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This is the True History of the "Little Candy Pearl" built and Campaigned by Art Russell (Now Deceased) of Fort Edward, New York. Art Russell was an Exceptional East Coast builder of the 1950s and 60's. This car has quite a history, in the 50's it was a formidable Drag Racer at South Glens Falls Drag Strip. From the late 50's until 1967 the "Little Candy Pearl" sometimes referred to as the "Blue Pearl" underwent Three Transformations, being shown on the ISCA Show circuit. During the 1965/1966 season the "Little Candy Pearl" Won Grand National Champion, entering sixteen (16) Shows and accumulating 465 points. For this accomplishment Art Russell was presented a fully equipped Pontiac GTO (Wish I had that) by Mr. Bill Holz at the Indy Nationals. Art parked the car after the 1967 Show season, never to be shown again. After Art's Death in 1987, the car changed hands twice, very quickly. I purchased the car from its third owner, John Warunek who displayed the car at the 1997 Rod & Custom Americruze. The 1997 Americruze was the first time the car had been shown in Thirty (30) years. The "Little Candy Pearl" remains in its third transformation, just as it did when it Won Grand National Champion in the 1965/66 season. She still has the 1956 Oldsmobile Rocket engine with six deuces. The fenders are cut down Continental Spare Tire Covers. A lot of ingenuity went into this car. Its still referred to as the Art Russell 32 Roadster. Just recently was included in a book called "HOT ROD Milestones" by Dain Gingerelli. As always hope you enjoy! Cheers! Ed Martin
The car as it is now. The Oct 62 issue of Car Craft ran a full spread on the car.  
 
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Ed has this old pic of the car when under construction. He calls this one the "before" pic. 
Street Rodder 1997. Pictured at Goodguys Indy. This was about the time Ed bought the car "on impulse" at the 97 Americruize, not knowing much about it, except that it must have a history. oooOOOooo Thanks for the pics, Ed, and the entertaining story. |
