Sold as part of the Ellis Collection at Dana Mecum’s 2009 St. Charles Auction for $160,000 USD. Described as:

The old saying “Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday” was the inspiration behind the Glenwood Motors “Wild One” race car. The Riverside, California dealership was convinced that an outstanding car that would drive traffic to their dealership on Monday’s.

On Page 44 of Maximum Performance, Mopar Super Stock Drag Racing 1962-1969, noted author Jim Schild, states the following, “On October 11th, 1963, Chrysler Corporation send an announcement to all Dodge and Plymouth dealers describing the new refined 426 maximum-performance engine packages. It was pointed out in the letter to the Plymouth dealers from John B. Naughton, assistant general manager of Chrysler-Plymouth Division, that Plymouth owners set 60 drag strip records and won more than 300 first place trophies.. The new engines, known as the 426III in the Plymouth and Ramcharger 426-B in the Doge, were the culmination of the previous research and lessons learned. The engines included a number of changes that made them even more powerful and durable. Production of the new 426 wedge engines began on November 15, 1963…….”

Glenwood Motors was one of the fortunate early recipients as theirs was scheduled for production November 21, 1963 but was shipped November 20th, slightly ahead of schedule (No one could have imagined the tragedy that took place on the following days when President Kennedy was assassinated.)

Once Glenwood Motors received the car they relied on their top mechanic Bob Hickman to apply his talents to enhance this potent Mopar. (Hickman was one of the finest carburetor and ignition guys on the west coast.) Lee Brown was chosen by the dealership to drive the “Wild One” a name so appropriate as he could identify with. Brown was known to locals as being a popular true high roller, playboy kind of driver and the dealership hoped to gain on this reputation.

Glenwood Motors debuted their car at the 1964. NHRA “Winternationals” held at Pamona, California over the second weekend in February of 1964. The list of attendees of this most historical event read like a who’s who of famous drag racers, Don Nicholson, Ronnie Sox, Gas Ronda, Dick Brannan, Bill Lawton, Butch Leal, Dave Strickler, Bill Golden, Al Eckstrand, Lee Brown and Phil Bonner. (The aforementioned list is only a partial listing!)

The National Dragster issue dated February 21, 1964 states the following, “Phil Bonner brought the Ford crowd back to its feet with a S/S victor over Lee Brown’s “Wild One” a 1964 Plymouth. The thunderbolt turned an 11.68 – 125.69, while Brown had a 12.02 -121.29.” If you have to lose to someone losing to Phil Bonner is much like losing to George Foreman in a heavy weight prize fight, you had to earn the right to be there in the first place. The “Wild One” lived up to its name and earned a significant spot in drag race history.

Highlights:
– Daimler Chrysler Registry letter
– Galen Govier Authentication
– 426 2-4bbL, 425 HP HC. Maximum Performance V8
– Aluminum package
– Black body with Red interior
– Radio delete
– Heater delete
– Featured in Mopar Collector’s Guide – May 2005

Story by Mecum Auction Inc.

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