Summary
After thirty-five years away from drag racing, Never Too Late, a 1964 Plymouth Savoy created by Doug Henderson, was ready for the 1999 race season. It was built for and will continue competing in NSS events.
Owners(s) and Sponsor(s)
Never Too Late is owned by Doug and Alicia Henderson, Columbia, Mo, and sponsored by Henderson Oil Co.
Driver(s)
Doug Henderson, 60, a petroleum distributor in Columbia, MO for 30 years, returned to drag racing in 1999. NSS inc. provides a type of friendly competition Doug enjoys, while providing fans memories of the super stock era.
History
The 1964 Plymouth Savoy was purchased new by a family in Eldon, MO as a 6 cylinder three speed. Doug purchased the car and began the transformation from a “shell in a pasture” to what you see today.
Technical
The car, other than the paint work, was completed at home with the help of Mike Swanson, a former NSS member and previous owner of the Black Max. The engine is 496 CID based on a cast iron 440 block. The aluminum 1963 max wedge intake is topped by two AFB 3705 carbs. Aluminum heads, roller cam, aluminum rods, and 12.8:1 pistons complete the engine package. The transmission is an original 727 Chrysler torqueflite automatic with push buttons on the dash, 9” converter, 4.10 9 ¾ Dana, and factory super stock springs.
Performance
For ¼-mile, the car consistently runs on NSS/B index at 128 mph / for 1/8-mile, 6.55 at 105 mph / all-time best, 10:27 @ 129.62 mph.
Results/Achievements
This is a very consistent dependable race car. It is representative of horsepower and basic simplicity which made the super stock cars of the early 60’S so memorable.