There are a number of “special” Talladega, Spoiler II and Spoiler cars that are lost. Some have been crushed by the factory, some are out there but we have no idea where. Some are known but not available to the public as to where they are. Some are real question marks; we know they exist but not sure why they were built or modified or even how they may have been modified.
I was recently contacted by a gentleman authoring a book on the cars of Kar Kraft. It will certainly be on my list of must read when it is finished and released. He had questions about several VINs and wondered if I knew where those cars were. These are the VINs he is looking for. If you can help here are the numbers:
- 9A46Q185753; This is one of the Pilot cars that was crushed by Ford.
- 9H15M562047; This is one of the Spoiler II prototypes and it location or existence is unknown.
- These Spoiler II prototype VINs are also still missing:
- 9H15M550118 Cale Prototype
- 9H15R550501 Cale Prototype
- 9H15M562047 ? Prototype
- 9H15M562048 ? Prototype
- 9H15M562049
- These Spoiler II prototype VINs are also still missing:
- 9A46Q186611; This is a regular production Talladega that went to Kar Kraft from Ford Corporate for modifications and is the subject of this article.
Talladega VIN: 9A46Q186611 is in our Registry and is alive and well but in need of restoration. It was originally scheduled for build on 1/30/1969 but was built on 1/23/1969. It was delivered to Ford Motor Company as a Royal Maroon car with all of the standard Talladega options.
It was immediately shipped to Kar Kraft for modifications. The details of why it was shipped there and what modifications were made have not yet been documents. (At least I have not been able to acquire any documentation.)
It is believed the Kar Kraft Talladega was built as a show car but where it was shown or for what purpose is not clear. Modifications that were believed to have been done by Kar Kraft include:
- Hood scoop.
- Chrome wheels.
- AM-FM radio.
- Different air cleaner and decal.
- It may have the first (prototype?) Kar Kraft front fenders.
- Re-painted to Presidential Blue.
Otherwise the car appears to be like the factory built it; 428 CJ, C6, correct interior, etc. The car currently shows just over 50,000 miles on the odometer. The current owner is Jim Safford and he says the car is for sale but it is not cheap. If you think you might be interested send Jim an email by clicking here.
There are also some questions that one of you might be able to help with.
- Did Kar Kraft put red line tires on the car originally?
- Why was it sent to Kar Kraft?
- Was there a special show for it to attend?
- Was it to test fit Kar Kraft fenders?
- Was it intended for a VIP?
- How did it get into the retail market and end up in private hands?
- Why weren’t more modifications made to the car?
- Why the color change?
Make sure you read the comments at the bottom of this page for the most recent additional information that has been found!
This Kar Kraft Talladega has been talked about for years. Here is a short history of facts I have obtained over the years as to 186611.
Back about the time the First Talladega Registry was being put together by Chick and the Speedway Ford Club….there was talk as to this Talladega being pulled from the line and sent from the plant to Kar Kraft to be fitted with a Boss 429.
Than in February of 1989 there was a add in a Car trader magazine for a talladega for sale. I used to call on Talladega’s for sale and get the vin. number and othr information the seller was willing to share back than the internet was up and coming….. I found out this Talladega in the add was in deed the one sent to Kar Kraft. The owner also owned the shell of the King Cobra that was in a field with the front end gone as well as motor ect which is on e-bay now for 400 plus K.
I was told the owner bought cars from Kar Kraft and some of the race teams and this is how he obtained the Talladega. It was stated the Talladega was sent from Atlanta plant to Kar Kraft to have options added that Ford Dealerships offered for the Fairlane/ Torino’s ….than the Talladega was put on the Ford show tours…..As I recall one was the Drag Team and the “Super Wheels” shows that would take place at high selling Ford dealerships in the big cities.
After that I lost the location of this Talladega until about a year ago when Mr. Safford sent me some pictures and we talked about the Talladega he owned.
About the same time the writer of the book Richard is talking about contacted us ….in digging up so old information for him ….I called an old friend here in Michigan and we were talking about the above Talladega and he told me he had the work order for that car from Kar Kraft and would send me a copy….. I called Mr. Safford and we talked a bit more and things came together. The Talladega was not fitted with a Boss but a few of the options you could obtain from a Ford Dealership parts counter…..
Now also Richard asks about Talladega 185753…. this car was crushed by Ford as stated by Richard in his question…. Now the writer of this book is stating that one of the pilot cars was crash tested….this is mis leading The Fed’s made Ford crash test the Talladega’s due to the rocker panel change made to the standard Fairlane/ Torino…rocker. I have the crash test reports and they took place long before the pilot cars were sent down the line….Why would Ford run a test run of pilot cars that the rockers were not approved to be put into production…by The Feds ? we will take a look at the crash tests again in Talladega bits in up coming months.
Thanks Rick, this is a great help on documenting this car!