Harold Pinkerton

I knew Harold to be a friendly, generous, and talented man. About 30 years ago I visited his shop with a friend who had some business to discuss with him. When I saw his E Type Jaguar and asked him about it he generously took the time to tell me the story of the car and to lift the bonnet to show me the engine compartment. What a shock to see a Holman & Moody Nascar Ford SOHC 427 engine in the car. I was amazed that he had been able to adapt it to the car. He told me about buying the car new I believe in 1964. After driving it for about 5,000 miles he decided he wanted more power than the stock 6 cylinder engine provided. When Nascar banned the Ford SOHC 427 engines Holman & Moody sold the engines they had to the public and Harold bought one. He kept the original 6 cylinder engine in good condition in case fuel prices went up dramatically and he needed to reinstall it for better fuel economy. I was impressed with the fabrication skills displayed in his dirt track car he showed me as well.Some months after this meeting I ran into Harold at The Hardware Store. He was driving the Jaguar on this sunny summer day and once again generously shared his time to allow me to photograph him and the car and to take me for a ride. What a nice guy to do this for a near total stranger.

My sincere sympathy and condolences to Carl, the family and all of Harold's friends who'll miss him greatly. I was just an acquaintance who enjoyed similar interests in old cars with Harold and Carl. I was lucky enough to hear some of the rock 'n roll stories first hand and treasure them. Our friend will be missed.

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Bill & Elizabeth Torbett,




Okmulgee, Oklahoma










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