My GT-E had a Vindicator Racing sticker under the hood when I got it. Vindicator was one of the main Ford FE specialists part suppliers in the 1970’s - 1980’s. Big mail order business for stuff like camshafts, rocker arms, etc. Wish I had kept that sticker or at least a picture of it.
Ah, I understand. My dad was a Ford mechanic with connections through the dealer where he worked and some other local guys. The parts man at Koerner was a master at coming up with nearly anything you wanted. With just a couple exceptions the car was built with Ford parts all locally sourced.
Wow, great story, thanks for sharing! Kind of a shame that a show car was hot rodded like that, but not really surprising. It’s in good hands now!
Yes and no Andrew. It’s all about perspective. From a 2019 view, yes it’s too bad. And when I’m shelling out hundreds to replace original parts that are long gone I agree with you wholeheartedly. But from a 1970’s perspective, when your dad has the fastest car around and everybody knows it it’s pretty cool. If that wasn’t that case who knows if I ever would have picked up the interest in Cougars. Rather than pleading with him to keep it all those years, maybe the car would have just been sold. To this day people I haven’t seen in decades still ask “whatever happened to your dads car?” I love being able to respond “it’s in my garage.” If circumstances were different it might not have even survived.
Its a great story and a great car. Amazing how life plays out. I would want to preserve as much of the DNA from pop’s days as possible. Lucky son to recognize all of this and not let it go.
Might be a good candidate for a day 2 restoration. Like the way it was on the best day that your dad had it?
I’m not going to say that wouldn’t be one of the coolest things I could imagine. As it relates to the car anyway. And an article in ATSOTC wouldn’t be too shabby either. 
What a compelling write up!
One of the best threads on the forum - thanks for going to all the trouble to post.
- Phillip
Wow, thanks Phillip. Not really sure what to say. I guess I need to get started on the rest of the story.
Was all of the previous racing Street Racing or was any of the racing at Organized Drag Strips / Race Tracks?
If there were races at Organized tracks there could be a chance someone would have vintage photos.
Sorry that you missed out Robert. Fortunately I did have the opportunity to meet the man and spend a little time with him and the family. He was quite the guy and is surely missed by all that knew him.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95
I really like Royce’s idea there is quite a few restored GTE’s but one that is period “ bad ass driver “ why not ?
Only one organized event but I’m not even 100% sure on the location. There are a couple people I can try to track down that may be able to tell me for sure.
I like the idea as well. I’ve wrestled with what to do for quite awhile. I’ll reveal more in the next part of the story after our commercial break. 
That was Carlisle in 2010 right? I did manage to drag him there once. And we had a sort of party planned to watch Brian’s car cross the block at BJ. He was looking forward to seeing that. Unfortunately he didn’t make it that far.
[/quote] That was Carlisle in 2010 right? I did manage to drag him there once. [/quote]
Yes, it was at Carlisle. I do not recall what year though so 2010 could be right.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95
+1 for doing the hotrod version! 
I have my popcorn ready for the rest of the story. Plenty of restored GT E’s in stock form to drool over. You already have the period correct race parts and my vote would be the day 2 restoration. The MCACN show in Chicago has a separate class now for a couple years that recognize day 2 restorations and it’s become a popular group. Here is a link to the information. https://www.mcacn.com/day-2-concours
You guys are killing me! I’ll tell you what, wait until you hear the rest and when the whole story is told I’ll start a poll and see if you still want to change my mind. But there is a twist at the end you need to hear before you decide.
