Unlike thoroughbred horses, racing steeds of the metal variety, even those named Mustang, rarely enjoy a life of leisure in their golden years. Those that avoid horrible crashes often have their body parts and guts removed for other racers… or they suffer the ultimate insult, being forgotten. Behold a rare exception, this Holman-Moody-prepared 1967 Mustang. This full-on NASCAR-style pony car was built, tested, disassembled for shipment into dictatorial Peru as “parts,” reassembled, and finally served its eager owner, Cristobal Galjuf, Sr. who enjoyed measurable success racing under the pseudonym “Batman.” More on that later. After a lifetime of racing and years of storage in Peru, the Mustang returned to America where it goes to auction in August at Bonhams Carmel-By-The-Sea, California. Don’t miss the car’s epic backstory and a host of gallery-worthy photographs here at Bonhams. Thanks to our own Adam Clarke for spotting this truly unique masterpiece.
Ironically this is the best engine picture among the poster-worthy snapshots in the listing. Back to the “Batman” story. As a young man, Cristobal Galjuf, Sr. shared a passion for auto racing with his father. Dad discouraged young Cristobal’s interest in competitive driving for safety reasons, so the younger Galjuf adopted the name of his favorite superhero, Batman, and the rest is history.
Comparing this Ford to most other ’60s Mustangs with big tires and a loud exhaust would be like comparing an ’80s Arnold Schwarzenegger with that ex linebacker grunting extra-loud at your gym. Key players in the Ford Racing effort, Charlotte North Carolina’s Holman-Moody put names like Mario Andretti, Junior Johnson, Richard Petty, Fireball Roberts, and Bobby Unser in the winner’s circle, and that’s just scratching the surface.
One thing’s for sure, after seeing this picture I want to bolt all of my rubber pedal covers down, you know, for when things get super-crazy. An arsenal of toggle switches in the center console is no place to rest your arm between sips of your Pumpkin Spice latte. The interior is surprisingly complete for a vehicle that spent its lifetime racing competitively. It’s hard to see this view and not picture yourself lapping Laguna Seca at speed while making rev-happy motor sounds like a fifth-grader. What would you pay for a chance to pilot this Peruvian pony?
This car is local to me – I had the pleasure of checking it out in person a year or two at a local cars and coffee. I love the history and the backstory on it – and I love the look with the arched fenders and big tires/wheels.
It was for sale here in the Phoenix area years ago before it was totally restored and was listed on BaT back in the days before they were strictly an auctions site. It’s been offered for sale at another auction or two since then (maybe BaT again, I don’t recall) but didn’t meet reserve. I hope it sells well!
I’m guessing the purists are tingling right now but these cars did make some good looking race cars and were just plain fun to watch on the track.
I never did understand “purists”. It is menacing track machines like this that my adrenaline flowing. And it is what turned the street machines into legends. Numbers matching cars are important historical markers, but have little personality.
“Who am I?
“You’re the Coach.”
“What city are we in?”
“New York”
“Who are you?”
(pause)
“I’m Batman!”
“Sit down!”
Not going anywhere for a while?
nice
I’ve read the story on that car, probably in mustang times. Great story and Todd, you are luck to have seen this car! I hope you were able to wait around to hear it start up.
Unfortunately I didn’t!
And unfortunately I know the feeling!
Not a Barn Find
Come on Dick, are you a car guy, there are all kinds of cars and this one is a beautiful car, doesn’t have to be all dusty and sitting for years. This is a car site.
Don’t need a #s matching 2 make a beautiful car! All u toads r High! This car sits, looks right & I’m sure runs right! But the price does anyone know what they want?
Walter – good name, BTW, same as my Dad’s.
Bonham’s, per their site, expects it to bring between 175 and 200K. Really extensive history on car also. Built by Holman & Moody once, then redone next year, then engine redone for a newer owner. It was a racer after all. If there are a few bidders that love original H&M work, who knows how high this will go ?
Race cars aren’t cheap 2 build but all these couch potato toads on this site r just whereing out their cushions
Sold for $145,000 including premium on August 13, 2021