Now, if you thought this would be an article to help some aspiring vetenarians complete their universe of knowledge, you really need to continue surfing the web. This is the story of a '33 Ford coupe stock car, nicknamed "The Alligator" and the men who saved it from sinking into the Massachusetts landscape.
Lloyd Hutchins, Jr. was in his early twenties in 1959 when the racing urge began to take hold. Thunder Road Speedway had just been completed near his hometown of Barre, Vermont so he had a short haul with his first car, a 1935 Ford coupe. He completed construction just in time for the July 4 races. In need of a number, he checked with the track officials to determine which ones were available. Being the Independance Day race, the number seventy-six was a natural choice and it has been his number ever since.
Lloyd only drove his cars occasionally. He preferred the mechanic role and left the driving chores to Henry Montandon and Larry Granger. In 1962 he built a '32 Ford three window coupe painted lavendar and white. It was in this car that Henry provided the highlight of Lloyd's short racing career by capturing the 1963 Labor Day Championship at Thunder Road. A move to South Carolina to pursue a career in the textile industry ended his racing endeavors in 1965. Twenty years later, Lloyd returned to Vermont to take over the family's roofing business.
The vintage bug had bitten Lloyd by 1999 and he began looking for a winter project. He was told of a racecar that might be available in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. A late summer drive brought him to the home of Tommy Caruso where a '33 Ford coupe was slowly disappearing into the earth. The car was of only moderate interest, but, with the number being "176", Lloyd said, "I just have to have it".
The original builder and driver was Bobby Edwards of Pelham, New Hampshire. The car was put together around 1952 and raced at tracks in Hudson, Manchester and Dover, NH; Groveland, Medford and West Peabody, MA; and Lonsdale,RI. Lloyd was fortunate to find a photo of the car shortly after it was built.The back end had been significantly lowered over the frame, which was representive of a lot of cars during the "cut down" era of northeast stock car racing. By the next race, the car was sporting "The Alligator" name on the roof and an alligator caricature on the rear quarter panel. Its extended life as a racer ended in 1964 when it was sold to Caruso where it sat in his backyard for the next 35 years.
A ground up restoration was required to make this car track worthy and safe. With the help of long time friend, Kenny Morris, Lloyd began disassembling the car in the winter of '99. One of the first major obstacles was getting the frame back into shape. Rust had eaten its way through the metal in a number of spots. The solution was to make a template and cut a fishplate for each side that was then welded into place. A thorough sand blasting revealed that many of the original roll cage welds had to be redone.
As the photos reveal, much bodywork also was required. They chose to use a combination of new sheet metal and fiberglass to get it looking presentable. With the primer applied, one final appearance option was needed...a piece of garden hose was used to simulate the belt molding around the wheel wells, bottom of the quarter panel and doors. Do you still wonder where the term "Yankee ingenuity" comes from?
Flathead engines are starting to be in short supply. Fortunately Lloyd has stockpiled several and was able to piece together a 59A-B block to bring "The Alligator" back to life. It's a standard 239 CI engine with no modifications. At the other end of the power train is a rare Frankland quickchange rear end designed for use with closed drive shafts.
The original drivers seat is still in place. To pass safety requirements, Lloyd has added a fuel cell and modern seat belts. He has also deviated from the original car in two other aspects: power steering has been added and the body sits about three inches higher in the back to accommodate his 6'4" frame. An expert paint job by Kenny's son, Don Morris, completed the restoration.
The first showing was June 2000 at Ron Bouchard's dealership in Fitchburg, MA followed by a track appearance at Claremont, NH in August. With his memberships in NEAR and STAR, fans throughout New England will have ample opportunity to see "The Alligator" at a track near them. Don't look for any actual race speeds from his car. It is strickly for shows and exhibition races.
Reviving "The Alligator" will not be the only restoration for Lloyd and Kenny. A 1932 Ford coupe that will replicate Lloyd's 1963 Championship vehicle is nearing completion. That project will be followed by a 1933 Chevy coupe.
Post Script: If any reader has additional information regarding the history of "The Alligator" or of it's builder, Bobby Edwards, please contact Lloyd Hutchins, Jr. at Hutchins Roofing Company, P.O. Box 948, Barre, VT. 05641.
The Alligator Photo Gallery
Many thanks once again to Ken Paulsen for "The Alligator" story. JIMMIES still has a couple stories (from the midwest) by Ken to put up when time permits. Ken Paulsen has traveled to many areas of the country and has a vast knowledge of the "good old days"...JIMMIES feels lucky to have Ken "on our side". Be sure to check out Ken's other stories here at JIMMIES Old Time Racing Photos web site!