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Early Hemi Story - Looking for info

68Charger70rr

Member
Local time
8:41 PM
Joined
Jul 31, 2023
Messages
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Location
Duncan, BC
Hi everyone, not sure if this is the correct spot for this but I’m basically looking for info on a motor I just purchased. I recently acquired a fresh built 1941 Willy’s coupe hotrod project that has a 1964 426 hemi in it. The fellow I purchased the car from was the one that built the car and he purchased(traded) the motor from Walt Austin (Walt Austin Racing) before he died - I guess they were drag racing buddies.

Walt said the motor had an interesting history, apparently he (Walt) was friends with Don Garlits got this hemi from Don at some point in the past. Don told him that he had acquired the motor from Richard Petty racing and that they (Petty Racing) were the original owners of the motor in 64. Of course Walt Austin passed away a few years ago but I did call Walt Austin Racing and spoke to the machinist who confirmed the above story.
Unfortunatley there is no paperwork to ‘prove’ any of this is true. The previous owner and the machinist at Walt Austin Racing told me it was hemi #40. I’d love to be able to prove this story is accurate.

I’m wondering what info I should be looking for on the motor or if there’s any sort of registry for the pre production race hemis? I have reached out to Petty racing but haven’t got a response yet. Thanks in advance for your help. Tyler

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Last edited:
Cool find. Petty may have some info. I believe that at least some of their Hemis were marked. I'll be following this story.
 
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