The "original" Pinto Modified

[Frasson118]

This car is being debuted at the 2010 Modified Reunion. It is a replica (rather than a tribute) of the car that started the "Pinto Revolution". Originally owned by Bob Judkins (who still fields a Fla Mod), and driven by Ed Flemke, Gene Bergin, Ron Bouchard and others, this Pinto body changed the look of an entire class of cars.

Only once since, when Billy Taylor put a Cavalier body on Geoff Bodines car, has the look of the Northen Modified changed. They still all look like a Cavalier. But in 1972, this car opened the doors for the Gremlin and Vega styles.

I also understand that the Richie Evans Pinto will be back, along with a just-completed Troyer-chassied Pinto called the "Bandit", #17 that was driven by both Troyer and Gil Hearne.

Expect a nice field of Vintage Cars for this year. There seems to be a lot of interest from these guys!!!

[Frasson118]

I forgot to post the owner/builders info.

This was built by Tobi Smith of Titusville, FL, who got a lot of the technical info straight from Judkins himself. It has a Chrysler torsion bar front clip, '57 Chevy mid-section and 2 x 4 rails in back. He's still looking for 50' vintage Lincoln upper control arms to round out the originality. I'm sure it has the customary Big-Block Chevy under the hood too.

I can't wait to hear and see this one run!

[JackTripper]

Isn't it amusing how two of history's worst cars, the Pinto and the Gremlin, had such a positive effect on modified racing?

[Andy S]

Was this on display at the PRI show last week? I'm sure I saw it down at the back somewhere with a bunch of other vintage cars.

Jerry - can't wait for the Reunion! I love these old cars, and I hope you can find 5 minutes to tell me a few stories about them while I'm there!

[Winger]

I love those cars. Actually I loved the pintos. I believe they started the American small car revolution. I remember owning one of the first and people would come up to me and ask how fast a little thing like that could go. They didn't believe me when I told them. Anything over 110 and the front wheels would just float and those squirrels in the engine would just chatter.

[JackTripper]

Imagine this stylish number in silver and this is what my parents transported me around in from the age of seven until I was twelve I believe. By the time I hit middle school, no matter how inclement the weather was, my standard anwser to, "do you need a ride to school?" was, "no thanks, I'm good," even if it was snowing and visibility was ten feet in front of my face.

The only redeeming value the car had was the Gerald Chamberlain license plate my dad had on the front bumper.

[Bigbuck]

My friend

Bobby Judkins is a friend of mine. He gave me one of the few matchbook cars of this model. Box to my knowledge has never been opened. Great guy, Bobby Judkins.

[Jimmy McKinley]

Was this on display at the PRI show last week?

Hey! I was gonna ask the same thing...LOL

[flraceguy]

Imagine this stylish number in silver and this is what my parents transported me around in from the age of seven until I was twelve I believe. By the time I hit middle school, no matter how inclement the weather was, my standard anwser to, "do you need a ride to school?" was, "no thanks, I'm good," even if it was snowing and visibility was ten feet in front of my face.

The only redeeming value the car had was the Gerald Chamberlain license plate my dad had on the front bumper.

Actually since you brought that picture up.. My mind wandered over to my memory and recalled the site of that horrendous car from that era... The AMC Concord Station wagon...

But then the mind wanders to a couple of other Gorgeous AMC's...

[Frasson118]

Tunaman... an chance you could send me Bobs phone number?

Andy... I could give you 5 days worth of info if you'd like!

Jerry Binner, 407-790-9724 or jbinner@att.net

[ModelCarMan]

Hey Frasson118, that's a sweet hot rod and great lookin!!! Can't wait to see it up close at the Blast reuion!!!

[Frasson118]

Model Car Man.... keep in mind, the Modified Reunion & the Blast from the Past are 2 seperate events.

The one this car will be at, is at New Smyrna Speedway on Friday, February 12th, 2010.

It may also be at the Blast, but I was told it will make its on-track debut at the Modified Reunion.

[ModelCarMan]

Thanks Frasson118, I'll try and make that one also. I bet there's going to be some good modifieds there as well.

[georgep]

Model Car Man.... keep in mind, the Modified Reunion & the Blast from the Past are 2 seperate events.

The one this car will be at, is at New Smyrna Speedway on Friday, February 12th, 2010.

It may also be at the Blast, but I was told it will make its on-track debut at the Modified Reunion.

Jerry, An onfo on ON track format for 2010? Same is 2009 or some hot laps like 2008? The Z8 will be there and I am trying to get the N.C. cars to come done also.

[Frasson118]

George... the track time that was done in 2008 is back on. I've been assured that whatever problem happened last year, will NOT be repeated this time. New Smyrna management suggested that I assign someone to be kind of a "point man" between the Vintage racers and track officials. Since the Richie Evans Pinto is leading the pack anyways, I've asked Geoff Yoder to head up this project. Just follow the Orange 61 and he will know just what to do.

Interest from the Vintage crews has been great so far, and I expect the biggest field we've had yet.

I just started working on this years event, but will be going gung-ho over the holidays, making calls, sending e-mails, and getting press releases to all the media outlets I can find.

Vintage Oval Racer Magazine is very interested in covering this for their magazine!