Barn Find 1980s NASCAR Thunderbird & Buick Saved From Time! Abandoned After Days of Thunder Filming

Hidden in South Carolina we recover a once race ready Bud Moore Ford Thunderbird used during Days of Thunder and a Bobby Allison Miller Buick Regal!
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Carlus Gann of the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Stock Car class called me up and said "Hey I bought this old Ricky Rudd Thunderbird that has been stuffed in a trailer in the woods for 30 years. Do you want to come film it?" Of course I said yes! The car was a race ready engine Bud Moore Engineering 1989 Thunderbird that was used during the filming of Days of Thunder in 89-90. During the filming it was banged up and needed new fenders. The owner took it home, repaired the damaged bodywork to primer, and shoved in a trailer. As we see it today is exactly how it was left in 1990 engine and all! The other car painted as a Bobby Allison Miller High Life Buick Regal of Stavola Bros racing was left in an old service station recently recovered and purchased by Carlus friend Mike!
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[@Stapleton42]

Help racing history grow and leave a thumbs up on this video! Subscribe too if you aren’t already! We want to travel more to find you more things to watch! Use my code STAPLETON to get $5 off your delicious, high protein Magic Spoon cereal by clicking this link: sponsr.is/magicspoon_stapleton

[@matthewjones6638]

Yes please do a rebuild back to original as possible. 👍

[@cindybarnes7566]

I know whats wrong with the buick it ain't got no gas in it

[@jamieseach8911]

Great video! I will share

[@johncarter1137]

You are doing a service for us old guys that were diehards back in the day but don't especially like today's NASCAR. Thank you and God Bless!

[@davemiller5098]

could not have been better said !!!!

[@tngtacticalmiata1219]

Well said.... I used to go to New Smyrna speedway when I was little and then Daytona when I was a teenager... Nascar nowadays is NOTHING like it was back then.

[@ZaxCal]

NASCAR is nothing like it used to be! It’s better.

[@nightreapers3425]

Glad to say there is another miller Buick in my home city Gilroy ca

[@crabappleracer]

Well said… this sport has history and is honor to see this being resurrected

[@jblooz2371]

Banjo was my neighbor in the 70s. I grew up with his son. Back in the 80s i used to go to his shop on mondays and see all the wrecked cars from the sunday race. The teams would send them from the track on an open trailer.

[@Stapleton42]

wow that is awesome!

[@05greendmax]

I worked with him at tuner Scott Motorsport back in the day

[@Stapleton42]

@@05greendmax Banjo Matthews or Banjo Grimm?

[@Mr.Martin4500]

​@@Stapleton42 Yeah that's what I was asking which Banjo? Banjo Grimm started with Mark Martin, in the early 1980's

[@05greendmax]

@@Stapleton42 grim

[@johnnysechrist6313]

I've been a nascar fan since the 50's. What yall do warms my heart. I was a mechanic my whole life, and now I'm 70 and in bad health. Born & raised in Randolph county NC but now in Ky since wife was killed in 02. I hope and pray yall keep these killer videos coming, and God Bless you and your lady friend in your quests. ❤

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man 💪🏻

[@johnnysechrist6313]

@@Stapleton42 You're quite welcome. By the way after the Navy in Vietnam, I've made a living as a mechanic back in NC, and raised 4 children there. Now retired in KY. Cost of living here is lower than NC.

[@user-bu8bc6kg4f]

God bless you Johnny 😊

[@spankyham9607]

These were so much better looking that the stuff today.

[@pumpkinking5174]

A Bud Moore related video on the 80th anniversary of D‐Day. I see what you did there....awesome!

[@Stapleton42]

Dude I didn’t even plan that... Someone upstairs pulling strings 🇺🇸

[@ShaneLarocque]

@@Stapleton42 thanks man Bud also had a purple Heart in the war a true NASCAR American Hero amen to you and keep us posted on that chassis number could even be a Ricky Rudd one,And yes please the engine rebuild at Lake Speed or Mr.Elliott would be awesome

[@steveschannel4759]

My family and I visited the Charlotte Speedway and some area race shops for the first time between the 87-88 season. While driving around the track we could hear a race car on track. We drove around and the tunnel entrance was open so we drove in and pulled over to the pit area. It was this Gold #12 Miller High Life car but we had no idea that it was a Bobby Allison car because previously he had been #22. We attempted to take some pictures before someone came over and asked us not to. Turns out that this was the photo shoot for the new scheme. We did manage to get a couple of photos from a distance. Once the car pulled in, they proceeded to peel the 12 decals off and apply the 8 decals and sent it back out for more photos. I learned later that this was one of the first Sam Bass designed paint schemes. Once I learned who he was, I became a huge Sam Bass fan and found out a few years later, while meeting with him and sharing this story, that he also remembered that day and he was the one that had come over and asked us not to take pictures. It blew my mind when he said,- "I remember you all, the blue station wagon, right?" I've still got the pictures as well as some from the Days of Thunder junkyard that sat behind the Hendrick shop for a while. The #11 Bud car in the junkyard was a Chevy Monte Carlo which was humorous since it had Ford Blue Oval stickers on it. Thanks for sharing your passion for NASCAR history and taking us along on your journeys.

[@Stapleton42]

Dang that is awesome. Sam’s son Mark (Sam Jr) is working on some graphics for the first t shirt with my racecar on it.

[@briandetienne5680]

Carlus is a great guy and good friends with Bill and Chase Elliot. That car is in good hands!

[@Stapleton42]

absolutely!

[@slopoke22]

Man, id love to have me a cup car! Mid late 90s id be in heaven!

[@Scott_Buchanan]

Yessir!

[@mindeloman]

I drove an early 2000s cup car at a NASCAR driving experience. My company paid for us to go. So, real cup car governed to not exceed a certain RPM on a real NASCAR track. It was the most counterintuitive driving I have ever experienced. I did manage to achieve 154mph once I got comfortable getting close to the wall. I swear it felt like I was doing 60mph.

[@slopoke22]

@@mindeloman yeah I was gonna pay the 3500 bucks, if I could've afforded it. To go around talladega 60 laps and have the limiter turned up! Still mad I couldn't do it.

[@gregsidel3557]

I like the old cars that are in the bushes and stuff in that field that's great

[@shafferjoe1962]

Once again, thank you for surviving and making another great video. God bless you both for keeping this history alive...

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks Joe we appreciate you

[@gordonlitz4824]

Keep digging 42, y'all are really getting to some roots!!!

[@Stapleton42]

thank you we will!

[@leadzbetter]

Epic "picker" segment. Definitely would love to see that Bud Moore car again in a resto video.

[@Stapleton42]

We will try! Thanks for signing up as a channel member man

[@leadzbetter]

@@Stapleton42 It's the least I can do. Y'all have provided me with hours of top notch entertainment. Looking forward to what comes next!

[@Patmanx1]

that engine alone is a musuem piece or a priceless artifact

[@Stapleton42]

Totally agree

[@ColbyEvansRacing]

Gotta wonder how many abandoned cup cars are still sitting out there all these years later, excellent video!!!

[@Stapleton42]

Dude it has to be tons of them. Exciting to think about how many there are to discover!

[@gparrow]

I don't think most people, even those that were NASCAR fans back in the late 80's to early 90's would be astute enough to pick up on the difference between the 88-89 Buick and the 90 to 91 Buick. Your eye for these kind of details is what makes you a great historian, keep up the good work!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man! I’m a stickler for details

[@clintwill8715]

Interesting to know that not only Rick Hendrick provided cars for the Days of Thunder movie

[@Stapleton42]

Yep it was a few places!

[@dave3156]

Sure would like to see a Bud Moore engine rebuild!!!! Great to see these two old cars brought back to life again!! Thx for sharing!

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you Dave!

[@PaulSongas]

Awesome stuff. Just makes you wonder how many cars like that are just sitting in crates just waiting to be found.

[@Stapleton42]

Totally! More than we know I’m sure

[@MichaelWilliams-vb6wr]

Would love to see a Bud Moore engine rebuild

[@MrBrennanCreeper]

Id love to have that Buick. Those were some of the best looking cars of that era to me

[@Cobra-Scott]

Love the history! That engine should be in a museum.

[@Stapleton42]

It definitely could be

[@Steeledawg]

Absolutely cool especially when Bobby Allison is involved

[@weantgolfing5268]

You had me at Miller High life. Hugh Bobby and Davey Fan. Such a beautiful car. Don't care if it was his or not.

[@marksearcy9708]

Yes, an engine build video on this would be awesome! I think it is awesome that someone is going to do something with these cars instead of letting them set and rot away. If I only could win the lottery.😁👍👍👍👍

[@davidhendricks1050]

Ive actually been in that car back in the 90's,I used to buy alot of parts & cars from Mason's,he was a cool ol man to deal with,he was the biggest mustang fox body parts guy in the south east at one time....glad to see it going to a good home

[@kennethward3354]

Thank you for the Nascar History Lesson

[@Stapleton42]

Our pleasure!

[@jasonholmes6137]

Both are absolutely sick to do a Bobby Davey tribute would be my hearts desire ❤️ love what your doing Mitchell

[@Stapleton42]

As much as I admire Davey it would be a crime to take a real Bud Moore Engineering car and make it a tribute to something else. Bud is a legend among legends!

[@jasonholmes6137]

@Stapleton42 that I know being jeff bodine was my father's friend and fellow racer from pa but how cool would it be to see the motor craft car and the miller car just a cool moment in my mind

[@bigmikeyz0071]

So rad seeing these old nascars get restored and in the right hands

[@ronniewatkins]

I LOVE that Peach Bowl shirt Jim is wearing!!! My das used to take me there every weekend when i was a kid! Another great episode guys! Thank you!!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks Ronnie!

[@iamgriff]

You win the barn find video!

[@HalfStickCoupe]

Holy Hell, Hemmings posted a gasser video today and Stapleton42 posted a new video today. My Thursday can't get any better!

[@Stapleton42]

Heck yeah!

[@AustinWhite-sw1vg]

I come from a NHRA back round. But I always love watching NASCAR. You guys are my favorite KZbin channel. I love all the NASCAR history you guys find and the museums you guys go to.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man !!

[@proudpennsylvaniaman7996]

I love watching this old Nascar stuff brings back good memories

[@jamespinckard4210]

There's just something magical about being around old vintage race cars.

[@zachsadventures1297]

I love when yall find old cars This was the good years of nascar keep up the great work look forward to the next video

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you Zach!

[@RearEngineShop]

So awesome. I’m glad people are finding these and restoring them.

[@Stapleton42]

Us too!

[@keithrobinson3784]

Love the idea that you're promoting the history of the sport. That's all we have is "The History" cause it SURE AIN'T The Same.

[@parentsbasement7734]

If a retired NASCAR rolls outta a storage trailer in the woods and onto a wrecker does it make a sound? Now we know! These are the best. You two keep doing what you're doing, this might be someone's introduction to NASCAR history and without you guys being there we wouldn't see it.

[@ThaDezignatedHitter]

You are the sole reason I got back into nascar! I grew up watching but stopped fifteen years or so ago but you document most of the cars/drivers I remember and it brings back such great memories. Thanks for all you do for the sport and you’re a great ambassador for nascar!

[@Stapleton42]

Wow, thanks! You should go tell that to NASCAR maybe they will start helping us more 😂

[@shane41225]

I love the old Buick nascars and the gold is just iconic with the Buick race cars they look so dang good imo

[@Stapleton42]

I agree completely

[@michaeldecker2725]

2 of my favorite cars of that era.

[@No1414body]

A real Bud Moore car, such a rare beast, And a Banjo Mathews car too, I am green with envy, could you imagine if it was a Dale car instead of a Bret Bodine

[@Galaxiiee02]

My grandpa would have loved this channel if he got to see it.. he was always watching NASCAR races everytime we went over to visit

[@kawi4life88]

I love all your videos Chris. I came here for the racing you used to do and I stayed for your new style content. All the history and stories that get told on your channel are amazing. Thank you.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man. Chris is the country singer though lol

[@dajuice8228]

"Hillbilly Pickers" is a show I would watch 100%.

[@Stapleton42]

That is a show I would gladly make if Carlus keeps finding stuff!!

[@richreinhart7181]

A Bud Moore car and the Miller Buick??? you guys are unbelievable. Great job

[@smokinmoq916]

so cool.when the Tbird came out in the early 80's it looked almost spaceage with the smooth rounded lines.back when you tell a chevy was racing a ford,buick,whatever.

[@user-lz6bh5fk7b]

That's so cool I love old Thunderbird race car!! That damn true race car. NASCAR has killed car today .hey is that 64 Galaxy it's red

[@nabqrules]

I love those Regals

[@JoelFJB]

It's crazy how much history is right down the road from me. That is a true barn find and a piece of history. And yes would love to see the engine build. The car looks amazing for how long it has been sitting

[@roberthevern6169]

I would eat up any engine rebuild vid you post! That rollback driver was very skilled! Just listening to the starter struggle, I'd say the timing is advanced quite a bit! Great post, M & L & pooch(sorry, forgot her/his name!)!!

[@natejames5720]

That is such a beautiful piece of history!! If they knew you were coming to buy the car why wouldn't they have had a path made already? I guess that doesn't matter

[@dominicvega9267]

These things sounded so good. No restrictor plates. Pure musical exhaust

[@stephenmitchum5864]

Now I am going to be late to my next appointment, once I started watching I was hooked in.

[@Stapleton42]

Hey man I am glad you enjoy this stuff as much as we do!

[@50beretta]

It is truly amazing you get to see this stuff, and thank you for letting us see it as well.👏👏👏👏

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@riverrat82]

That place is loaded with cool cars🎉🎉

[@michaelreynolds1904]

That might have been the most reasonable negotiation and sale I've ever witnessed. 5k to $100 because the guy knows it's going to the right place. Just outstanding.

[@Stapleton42]

Right!

[@Hanks1938ELKnucklehead]

Looks like you were correct about the Crisco livery, you can see the same red white and blue stripe inside the trunk opening.

[@briankbender5757]

It's awesome to see those old cars and thanks for sharing and what you guys do on your channel

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks Brian!

[@briankbender5757]

@@Stapleton42 your welcome

[@Brad_James]

I love that Miller paint scheme!!!

[@Stapleton42]

Me too!!

[@jefftroublefield1539]

Yes I’d like to see the engine rebuild.

[@InkedMisfit]

That car is awesome and I’d be in heaven checking out all them fox body’s lol.

[@michaelrumfelt3106]

Dude there is some money there for real

[@monstertrucker35]

I very much appreciate all the details you write on the video, and when you add in a reference photo of what they are referring to. Fantastic job and please keep it up!

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you very much!!

[@petethevideoguy2250]

Cool video! Keep em coming!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks! Will do!

[@petethevideoguy2250]

@Stapleton42 thanks Mitchell!

[@edwingarcia232]

Thank you for Saving them

[@davidgough1161]

I see 10 cars that need love!

[@Stapleton42]

There’s a few hundred in the woods back behind the building

[@stewpuddy4161]

I don't know how you keep making this stuff happen, but I sure am glad you do! Another banger!

[@mwdjr3158]

The best of times!

[@stevesidden9584]

I would love to see an engine rebuild all your videos are a number one. I appreciate the work that you put into these videos keep it up my friend you do excellent work 👍👍👍👍

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you Steve!

[@DirtyMoMedia]

This is awesome!

[@Stapleton42]

🫡

[@mitchellholroyd2837]

Mitchell you seem to always find the most intriguing things. Than you, from another Mitchell.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you other Mitchell!

[@VapinBachelor]

Thanks for another award winning video!!

[@Stapleton42]

Our pleasure!

[@clngfanflyr]

I can't believe you only have 310k subs. This stuff is awesome! Keep up the good work young fella!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!

[@1978JonBullock]

Used to really enjoy watching the racing when these guys were fender to fender. What a fantastic find and rescue guys.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you Jon!

[@philipsmith7362]

My top five might have more than five in it 😄 love it...

[@Stapleton42]

😂

[@mikejungferman4744]

That is really cool to see these old relics ,the gold Buick is cool

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks Mike!!

[@georgewalkeriii8112]

Hey Mitchell, it's unfortunate Greg Moore passed away or you might have been able to get more information about this car, and maybe others. At least you got a chance to talk with Greg when my brother Tim was on the show. Again, good stuff by you and Logan. It looks hot as hell there. good show.

[@Stapleton42]

Greg would absolutely know the car. Instantly. He’d know the engine too he likely did the cylinder heads.

[@georgewalkeriii8112]

He sure as heck would. Even at his advanced age when you talked to Greg, there was no doubt in his mind about the 15 Thunderbird, or any of the parts and work done to it. Remember, he said they got an extra 15hp out of the engine? He got more than that out of it when Buddy and Bobby drove it. That car looked as aerodynamic as a brick. But all those years Buddy drove it as a Torino, and they hung the 25th anniversary Thunderbird on it, it could run all by itself sometimes. Especially with "Checkers or Wreckers" Buddy Baker driving it. We saw it starting in the 1972 Daytona 500 and years after that, especially with the Royal Crown Cola livery. Bud Moore was another Southern Engineer without a degree. That's when, in my opinion, was the best racing in NASCAR. If you didn't push the envelope or work in the Grey areas, you weren't competitive.

[@Sc2ner]

I agree. The Miller Buick is at the tiop of my list.

[@64Wheels]

So I bought the Days of Thunder Kodak Oldsmobile about two years ago and have been trying to research its history but am not entirely sure what its pre-movie life was. Interesting thing is I have a photo of my Kodak car and that number 11 Thunderbird from the Kruse Auction in 1991 that shows how beat the bumpers were before it started to be repaired.

[@Stapleton42]

Pretty sure I talked to the first owner of that car after the movie sold it. He said it was a Harry gant car originally

[@64Wheels]

@@Stapleton42 that would be cool if it was, but I had a guy who worked for some NASCAR teams in the 80s and he leaned towards it being a Ford at one point bc of some of the Ford parts on it. I also found some of the original body behind the Kodak sheet metal and it’s a very deep/bright orange, but not the day-glo Hardees orange like it was from work done during the movie. I wish I knew what it was but I haven’t been able to find a lot of cars to match that paint color. Love the channel and the work you’re doing!

[@dannyharrell976]

Great show looks like a lot of hot (temp) fun. Did you see any snakes? Everyone acts like a kid at Christmas.

[@Stapleton42]

Maybe a small one but nothing crazy thankfully

[@paul44235]

I would absolutely love to pick through the foxbodys!

[@bingwrite]

Had to snag a hat, they're too rad. Would love to see more of that ol Bud car!

[@Allnightexplor]

Definitely want to see the rebuild.

[@xtr3m3fLx]

Great video bud, very interesting.

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tigermanfann77]

Man id make a awesome Bill Elliott tribute out of the T-Bird ... That Buick is my Favorite Nascar Regal body style...... That Regal greenhouse is sexxy as all get out ....

[@Stapleton42]

The 1988 Buick regal is right up there with the 94 lumina and 88 aerocoupe

[@tigermanfann77]

@@Stapleton42 so many aero additions by 1989. The aerocoupes had headlight doors covered over and roof rails on roofs. The cat was out of the bag on aero advancements with the 88 T-Bird as well. The aero coupe went from beautiful from 87-88 to sort of freakish by first 1/3 of 89 as Lumina entered the scene.

[@Stapleton42]

@@tigermanfann77 I agree. The recessed headlight buckets were part of what made them look so goood

[@tigermanfann77]

@@Stapleton42 totally. I would think at that speed the aero advantage is minimal. Once air packs in it’s the same as a cover. But it was 1989 battling the 88 Regal and 89 T-Bird new age body fabrication. So GM teams was sticking “band-aids” all over the aero coupe to buy time on Lumina. First race for Lumina was spring Dega race 89. Wow. I love this stuff. I can’t remember yesterday but can remember aero changes 3 decades ago. 🤯

[@tigermanfann77]

@@Stapleton42 my friends in school called me “Ned” bc I could rattle off statistics and tech racing stuff. Lol. I could recite radio nascar race calls. “Here they come it’s the Dale and Dale show ! I know which one I’m …..” what race was that ? See

[@2000TA]

My dad worked at a Buick dealership back when Bobby Alison drove that gold Buick. The dealership (Ackerman Buick) had a display day where Alison's car, and a Buick powered Indy car came for the day. My dad has pictures somewhere.

[@Brycefox]

Been watching since the Dale Earnhardt coach video, but this channel has now surpassed Dale Jr. Download as my favorite, love it! 👊 Btw, I rode by Rockingham last weekend coming back from a George Strait concert, saw a sign for a drifting event. Popped my head in and talked to the guy at the entrance tunnel. Chatted a bit about NASCAR and he’s actually the owner of Florence Motor Speedway. Anyway, he let me stick my head in the infield for pictures, and the track looks amazing. The only remaining grandstands are on the front stretch… reminds me of how it looked back in the 60’s. Keep it up brother!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks Bryce!! I’m glad to hear it. It seems the download has drifted away from its historical focus and I miss that. I miss Mike Davis being on the show too. The new people don’t have the same vibe. Best era was when Dillner was still there.

[@Brycefox]

@@Stapleton42 Lost Speedways was one of my favorite segments on DJD! Would’ve loved for it to come back, but I guess Jr has too much on his plate right now. You going to Caraway on the 3rd for the CARS tour?

[@TastierBackInThe80s]

Thank you for sharing. Always happy to see these cars rediscovered.

[@glenedwards3038]

I have no idea how you find such powerful material it you do a very good job!

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you Glen!

[@Loner2012AT]

You guys struck gold again! Amazing cars. Keep it up.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!

[@keithbailey540]

Another great video.

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@jasonstacy5587]

Would definitely love to keep up with the restoration.

[@Stapleton42]

You and me both!

[@leegunter5223]

I was shocked to hear Earnhardt Sr. drove a Ford . But he did for Bud Moore in 82 & 83! The first race I went to was in 1987 at Pocono and he wad driving the Wrangler yellow & blue Chevy! Great video!

[@markjohnson1288]

Buick also had a Speedway Nose that came out around that time.

[@bluejacketsfan60]

Once again hats off to y'all for doing what you're doing with these videos! Thank you from an old NASCAR fan that remembers watching these cars race on Sundays and thanks to these guys for finding and doing what needs to be done to preserve them!👍

[@Stapleton42]

thank you!!

[@jdhaase1417]

Great stuff, kids!

[@guiguitonicmotorsport]

Thank you for this video. I'm glad he has a craze right now for Days of Thunder cars. finally we know what happened to them... too bad some are in disastrous condition

[@milesj6064]

This was a cool episode, getting to see 2 ex racecars from the movie. This was a nice video even though you got bit by the mosquitos. It was a sacrifice well done for the video evidence of the car returned to the light from the barn. On a side note I am glad that you showed the Stavola Brothers shirt, so I bought one, hope it is as comfortable as my last shirt you and Logan sent me. Hope you and Logan have a great summer and look forward to more videos from you both.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!!

[@robertmilstead4950]

Mitchell, and Logan, This video is awesome, amazing where ya’ll are finding these pieces of history👍