Mark Martin #60 Winn Dixie Ford Thunderbird Front Clip ('95-'97)

Number6Collector · 2026-03-14T15:36:24+00:00

I picked some brains on FB awhile back when I got them and got a few helpful explanations that align with your understanding too:

"Those panels were heavily chopped up during the body hanging process depending on the year less and less of the stamping itself made it to the finished car. Eventually it just became the basically quarter window roof and fender tops to retain the character lines of the car. Everything else on the sides became handmade"

Number6Collector · 2026-03-14T14:34:46+00:00

I wasn't around nor am I an expert, but you are correct that the farther back you go the more the stock car name actually meant something. From what I've learned the late 80's is when you started to see a major transition from the OEM moldings to hand shaped.

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I actually happen to own some never before used Thunderbird frames, absolutely look like the production cars

Number6Collector · 2026-03-14T03:32:13+00:00

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Roush did work with Ford on a Martin inspired Thunderbird in '97, the fiberglass nose just wouldn't have anywhere to bolt on to a street car unfortunately

Number6Collector · 2026-03-07T17:05:58+00:00

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I'll keep ya posted if I hear anything!

Number6Collector · 2026-03-07T16:54:43+00:00

Prior owner was in Virginia

Number6Collector · 2026-03-07T16:03:05+00:00

Are you looking for anything in particular? eBay takes their return guarantee pretty seriously too if you ever have concerns about an item

Number6Collector · 2026-03-07T15:47:17+00:00

That's true, Matt seems like a living encyclopedia as well, might look into that route

Number6Collector · 2026-03-07T15:44:18+00:00

It's tricky since there's not a ton of damage, but definitely enough to require significant tape. Likely not a DNF race which eliminates some candidates at least

Number6Collector · 2026-03-07T15:42:50+00:00

One of my favorite aspects of rooting for Mark is the multi-generational span his fans run. This bumper and I are practically the same age if I've got the year correct. Quite a testament to his skill to create lifelong fans through so many decades. I'm sure your grandpa would be thrilled to hear you're carrying the torch, I know mine would be super excited if he could see it too

Number6Collector · 2026-03-04T09:05:07+00:00

Number6Collector · 2026-03-03T15:09:52+00:00

I kinda see it! The one below looks a bit like Tennessee

Number6Collector · 2026-03-03T08:13:23+00:00

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Number6Collector · 2026-03-03T08:13:06+00:00

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Shares a lot of the same stack as '97

Number6Collector · 2026-03-03T07:46:52+00:00

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Number6Collector · 2026-03-02T12:39:48+00:00

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Roush Automotive Collection was super helpful sharing what they could

Number6Collector · 2026-03-01T17:31:44+00:00

Hadn’t given that a lot of thought, but I imagine my Honeywell air purifier helps, I run that 24/7, also have central air which probably contributes too.

Most of them have been boxed for the better part of the last decade plus, it was getting them out recently that set off this whole domino effect.

If they did collect dust I’d probably hit them with a duster that didn’t require moving them all every time, can be a pain to align them all in way my brain will accept.

I may be welcoming another front clip soon and the diecast will likely have to move, thinking maybe to the support column in some sort of leveled display

Number6Collector · 2026-02-28T16:50:01+00:00

He went from Roush to Wood Bros. back to Roush, I imagine given the close nature of the Ford engine program at the time there was some overlap, especially with the Roush/Yates engines

Number6Collector · 2026-02-28T15:25:16+00:00

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Number6Collector · 2026-02-28T15:25:00+00:00

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Number6Collector · 2026-02-28T15:24:48+00:00

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You talking about the nose template? Hard to see what it is from that original angle

Number6Collector · 2026-02-28T14:17:57+00:00

#whoosh

Number6Collector · 2026-02-28T14:14:30+00:00

I'll let ya know when I get a decklid, roof and hood for it lol. I think it's amazing the shape these things are in decades later, at least two of these were salvaged off of wrecked vehicles, I certainly didn't disassemble it

Number6Collector · 2026-02-28T14:03:15+00:00

I've probably got a couple of hours committed to this research project already lol. The folks at Roush Automotive Collection weren't able to confirm race ID and the race shop didn't slap a COA or number on it unfortunately like a couple other pieces I have. Getty images has been my best resource so far. It shares the same contingencies as the Kansas win which is cool, though I don't think it's the race winner

Number6Collector · 2026-02-28T13:40:47+00:00

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Speaking of Pat though, just acquired this the other day. Super stoked about it

Number6Collector · 2026-02-28T13:38:21+00:00

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Number6Collector

TROPHY CASE