Evernham Debuts Restored Racer at Wall Nov. 24

The XL-1 returns to the track Nov. 24

The legendary pink-and-white XL-1 (Experimental Lincoln Number One) 1937 Ford Coupe that dominated modified racing throughout the Northeast 50 years ago, is making a long-awaited return to New Jersey’s Wall Stadium Speedway on Nov. 24 with original driver Wally Dallenbach back in the driver’s seat. 

Shortly after Dallenbach and “Gentleman” Joe Kelly drove the Don House and Al Gehrum-built XL-1 in 1962, it disappeared from the Northeast racing scene. Believed lost for decades, the car was eventually discovered rusting away, next to a junkyard filled with vintage auto parts in rural Halifax, VA. 

New Jersey native and former Wall Stadium champion Ray Evernham came to the rescue, acquiring the historic car in 2011 and restoring the rusted remains to their original luster and running condition. Now, Evernham will reunite the restored XL-1 with Dallenbach and return it to its former stomping grounds at Wall Stadium Speedway for the first time in half a century. 

The unveiling will come as part of the 39th Annual Turkey Derby on Saturday, November 24. Evernham and Dallenbach will reveal the refurbished car behind the track’s main grandstands at noon. At 1 pm, the XL-1 driven by Dallenbach and the No. 19 Ford Probe modified driven by Evernham will lead a parade lap of vintage race cars provided by the Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club.