The History of Holman Moody Racing and Ford GT40 production with Lee Holman. (pt1 of 3 in series)

[@xbioman7882]

Mr. Moody is such a legend. I absolutely love his dry sense of humor.

[@classicperformance]

A great guy and true gentleman!

[@louieflash7190]

This is so cool that they are still producing the great GT40 MKII.

[@garry3013]

ONE FANTASTIC TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE. I ENJOYED TREMENDOUSLY AND THANK YOU, KINDLY, FOR TAKING ME ALONG... Now, if I can just scrape up a quick mil. I'm heading to Carolina to See Mr Holman

[@classicperformance]

Thank you, Garry. I am saving too!!! What fantastic cars they were and still are.

[@peterfoxwell5198]

So cool having a man who was there during the hey-day

[@classicperformance]

very amazing, and Lee is so willing to talk to you, as you can see. We'll head back and revisit him soon. Thanks, Peter!

[@DarinGC]

My dream shop. Could spend a lifetime in there.

[@charlescahoon3557]

Could listen to his stories all day.

[@ronbyrd1616]

Ive been a Ford guy ever since my uncle bought a brand new 58 Ford with a 352 FE Police Interceptor, automatic. My first 105 + mph rides in the hills of western North Carolina...i was seven years old ! F O R D...First On Race Day !

[@classicperformance]

It's great to hear about your Ford memories! Makes for some fantastic early life experiences, for sure. Check out our other GT40 and Ford content and more to come. Thanks for your interest

[@Scott_GT-R]

For my apprenticeship myself and 5 others redrew the GT40 chassis drawings as there were a lot of errors stopping them from being assembled. This was done for Tennant Panels, as company I visited regularly for this job in the 90's. I bet there are probably some of my finger prints on them somewhere. But in all these years I never knew it was this gentleman who commissioned them. It's only taken me 30 years to find out. Please tell Mr Holman, I still have the rockers, (fuel rank assembly's), and front suspension pickup drawings somewhere. 😉

[@classicperformance]

Amazing, Scott!! I'll make mention of that to Lee when I go back for an update this Spring!!! Thanks for sharing the information and your interest.

[@Scott_GT-R]

@@classicperformance we were told at the time that the first chassis was going to be built up for Edsel Ford. I wonder if there is any truth in that?

[@classicperformance]

@@Scott_GT-R I will ask Lee if one went to him.

[@Scott_GT-R]

@@classicperformance it would also be fascinating why Tenant Panels? I mean, a small engineer company in Basildon, Essex isn't an obvious choice. And did Lee know that the drawings were redraw buy Hawtal Whiting (18yr old apprentices), albeit with very experienced supervision. The rocker panels I worked on were quite bad and couldn't be assembled without each part being rework first. We also found some symetry issues in the original drawings. Once we'd finished they could be assembled without modifications.

[@ericcarr1648]

He is a very proud man. Congratulations to him. He earned it.

[@classicperformance]

indeed so, and a true gentleman!

[@stableofspeed1217]

Incredible history.

[@classicperformance]

It is and amazing the place is still around in the capacity it is with as many original cars and parts too.

[@dannysteele4013]

Very cool thanks for sharing👍👍

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@billyumbarger7183]

Wow...talking about a Legend in his craft..and a perfect gentleman..thank you Sir for letting us see around 😊

[@classicperformance]

So true, we'll go back soon for an update with Lee and the builds.

[@ronaldrey8474]

If you think of these clowns as perfect gentlemen being hypocritical about SHELBY talking smack as their talking smack ... IRONIC or Jealous of Shelby. Soxx & Martin are much more gentleman if that's what your looking for

[@markcarter5491]

What an awesome piece of history. Thanks guys this stuff need be seen.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks, Mark. Yes, I felt like I was on holy ground there.

[@jimhunter4999]

FANTASTIC !!!

[@classicperformance]

We appreciate your interest, Jim. It make me sad to see no caretaker for the storied name going forward after Lee hangs it up. Several cars still to finish and tons of original parts with only a skeleton crew now. We plan to pay another visit this spring for an update.

[@beboboymann3823]

This is awesome!!

[@classicperformance]

We'll head back soon to check on Lee and the gang of P chassis all steel GT40s

[@thomasst.martin3308]

I met Lee at Amelia Island in 2013. He and Dan Gurney signed my poster. Great man. Great memories.

[@classicperformance]

Outstanding!!!! Thanks for your interest, Thomas!!!

[@john1703]

In 1966 the first two cars at Le Mans were Shelby American and the third car was Holman Moody.

[@classicperformance]

Yes and Thank you! They really wanted a Shelby American car to win to the point of asking the Moody car to stay back.

[@john1703]

@@classicperformance Probably true, but the Shelby cars were piloted by Ken Miles/Denny Hulme and Bruce McLaren/Chris Amon, all serious peddlers, who were racing each other for glory. They finished "dead heat", although Miles had been ordered to slow down. Ronnie Bucknum/Dick Hutcherson were 4 laps down.

[@sambuvca22]

Very cool. Bet the old man would talk your ear off about his trade if he seen the interest. Nice work

[@classicperformance]

Great genuine person and one who saw it all 1st hand back in the day. Fewer and fewer of these guys left.

[@AndyM.]

DUDEZILLA! First off GO APP! 2ND, I went to H/M last summer on a whim, mr. Moody talked to me for hours and told me to "just walk around" the shop! What a GREAT experience!!

[@classicperformance]

Go App!!!! Yes! We'll be more prepared with a better mic system when we go back!

[@plantfeeder6677]

I'm surprised given the percentage of participation Holman&Moody actually had in the developement of the Ford GT as compared with Shelby-American Racing, they got the deal to build these GT40s. I'm thinking this was because the shop had the means to do it. Thank you H&M for building one heck of a bullet proof big block Ford. A significant contribution indeed.

[@classicperformance]

I think you are exactly correct. Since Ford owned the Ford GT's, they probably dispensed of them in any manner they chose. Its possible they did send them to Holman-Moody in greater numbers. As far as Shelby's operation, his racing company moved to Gardena, CA after the closing of the LAX facility due to loosing the lease. I also feel H&M got more support from Ford and in old interviews, Carroll said he was pretty much tired of dealing with the Ford beauracy (which is not hard to see him doing). It's our understanding however, for still wanted the Shelby GT40s to finish ahead of the HM cars. Taking a guess here, it was brand promotion for the Mustangs sales.

[@plantfeeder6677]

Hmmm? Brand promotion is one I never thought of. Yes they were building Shelby Mustangs too but Ford did come to Shelby to turn the program around in 1965 so there was that developement part of this whole thing that Ford felt a bit of loyalty too. Although by 1966 Ford would've let anyone they felt could win run their cars and I always thought they brought Holman-Moody on board to put pressure on Shelby to win. Ford had become what everyone accused Ferrari of doing by pitting his drivers against one another to get the best out of them. Only they were using speed shops as Ferrari used drivers and the Duece put a lot of people's jobs on the line in 1966 if they didn't win too. That's why the army of suits and bueracracy from Ford. They were fighting for their jobs.

[@classicperformance]

Thank you, all interesting concepts. Did you see the explanation of the letter from Ford to Holman Moody in the video?

[@gregwunderlich4253]

My dad worked for Holman and Moody in the mid 60's to the early 70's. He told me a story about helping build a Mustang to blow the doors off anything on the Autobahn. His name was Gerd. I would like to know if this is true or not.

[@classicperformance]

I am returning for an update at the end of the summer and will ask for you, Greg! Stay tuned to the channel

[@gregwunderlich4253]

@@classicperformance awesome, thanks!

[@classicperformance]

@@gregwunderlich4253 anytime brother!!

[@localcrew]

I like chainsaws. But I also like classic Holman Moody Fords! Just subscribed!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks @localcrew Happy to have you on board. Look around on the channel, we got more GT40 stuff and more to come!!! Got a great driving video in a Ken Miles Daytona Superformance you will like. Here's a link. I also have an old MS025 have had for decades, and used it just last week and always runs like a top!!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJqndXWIhsqdhbc

[@geneahart5607]

Great video!

[@classicperformance]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your interest!

[@michaelsnyder7442]

Does Lee Holman have any plans to get additional chassis's to be made beyond the handful left? Or after all existing chassis's are built, that will be it?

[@classicperformance]

This is it. Tennant (panels) UK LTD. is no longer so original OEM chassis/bodies/tubs are no longer able to be produced. The ones you see were produced over 30-years ago, and have original "P" numbers and FIA certified as originals.

[@snoopyshultz]

im pretty sure they build replicas

[@classicperformance]

@@snoopyshultz Superformance factory builds the replicas and there are some kit manufactures too. These are continuation exact originals with FIA certified "P" numbered chassis. These are the last of the originals.

[@snoopyshultz]

@@classicperformance oh I could of sworn they said theyll build a replica for 250k and an original for 1 million in another video

[@classicperformance]

@@snoopyshultz The mention was a replica (like Superformance in our other videos build) would cost you 250K. A continuation original that Holman Moody are building will cost about a million.

[@misplaced80sguy59]

I am awestruck.

[@classicperformance]

me too!! Happy they are still there

[@bethovermanterry209]

Cool video. I’m curious why not any mention of Ralph Moody?

[@classicperformance]

Good Question, he was the founder and patriarch of HM for sure.

[@yngveskarphedinssons]

what's is that band playing in the background at 7.58

[@classicperformance]

I believe that is the sound of exhaust ventilation, fans, and equipment. I guess a 3-piece-band, ha. --never heard anything when there, and often listen so videos are not picked up for music copyright infringement.

[@tonysaunders8643]

So is it right that the last chassis panels were pressed in the ‘90’s?

[@classicperformance]

yes, in 1990 in England by the same company using same tooling and dies as the originals in the mid-60's. So, they are considered original cars of continued production.

[@tonysaunders8643]

@@classicperformance so is there a company that still has the original tooling?

[@classicperformance]

@@tonysaunders8643 there was, it was the original manufacturer in England, but now out of business. All that remains are at Holman Moody being assembled. Just a handful of chassis are left.

[@techo61]

What a lovely guy is Lee?

[@classicperformance]

Absolute gem of a guy. We'll stop back in this spring and do an update and see the progress on the builds. Thanks for your interest!!!

[@techo61]

@@classicperformance I believe he'll get to the finish line well before I do. My scratch build is at rolling chassis stage and parked up at the moment while I finish a few motorcycle projects.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

The original chassis’ were as complicated as aircraft sheet metal. A lot of parts.

[@DarinGC]

I will purchase that mkII please. Thanks

[@classicperformance]

Stunning, isn't it!

[@OskarasNauseda]

fun fact that purple/pink ford galaxy was tamplate for all nascars till car of the tomorow

[@paul87buick]

What a great video. its first time I have heard the Holman Moody where Picked or forced to be the backup GT40 team thats not the way Shelby side of the story was told/written it was spun as h m not being as good as Shelby . politics I guess and Shelby had become more high profile .The same politics stoped Ken Miles from being the triple crown winner

[@ezcnc5206]

Go APP!!!!

[@classicperformance]

Good eye!!! I was there '83-'89 for undergraduate and graduate school (did not want to leave). Frank dorm as a freshman. Go APPS!!!

[@charleswaynewright2042]

Those were the days when men won races with ingenuity, Now we got Hendrick and A I nascar works better than a bottle of Nyquil today

[@classicperformance]

You speak the truth!!!!

[@TheXJRMAN]

Eric Broadley was a genius, he created both the GT40 & T70, Ford made him use steel, the T70 is what the GT40 chassis should have been, it still did the job of wiping Ferrari's arse.

[@classicperformance]

Thank you! and yes we agree. Sent them back to the drawing boards in Maranello with tails tucked.

[@patrickmcmullen7910]

Just to set the record straight. Eric was one of 6 primary engineers. Roy Lunn, Ron Martin, Chuck Mountain, Len Bailey and Ed Hull. Eric only was only involved with the 12 prototypes. He quit after the failed 1964 Le Mans. It was a team effort of Ford employees. Roy Lunn is considered the father of the Ford GT-40. It was his team that further developed the prototypes into the Mark i's. It was Ed Hull that redesigned two prototypes to fit the massive 427 in time for the 1965 Le Mans race. That was done at Kar Kraft in Detroit. Kar Kraft was owned by Ford Motor Company. Also, no parts interchange between any Lola and any Ford GT or GT-40. It was in Eric's contract with Ford that no Lola technology would be used in the new Ford project. Eric went on to build the Lola T70 which incorporated everything he wanted to do for Ford.

[@Arthagnou]

Wish I had a Million for a MkII

[@villeamiettinen]

Falcon 64 montecarlo

[@classicperformance]

can you give more detail?

[@villeamiettinen]

That monte Carlo rally 64 ford put lot of money. Even servicetrucks econolines have bigblocks. Good Day there

[@villeamiettinen]

Holman and Moody to prepare seven Econoline vans for support vehicles. These were equipped with 427 engines, bigger axles and wheels and the same rear end that went into nascar cars@@classicperformance

[@classicperformance]

@@villeamiettinen Wow, thanks for the great information!!!

[@villeamiettinen]

just ask how 427 fit on econoline. Tight space@@classicperformance

[@FURDOG1961]

4:10 9:20

[@ianmangham4570]

1990 Quality chassis 🇬🇧

[@classicperformance]

Yes, amazing they are sitting right there. These will be the very last of them and FIA P numbered as well, so exactly original as designed.

[@ronaldrey8474]

STAPLETON42 interviewed them here on Y.T. & WOW ! They were talking trash about SHELBY talking trash . Poor Shelby was dead and couldn't defend himself so to me they have no class. RIP Shel.

[@classicperformance]

We have seen Stapleton42s show as well. I have never met Shelby but he was a wheeler and a dealer type for sure.

[@ronaldrey8474]

@@classicperformance yes for sure Shelby talked smack but I think it's deserved. I'm not saying Carrol didn't B.S. I'm pointing out Hypocrisy in Holman Moody talking crap but putting Shelby down for same exact thing ! B.S. is part of racing usually and I know jealousy when I see it

[@phillipmassey888]

ρɾσɱσʂɱ 💘

[@davidshepherd7750]

Mm-hmm. That's the best you can do? Jeez, dude...

[@classicperformance]

Yep, it was. appreciate your interest and watching.

[@Jerry-up8bk]

What ARE YOU referring to? Holman and Moody FORDS BEAT the Competition, from Nascar to 24 Hrs of Lemans the MAJORITY of the TIME!

[@davidshepherd7750]

@@Jerry-up8bk Dunno; I can't recall what it was that prompted my comment. I have no kick with H/M, a great shop that were, as you noted, responsible for a number of competitive cars in many forms of racing.

[@matthewh271]

It’s sad that this gentleman doesn’t get the attention and love that Shelby got even though this dude basically made Shelby’s program

[@classicperformance]

You are absolutely correct, Matthew, and an honest genuine man too, unlike salesman Shelby.