1949 Red Byron Oldsmobile

[MarkJ]

I had to use a 1950 Olds kit to make this a 49. This was one of the livery's Byron used in 1949 to win the first pure stock championship for Nascar. This division eventually became the Grand National series which is now the Cup series of today. Byron served in WW2 as a flight engineer on a B-24 bomber where he injured his left leg but overcame this injury by using a special brace for the clutch pedal to compete in the highest level of the sport.

[Rattlecan Dan]

Very Cool. Nice job, and info.

[TarheelRick]

Another beautiful build. I especially like the straight-pipe exhaust. What were the changes made to back date to a '49?

[Volzfan59]

Great work Mark, as always!

[MarkJ]

Another beautiful build. I especially like the straight-pipe exhaust. What were the changes made to back date to a '49?

Rick, there was some trim changes to the quarter panels and along the bottom of the sides. google a 49 olds and then a 50 olds and you will see what the differences were. The hood ornament might have also been different. It's been so long ago I can't remember exactly.

[MarkJ]

Thanks to all 3 of you guys for the nice words. I really appreciate it.

[racecar dave]

That is a true NASCAR not the junk they run today. Very good build.

[MarkJ]

Thanks, Dave. That really was a stock car. They drove them to the track taped up the headlights and raced. I might have got the exhaust wrong. I'm thinking they had mufflers too.

[Razorback 46]

That's a beauty!!

[MarkJ]

Thanks, Razorback.

[catpack68]

Very nice work Mark!👍

[MarkJ]

Thanks Cat. It was one of those bucket list builds.

[Michael F]

Very cool Olds,
those were the days 

[jh63fan]

Nice work as always Mark.
Just finished reading "Riding with the Devil" by Neal Thompson. Good book if anyone hasn't read it. Covers Red Byron and the early pioneers of stock car racing.

[MarkJ]

Thanks, JH63fan. I think I might have that book. I will have to check.