Yesterday I got back from a short trip to Phoenix, AZ, to visit my Dad. While I was there I had the opportunity to drive up to Sedona, Arizona, and visit with Robert Pond. Robert used to be in Riverside California but has recently moved into a beautiful place in Sedona, with stunning views of the surrounding red rock mountains that Sedona is known for. But of course, the really stunning views were in Robert's shop.
Robert has a collection of beautifully restored and original cars that trace his racing history, starting with the 63 lightweight Galaxie shown in the photos below:
The car is equipped with all the original lightweight equipment, including the aluminum bumper, and like all of Robert's car it is in immaculate condition. It is equipped with a low riser 427, as were all of the 63 lightweights.
Sitting next to the 63 is Robert's 64 lightweight Galaxie, photos below:
As you can see this car even has the original window sticker. Robert also pointed out that this is the only one he's seen with the original vent tubes running from the battery cells out through the floor of the trunk. The high riser certainly makes a statement in this car's engine compartment.
Robert's attempt at being open minded came with this 1966 Plymouth Belvedere, equipped with the 426 Hemi:
Robert told me that as a post car, this car was lighter than the hardtops, but in 1967 Chrysler wanted everyone to switch to the hardtops for racing. These were heavier and it made no sense to Robert to go to the new car, so it was back to Ford.
Next in line was a 427 Fairlane:
The car pictured below is a Mercury 202 with the 427, of course.
The Boss 429 Mustang pictured below was purchased by Robert in 1974. He sold it, then bought it back several years later after it had changed hands a couple times.
The photo below is Robert's 67 Fairlane Stock Eliminator car, formerly a national record holder if I recall correctly:
The Fairlane pictured below will get an SOHC that Robert is currently building:
Finally, Robert owns one of the 50 original Cobra Jet Mustangs that Ford built in 2005. Robert's is #50:
Robert had a story associated with all these cars, and I can't remember all the details associated with each one, but for example (if memory serves), his 64 lightweight Galaxie has 37 original miles, and the Mercury 202 has only 2000 miles on it. All of the cars are striking examples of their type.
It was great to be able to spend a couple hours with Robert and look at all these cars. Makes my collection look pretty lame LOL! Thanks Robert!
