I am researching the various cars and trucks used at the Indy 500 for an upcoming book and am almost finished with the 1994 Lightning.
1994 is somewhat confusing to many. The actual Pace Car was a 1994 Mustang GT and five were sent to Roush to be converted to Pace Car specs. Besides mechanical and suspension work they also received the facias from the Cobra. All 1000 Cobras were standard shift, not what the Speedway wanted in the cars used at the track. Though many think a Cobra was converted to automatic, it was the other way around. There were also Mustang GTs supplied to the 500 Festival Directors, USAC and Track Officials, and local dignitaries. (The final number was 108 Mustang GTs provided). All the VINs of the Mustangs are on my Facebook Group for the 1994 race. I have also been able to find 992 out of 1000 Cobras with complete build data, also in the group pages.
Besides the Mustangs a number of other vehicles were supplied by Ford: Windstars, Taurus, Crown Vics, even an Expedition. An assignment list was produced that showed the VINs, colors, model, and to whom they were assigned, plus a track assigned number. Though I have most of them for 1970 up, I do not have 1994 as they were prepared by a different company than the other years. There were 8 red F250s used by the Fire Patrol and I do have that info. There were also white F250s but I do not have this info. Lastly, there were white Ford Lightnings supplied. Though there are a variety of numbers out there, the best I could find is nine used at the track-and these were not for drivers or dignitaries. They were work trucks and used as such. I have a picture of one with a work rack and equipment onboard. I also do not have all the numbers assigned (they would be in the lower left windshield, rear lower left window, and license plate if they had one (only if they were to be driven on the public street. Not all had them). I did find some with numbers 72-77-the other three would be part of this sequence but not sure where they fit.
The trucks were all equipped the same-mainly, barely equipped. Non sliding back window for the Ford decal, AM/FM cassette with clock, and the tube rear bumper. They did not have front license plate brackets or an alarm. The best way to authenticate one is the DSO 89 on the door sticker. DSO is for Domestic Special Order and have been used on Ford vehicles since at least the 60s. Each Zone would have a number assigned to it so it is easy to see where a car was delivered. The code 89 meant it was for Ford use and not shipped to a dealer.
It said one of the early trucks was painted white for the introduction and photo op, but it is not known which one at this time. There is truth that one of them was destroyed by Ford, but unknown why. Of the other 8, one was last registered in 2004, another in 2006, and still another in 2012. The other five are still registered. Attached are the VINs and where and when last registered.
If there is any other info to share I would love to have it. Thanks
1994 is somewhat confusing to many. The actual Pace Car was a 1994 Mustang GT and five were sent to Roush to be converted to Pace Car specs. Besides mechanical and suspension work they also received the facias from the Cobra. All 1000 Cobras were standard shift, not what the Speedway wanted in the cars used at the track. Though many think a Cobra was converted to automatic, it was the other way around. There were also Mustang GTs supplied to the 500 Festival Directors, USAC and Track Officials, and local dignitaries. (The final number was 108 Mustang GTs provided). All the VINs of the Mustangs are on my Facebook Group for the 1994 race. I have also been able to find 992 out of 1000 Cobras with complete build data, also in the group pages.
Besides the Mustangs a number of other vehicles were supplied by Ford: Windstars, Taurus, Crown Vics, even an Expedition. An assignment list was produced that showed the VINs, colors, model, and to whom they were assigned, plus a track assigned number. Though I have most of them for 1970 up, I do not have 1994 as they were prepared by a different company than the other years. There were 8 red F250s used by the Fire Patrol and I do have that info. There were also white F250s but I do not have this info. Lastly, there were white Ford Lightnings supplied. Though there are a variety of numbers out there, the best I could find is nine used at the track-and these were not for drivers or dignitaries. They were work trucks and used as such. I have a picture of one with a work rack and equipment onboard. I also do not have all the numbers assigned (they would be in the lower left windshield, rear lower left window, and license plate if they had one (only if they were to be driven on the public street. Not all had them). I did find some with numbers 72-77-the other three would be part of this sequence but not sure where they fit.
The trucks were all equipped the same-mainly, barely equipped. Non sliding back window for the Ford decal, AM/FM cassette with clock, and the tube rear bumper. They did not have front license plate brackets or an alarm. The best way to authenticate one is the DSO 89 on the door sticker. DSO is for Domestic Special Order and have been used on Ford vehicles since at least the 60s. Each Zone would have a number assigned to it so it is easy to see where a car was delivered. The code 89 meant it was for Ford use and not shipped to a dealer.
It said one of the early trucks was painted white for the introduction and photo op, but it is not known which one at this time. There is truth that one of them was destroyed by Ford, but unknown why. Of the other 8, one was last registered in 2004, another in 2006, and still another in 2012. The other five are still registered. Attached are the VINs and where and when last registered.
If there is any other info to share I would love to have it. Thanks
