Real 427 Thunderbolt 4-Speed Runs 8s | Ray Paquet Winds his FE to 9,200 RPM and he's 75 years old!

We get a close-up look at Hall of Famer Ray Paquet's 1964 Thunderbolt. It has a 427, dual carbs, 4-speed transmission and it runs 8s at 150-plus mph. Amazingly, Ray has run this car for 5 decades and at 75 years old he's not letting up!

[georgebeare]

75 and still running a 4 speed 8 second car. God bless you, Ray!

[patrickshaw]

Respect is not a strong enough word for how I feel about this man, his car and the OEM(Ford) - and I come from a Chevrolet Family !

[slickrichelicopter]

This car would run 11's, straight from the showroom floor, back in 1964. Fast by today's

[pittsky]

This man and his car must be protected at all costs. God bless you Ray.

[bobthebuilder]

The thunderbolt is one of if not most favorite cars ever made, love the fact that this one is still competing and wining.

[KodyBear]

Been friends with the 3 Paquet brothers for years. Worked with them, raced with them, and I'm a better man for knowing them. Thx for the memories.

[mikekopmanis]

Ray is such a class act. Real down to earth gentleman. Congrats Ray!👍

[goingthing]

The most dedicated FE racer of all time!

[RSDX]

It's good to see a youngster still banging gears and winning trophies. I'm 77.

[sejnitram]

Not to make this about me but, I just bought (8-2021) a 1966 Fairlane GT. 96, 200 original miles. I’m the second owner. First muscle car for me. I couldn’t be more happy. Runs and drives great. Very happy to see this man still kicking ass. Here’s to many more great years🍺

[boruff]

I am a Chevrolet guy and Iove this car ! This is REAL racing right here. Who else tuned their volume wide open at the 9:45 mark??? lol

[jerryb]

Amazing racing history with that car and he is a wealth of knowledge. I could listen to him talk all day. Thanks for sharing

[Daniel-dcxm]

I met Ray a couple years ago at the Columbus swap meet. I have one of his old pistons when he set a record. 157.98 @ 8.453 315 SS/A. Such a neat guy. He’s an organ repair man. (Explains how the T-Bolt carries such a sweet tune)! Keep rowin’m Ray✊🏻

[Richard.Hybels]

As a man of 77 still racing Formula Ford I appreciate the gentleman. And I know what he means when he says he is grateful he can still do it.

[stevehillman]

A fantastic video for Thunderbolt and FE427 fans! Ray Paquet is an amazing guy and gives a great interview.

[HoosierDaddy_]

You just keep hitting home runs with these bad ass Fords! This car is a legend! Love the in car footage!

[rickriggs]

Awesome video!!! Love how you talked about the history of the car. And the old guy still rowing the boat!!! And shifting at 9000-9200 that’s

[benztech]

Ray you’re an amazing man! With all those rules you make it work with 8.6 ET ‘s and 9, 200 RPM! A very in depth interview with the right questions. Kudos to you both! Thanks guys.

[davenettlesmusic]

Ray is definitely one of the best Ford racers ever. 9200 rpm FE? You bet, that's how we ran 'em in our back motor dragsters.

[danm]

Great video, great interview with a legend. I'm a die hard Chevy guy, but I've always admired the T-Bolt cars, and Ray is as classy as they get. I am still drag racing big blocks at 63, guys like Ray give me hope to keep doing what I love most. May God watch over him and keep him at the track for many more wins. Thanks Evan!