1981 Wrangler #3 Pontiac: The heralding of the Intimidator's signature #3 marked the first time Earnhardt drove for Richard Childress, sparking a relationship which continued through to 2001, with a gap while Dale drove for Bud Moore. This paint scheme is readily identifiable through the 'sergeants stripes' pattern on the hood and the fact that this is a Pontiac. Dale only drove the Pontiac in Winston Cup in the 1981 season.You will also note that in the year, the stock cars retained their original metal bumpers and grills. The 'unibody' had not yet been instituted. Dale would finish this season 7th, 905 points behind champion Darrell Waltrip.