How a Parts-Bin Special Became The Most-Feared Competition Car in America

”Black Widow.” The name itself struck fear into the hearts of many during the heyday of stock car and drag racing. Born for the 1957 competition year, these unassuming Chevy 150s became the ire of many opponents straight from its inception. The 150s were officially built by SEDCO (the Southern Engineering and Development Company), a subsidiary of Nally Chevrolet of Atlanta. But the company was just a shell for Chevrolet’s factory racing program. If there ever was an example of a factory-bred hare-in-tortoise’s clothing, the Black Widow is it.

A Unique Collection of Racing History: Six Camaro Pace Cars

The Curious Invitation

We recently received a cryptic phone message from one of our sponsors, Classic Industries, inviting us to bring a camera to a nondescript address in Orange County, California. No other information was provided. Naturally, we accepted.
 
When we arrived, we were met by a large warehouse with a man outside waiting for us just outside the gate. He shepherded us through, promptly closing and locking the gate behind us. No turning back, one supposes. As we exited the vehicle, we surveyed the derelict cars neatly arranged around us. The man introduced himself as Jason Poling, caretaker of the “collection” we were about to view. The term “collection” stood in sharp contrast to the dusty, sun-bleached boneyard before us. These cars, we were told, were for reference and fitment tests, although they would occasionally single one out for restoration. The real show was inside.

As Jason rolled up the warehouse door, we were presented with a group of extremely unique automobiles more worthy of the term “collection” – every production version of Camaro pace car that Chevrolet produced.

Removing Stubborn Dirt and Grime With a Quality Clay Bar System

The Nitty-Gritty of Car Care

So you wash your car once a week and keep it garaged whenever it’s not on the road. Your car’s paint must be super clean, right?
 
Wrong.
 
Your paint is not perfectly smooth and can trap contaminants. When you wash your car, you only rid your paintwork of superficial contaminants. These trapped particles cannot be removed by a simple wash and dry. Only a quality clay bar system can truly get your car clean.

All single and two-tone paint codes for 1955, 1956 and 1957 models. These codes are taken directly from the original dealer books and are extremely accurate to the paint colors originally offered.

General Motors used identification tags to denote equipment, options, and assembly location for each individual Chevrolet and GMC truck produced. Use this information as a guide to decode the information stored on your cowl tag.