By way of background, I am a historic motorsports author/photographer/lecturer. My current project deals with early competition Mustangs. By early, I am referring to those cars that competed between the car's introduction in mid-April 1964 and about a year later.
In my research I found that Barb & Jim Bickham competed in a Mustang in 1964. They were likely members of a Ford Rally Team and received factory help. The team consisted of Dick Norton & Don Kirkpatrick, Jo & Cliff Murray and Flori & J Toney (all of Pennsylvania), along with the Bickhams. A fifth car was slated to go to Gene Henderson, but I understand he got a Falcon instead as there wasn't sufficient time to prepare the Mustang.
Attached is an article from the On Wisconsin rally with a picture of the Bickhams competing in their Mustang. Karl - I note you are pictured in this piece.
Understanding that they were members of the Toledo Region of the SCCA, I am interested in gathering any and all information concerning their Ford effort in 1964. The Ford Rally Team appeared to be short-lived, beginning with the car's introduction in April and running through the end of the year.
Of particular interest is the Bickham's participation (if they did) in the 1964 Virginia Reel National Rally run on May 22-23, 1964 from Arlington, VA to Charlottesville, VA. The three pieces of coverage I have ( The Washington Daily News, SCCA Sport Car and the NYT) all show Fords participating. But Don Kirkpatrick remembers these as Mustangs. Any information to confirm or disprove that would be appreciated.
My full contact information is below. Please do not hesitate to use it with anything you may know or find.
Thanks and take care,
Mike Matune
6121 Mountain Springs Lane
Clifton, Virginia 20124
Phone: 703-830-4163 (H) 703-615-5350 (C)
Email:
