It pains me to say I am not going to have my 1940 Club Coupe ready for The Great Race in 2025. I have alternatives to use for a vehicle. Either a 1969 or 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminators. 1968 Mercury Colony Park station wagon. 1964 Mercury Marauder. 1968 Mercury Monterey convertible. 1958 Mercury Monterey. However--------I have my mind set on using a Packard. As much as I love the 56. The car I want to use for Great Race I would like no newer than 1940. No older than 1930. Even 30 might be a bit much to deal with. About scoring in the Great Race, cars 1953 and down have a handicap type of scoring benefit. The older the better. A group that often wins is running a 1917 Hudson. While an open air car would be nice for a sunny day. Maybe not so nice for 10 days in all weather. Looking at FB Marketplace and Craigslist, classifieds here and FB groups, I've found a few cars. I'd like to stay under 10 grand. As a back-up car the cheaper the better. Doesn't need to look good. Prefer solid and functional. Paint can be faded with surface rust----I kinda like that weathered barn-find look. For example, two cars I was looking at are both sedans. One is a 1935 and the other is a 1938. They are probably both 282. Other than aesthetics, would the 38 be preferred over a 35 for any mechanical reasons? Let me know your thoughts on this era car. Also, let me know if you know of an appropriate one for sale.
