Summary

This was on the West Coast drag racing circuit under Chuck Foulger, the former Ford Racing director. Mighty 428/335hp CJ Ram Air engine and automatic transmission. Includes Marti Report and original Build Sheet.

Details

This 1969 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet gained instant notoriety on the West Coast drag-racing circuit under sponsorship from Chuck Foulger, the former Ford Racing director whose Monrovia, CA, dealership had a reputation as one of the most performance-savvy Ford stores west of the Mississippi. The R-code Cobra Jet is equipped with the mighty 428/335hp CJ Ram Air engine, a close-ratio 4-speed T-10 transmission, competition suspension package, power front disc brakes, AM radio, color-keyed racing mirrors and F70-14 wide oval tires. After arriving at Foulger Ford, crew chief Kenny Myers converted the car to an automatic transmission for quicker and more consistent launches and added Lakewood traction bars, Hurst/Lakewood drag shocks, Cragar SS wheels with racing rubber and a set of Doug Thorley's radical 180-degree exhaust headers. The car's distinctive paint scheme was Foulger's idea; by painting one side of the car Pearl White, he reasoned that media coverage would give the impression there were two Foulger Ford-sponsored Mustangs rather than just one. After a successful few months, that included runner-up finishes at the Bakersfield Fuel & Gas Meet and the Hot Rod Championship Drags, driver Ritchey was called into the service, and the car was sold to Foulger Drag Team members Bob and Lucy Below, whose well-earned reputation for cutting a quick light was further bolstered by her performance at the Cobra Jet's controls. With continuing Foulger sponsorship, the car soon became known as 'Lucy's Larceny' after defeating such talents as Shirley 'Drag-On Lady' Shahan and Bob Lambeck, both of whom Lucy trailered on her way to a first win at Fremont Dragway, where she ran mid-11s at 126.45 mph to set the SS/HA record. The Belows ran the car successfully for another three years in NHRA Division 7 before retiring it from competition. After a series of owners, it was restored with input from Bob and Lucy Below and is being offered in its original racing configuration, a splendid piece of West Coast Super Stock racing history. Documentation includes Marti Deluxe Report, original Build Sheet, period racing photos and various drag racing magazines from the 1970s highlighting the Cobra Jet.