Smokey's Black Widow Convertibles

[Joseph T.]

The rarest of the rare!

Plus check out that wagon tow car and the bus!

[Gerard F.]

Re: Smokey's Black Widow Convertibles

Just love those fins, is that a Bel Air?

Jerry Fuccillo

[Dick W.]

Re: Smokey's Black Widow Convertibles

In the early years of NASCAR they had a convertible circuit. It was common to build a coupe, cut the top off for the 'vert races and then bolt it back on for the rest of the races. I believe that the bus is for a vendor who sold assorted parts to the racers. My mind fails me when I try to remember his name.

[Joseph T.]

Re: Smokey's Black Widow Convertibles

Dick..I am looking for a copy of the film taken of the 1957 Daytona Beach 160 mile convertible race..if you know anyone that might have it.

I believe that is Paul Goldsmith in the White outfit with his back and the Smokey Logo showing..and Smokey to his left minus the normal hat.

Joe

[G B.]

These look like real convertibles to me

They have deluxe body trim and real convertible (hell for stout) windshield frames. If they were modified 150 sedans I doubt anyone would have gone to the trouble of adding these items.

[Mike M.]

Re: These look like real convertibles to me

agree with jerry--that convert almost certainly started life as a convert. technically speaking, a Black Widow, by definition, was a 150 series, model 1512, which was a 3 passenger 2 door sedan.mikie

[Joseph T.]

Re: These look like real convertibles to me

Mike..I agree the conventional description of Blackwidows are the 150 utility sedan with no back seat...fuel injection and the other Vince Piggins modifications.

The name could have been the result of the cars being black. I have also been told the they became widows as the result of Bill France outlawing fuel injection...after their introduction.

Then again..I just read that GM was considering building a black widow as a high performance production car...in 1957.

Just think what a modern day Black Widow could be!

Joe

[Robert Willis]

Re: These look like real convertibles to me

Some 210 two door hard top cars were built for long tracks where they would have been a little better than the 150 bussiness-mans coupe (2dr post car). Somewhere I have a pic with Paul Goldsmith at the wheel of a 210.