The 1962 Holman Moody Challenger III at the 1962 Bahamas Speed Weeks
Challenger III was designed as a styling study, but because Holman Moody was a race team, some track time was only natural.
Above image: The Challenger III is the sixth racer from the bottom at the start of the 252-mile Nassau Trophy Race.
Come see the Challenger III tomorrow at the Gold Coast Cruisers Waterfront Car Show at Morgan Park, Glen Cove.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
The one-of-a-kind Challenger III made its racing debut at the 9th Annual International Bahamas Speed Weeks held from December 2 to December 10, 1962. The humble Falcon was 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. Running as #26, Challenger III competed in five races but suffered mechanical problems related to the course.
•5-Lap Preliminary Nassau Tourist Trophy (December 2, 1962) Class won class (5th Place overall of 16 entrants behind four Ferrari 250 GTOs.)
•25-Lap Nassau Tourist Trophy (December 2, 1962) finished 34th of 38 entrants.
•5-Lap Preliminary Governor’s Trophy (December 7, 1962) finishing 3rd in class (9th overall of 20 entrants).
•25-Lap Governor’s Trophy (December 7, 1962) finished 28th of 42 entrants.
•252-Mile Nassau Trophy (December 9, 1962) finished 52nd of 63 entrants after completing 17 of the 56 laps. Disabled when fan belt snapped and engine overheated.
Unloading in the Bahamas
Pre-Race Preparations
Challenger's driver Marvin Panch can be seen wearing the hat.
252- Mile Nassau Trophy Race (December 9, 1962)
Challenge III was the sixth racer from the bottom in the LeMans start.
Heading into the Pits
Overheated engine in the Pits
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