Don and Mary Ann Fezell enjoy owning great cars, and when this one becameavailable in 2001 when the collection in Arizona was dissolved, they jumped on it. The odometer-disconnected by Bud soon after the purchase-shows just five miles since rolling off the line. All the paperwork was there, including title, body tags, VIN tag, and invoices. the Fezells live in western Pennsylvania, not far from Faubel's base of operations in Chambersburg, so it was fitting to bring the Dodge home to the Keystone State.
As it sits now, the car looks just like it did when Bud was chasing the record books and win lights with it. The only change from stock that is visible is the addition of an oil/temperature gauge set-up for engine safety. Since Bud had left the car in its basic white format when he put it on the track (adding graphics only), the Honker as shown here is also an excellent representation of the '64 Hemi breed.
The Fezells have graciously brought the car out for public display the last several years at the York US 30 Reunion and Musclecar Madness event in York, Pennsylvania. Bud has also been an honored guest at this event.
FAST FACTS: '64 Bud Faubel Honker Dodge S/S Race car
Don and Mary Ann Fezell * DuBois, PA
MOPAR POWER
Engine: This is it, the beginning of the Hemi heritage with an A-864 drag racing version of the new 426 Hemi. Originally built by Chrysler's Marine & Industrial artisans in the early months of 1964, this example was tuned on by the Grump himself to an NHRA National Record run at Cecil County, Maryland, in May 1964. Presently, the engine in the Honker is a correct '64 block put back to stock specs
Transmission: Behind that honkin' hot bird is an A727 'flite, rebuilt to stock specs and shifted into gear by pushing buttons in the dashboard. That deal, perfect for folks who are left-handed, was the paddle shifter of yesteryear, but would soon fade away as floor and column models took over.
Differential: The venerable 831/44 banjo type with 4.56 rings; this is the version that had the locknut axles as well.
Horsepower & Performance: Bud had it down in the low 11s before he was done. Don, who drag raced for years, has decided not to chance damaging all the high-dollar Alcoa-type parts at speed.
Sure Grip
Suspension: OEM Chrysler Super Stock leaf outfit with heavy-duty shocks.
Brakes: Check out the jelly jar on the firewall. Luckily, you only had to stop once in a while.
Wheels: Narrow factory steelies at 15x4 front and 15x7 rear; under the full 500 horses, these were like driving on icicles.
Rubber: '64 legal versions.
High Impact
Body: A sedan with lots of factory lightweight goodies and tricks.
Paint: Factory white with graphics, redone by Steve Banker and the crew at the now-defunct Factory Muscle collection in Arizona.
Interior: Red, the factory color of passion in 1964