Buck Baker B&W

Back in 1956 and 1957 the Southern Engineering Development Corporation Operation (SEDCO) a department of Chevrolet located in Atlanta, Georgia built a series of sedans and convertibles to challenge the other big two, Ford and Chrysler, on America's racetracks. These were called Black and Whites, and sometimes referred to as Black Widows
Bob, has always been a dyed in the wool true shoebox fan, and decided he wanted to not only build a replica, but an exact replica of a one of a kind race car. This task would have been impossible, if Bob hadn't had some help. The initial help came from Tony Calvo, who was working with Bob and Pioneer Classic Autos. Tony was a pit man for Tommy Pistone's race car, one of the original Black & White team drivers. Bob chose to build a replica of the Buck Baker No. 87 Black & White. This car was named Grand Champion in 1957 after taking the checkered flag 17 times.

Replicating this type of car, and specifically old no. 87, was an extremely difficult task even for an accomplished restorer as Bob, because they didn't have a car to use as a model. So where to start? Bob and Tony did have a copy of The 1957 Chevrolet Stock Car Competition Guide (copies of this guide are available at Pioneer Classic Autos). This was the book that defined a Stock Car and also listed options, HD parts, modifications to chassis, engine and body. It also listed setup, tuning and registration.. This was the book that defined a Stock Car and also listed options, HD parts, modifications to chassis, engine and body. It also listed setup, tuning and registration.
But even this book was not going to be enough. Luckily not only did Bob have Tony's help, but also living in Phoenix was a tremendous source of information, Louis Clements, one of the race car mechanics who worked for Chevrolet. Once others heard about the project, there was a strong camaraderie built, as others became involved. These included Crawford Clements (Louis's brother also a race car mechanic at SEDCO), Jim Rathman (who ran SEDCO), Ken Shaw (race car driver), Bob Welborn (race car driver), Don Bailey (track official in 1957), Tommy Pistone (race car driver), Jack Smith (race car driver, No. 47), Rex White (also a 1957 race car driver), and of course Buck Baker.