: At the LeMans start, the Challenger III can be seen in the fifth position.
Mark 3:13 Panch was in third at the start of the race.
Mark 3:47: On the course.
Mark 4:40: Taking the curve
Mark 4:46: After the curve.
Mark 5:28: Heading to the pits after overheating.
Mark 5:37: in the pits.
Comments
Amazing rare historic race footage Howard. There’s a Chevy Corvair on the track! Great stuff
Corvair at 4:41. The race likely copied for Elvis’ Viva Las Vegas scene
Interesting mixture of cars. You would never see that today. By today’s standards, the ‘62 Ford Galaxie and the Corvair looked out of place.
1962. This is early use of on-board cameras facing front and rear from a racer. Perhaps the first.