Friday, September 01, 2023

Baja racing privateer Stroppe Courier, engine by Stroppe, paid for by Champion Spark Plus co, owned and driven by Don Bare and Ray Lynch from 72-75 or so n






It was purchased new in San Clemente and sent to Stroppe's for cage, suspension, bodywork, and general prep. 

It was wired up and assembled, and painted by Bare and Lynch. Interesting because the Stroppe orange white and blue colors were reversed, so Blue was on the bottom. 

There were 4 or so other Couriers, mostly Stroppe prepped, so it made sense to stand out. 

With a NORRA cat 10 or Score 7 field full of Ford Couriers, this also prompted Bare/Lynch to change the grill and paint to all orange in ’74 and enter as a Mazda for a better chance at “first mazda across the line” cash. 

This identity crisis continued when Tom Haliburda bought or traded for this courier and raced it with Gary Turner in the late 70s and early 80s as a Mazda. The original title labels it as a Ford Courier.

 Motor was built originally by Stroppe's engine room and paid for by Champion Spark Plugs. Rear was originally a Mazda HD unit, the tires were originally 13-9.00 Bridgestone Alligators on slotted 13x6 mags with a Bronco bolt pattern




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