Programs, movies and memories. (USA version )

[khyndart in CA]

As my memory is not as good as it used to be I thought I would input some of the events that I have been to or followed while living here in California since 1974, while I still can ! These are not in any order as I start out in 1987 at Laguna Seca and I will drift around a bit. Please enter any events / photos and memories that you may also have of any racing, car shows, people, etc here in the USA.

(Ken Hyndman)

[khyndart in CA]

After being at the 2015 Rolex Reunion this year it brought back memories of the first time I went to Laguna Seca in May 1987. I eagerly climbed the hill to see the famous "Corkscrew" corner but was disappointed in the limited view for spectators. I was more impressed with the long corner that was turn 2 after cresting the rise after the start finish line. Many fine drivers ended up in the embankment on the outside of turn 2, including Mario Andretti, Keke Rosberg and Warwick Brown also had a big shunt there.
The track was modified to its present course in 1988 so this was the last year to see the old track in action.
It was the weekend for the IMSA Series. ( International Motor Sports Association ) Many of the cars were the same as what raced in Europe at Le Mans, Spa etc. Including one of my favorite cars at the time, the Lowenbrau Special Porsche 962, driven by Al Holbert plus the exciting Nissan GTP ZX Turbo.

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This is the track configuration in 1987.

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This is how the track is today.

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( Ken Hyndman )

[Roger Dowding]

1982 track looks similar to 1987 per this photo - from the 1982 program. Interestingly there was no actual map in the program with details of access, parking, conveniences etc..

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[khyndart in CA]

THE 1987 IMSA GTO and GTU cars raced on Saturday.
Chis Cord in a Dan Gurney All American Racers Toyota Celica Turbo won the race from 2 Chevrolet Camaros followed by Willy T Ribbs in the second Gurney Toyota Celica Turbo.

Note that the # 33 Mustang was driven by a driver who at that time was named Bruce Jenner and other drivers thought he was a very capable driver. (How things have changed over the next 28 years !)

I have included some photos from that day / race.
First photo shows the track from the infield across the lakes to the long sweeping corners 1 & 2 after the start to the right.

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The next is of the GTO warm up lap with Jack Baldwin in his Camaro leading the field toward turn 3.

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First lap with Baldwin leading the field which included actor Paul Newman in a Nissan 300 ZX

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Jack Baldwin in his Camaro leading eventual winner, Chris Cord in his Toyota Celica # 98 ahead of
Willy T Ribbs in his Toyota # 99 in the early laps.

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The GTO field heading up the hill towards turn 4 and on to the famous "Corkscrew" corner.

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Will T Ribbs was one of the few colored drivers to do well in US racing.
He is shown here talking to his boss, Dan Gurney, after finishing fourth in the 300 KM GTO race.

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( Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Laguna Seca 300 Kilometres GTO Race Results. May 2nd 1987

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Note the 12th placed car was a young teenager, Tom Kendall, who went on to have a fine career in US racing. He won the GTU division in this race in his Mazda RX-7.



(Ken Hyndman..just got a bit of a rev for doing this during my lunch and into company time ! This is
much more important !)

[928]

Willy T Ribbs, now there is a blast from the past. I remember him racing formula fords in the UK in the 70's.

[khyndart in CA]

The IMSA GTP cars were preparing to come out onto the track to practice and I went by the Al Holbert pit area and took some photos.
I always admired Holbert for what he achieved both on and off the track and the cars he drove were always immaculately prepared.
Sadly Al died a year later in a single pilot aircraft crash.

( Check this site )

http://www.imsa.com/articles/throwback-thursday-al-holberts-iconic-lowenbrau-special-porsche-962

Al is wearing the brown jacket and is holding on to the support bar as he talks with his crew.


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( Ken Hyndman photos )

[Powder]

Laguna Seca 300 Kilometres GTO Race Results. May 2nd 1987

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Note the 12th placed car was a young teenager, Tom Kendall, who went on to have a fine career in US racing. He won the GTU division in this race in his Mazda RX-7.



(Ken Hyndman..just got a bit of a rev for doing this during my lunch and into company time ! This is
much more important !)

I saw the name Bruce Jenner on the list and wondered if it was THE Bruce Jenner, and according to Google it is.
He (as she was then) drove the 7-Eleven Roush Mustang. Wow, you learn something new everyday.

[Rod Grimwood]

I saw the name Bruce Jenner on the list and wondered if it was THE Bruce Jenner, and according to Google it is.
He (as she was then) drove the 7-Eleven Roush Mustang. Wow, you learn something new everyday.



Not sure on that one. Bruce Jenner from the South Island who ran a Camaro (ex- Everybody) went to the USA and raced there for years. I think he bought factory drive with Roush before going the Porsche way later. South Island contingent will know better (Jac Mac).

PS Bruce was known to be for the 'high jump' a couple of times back in the old days, but different jeans. (Levi I think)

[Powder]

Not sure on that one. Bruce Jenner from the South Island who ran a Camaro (ex- Everybody) went to the USA and raced there for years. I think he bought factory drive with Roush before going the Porsche way later. South Island contingent will know better (Jac Mac).

PS Bruce was known to be for the 'high jump' a couple of times back in the old days, but different jeans. (Levi I think)

There seem to be two different Bruce Jenner racing drivers.
http://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/Bruce-Jenner-NZ.html
http://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/Bruce-Jenner-USA.html

[seaqnmac27]

Auto racing career
Jenner was a successful race car driver in the IMSA Camel GT series (International Motor Sports Association) in the 1980s. Jenner's first victory came in the 1986 12 hours of Sebring in the IMSA GTO class driving the 7-Eleven Roush Racing Ford Mustang with co-driver Scott Pruett. The pair won their class and finished 4th overall in the 12-hour endurance race. 1986 was also the most successful year of Jenner's career, finishing second in the championship to Pruett.[52][53] Jenner commented, "I was a lot more badass runner than I was a driver."

[khyndart in CA]

It seems ironic that I put this stuff together and Bruce / K...... Jenner gets all the attention !

Anyway two other cars that I liked there that day were the Chev Corvette GTP and the
Nissan GTP ZX-T.

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( Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

On Sunday May 3 1987 the IMSA GTP race took place.
I found this Youtube of the original TV broadcast that shows the racing in full swing.
So sit back and enjoy GTP racing at Laguna Seca for almost 2 hours.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVJycmOupBU


( Ken Hyndman )

[Jac Mac]

Not sure on that one. Bruce Jenner from the South Island who ran a Camaro (ex- Everybody) went to the USA and raced there for years. I think he bought factory drive with Roush before going the Porsche way later. South Island contingent will know better (Jac Mac).

PS Bruce was known to be for the 'high jump' a couple of times back in the old days, but different jeans. (Levi I think)
Bruce Jenner from Dunedin- Ex Coppins Early Camaro, still with 'Gold' paint job & 'Ultra Tune' signage, a few years before my OSCA time. IIRC he later brought the Porsche 944? turbo and a Pontiac Firebird?, both spaceframe cars out to NZ for a Trans Am series ( about same time of Wills RX8 etc ), the two drivers swapped cars occasionally, names escape me. Got a feeling the Firebird might have stayed here in NZ- could it be the one that ended up with Ford SVO motor at one point? Paul Gentiloni might have been one driver & Jenner may have driven himself on a couple of occasions?

[khyndart in CA]

The Chevrolet Corvette GTP for 1987 was run by the Hendricks Motorsport Team. It did not have much success but I certainly liked the look of it on the track and US fans enjoyed seeing a local product competing against the foreign contingent e.g. Porsche, Nissan,, Jaguar etc. The chassis was by Lola, the engine used here was a Buick 3.0 litre turbo charged V-6. But despite a large budget the results were lacking and General Motors canceled funding after the 1988 season.But here in May 1987 they had high expectations and were even experimenting with Lotus active suspension to control the stiffness during the race.

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(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

From the 1986 Laguna Seca program came this page regarding Bruce Jenner..
Perhaps the fuel smells or exhaust heat did some damage. He certainly had talent back then !)

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( You may need a magnifying glass for this one.)
Ken Hyndman.

[khyndart in CA]

A year earlier, in April 1986, I had been offered tickets to go to Riverside International Raceway to watch the 6 hour "Times" GTP Endurance race. Versions of this race had a history dating back to 1958 and the only 3 time winner was Denis Hulme in the glory days of Can Am. As I had just returned from a trip to NZ I reluctantly gave up my tickets to a friend who had an experience he would never forget.

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The "Times" race had a field of 50 cars which led to some of the excitement.

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[khyndart in CA]

During the race my friend, Barney, moved to the infield just after the start line to watch the race. He had just settled down when suddenly all hell broke loose as one of the biggest accidents ever seen at Riverside took place and he was thankful he was not hit by debris and he told me he was not going back to any event again with my complimentary tickets !
When you see the Youtube video you will understand how he and many others felt and it is a miracle that none of the drivers were injured. It seems Barney's favorite race car, the # 52 Chev Corvette GTP driven by Doc Bundy was blamed for this incident, although Bundy stated it was just a " racing accident ".
I will let you all be the judge on that.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji0NEKlEByM

( I think Barney is one of the spectators scattering in the background !)
( Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

April 1986.
This is a non racing Hyndman story. Our son had his first birthday on the day we left New Zealand and he was fussed over by his NZ grand ma. On the Air NZ flight the hostesses fussed over him again and gave him a diploma for crossing the Equator and then when he landed in LA it was still his birthday over here and again his US grandmother fussed over him once more ! It was a fond memory that
we will never forget.
On one flight back I happened to get to chat with Rod Millen and was amazed at what he and Steve have achieved here in California.
I was blown away with the diversity in projects at Rod's company: " MillenWorks"..
Check out this site.
http://www.millenworks.com/

(Ken Hyndman )

[Roger Dowding]

July August 1982 ; some Roger Dowding BMC BOY memories.

Visited the Cunningham Museum, which no longer exists, many of the cars are with the Collier family - descendents of the Colliers that raced for Briggs in the early - mid 1950's including in a Cadillac at Le Mans in 1950.
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Also attended " The 6th All British Field Meet and Concours " organised by the Jaguar Owners Club Oregon [ JOCO ], they had many of these stickers for sale. " I'd rather be driving my ..... - " Austin-Healey, Triumph, Jaguar, MG etc "

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[khyndart in CA]

In March 1976 I went back to Long Beach for the Formula One race as a spectator which was easier on me compared to trying to be a mechanic/helper for the Theodore Racing Team and Tony Brise at the F5000 race the previous September. It had its sad moments as we remembered Tony and Graham Hill and others who had died in the plane crash in November 1975.
Long Beach was really humming and crowded and one of the first events was what I think was one of the first Historic Grand Prix race / demonstration and what a great field of drivers and cars. I doubt if these same drivers ever got on the same track again and I was blessed to standing close to where the celebrations took place after the race. I will share some of this day from old photos that I have just
rescued from a garage closet.



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[30374

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What a great line up. From left to right; Carroll Shelby, Rene Dreyfus, Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant, Juan Fangio, Dan Gurney, Jack Brabham, Denis Hulme and Innes Ireland getting sprayed for taking Gurney's helmet.
Did they ever gather together again ?

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After the race, Dan Gurney leads the way as Stirling Moss and Juan Fangio follow.

Fangio is being careful where he puts his foot !

Jack Brabham is also in the background in this photo taken on Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach.


(Ken Hyndman photos ..some photos signed by Dan Gurney in 1976)

[Grant Sprague]

In March 1976 I went back to Long Beach for the Formula One race as a spectator which was easier on me compared to trying to be a mechanic/helper for the Theodore Racing Team and Tony Brise at the F5000 race the previous September. It had its sad moments as we remembered Tony and Graham Hill and others who had died in the plane crash in November 1975.
Long Beach was really humming and crowded and one of the first events was what I think was one of the first Historic Grand Prix race / demonstration and what a great field of drivers and cars. I doubt if these same drivers ever got on the same track again and I was blessed to standing close to where the celebrations took place after the race. I will share some of this day from old photos that I have just
rescued from a garage closet.

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[30374

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What a great line up. From left to right; Carroll Shelby, Rene Dreyfus, Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant, Juan Fangio, Dan Gurney, Jack Brabham, Denis Hulme and Innes Ireland getting sprayed for taking Gurney's helmet.
Did they ever gather together again ?

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After the race, Dan Gurney leads the way as Stirling Moss and Juan Fangio follow. Fangio is being careful where he puts his foot !
Jack Brabham is also in the background in this photo taken on Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach.


(Ken Hyndman photos ) Wooooow ... these are great to see.....never seen these before Thanks mate

[khyndart in CA]

1976 Historic Formula One Race. Long Beach Grand Prix. April 27th.
Entry List.

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I do not remember seeing the Ferraris for Phil Hill and John Surtees at this event.

(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Because Dan Gurney returned some signed photos to me later in 1976 and my friend Graham Donaldson went to work for him, I happened to get on Dan's mailing list as he began to promote his new Eagle Formula Ford race car. Eventually thirteen FF cars were produced at the All American Racing workshop Santa Ana, California (not far from Disneyland ). The factory car was driven with some success by David Loring.
I will attempt to put some of this information on this thread.

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[khyndart in CA]

More on the Eagle Formula Ford. This was as close as I got to being tempted to be a race car driver.

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(Ken Hyndman )..to be continued

[khyndart in CA]

1977 Eagle Formula Ford.

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( From Ken Hyndman ..the dreamer )

[khyndart in CA]

The Eagle Formula Ford was well built and competitive as one would expect coming from workshops that built Indy & F5000 cars etc.
This shows David Loring leading a Formula Ford race. This picture shows the variety in FF car designs.
(I think it was about 1978-79 )

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(photo from Hyndman scrapbook )

( Ken Hyndman ..that could have been me out there instead I was buying a house in San Diego for $ 45000 about this time. I think I made the right decision.)

[khyndart in CA]

Long Beach.March 1976.
Sometimes you look back and regret rushing to put a 35 mm film in the camera and not advancing the film before taking photos.
This was one of those. Teddy Yip of Theodore Racing had allowed me to work for his team in Sept. 1975 for the F5000 race and he welcomed me into his pit as they prepared a March 761 for Ronnie Peterson to drive. I went up into the stand to take a photo of Teddy,the March and Ronnie Peterson talking to Niki Lauda. Because of the light let in the camera you can just see the edge of Lauda in the red suit on the left of this shot. I wish I had taken another one.
Note the porn theatre across the track as Long Beach was pretty notorious back then as a haven for all the sailors etc..

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Ronnie Peterson could drive anything and make it fast.
Here he is powering the March # 10 through the streets of Long Beach in 1976.

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( Ken Hyndman photos and scrapbook )

[khyndart in CA]

Long Beach. March 1976.
There was a demonstration run by the top US motorcycle riders on Kawasaki 750s. They said it was scary having the narrow street circuit and their helmets were inches from the concrete barriers !
I took this photo as they lined up and will need help with naming them. Ron Pierce is on the left, Gary Nixon is on bike # 9 and I think that is Kenny Roberts in the red helmet on bike # 1. Any help is appreciated.

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(Ken Hyndman photo )

[khyndart in CA]

Long Beach. 1976.
This photo shows the Ferrari 312 B3 of Clay Regazzoni going inside of # 34, Hans Stuck, who was Ronnie Peterson's team mate on the Theodore Racing Team, during practice for the Formula One race.

This is the hairpin corner at the end of Shoreline Drive and the place that sadly Regazzoni crashed in 1980 when the brake pedal broke and he hurtled down the escape road on the left and hit an abandoned race car causing him paralyzing injuries.

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(Ken Hyndman photo )

[Roger Dowding]

Ken, have found some photo's from Portland Raceway in 1988, Historics, OK to put them here, rather than a new thread as only about 20 shots !!.
cheers

Roger

[khyndart in CA]

Roger,
You are always welcome to put any North American photos / memories in here. ( That also goes for anyone out there )
I am still trying to get your TR 4 A photo published @ Moss. You may have to write a story to go with it. (What, when and where details etc .. )

Ken

[John McKechnie]

[QUOTE=khyndart in CA;48909]Long Beach. March 1976.
There was a demonstration run by the top US motorcycle riders on Kawasaki 750s. They said it was scary having the narrow street circuit and their helmets were inches from the concrete barriers !
I took this photo as they lined up and will need help with naming them. Ron Pierce is on the left, Gary Nixon is on bike # 9 and I think that is Kenny Roberts in the red helmet on bike # 1. Any help is appreciated.

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(Ken Hyndman photo )[/QUOTE.

Ken- great row of H2s here.
Interesting is the detail of front brakes.
12 and 7 have twin front discs- rotors each side, the rest have the usual one disc set up.,
Both of mine have the twin set up from new
And of course look at the very normal front tyres- commonly referred to as rim protectors
End of 1975 season AMA banned Kawasaki 750 H2s from dirt track racing because they were so fast
Yvon Duhamel-used no.17 , Art Baumann, Hurley Wivet, Paul Smart also raced these bikes.
The fast ones were #9, #17,#8 and #30
Bikes used to improve the gene pool on a regular basis.

[Roger Dowding]

Roger,
You are always welcome to put any North American photos / memories in here. ( That also goes for anyone out there )
I am still trying to get your TR 4 A photo published @ Moss. You may have to write a story to go with it. (What, when and where details etc .. )

Ken

Ken,
Can give you a history for the photo, and others I have of my cars competition years. will put pen to paper as they say. and can E-mail it to you later.
cheers

Roger

[khyndart in CA]

March 28 1976. Long Beach. Formula One Grand Prix.
This was the season that the Ron Howard movie, "Rush" was based on.
Here is the entry list for this race.
On a personal note, Bob Evans in John Player Lotus # 6,Brett Lunger in Chesterfield Surtees # 18 and John Watson in a Penske PC3 # 28, had all driven our Trojan T 101 F5000 cars when I worked at Trojan in 1973 so it was nice to meet up with them here again 3 years later and congratulate them on graduating to Formula 1.

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Here is a Youtube movie of highlights of the Grand Prix. Note that Clay Regazzoni was the polesitter in his Ferrari.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJSRgnecQ-s


(Ken Hyndman )

[Roger Dowding]

Roger,
You are always welcome to put any North American photos / memories in here. ( That also goes for anyone out there )
I am still trying to get your TR 4 A photo published @ Moss. You may have to write a story to go with it. (What, when and where details etc .. )

Ken

Ken, tried to send you a PM and after hitting send it vanished, has happened before when you inbox was full, mine is close too !!.
Can you Email me on " racerrog47@gmail.com " with your Email address so I can put a story of that TR and photos, results of events to help your Moss Motors article.

[khyndart in CA]

1976 Long Beach F 1 Grand Prix.
In the early laps with Regazzoni leading and James Hunt was in third right behind Patrick Depailler. When James was eliminated during the passing maneuver he waited for Depailler to come around on the next lap and then he walked out on to the track to yell at him.
Can not imagine that happening at a GP today. Anyway this incident had a big effect on the final races and points total. Without this happening we might not have had the material to make the " Rush" movie.

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(Ken Hyndman scrapbook )

[khyndart in CA]

1976 Long Beach Grand Prix programme.
Here is James Hunt when he was in a happier mood regarding Texaco Havoline oil (Now a Chevron product )

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( Ken Hyndman ...76 LBGP programme ad )

[Roger Dowding]

Not from the US but an American Car .. Bonnie and Clyde would be proud ..
the crew look a bit dangerous as well..
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cheers,
Al,

PS, looks OK apart from the Mini, my Mini - the fuel cap and corner bottom right..

[Kwaussie]

There were about 12 Kiwis traveling with a Robin Curtis, Motorman group tour for the 1976 LBGP.
It was a great trip - around $750 each for six days. Including PANAM airfares and Hotels.
A few aussies joined in including Max Stewart + Mrs Stewart, great company.
Doug Lawrence and his friend found a bar on the first night and were deemed lost.

[Roger Dowding]

Not from the US but an American Car .. Bonnie and Clyde would be proud ..
the crew look a bit dangerous as well..
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cheers,
Al,

PS, looks OK apart from the Mini, my Mini - the fuel cap and corner bottom right..

Sent Ken Hyndman this picture which was posted in Yards and Yarns, under the " Hunua Hundred " - sub-thread and he came back with this. not related to the thread but an American memory.

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we didn't have the Caps or the guns .. and couldn't afford a car that big.. some similarity though !!

[GD66]

Long Beach. March 1976.
I took this photo as they lined up and will need help with naming them. Ron Pierce is on the left, Gary Nixon is on bike # 9 and I think that is Kenny Roberts in the red helmet on bike # 1. Any help is appreciated.

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(Ken Hyndman photo )



Hi Ken, great pic ! There are a few oddities in here : on the left, the bike may well be a KR250, but the rider is the popular American rider Harry(chest) Klinzmann (fairing), Ron Pierce Kawasaki would be his entrant. #7 I believe to be the British rider Bob Smith. #324 is the bike Gregg Hansford rode at Daytona, but that's certainly not him aboard : in fact, because he is wearing Boston Cycles leathers, I think that is Ron Pierce, who rose an H2R for that shop. #9 is Nixon, #17 Yvon Duhamel, but #1 is still a question mark, it may be Roberts but as he was head-over-heels a Yamaha rider in those days it would be a surprise. Anyway I have nipped the pic over to a fb page where some rivet-counters dwell (but with a credit, of course) and will report back.

[khyndart in CA]

Long Beach. April 1983.
This was to be the last year of Formula One at the Long Beach circuit. I was disappointed that they would not be back. I tried to take some photos but again they are not of the Nigel Watts quality !
Being a BMW mechanic at the time I was very interested in the turbo charged 4 cylinder 1500 cc BMW engine in a Brabham BT52.
Here is a photo of Nelson Piquet in Brabham # 5 leading Patrick Tambay in a Ferrari 126/C2 (Turbo ) # 27 on to the Shoreline Drive part of the circuit.

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Nelson Piquet as viewed through the safety fencing, accelerating away.

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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[Roger Dowding]

Not from the US but an American Car .. Bonnie and Clyde would be proud ..
the crew look a bit dangerous as well..
30712

cheers,
Al,

PS, looks OK apart from the Mini, my Mini - the fuel cap and corner bottom right..

Welcome back Ken H ..
cheers Roger D..

[khyndart in CA]

Thanks Roger.
Back in 1983 $ 7.50 went a long way here at Long Beach. This was on the Thursday one week before the race weekend and you could go in to Sports Arena and walk around and talk to the race mechanics and the drivers also. It was a great friendly and family atmosphere. I remember watching the Williams Team at work and standing right beside me were both Alan Jones and Patrick Tambay !
Geez I miss that sort of thing now. (Thanks Bernie !)

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( Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

April 1983. Long Beach Grand Prix. Practice Day.
Nigel Mansell at speed in his Lotus 92 with a Cosworth engine.
Nigel would come back ten years later and drive in the 1993 PPG Indy Car series. He was a very brave and talented driver and often had wonderful races against Paul Tracey, the Andretti family, Emerson Fittipaldi etc.
Nigel was the Indy Car series champion in 1993.

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Nigel Mansell at speed in the JPS Lotus, as seen through the safety fencing.



(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Long Beach. Practice day. March 1983.
Niki Lauda driving his Marlboro McLaren Cosworth MP4-1C along Shoreline Drive.

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( Ken Hyndman photo )

[khyndart in CA]

March, 1983. Long Beach.
English driver Derek Warwick, was friendly and easy to talk to even though I nearly blinded him with the camera flash that did not work at any other time inside the Long Beach Convention Centre !

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( signed by Derek Warwick )



( Ken Hyndman collection )

[GD66]

He could pedal, I remember watching in astonishment when he got the Toleman up to second at Brands Hatch in '82....we were all muttering "Jungle Juice', they said a cv joint, really it was soft tyres and very low fuel...but a spectacle for all involved, and rollicking good fun. Certainly the making of Derek Warwick.

[khyndart in CA]

Long Beach 1983.
Another quick pedaler.
Michele Alboreto in his Benetton Tyrell 011 Cosworth.

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(Ken Hyndman photo... through the fencing

[khyndart in CA]

Here are the Formula One Specifications for 1983.

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(Ken Hyndman....from scrapbook collection ..sorry it is so hard to read )

[khyndart in CA]

1983 Long Beach Grand Prix was won by John Watson driving a Marlboro McLaren MP/1C with a Cosworth engine.
Here is some information on the car and team of John Watson and Niki Lauda. They both started from the back of the grid in 22nd and 23rd positions and came through to finish 1-2. I do not believe that has ever been done since in Formula One.

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(Ken Hyndman.. scrapbook collection )

[ERC]

Trojan - Monaco 2012. Just for Ken! Not sure if it is relevant...



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[khyndart in CA]

Ray,
Thanks for the memory. I appreciate you thinking of me.
This is when the first Trojan T 102 F5000 was driven out at Goodwood in Oct. 1973. Keith Holland the driver being watched by designer / engineer Patrick Head. The Formula One Trojan you show was developed from the T 102 for the 1974 season by Ron Tauranac and Patrick and was known as a T 103. It is a rare car indeed.
The ambulance and Land Rover in the photo were on duty the day that Bruce McLaren died.



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(Ken Hyndman photo )

[seaqnmac27]

Long Beach 1983.
Another quick pedaler.
Michele Alboreto in his Benetton Tyrell 011 Cosworth.

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(Ken Hyndman photo... through the fencing

Sadly lost too soon

[khyndart in CA]

March 1983. Long Beach Sports Arena.
As it had been 10 years since I had first worked with Patrick Head at Trojan ( May 1973 ), we met up again here at Long Beach and I was hoping to get a photo inside but that is when my flash unit went erratic. Not knowing what I was doing I set the lens to let in more light without a flash and this is the result. A blurred photo that shows Frank Williams on the left (before he was wheelchair bound )Patrick Head, the back of engineer Frank Dernie, other team members and on the right is Keke Rosberg possibly contemplating about
having a son follow in his footsteps. (Nico was born 2 years later in 1985 )


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(Ken Hyndman photo )

[khyndart in CA]

March 1983. Long Beach. Practice day.
TAG Williams FW 08C cars on the track. Drivers were Keke Rosberg in # 1 and Jacques Laffitte in car # 2.
(Perhaps I should have named this thread as ; "Formula One through the fences")

Keke Rosberg.

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Jacques Laffitte

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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Lotus at Long Beach 1983.
This was the first year that Lotus was not led by Colin Chapman who had died in late 1982.
Elio de Angelis from Italy, was the driver of the beautiful looking Lotus Renault 93 T.
Sadly Elio was to lose his life at Paul Ricard Circuit in France in 1986 while testing a Brabham BT55.

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Elio de Angelis in his Lotus 93 T leading race winner John Watson in his McLaren MP 4-1C.

31016


(Ken Hyndman photo and scrapbook )

[khyndart in CA]

March 1983.
Ferrari at Long Beach.
Patrick Tambay in his Ferrari 126 C2 /B Turbo # 27 coming onto the Shoreline Drive part of the circuit.

31017


31018




(Ken Hyndman photo and scrapbook )

[khyndart in CA]

1983 Long Beach Grand Prix.
Here is a brief clip even though it is poor quality and sound, it does show how Patrick Tambay and Keke Rosberg went at it during the opening laps. Check the smooth braking on the Williams ! That is a sweet spin !


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaJE861FhW8


(Ken Hyndman ..ending out the 1983 LBGP)

[khyndart in CA]

April 1983. Riverside.
A month after being at Long Beach I almost went to this race meet at nearby Riverside but stayed home to catch up with stuff around the house. Some of my workmates went and they were shattered after witnessing this crash.
Poor Rolf Stommelen had been devastated after a tragic F 1 crash in 1975 at the Spanish Grand Prix at Montjuic Park in Barcelona where his Hill Embassy car went into the crowd killing spectators when he lost control of his Hill GH1 when the rear wing came loose.
Ironically this crash at Riverside was also due to the rear wing of his Porsche 935L lifting loose and losing control before hitting and flipping over the massive barriers at the end of the straight before Riverside's infamous Turn Nine.
He apparently was a quiet gentleman and popular. This was indeed a sad day.

31029



(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

In 1983 some of the Formula 1 teams were trying turbo 1.5 litre engine or relying on the dependable Cosworth-Ford V-8.
Alain Prost's Renault RE40 had a turbo V-6 Renault Gordini engine.
Here is a blurred photo I took of the great Alain Prost at Long Beach in 1983.

31144

31145



(Ken Hyndman photo..Road & Track cutting )

[khyndart in CA]

I had to slip in some more information on my favorite team of Patrick Head and Frank Williams. March 1983.

31146





(Ken Hyndman + Road & Track cutting )

[khyndart in CA]

1998.
Being a BMW service advisor at the dealership in Santa Barbara, CA, for several years gave me the opportunity to meet some well
known people in the US from sports to politics. One man who was always ready to talk racing was Andy Granatelli (Mr. STP ). Even though he had his detractors, he was always friendly with me and it was an honour to be invited to his home in Montecito in 1998 where we had lunch and then he showed me his garage. I was completely surprised and amazed when he opened the doors and there was this collection of about 18 Duesenberg cars lined up. The walls were covered with photographs with each one having a story of Andy's long career in motor racing. I could have spent hours here but I had to get back to work but I did take some photos of this rare collection. ( I could not find any others when I searched the web.) With each car worth in the millions it was a jaw dropping experience !
The photos on the walls were so interesting as he told stories of all the drivers, Jim Clark, Graham Hill, the Andretti families, Unser families, working with Colin Chapman on the Indy turbine cars, etc, etc.

Andy was a true racing legend in the US.
This was a special occasion I will not forget. ( Andy died in 2013. )

31217
Opening the garage doors.

31218
Some of the wall of photos.

31219
Andy's Duesenberg collection

[khyndart in CA]

1998.
More of Andy Granatelli's Duesenberg collection.
(Note the photos on the wall )

31225

31226
The blue car in front is a 1932 Duesenberg 2 Murphy Roadster (Replica)
Custom built for Andy Granatelli in 1989. It has a 1989 Ford 5.8 Litre EFI engine with automatic transmission.
(Only worth about 300 thousand !)

31227
Andy taking Hyndman under his wing.

( Ken Hyndman photos )

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a site with photos of Andy Granatelli through the years. (Mr. Indy 500 )

http://www.gettyimages.com/photos/andy-granatelli?sort=mostpopular&excludenudity=true&mediatype=photography&phrase=andy%20granatelli

---------------------------------------------------------------------
More information on Andy Granatelli from 1993.

http://articles.latimes.com/1993-12-26/realestate/re-5711_1_guest-house

[khyndart in CA]

More STP advertising from the 1960s.
Andy certainly knew how to push his product !

31228

[khyndart in CA]

A short You Tube clip of Andy Granatelli and STP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ9Sth3gP5Q



(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

1983.
BMW of North America using the Formula One engine success in their advertising.

31362

31363


(Ken Hyndman photo. 1983 Autoweek ad)

[khyndart in CA]

On other threads I often see the name of American driver Mark Donohue mentioned and it reminds me that is now 40 years since he passed away from an accident during practice at the Austrian F1 GP at the Oesterreichring course in August 1975.
A week earlier Mark had driven a modified Porsche 917-30 at Talladega Raceway, Alabama, to a new closed track world record speed of 221.160 MPH.
The Penske-March Formula 1 car crashed at high speed when the Goodyear tire at the left front blew out and Mark's car went out of control and crashed through an Armco barrier and four rows of catch fencing. He drifted in and out of consciousness for 2 days before he died.
The resulting lawsuit almost caused all racing to come to an end.
Bell helmets were altered so the visor did come away so easily.
The race circuit was questioned regarding the type of poles and the number needed for the catch fencing.
March Engineering had to alter their roll bar design as the forward supports were said to be a contributing factor to his head injuries.
Penske Corp.race crew were questioned on how they checked the race tire temperatures etc.
The Austrian hospital brain surgeon's procedure was questioned also.
After almost 9 years in April 1984, the estate of Mark Donohue was awarded millions of dollars with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. of Akron, Ohio being held liable for manufacturing a defective tire that blew out at 160 MPH. The jury stated that Goodyear's subsidiary in Wolverhampton, England, had been negligent in the way it manufactured the tire by failing to exercise the same degree of care that
" a reasonably prudent manufacturer or supplier of Formula One tires" would have exercised at the time.
Poor Mark would not have wanted all this to take place as he had mentioned to his team press agent that if anything happened to him that he was to tell the press; "If the engine fails, don't blame the engine, blame me for revving the engine too much."
" If the car fails, blame me for going off the track."
" If the tires fail, blame me for going over debris or hitting a curb."
When Donohue was questioned on this, he replied : " The risk of tire failure or equipment failure is one of the risks we drivers assume.
Even if the tire is defective, we assume that risk."
The jurors who awarded the damages never heard this interchange as the judge would not allow Goodyear to present it as evidence in its defense. As the lawsuit was filed in Rhode Island, USA. the awards were much greater than if it had been filed in Austria or England.
Fortunately motor racing has been able to continue despite this awful accident and resulting lawsuit.
I did not know until recently that a track marshal had also died from injuries when hit by a wheel from Mark Donohue's car crash. (I don't think his poor family won any lawsuit !. Do we not go to a race track
at our own risk ? )

31387
This 1976 photo shows the roll bar forward mountings on a March F1 car. These were said to have perhaps caused damage to Mark's Bell helmet in the crash.

31388
Phipps Photographic..Autoweek


(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

I have to admit that I was and always will be a fan of Mark Donohue's. His cars were always immaculate ( I like dark blue ) He drove in
all types of racing from Trans Am, Can Am, Indy cars and Formula One and was always near the front. He had retired for a few months to help Roger Penske and was president of Penske Racing when he was lured back behind the wheel. He helped develop this Porsche 917/30 to run at high speed and he broke the closed track record at 221.160 MPH which was a record that stood for 11 years before Rick Mears broke it in a Indy car. I do not think there was much in the way of wind tunnels back then in August 1975 so you had to be brave like a jet test pilot in not knowing the limits of the aerodynamics at that speed. Very brave indeed.

31442
Note the wheel covers. Mark Donohue at high speed, Talledega Raceway. August 1975.

31443
A model of the Donohue Porsche 917/30 shows the beautiful aerodynamics.
Note the mirror is not on for the record run. He did not have to worry about being overtaken !




(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

A brief Youtube movie of Donohue and Penske with the AMC Javelin during the 1970 Trans Am series. Some great footage of the handling of these cars.
Enjoy.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF8kbcybotM&list=PLC7428B0DD8DE9AC5&index=4


( Ken Hyndman )

[Grant Sprague]

Thank you Ken ... all very interesting much appreciated
....hope you all good up there .. Grant

[khyndart in CA]

Thanks Grant,
We are doing well over here thanks. Trying to harvest some of our walnuts, the weather is cooling and the baseball season is over.
All of NZ must be sleeping well after the RWC. Well done.
Take good care of each other.
Cheers,
Ken

[khyndart in CA]

Hey Grant,
I know you are building up a Mk1 Escort to go have some fun.
I just wanted to share the 1968 ( I think )Mk1 Escort that I had. It was a little old ladies car that was traded in at Fairview Motors, TeRapa, Hamilton
As I worked there in the used car department I got a special deal and drove this car before I set off for the US and England in 1972.
This great little car did not have the power of the Anglia I had previously but it was smooth and reliable and when I sold it the money paid for all my costs and travel expenses until I got my job at Trojan Works. I have many fond memories of this little car and I hope your Escort will do the same for you.
(Remember this is how they looked originally. This one was light blue. Cheers, Ken )

31533

31534


( Ken Hyndman )

[Steve Holmes]

I hope Grant doesn't mind me posting this. But he is now the proud owner of this beauty.

31535

[khyndart in CA]

I keep coming back to Mark Donohue regarding his cars and his dedication to what he did. I have entered some sites that I have found interesting.
A ... http://formulaspy.com/features/classic-f1/remembering-mark-donohue-567

B... https://www.google.com/search?q=Mark+donohue+cars&biw=1041&bih=464&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CCMQsARqFQoTCKveovPyhskCFQnrYwodRwoNAw#imgrc=b9gy9mTZFj8uyM%3A

If you visit the page or view the image you can spend a lot of interesting time here.

(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Here is another automotive site that I enjoy.

http://www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/


( Ken Hyndman )

[John McKechnie]

Ken- thanks for this lead, it takes you to the mightiest car manufacturer of last century- Packard, showing its history how they built real Spitfire engines, and PT boat engines. The records their engines set, and their mass production.
"Men Bet Their Lives on It"
www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/2013/12/14/video-the-packard-merlin-story/#more-31787

[Roger Dowding]

Hey Grant,
I know you are building up a Mk1 Escort to go have some fun.
I just wanted to share the 1968 ( I think )Mk1 Escort that I had. It was a little old ladies car that was traded in at Fairview Motors, TeRapa, Hamilton
As I worked there in the used car department I got a special deal and drove this car before I set off for the US and England in 1972.
This great little car did not have the power of the Anglia I had previously but it was smooth and reliable and when I sold it the money paid for all my costs and travel expenses until I got my job at Trojan Works. I have many fond memories of this little car and I hope your Escort will do the same for you.
(Remember this is how they looked originally. This one was light blue. Cheers, Ken )

31533

31534


( Ken Hyndman )

Ken, bet you wish you never sold it .. life is like that cars we should have kept .. but life got in the way.. !!
and BTW .. remember Fairview Motors, they sponsored a few racers in the day ..

[Roger Dowding]

Ken, have found some photo's from Portland Raceway in 1988, Historics, OK to put them here, rather than a new thread as only about 20 shots !!.
cheers

Roger

Here is an example ; A Healey to start ; unsure who Richard " Dick on Wheels " Mayor ran a 3000 and I believe still does in West Coast Vintage Racing.
I went there with members of the Austin-Healey Club of Oregon, the wives went shopping, great use of time .

32463

[Roger Dowding]

Mainly English, with a couple of Anglo-Americans, Italians and a German for good measure.
Interesting lots of Yellow cars, Belgium's International racing colour
as always a " A-Healey " in there, just a little one.

32464

Europeans - unsure what the yellow car is possibility Italian
32465

Cobra's versus the Europeans.. Ferrari
32466

another Cobra versus a Porsche .. close running
32467

still close
32468

Next ; American Iron and a mix of Sports Saloon and Grand Prix.

Thanks Ken H, they didn't seem to fit in my Laguna Seca thread, and from a later trip to the USA.

[Roger Dowding]

American iron, a Bellisimo Italiano, a Topolino of sorts a Frenchie and a mix of sports cars.

32469

32470

a beautiful Alfa Romeo
32471

These are a favourite of mine Fiat Abarth, with the spare in the front bumper and the open engine cover. NSU did it too with the 1000 racer the open engine cover.
32472

Talbot Lago, I think .. or is it Lago Talbot ..
32473

Special versus Lister versus Lotus - Lister out wide
32474

[Roger Dowding]

The Lister, a little Italian single seater, and a Healey.

32475

in the pits.
32476

32477

dashboard / cockpit of the Monoposto, above
32478

32479

My thanks to Wayne Brown, John Wilson and others from the Oregon Healey Club, stayed with various members of the club and even had the use of a Healey 3000, did 2000 miles in around 2 weeks, and even borrowed a riverside cottage / bach for a night.. a great trip second only [ for the car stuff ] to my trip in 1982 with BMC BOY and others..

[Roger Dowding]

Found a couple more pictures from the day - they appeared in the Austin Healey Club New Zealand's magazine -
" Healey - Torque ", in early 1989 and were still attached to the draft sheets for the magazine, which were returned to me some time later
Richard " Dick on Wheels " Mayor was indeed there in a very stripped down Healey, no headlights, screen, only a rollbar for protection, not a cage.

32480

Getting to the track that day was a mission, Wayne Browns Healey 3000, ran out of fuel, fortunately we were travelling with others and a friend in the Aston Martin [ I think a guy called John Lowsley, from Vancouver, Washington - the twin city to Portland over the border - helped by pumping fuel from his carbs into a beer can - several times, to get the Healey going again, we got to the track, obviously and all was well.
here is the scene as it happened.

32481

As mentioned as well as the hospitality of the Oregon Healey people, there was also the loan of a car, here is that Healey at the rear, with an NZ number plate on the front, and the Oregon plate on the rear. We never got stopped and I guess the funny accents, of foreigners, and in an old car, we would probably have been OK.
The car in front is the Wayne and Sylvia Brown 3000 that broke down, the John Wilson [ rear car ] was a barn find in Arizona, which John had purchased to restore, but was such a good runner, just used it.

32482

32575

[khyndart in CA]

It is a sad day here in the US knowing that Glenn Frey of the "Eagles" has died.
I remember arriving here for the first time in June 1972 and the big hit that month was "Take it easy."
So many of us have cranked up the radio and driven along to the sounds of the "Eagles "
R.I.P. Glenn, thanks for the music. It never gets too old to my ears.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeDUBxEVDXM&list=PL97Pw8BUdIrz52HHYskICQgoUEwmWqTs1


32774





(Ken Hyndman. It makes me appreciate the good things in life as Glenn was only 3 weeks older than me.
John & Grant, I have to get that lap of Hampton Downs off my "bucket list." )

[khyndart in CA]

]While you are all enjoying the sights and sounds from Hampton Downs etc. do not forget about some of us who are stuck over here and the best we can enjoy is racing like this. I think the only rules are that you have to clean up your own mess and be off the track by the time the "big boys" arrive. Some of these photos are from the "Infineon Raceway" north of San Francisco.
33217
BMW 528e versus a Mini Moke / Caterpiller 416F Front Loader
33218
My parents would have enjoyed this Super Snipe S/wagon.
33219
1979 Ford LTD Wagon. If you arrive late you can just drive out onto the track and take your luggage off later !
33215
Being an International event the French had to be included !


(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

So this is what happens when you do not have rules and regulations when racing in the States !
33265

33266

33267



(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Seems like all the beautifully prepared Muscle Cars went Down Under and this is what we are left with !

33268
Kenwood truck built to scale.

33269
Mazda MX-6 as an Asian Carp

33270
My favorite Austin Mini Moke.


They may not be pretty but everyone sure has a lot of fun.

(Ken Hyndman )

[Steve Holmes]

Hi Ken, did you get the email I sent you a few days ago? Not sure if I have your correct address, but would you mind emailing me at: theroaringseason@gmail.com

[Roger Dowding]

It is a sad day here in the US knowing that Glenn Frey of the "Eagles" has died.
I remember arriving here for the first time in June 1972 and the big hit that month was "Take it easy."
So many of us have cranked up the radio and driven along to the sounds of the "Eagles "
R.I.P. Glenn, thanks for the music. It never gets too old to my ears.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeDUBxEVDXM&list=PL97Pw8BUdIrz52HHYskICQgoUEwmWqTs1


32774





(Ken Hyndman. It makes me appreciate the good things in life as Glenn was only 3 weeks older than me.
John & Grant, I have to get that lap of Hampton Downs off my "bucket list." )

Ken , love the lyrics, never did get to Winslow, been to Flagstaff Durango and other places on Route 66 .. and the age thing is a worry .. a lot of us are around these guys age, Frey, Bowie .. et al,

[khyndart in CA]

Roger,
It must be time to go through that "Bucket List" and "Take It Easy"..
I may never get to that stage as there always seems to be another project on the horizon.
Oh well I have been blessed in many ways.
You take care of yourself,
Cheers,
Ken

[Grant Sprague]

Hi Ken ..... very interest photos thank you , damn hot here in Tga a great summer .. I went to Hampton Downs with some friends during the 2nd weekend , I got a good ribbing for not having the escort there , due to a soon to be rebuilt cyl head & bits coming from esslinger or burtons , trying to get a 1600 high compression head was the main issue ..... It will happen when it all falls into place period.....

[Oldfart]

Personally the strange cars in posts #86 to #88 are much more appealing than a grid full of the same cars differing only in their sponsorship logos.

[rf84]

Totally agree Rhys. For me, one of the most memorable "races" was at Manfeild in late '70's. Can't remember exact year but it was in the days of Formula Pacific and race day was rained out and rescheduled for the Monday. Monday was Wellington Anniversary Day which was fine for Wellingtonians but for anyone else it was back to work. Anyhow, some of the F Ford competitors/mechanics 'organised' a tow car race. At the appointed time of 2 o'clock dozens of spectators poured out of the Manawatu Car Clubs rooms, drinks in hand and stood on the track at Higgins. The one that really sticks out was a Mark 3 Cortina wagon with a roof rack piled high with Formula Ford spare wheels. They managed a few laps before officials parked tow trucks and other vehicles across the track to stop it.
Thanks for reviving fond memories Ken.

[khyndart in CA]

Rhys and Noel,
Perhaps NZ is ready for having some unadulterated fun at the track.
No car worth more than $ 1000.00, having the prize money given in $ 1.00 notes etc.
Here is a US site that has fun around the country.

https://www.24hoursoflemons.com/

Here is a LeMon version of flying down the back straight !
33332




( Ken Hyndman )

[Oldfart]

You are right Ken, but would our authorities see it that way.
Once upon a time NZ looked at the US as being over-regulated and litigious. Now I think the US could look over here and say the same.

[Jac Mac]

Yep, and then some plonkers would want to organise a series for them and require a COD to start down that road of pricing it out of existence...

[seaqnmac27]

These lads certainly seem to have fun


https://www.youtube.com/user/24hoursoflemons

[khyndart in CA]

I noted in the latest Sports Car Club of America magazine an article about the racing career of John Morton which included driving and winning in a Datsun 510 in the early 70s.
This brought back memories to me of first seeing two Datsun 1600s driven at speed around the roads of Tatuanui near Morrinsville by Brian Innes and Dennis Marwood as they prepared for the 1968 B&H race at Pukekohe. They drove at night (to avoid the law ! )and our elite rugby team, the Kereone Senior Reserve was practicing at the Tatuanui School under the lights and being the halfback I had to learn the tricky signals of "one pass to the right and two pass to the left" from the scrum. ( I had a great first five who never dropped any of my passes !). Anyway we could hear the Datsuns approaching and we would all run over to the fence to watch Brian and Dennis speed by which really annoyed our coach. ( A good memory. ) Those Datsuns really opened a lot of eyes at Pukekohe in Oct. 1968.

33532

(Steve Twist photo of # 21 Datsun 1600 at Pukekohe. 1968


(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

John Morton drove a Datsun 510 in the 1971 and 1972 SCCA 2.5 Challenge Series which ran their races at the same day and track as the Trans- Am races. The under 2.0 litre limit on engine size had been raised in 1971 to 2.5 litre with the SCCA hoping it would lure more manufacturers back to the series as the Trans_Am fields were diminishing due to the lack of factory supported teams. They hoped that Chevrolet would race a 2287 cc Vega or BMW a 2500 sedan, even Triumph with a 2.5 P.I. As it turned out not a single car raced in the 2.5 Challenge Series that could not have raced under the 2.0 litre rules.
John's car was entered by Pete Brock as part of a two car team known as the BRE Team. (Brock Racing Enterprises) They were 2-door sedans with 1622 cc engines with twin Solex carbs. They had 5-speed transmissions from the 240 Z plus all the other modifications to the engine, body and suspension tricks that the SCCA would allow. This gave them about 175 BHP with a redline of 9000 rpm.
John had a winning season with great competition from Horst Kwech in a Alfa Romeo GTV.
33544
The Class of the 1971 2.5 Challenge Series. L To R.
Don Pike. (BMW 2002 ) Horst Kwech (Alfa Romeo GTV) and John Morton (Datsun 510 ) (SCI Archives photo )

33545
The races were exciting with large fields. John Morton leading at Mid-Ohio. (Dave Arnold photo )

I know this has an earlier thread on TRS but that was 3 years ago and I hope you can once again get to enjoy this movie starring John Morton in his Datsun 510 number 46 during the 1971 2.5 Challenge Series. ("Against All Odds ")


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5XAP4pCRps





(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

1971. 2.5 Challenge Series. USA. Some more photos.
33551
Bert Everett's Alfa Romeo GTA trying very hard at Mid-Ohio. Note it is a RHD car. I wonder why ? ( Dave Arnold photo )

33552
Morton's Datsun 510 waits in the paddock at the Road America course.

33553
Once again Horst Kwech and John Morton go at it with the Alfa Romeo leading the Datsun at the beautiful Road America course at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. (SCI Archive photos )


( Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

1971. 2.5 Challenge Series.

33554
With a win at Riverside on October 3rd, John Morton was set up for all the drama that took place two weeks later at Laguna Seca !





(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

As the two teams of Datsun and Alfa Romeo were tied on points entering the final race at Laguna Seca it meant that the winner would win the 1971 Challenge Series. The race would end being greatly disputed, frayed tempers and comments about the SCCA incompetence !
First the Alfa Romeo's were not allowed to refuel as the filler was on the right rear area and the officials did not want refueling from the track side for safety reasons so the Alfa fillers were taped over. The team thought to heck with that and installed a flexible fuel cell that expanded to hold more than the 15 gallon tank limit as per the rules..
When the race started John Morton and Horst Kwech were soon battling for the lead once again with several passes being made. Kwech even tapped Morton at the infamous Corkscrew Corner which caused Morton to do a full 360 * spin but he soon gained back the lost ground and Kwech almost tapped him again so Pete Brock had Morton pit for a quick topping of fuel so he could get away from Kwech and then take the lead when the Alfa Romeo pitted. The Kwech Alfa did not pit and went onto win the race and then appeared to run out of gas on the far side of the track after the finish. Immediately the Brock Datsun team protested and when the officials drained almost 4 gallons from the Alfa tank it was then disqualified and Brock became the winner. So the Alfa Romeo team and fans were upset as they felt it was unnecessary to have the fuel filler sealed but as it was they would have won as they used less than the allowed 15 gallons ! So that is how the final race ended but as the drivers said back then that they fought on the track but they would all socialize together off the track.
33566
Horst Kwech tapping the back of John Morton's Datsun 510 that led to a complete spin coming through the Laguna Seca Corkscrew.
(Bob Tronolone photo)




(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

A time to look back for the BRE Team.
In the Fall of 2008, BRE (Brock Racing Enterprise) team members reconnected in mass for the first time since the end of the 1972 race season. The BRE team changed the perception of Japanese cars as they won the SCCA D Production Pacific Coast Championship in 1969.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpVWFI5yuh8

[khyndart in CA]

1980 Watkins Glen.
John Morton has not always had the best of luck.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9uGR_4XsEM

[khyndart in CA]

1988.IMSA GTP.
What a difference in 8 years when Geoff Brabham and John Morton are on the same team !


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB5rp9en4RY


(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Laguna Seca. 2010.
This was the last time I had seen John Morton driving when he came around on the warm-up lap in this beautiful 1958 Scarab.
John was lucky to escape this crash which was not his fault at all and the car was wrecked.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRD_bXnYCq0




You can read the latest on John Morton at this SCCA site.

http://www.sportscarmag-digital.com/sportscar/march_2016?pg=1#pg1





(Ken Hyndman )

[Spgeti]

As the two teams of Datsun and Alfa Romeo were tied on points entering the final race at Laguna Seca it meant that the winner would win the 1971 Challenge Series. The race would end being greatly disputed, frayed tempers and comments about the SCCA incompetence !
First the Alfa Romeo's were not allowed to refuel as the filler was on the right rear area and the officials did not want refueling from the track side for safety reasons so the Alfa fillers were taped over. The team thought to heck with that and installed a flexible fuel cell that expanded to hold more than the 15 gallon tank limit as per the rules..
When the race started John Morton and Horst Kwech were soon battling for the lead once again with several passes being made. Kwech even tapped Morton at the infamous Corkscrew Corner which caused Morton to do a full 360 * spin but he soon gained back the lost ground and Kwech almost tapped him again so Pete Brock had Morton pit for a quick topping of fuel so he could get away from Kwech and then take the lead when the Alfa Romeo pitted. The Kwech Alfa did not pit and went onto win the race and then appeared to run out of gas on the far side of the track after the finish. Immediately the Brock Datsun team protested and when the officials drained almost 4 gallons from the Alfa tank it was then disqualified and Brock became the winner. So the Alfa Romeo team and fans were upset as they felt it was unnecessary to have the fuel filler sealed but as it was they would have won as they used less than the allowed 15 gallons ! So that is how the final race ended but as the drivers said back then that they fought on the track but they would all socialize together off the track.
33566
Horst Kwech tapping the back of John Morton's Datsun 510 that led to a complete spin coming through the Laguna Seca Corkscrew.
(Bob Tronolone photo)




(Ken Hyndman )

Great photos Ken and a great read.

[Grant Sprague]

Thank you Ken great stuff

[khyndart in CA]

1971 Trans-Am Series.
Is anyone interested in the stories about this car. The "Gray Ghost" ?
A 1964 Pontiac Tempest raced in 1971 by Bob Tullius who went on to greater fame with Jaguar etc.

33580



(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

This is a hint about the story to come.
33581

(This looks a lot like being at Spinner Black's house in Morrinsville ! )



( Ken Hyndman )

[tweaks]

Would be most interested in some more on The Pontiac and Bob Tullius...notice the cantilever tyres on front ...something different than the old Ford and Chevy....Yawn !!!

Thanks Ken

[khyndart in CA]

I will attempt to do the story about the "Gray Ghost".
In 1971 Pontiac had abandoned it's Trans-Am program after their driver, Jerry Titus, was killed during the 1970 season. Herb Adams and several other Pontiac engineers decided to put their skills together and volunteered their time after hours and build a racer. Herb's wife wanted to trade in her 1964 Pontiac Tempest for a new car but Herb figured he could make something out of the 80,000 mile "grocery getter" and so he and his friends at GM Engineering went to work. They worked out of the Adam's home garage and paid for the parts themselves.

33612
(1971 Motor Trend )



(Ken Hyndman..to be continued )

[khyndart in CA]

The 64 Tempest was now a 7 year old car when the team went to work on it. They had access to many left over Pontiac Race Division parts "at the right price". The 303 engine was based on a 389 HO block with a Moldex short stroke (2.84 ") crankshaft and Carillo connecting rods. TRW extruded pistons gave it a 11.5:1 compression ratio. With Ramair IV -type heads with TRW valves and a big Holley carb. this beast could produce 450-480 HP which made it very quick at the time. Early oil issues were solved when it went to a dry-sump oiling system at mid-season.
The engine and Muncie M-22 four speed gearbox were mounted 4 inches back from stock and the car was lowered 4 inches and used special steering knuckles to achieve suitable front camber. The fenders were flared out to allow all 4 tires of the same size to be mounted front and back. Minilite wheels with Goodyear tires. Rear axle with a limited slip diff along with special modifications to give one degree negative camber at the rear. Plus it had two batteries in the trunk to aid traction !
The Corvette disc brakes all round were activated by a Ford truck master cylinder !

Bob Tullius's "War Room". (Note the custom seat and collapsible steering from a later Pontiac )

33614

(1971 Motor Trend )


(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Along with his driving skills, Bob Tullius also brought some much needed sponsorship money from Quaker State and Classic Car Wax.
He laughs now how it was raining at the first race at Lime Rock and the car was brought on an open trailer and the quick silver paint job was starting to wash off and other parts were rusting !. Bob had a great drive in the rain and moved up from the back of the field enjoying how the "Gray Ghost" handled in the rain. He had passed everyone except Mark Donohue in his factory AMC Javelin and then had to slow when the engine started to overheat a few laps from the end.
Bob and the Tempest were the big heroes of the day. Lime Rock. May 8. 1971.
33615

(Peterson Publishing Co. photo )




(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

More photos of the " Gray Ghost" in action in 1971 Trans-Am races.
33620
Fun in the rain at Lime Rock.

In one of the races the Tempest was challenging Donohue for the lead when both cars came in for a tire change.
The Donohue team had the car out again in about 40 seconds whereas the "Gray Ghost" amateur team with one floor jack took over 4 minutes to get the car back out on the track !
( I really enjoyed reading about these guys. )
They sure kept the big boy teams on their toes.
33618


(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Rounding out my tribute to the "Gray Ghost " with some coloured photos.

33621
Coming through the corner in need of a headlight alignment !

33622
Time to put her away for a well earned rest.




(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

I had mentioned Jerry Titus in post # 113. He was a popular and talented driver and headed the Pontiac racing team in 1970.
He died from injuries after his Pontiac Trans-Am Firebird hit the abutment to the Mitchell Bridge at the Road America Course at Elkhart Lake in July 1970. I found this piece that he had written at the start of the season.
33629
33631
33630

(Excerpts from the 1970 Laguna Seca Trans-Am Program. Jerry Titus had his best finish of the season here when he came in 7th.)



(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

I think Jerry Titus looked a lot like a certain very well known New Zealand race driver.

33633






(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

When I read this old article I nearly fell out of my cheer laughing !
So if any of you NZ HMC scrutineers see John McKecknie show up with a white car and a vinyl roof do check it carefully !
(Just kidding John !)
I hope this is readable.
33634
33635
33638
33639



( Ken Hyndman )...Sorry I could not get it clearer to read.

[khyndart in CA]

I found this interesting about a Pontiac Firebird / Camaro driven by Jerry Titus in 1968.
Also the comments at these sites make for interesting reading.
33646

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2014/12/08/jerry-titus-daytona-class-winning-trans-am-pontiac-firebird-heads-to-auction/

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2013/02/04/hemmings-find-of-the-day-1968-pontiac-firebird/

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2015/05/19/racing-heroes-jerry-titus/




(Ken Hyndman )
p.s. Would I be incorrect for thinking that Jerry Titus reminds me a lot of NZ's Ken Smith ?)

[Grant Ellwood]

Looks like a young Red Dawson to me Ken!

[khyndart in CA]

Thanks Grant for putting me straight. They were all true warriors of the sport.
Hey, great win for Toyota at Daytona today.



(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

In 1966 the US had the beginnings of a Trans-Am series and the under 2 litre races were well supported. Alfa Romeo GTA's, Lotus Cortinas, Minis, BMW and Volvo were some of the foreign competition. Sir John Whitmore drove a Alan Mann Lotus Cortina along with Jackie Ickx. Brock Yates drove a Dodge Dart !
Well known artist, the late George Bartell, captured this scene from 1966.

(this one is for you Bruce D.. Spgeti.)

33763




( Ken Hyndman..scrapbook )

[khyndart in CA]

1966 advertisement for Ford Cortina's in the US.

33764

Note the price for a Lotus Cortina back then....If only !

33765






(KJH)

[khyndart in CA]

I was recently reading an article regarding the 1969 Penske Camaro driven by Mark Donohue, from this magazine.
33845
One of the quotes mentioned the use of Traco engines.

"TRACO ENGINEERING has full charge of the engines, Penske owns six: two in the cars, two spares, and two at the shop being overhauled. One race only, between overhauls."

This reminded me of when I went to the Traco Engineering facility in 1982-83 near Los Angeles Airport.
(This was their business card at the time )
33846



(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Traco Engineering started when Jim Travers and Frank Coon partnered together using their surnames to create TRACO.
When I stopped in Jim Travers was very friendly and showed me around their very humble but legendary machine shop.
It was on Jefferson Boulevard in Culver City which was also known as "Thunder Alley." I think the cops turned a blind eye to what went on at this street ! People such as Lance Reventlow in his Scarab, James Garner, Dick Guildstrand plus Iskendarian cams and Edelbrock were all known to test their cars and engines along this street.
Sadly Jim Travers died last month at the age of 95 but his engine work will long be remembered.
I found this article in a 1966 Sports Car Graphic magazine which I will try to share with you.
As you can see it was a pretty inconspicuous building and surroundings in this 1966 photo and it still looked much the same when I showed up in the early eighties.
33869

33870
This was a typical scene in the sixties with Frank Coon checking out a Lance Reventlow Scarab outside Traco's "back door" off "Thunder Alley."
(Jerry Entin photo )

33871

33872




(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Traco Engineering continued.
33873
Frank Coon and Jim Travers at work on another engine.


Jim Travers had very fond memories of Bruce McLaren and all the team members that would come and work at the shop.
This photo shows Howden Ganley at work on the unsuccessful Ford V-8 engine that Bruce used in his first F1 McLaren car in 1966.

33875


33876

33878 33879




(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

In 1969 Roger Penske's Trans Am Camaro had Traco engines and here are some of the specs. for that car.
(Car Life magazine. 1970)
33893

Note also Penske used the English Minilite wheels. These permanent mold magnesium designs proved to be strong, light and cheaper than American designs at the time.
They needed to be tough as you can see by the top and bottom photos that racing was not easy at tracks like Riverside !
33894







(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Here is a 1969 ad for an exhaust header system developed by Jere Stahl's company and tested by Smokey Yunick and Traco and installed on the Penske Camaro.
33895







(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

In 1969 when the Penske Camaro came in for a pit stop, the car was set up in different areas to make the stop as quick and easy as possible for the pit crew.
To make tyre changing easier they had a special lug nut holder that allowed all five nuts to be started at once, with an air wrench to tighten them down. Tyre changes were in the 20 second category, and that was fast even by NASCAR standards.
33896

To make fuel filling easier the car had a huge fuel tank filler neck with a spring loaded trap door, which allowed a flow of five gallons per second. Parallel operating Carter impeller fuel pumps delivered fuel to the engine.
33897

To avoid working under the hood on a hot engine during pit stops the Penske team devised an ingenious method to top off the oil and coolant.
Pressure connections on both the radiator and crankcase allowed water and oil to be added to a running engine during frantic pit stops. A pressurized canister was snapped on to this receptacle, and then air pressure injected fluid into the engine.
The special coolant connection near the radiator is shown.
33898
Engine oil was added from inside the car at a connection to the left of the steering wheel. ( See photo)
(photos from 1970 Car Life magazine )
33899



All this helped towards Mark Donohue winning the 1969 Trans-Am Championship in the Penske Camaro.
Was this the beginning of what others claimed was Penske's "Unfair Advantage" or did the team just make the most of what the rules allowed ?
What do you think ?





(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Here is a 5 minute YouTube video of a July 6, 1969 Donneybrooke Raceway Brainerd, Minnesota. Trans American Road Racing.
I remembered the Red Mustangs were the Bud Moore Team and the Blue Mustangs were the Shelby Team.
The video spends almost as much time on the crowd as the race but it still is a reminder of life back then at a US race track.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn0OOSQPXT8




( Ken Hyndman )

[Spgeti]

Great articles on Traco and the Penske Camaros Ken. Thanks for the Alfa, Cortina poster. Its been added to my collection.

Cheers
Bruce

[khyndart in CA]

928
Reminded me of my visit to Westwood Raceway which was located on the Coquitlam area in NE Vancouver, Canada. It has now gone due to urban development but it was the hub of racing for Vancouver from 1959 to it's closing in 1990. It was less than 2 miles long but it had some good young drivers compete there mainly in Formula Atlantic races. e.g. Keke Rosberg,Bobby Rahal, Danny Sullivan, Michael Andretti, Gilles Villeneuve and a very young Greg Moore (another talented Cart driver who died very early )plus others.
Stirling Moss promoted the circuit in 1966.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY1v1HXNo1s

(Ken Hyndman. More to follow )

[928]

Ken, i wonder if that was before during or after Moss was married to one of the Carlson brewery family


edit to change
think that should be Molson not Carlson but it was a long time ago that I got her autgraph in Rotorua

[BMCBOY]

I went to a Club/Classic race meeting at Westwood when I was staying in Vancouver for a period 1982-83.
Very picturesque track and, if I remember rightly, it had a corner called "Deers Leap" where spooked deers would regularly try to cross the track during races. Quite a challenge for drivers I was told and a few accidents occurred, but most seemed aware of the possibility.
I took a few shots of the racing, but didn't really have any decent gear with me. Some really nice cars entered of all classes.

35043

35045

35044

[khyndart in CA]

A favorite at Westwood was a driver named Laurie Craig. Laurie was a New Zealander who emigrated to Canada and did well at this track. (Does anyone know Laurie ?)

35051

35052

The last race of the day at a Westwood meet was a true All-comers field. It must have been scary with the speed difference !
35053



(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

July 9th 1972.
My ticket into Westwood Circuit was by helping Wray Nixon's crew in preparing the Nixon Auto Minis. (I stood around and watched others do all the work. I am known around the world as being an expert at that !) Wray in red cap on the left.
35054
(Ken Hyndman photo )

The main race of the day was a Canadian Formula B race.
35055
(Oldracingcars.com)
I liked the look of the March 722 driven by Ric Forest.

35056
Ric Forest in his March 722 rounding the Westwood Hairpin toward the end of a damp race.
Note the opening in the trees which was created by a Mustang that went off there the day before !
(Ken Hyndman photo )
35057
Ric Forest after the race in his March 722, followed by John Powell in his Chevron B 18.
Note the tyres for the damp track. No slicks today.
(Ken Hyndman photo )

[khyndart in CA]

July 9 th. 1972. Westwood. BC Canada.
The race winner that day was Craig Hill driving a Lotus 69 with a Ford Twin Cam Hart engine.
35089
(Behind the winner's flag is Craig Hill ! )

Ken Hyndman photo.

Here is some engine information.


Notes:
(1) Engine restrictions are one of the main differences between racing classes.

F2: from 1967 through 1971, Formula Two cars were permitted to run 1.3 to 1.6 liter engines. By far the most popular and successful 1.6 liter F2 engine was the Cosworth FVA which featured gear-driven dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, atop a four cylinder Ford Cortina engine block. Generally featuring Lucas mechanical fuel injection, these engines typically gave at least 220bhp at 9000 rpm. From 1972, 2.0 liter production-based engines such as the Cosworth BDA (shown above) were allowed.

F3: Formula Three cars were restricted to one liter displacement engines through 1970. Their highly tuned and highly strung little engines screamed as they produced about 125bhp. Starting in 1971, F3 teams were allowed to use larger (1.6 liter) engines if 20mm induction restrictor plates were fitted. The Lotus/Ford Twin Cam seemed like the motor to have. Four throttle bodies would typically draw air from a common plenum. Air entered the plenum through a single inlet. Clever teams realized this inlet should be a "converging/diverging nozzle" and that the geometry of its construction was important. In actual racing conditions, the original 20mm restriction was soon found to be too small. The newly allowed 1600cc engines were only producing about 110bhp! (The cars were about four seconds per lap off their previous pace, which wasn't the intent of the rules.) In mid-August of 1971, the rules were altered and the diameter of the air inlet restriction increased from 20mm to 21.5mm, where it stayed through 1973.

FF: by class rules all Formula Fords used essentially stock versions of the 1600cc Ford engine, with Weber downdraught carburetor, iron crossflow cylinder head, and single camshaft operating valves via pushrods. In this era, a very well prepared Formula Ford engine would produce 105bhp at ~5900rpm.


(2) Chassis number 71-69-5FB shouldn't be confused with chassis number 71-69-5F2, which was Emerson Fittipaldi's Cosworth FVA powered, semi-monocoque chassis Formula Two car for 1971. Incidentally, Lotus built twelve cars with "71-69-xFB" chassis numbers, versus seven cars with "71-69-xF2" chassis numbers. In both cases, "71" in the chassis number designated build year 1971. Lotus is generally believed to have also built seven Type 69 Formula Two cars in 1970; their chassis numbers followed the pattern "69.F2.x".



Here is a site with interesting information on the Craig Hill Lotus 69.

http://www.britishracecar.com/KyleKaulback-Lotus-69.htm





(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

I found this fine action photo of Ric Forest in the rain at Westwood in 1972. (Tom Johnston photo)
35088

Now you see the reason for the rain tyres noted in a previous photo.

(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

:(Westwood Circuit went from this in the 1970s
35100

35101
Racing in 1974.

To what it has become today.
35102

:(

(Ken H )

[khyndart in CA]

In August 1972 we went to the Orange County Raceway in Irvine, California.
It was my first time at a drag racing event and it certainly left an impression. I found a couple of slides from that evening.
First is the Frank Harris dragster being unloaded in a area near Disneyland that is now buried under housing developments.
35258

The other is of a well known Radici & Wise Vega Funny car from that the time. Built by John Buttera, engine prepared by Ed Pink and driven by Paul Radici.
( I am proud of this photo as it is hard to get a clear photo of this car on the web. )

35259


(Ken Hyndman photos. )

[khyndart in CA]

In 1972, Spinner Black along with Ross Greenville took my friend Jim and I along to the Long Beach Marina, CA. to watch some power boat racing.(A group of Morrinsville-ites) Spinner was just getting excited about this form of racing back then.
He especially liked this boat in the front and you can see why by the name.
He was standing beside me when I took this. I just wished I had turned and photographed our group, but it was no big deal back then.

35260
Long Beach Marina. July 1972.

(Ken Hyndman photo )

[khyndart in CA]

A little change of scenery.
Remember not to throw away the old 1965 Mustang before you try something like this.
This Ken Block guy is crazy as you can see in his videos. At least he seems to have the cops on his side !


WILD IN THE STREETS OF LOS ANGELES


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qanlirrRWs

38413

(Ken Hyndman )
Grant, I hope I have not planted any seeds for you to try this ! :)

[Roger Dowding]

A little change of scenery.
Remember not to throw away the old 1965 Mustang before you try something like this.
This Ken Block guy is crazy as you can see in his videos. At least he seems to have the cops on his side !


WILD IN THE STREETS OF LOS ANGELES


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qanlirrRWs

38413

(Ken Hyndman )
Grant, I hope I have not planted any seeds for you to try this ! :)

The Gods must be Crazy .. no Block is crazy ..

[khyndart in CA]

Here is a site with some interesting information. Go to the Menu section at the top left corner.

http://secondchancegarage.com/public/690.cfm



(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

You Kiwis could have some fun at this site.

http://www.racingjunk.com/Pro-Street/182813662/1967-Camaro.html#1

40343

( The deal is you put the funds in my NZ account and I will promise you NOTHING !)


(Ken Hyndman )

[John McKechnie]

Hey Ken,,,,,what is this "tires".......does that mean it doesnt have match stamina and tires easily ?

[khyndart in CA]

John,
Tire
One would describe me.

The other is what is between the vehicle and the road !
(tire
ˈtaɪə)
n, vb
(Automotive Engineering) the US spelling of tyre."
n.
1. A covering for a wheel, usually made of rubber reinforced with cords of nylon, fiberglass, or other material and filled with compressed air.

2. A hoop of metal or rubber fitted around a wheel." )

You need to spend some time here in these United States !

(Ken H)

[John McKechnie]

Ahhhhhhhhh, like aluminum ?

[khyndart in CA]

I came across this photo of Mario Andretti testing his Viceroy Lola T332 F 5000 at Riverside in 1974 with an interesting air box configuration.
I don't think it made it past the experimental stage but they were hoping for an advantage over the higher air box that all other F5000 cars had then due to the dual intakes and lower profile. Mario went on to win a lot of the F5000 races he entered in this Lola T332 (HU 29 ).
41575

In the early 1970s the Parnelli Jones- Viceroy Team built their Indy cars with the unique design from Lotus designer, Maurice Phillippe.
This John Wick art piece shows the 1972 Indy car.
"1972 Parnelli Indy car. Designed by Maurice Phillipe whose latest race design was the Lotus 72. These race cars were originally presented with the mid dihedral wings. Visually sort of pleasant enough. The problem was they really never worked. A conventional rear wing was added and the cars were tested this way. Eventually the dihedral wings were abandoned and the cars raced with the super wide rear wings that were allowed in USAC in 1972 and 1973. It seemed really cool, but had no real success. The cars were driven by Mario Andretti, Joe Leonard, and Al Unser."
It seems the same design was intended for the T332 air box.

41576



(Ken Hyndman )

[Grant Sprague]

A little change of scenery.
Remember not to throw away the old 1965 Mustang before you try something like this.
This Ken Block guy is crazy as you can see in his videos. At least he seems to have the cops on his side !


WILD IN THE STREETS OF LOS ANGELES


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qanlirrRWs

38413

(Ken Hyndman )
Grant, I hope I have not planted any seeds for you to try this ! :)

Ken , if you were at home yesterday watching me take a mate for a ride around the orchard , you might say "Grant is Crazeeeee" but did not hit any trees, fences a bit close though, dont know when I will grow up , lol...That was my private lead foot.

[khyndart in CA]

I usually go to Laguna Seca in August for the Historic Meet but I may have to change that this year and go to formerly ( Sears Point, Fineon Raceway) and now Sonoma Raceway, in June due to the difference in the racing.
Check out the two schedules and you may see what I mean.

41651

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival SVRA
Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA
June 1 - 4, 2017
Track Length: 2.52 miles41652

The Grand Nationals, Trans-Ams and Can-Ams might just win me over.
(Plus it is less expensive and parking is free !)

(Ken Hyndman)

[khyndart in CA]

FOR SALE: Gearhead Heaven In Canada! (Link to property sale)

If you find out that I have moved to Canada it may be I decided to buy this place before any of you beat me to it.
Anyone need a project ?

http://bangshift.com/general-news/lifetime-offer-buy-entire-salvage-yard/

42913


( Ken Hyndman )

[Kevin Hirst]

FOR SALE: Gearhead Heaven In Canada! (Link to property sale)

If you find out that I have moved to Canada it may be I decided to buy this place before any of you beat me to it.
Anyone need a project ?

http://bangshift.com/general-news/lifetime-offer-buy-entire-salvage-yard/

42913


( Ken Hyndman )

Ken, send airfair, far too much for one man to take on.

[khyndart in CA]

This event is just over 3 weeks away.
Will any of you be at Sonoma ?
Bruce I will do a better job of meeting up with you this time if you are there, I promise !
Otherwise you will have to just rely on my photos. (That is a scary thought.)

43659


https://svra.com/events/2017-sonoma-historic-motorsports-festival/

(Ken H )

[Bruce302]

Hi Ken,

I won't be at Sonoma but I will be back at Laguna Seca in August, We know who to look for this time. I will have my buddy Dave with me too.

Bruce.

[khyndart in CA]

Bruce,
I doubt that I can make to Laguna Seca in August as my new son in law (who is a fly fishing guide ) is planning to take me out on the Missouri River about then. It will be a tough choice between the crowds and noise at the race track compared to being at the river in Montana ! I guess family comes first. Perhaps next year. I certainly enjoyed being with you at Laguna last year. I hope to see Chad R at Sonoma. (How can he manage without your expertise ?)
Cheers,
Ken
43664

[Bruce302]

Ken,
The fish will still be there in Montana long after the racing at Laguna, so hopefully will your new son in law. He has to learn your priorities.

Fish are racing ? not that hard.

Bruce.

[duncan fox]

John,
Tire
One would describe me.

The other is what is between the vehicle and the road !
(tire
ˈtaɪə)
n, vb
(Automotive Engineering) the US spelling of tyre."
n.
1. A covering for a wheel, usually made of rubber reinforced with cords of nylon, fiberglass, or other material and filled with compressed air.

2. A hoop of metal or rubber fitted around a wheel." )

You need to spend some time here in these United States !

(Ken H)

Smokey called em Tars

[khyndart in CA]

Bruce and Duncan, I just want to warn you that the Montana trip is delayed and I plan to head to Laguna Seca on August 19 th for the day instead of fishing. So if you see a lone Kiwi wandering around and mumbling to himself, that would be me. p.s. The Maori meaning for Kiwitahi is one kiwi. Anyway looking forward to seeing you there.
I found some photos from the 2011 event that I have not shown before.
Stirling Moss was there signing books and posters including the Elva book and I don't know if he will be back again to Laguna. A friend of mine drove in a race a few years ago in a Mustang GT 350 and Stirling was also entered in a similar vehicle and my friend could not believe how mean and competitive he was on the track even though he was close to 80 years old !
44758

44759
Stirling with Jay Leno. August 2011
K. Hyndman photos.

[khyndart in CA]

Another well known driver and very popular with the fans is Brian Redman, seen here as he is about to compete in the car he drove in 1972 a Ferrari 312 PB # 87.
44760

44761

(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

A man who started life in Papatotoe is kiwi, Tony Garmey. Tony has established a wonderful reputation here in the states for his preparation of all types of vintage race vehicles plus the famous Ferrari transporter from the 1960s.
Check his site here ; http://www.horizonracing.com/

Not only that but Tony is an excellent driver in his Can Am McLaren M8 C # 57 seen here leading the field at Laguna Seca. August 2011
44762

(Ken Hyndman photo )

Tony was also featured in our Moss Motors magazine.
http://www.mossmotoring.com/shop-profile-horizon-racing-performance/

[Bruce302]

Hi Ken,

I'll be there, along with another Kiwi, Dave Hand, and we will look for you. I enjoyed our walk arounds last year. Is Peter Built" going to be there again ? I'll get my ears talked off again if he is.
See you in a couple weeks. We'll be at the Pre Reunion the week before also.

Cheers, Bruce.

[QUOTE=khyndart in CA;60463]Bruce and Duncan, I just want to warn you that the Montana trip is delayed and I plan to head to Laguna Seca on August 19 th for the day instead of fishing. So if you see a lone Kiwi wandering around and mumbling to himself, that would be me. p.s. The Maori meaning for Kiwitahi is one kiwi. Anyway looking forward to seeing you there.
I found some photos from the 2011 event that I have not shown before.
Stirling Moss was there signing books and posters including the Elva book and I don't know if he will be back again to Laguna. A friend of mine drove in a race a few years ago in a Mustang GT 350 and Stirling was also entered in a similar vehicle and my friend could not believe how mean and competitive he was on the track even though he was close to 80 years old !

[khyndart in CA]

Here are 2 brief video clips of the sounds of Trans Am and Can Am at Laguna Seca, August 2011.
(My first attempt at putting in a brief and shaky video )


https://youtu.be/pQorGdl4zvM

(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLQQGLiT87k

[khyndart in CA]

Some more scenes from Laguna Seca. August 2011.
The epitome of a historic racer is Ed Archer who drives a 1915 Ford Roadster.
44846

Group 8A for FIA MFG. Championship Cars includes this beautifully prepared 1976 Lola T-286 # 1 driven superbly by Bert Skidmore.
Bert is waiting as his car is checked over.
44847

Bert Skidmore about to go out for a qualifying run.
44848


(Ken Hyndman photos)

[khyndart in CA]

How would you like this Ferrari set in your stable ?
I971 Ferrari 512M # 47 driver Steven Read.
1971 Ferrari 512PB # 87 for Brian Redman to drive.
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Steven Read in Ferrari # 47 about to enter the track. I would love to trade places with Steven.
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( Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Another group I always enjoy is the 1981-89 FIA MFG and IMSA GTP.
Here some photos from 2011.
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(Ken Hyndman photos)
# 31 was a very quick 1988 Argo JM 19C2
# 77 was a 1992 Mazda RX7-92P
# 56 was a 1991 Mazda 787
# 55 was a Mazda 787B
plus other fine machines such as the Jaguar Group 44 XJR 5s & 7


(Ken Hyndman )

[Paul B]

Can am sounds ....Got to be some of the coolest sounds in the world!

[khyndart in CA]

Yes Paul I agree.
It will be a bit different this year at Laguna Seca.
No Can Am, no early Trans Am, no Formula One or Formula 5000. Perhaps next year.
There will still be plenty to enjoy at this 2017 gathering.

When: August 17-20, 2017

Honoring:
•60th anniversary of Formula Junior
•60th anniversary of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
•70th anniversary of Ferrari

Run Groups:

Pre-1940 Sports Racing and Touring Cars
1927-1951 Racing Cars
1955-1962 GT
1963-1966 GT over 2500cc
1973-1981 FIA, IMSA, GT, GTX, AAGT
1963-1973 FIA Manufacturers Championship
1981-1991 IMSA GTP
1955-1961 Sports Racing over 2000cc
1955-1961 Sports Racing under 2000cc
1970-1984 Sports Racing under 2100cc
1947-1955 Sports Racing and GT
1961-1966 GT under 2500cc
1973-1991 IMSA GTU, GTO/Trans-Am
1958-1960 Formula Junior – front engine & drum brake cars
1961-1963 Formula Junior – disc brakes

I just have one day to soak it all in.
(Ken H)

[khyndart in CA]

In 1991 Mazda produced this Le Mans winning vehicle. Mazda 787B # 55. It was at Laguna Seca in 2011 along with the 1992 Mazda RX 792P that was very quick but did not have the same success. They say the sound was one of the best ever heard at Le Mans as demonstrated in the link with Johnny Herbert driving.
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1992 Mazda RX 792 P # 77
(Ken Hyndman photos )

Check this site from "Top Gear"

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/le-mans-2016/25-years-ago-amazing-mazda-787b-won-le-mans-now-listen-it#1


(Ken Hyndman )

[Paul B]

Yes Paul I agree.
It will be a bit different this year at Laguna Seca.
No Can Am, no early Trans Am, no Formula One or Formula 5000. Perhaps next year.
There will still be plenty to enjoy at this 2017 gathering.

When: August 17-20, 2017

Honoring:
•60th anniversary of Formula Junior
•60th anniversary of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
•70th anniversary of Ferrari

Run Groups:

Pre-1940 Sports Racing and Touring Cars
1927-1951 Racing Cars
1955-1962 GT
1963-1966 GT over 2500cc
1973-1981 FIA, IMSA, GT, GTX, AAGT
1963-1973 FIA Manufacturers Championship
1981-1991 IMSA GTP
1955-1961 Sports Racing over 2000cc
1955-1961 Sports Racing under 2000cc
1970-1984 Sports Racing under 2100cc
1947-1955 Sports Racing and GT
1961-1966 GT under 2500cc
1973-1991 IMSA GTU, GTO/Trans-Am
1958-1960 Formula Junior – front engine & drum brake cars
1961-1963 Formula Junior – disc brakes

I just have one day to soak it all in.
(Ken H)

Still a great range of classes. I would love to drive the cork screw.
One day I will get there! after I finish the Falcon.
Enjoy the day!

[khyndart in CA]

I saw this in a Dec. 2017 magazine.
Is it the same 1968 McLaren M 8A that was being rebuilt by the McLaren Trust in New Zealand ?
If it is I think I put a donation towards it's restoration a few years ago !

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2018 should be an exciting year. I am really looking forward to it.

48231

I think we get both F 5000 and Can Am at Laguna Seca in August. Yeehaa !

(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

Where did I go wrong ?
I introduced my Sean to Formula One at an early age but when we visited Williams Grand Prix Engineering in 1996 he was bored and wanted to get to London to see the Tower of London and where Jack the Ripper roamed !.
Now here he is today in the US Navy on a vessel that does only 30 knots max. but as he kiddingly said if you have any race circuits that are too expensive or entry costs are too high etc. perhaps they could be altered into motocross tracks instead, as part of a target practice exercise !
We are proud of him taking this on and if he arrives in an Australasian port please take care of him for me.
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June 1996.
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Oct 18th 2018.
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USS Stennis leaving San Diego for 7-8 months.
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(Don't forget the race track alterations that perhaps can be arranged. But don't tell Mr. Quinn ! )

(Ken H )

[Allan]

As a former serviceman myself (NZ army) I can tell you that you have every right to be proud of your boy, out there keeping the free world safe for all of us.

[Paul B]

Agree with Allan Ken, Great pics of you and your son!
Cheers

[khyndart in CA]

Thanks Allan and Paul. I appreciate the comments. I think the hardest part for Sean was waiting while his Dad's past and family were checked out in NZ etc. (And they still let him in !)
Hey if anyone has a Mk 1 Escort and want to give it some extra grunt, here is one example of what can be done.
( From the US RPM Magazine. Sept. 2018 edition)
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(Ken H )

[Allan]

So how much original Escort is left?

[928]

do a google search for john welch gartrac g4 rallycross escort if you really want to perform

[khyndart in CA]

I was told that if it had 4 wheels, had heaps of grunt and made lots of noise then I could post it on TRS.
62137
F/A 18F Super Hornet. (Hyndman photo )

This may not be proper but I wanted to share some things of the wonderful privilege I had of being captured and captivated by the US Navy for a few days last month. Known as a "Tiger Cruise" it is where family members are invited aboard for the final few days of what had been an around the world tour of duty for the nuclear powered Nimitz class US aircraft carrier USS Stennis.
Thanks to Sean's invitation I joined up at Mayport, Florida, and sailed 3 days up to Newport, Virginia where the carrier will undergo a very expensive 4 year overhaul.
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(K H photos.) Leaving Mayport,Florida. May 14. 2019.


" Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) is a process for refueling and upgrading nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the US Navy. The nuclear reactors that power some aircraft carriers typically use up their nuclear fuel about halfway through their desired 50-year life spans. Because carriers can last so long before being retired, they are refueled and refurbished with an RCOH to extend their usable lifetime. At the same time a ship is refueled, it is given a complex overhaul in which broken, worn or obsolete parts are repaired or replaced and systems are modernized. The modernization typically includes an upgrade of ship’s combat systems and warfighting capabilities, its internal distribution systems are upgraded, and allowance is made for future upgrades over the ship’s remaining operational service life. Given the size of an aircraft carrier and the number of systems and subsystems it has, an RCOH is extremely complex, costly (several billion dollars), and time-consuming. Each RCOH is planned to take 46 months." (Wikipedis.org info.)

(Ken H ) ..More to come if allowed ?)

[Roger Dowding]

Re ; " (Ken H ) ..More to come if allowed ?) "
just chuck a couple of cars in one shot and all will be well. after all taking off from a carrier is a bit like drag racing - they have 'chutes too !!

This photo has nothing to do with the story ;

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It is from the TRS Facebook page
;
Have 5 models of these Zakspeed Capris ; 4 seen here with BMW's also from the DTM series and others !!

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[khyndart in CA]

This may not pass the test but it is my only car shot from this trip.
After the carrier docked at Norfolk and we all came to the gate to get back on the road again. The navy police were there to keep an eye on things and their car I believe was an Australian built Chevrolet Caprice.
The rear-wheel-drive car is assembled by GM's Holden subsidiary in Australia and shipped to an outfitter in California.The Caprice sedan shares a platform with the Chevrolet Camaro and the discontinued Pontiac G8 sedan. The program started in 2011, the police preferred the rear- wheel- drive cars over the front -wheel- drive Chevrolet Impala. They had both V-6 or V-8 engines.

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Leaving the USS Stennis under the watchful eye of the U.S. Navy Police.
(Ken H photo )

[khyndart in CA]

The F18 fighter jets on board were powered by the "General Electric" F 400 series engines with turbo fans and afterburners. These engines can produce over 30000 pounds of thrust when needed.

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That white hook arrangement between the two engines is all that stops the plane from plunging into the ocean when landing, a very important part !)

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(Ken H photos..)

[khyndart in CA]

The jets get all the glory but for the airshow to take place it needed the trusty Northrup Grumman E2C "Hawkeye" to be launched so it could be like an flying control tower that monitored the weather and any boats or aircraft etc. that may be around. We sailed about 50 miles off the coast of the Georgia and the Carolinas so they did not want to interfere with any commercial flights etc !
I liked these aircraft as they sat with their wings folded and then as they approached the launching catapult the wings would swing into place and then the launch would take place with the twin- turboprops roaring as it flew away for the rest of the day.

"The Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft.
Variants of the Hawkeye have been in continuous production since 1960, giving it the longest production run of any carrier-based aircraft. " (Wikipedia info )

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(Ken H photos..)

[khyndart in CA]

Then it was time for the F 18s to put on an airshow and I was warned that as I was the lone Kiwi that if I misbehaved I would be set adrift in a inflatable raft and used for the target practice display ! I was a good boy and was enthralled with all the action, especially watching the deck and catapult teams in action.

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Note the two guys on the right in front of the planethat signal when the catapult is all set to launch and how little protection they have as the wing goes right over their heads!)

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About to launch and the afterburners are coming into action.

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And away it goes.
(K H photos..May 14 2019.)

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(Some say it is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. It is amazing watching these young men in action plus the noise level can split eardrums ! )
(Navy News photo.)

(Ken H )

[Paul B]

Great pics Ken, Wouldn't you love to have a blast in one of those!
Cheers

[khyndart in CA]

Does anyone need a Spitfire to restore ?
(Heaps of potential..Shipping and Handling not included !)

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(Ken H)

[John McKechnie]

Rather restore a Mosquito or ME 262....thanks anyway Ken

[Roger Dowding]

Does anyone need a Spitfire to restore ?
(Heaps of potential..Shipping and Handling not included !)

64149


(Ken H)

Get a 2.5 PI [ not in the USA ] or TR250 / TR6 and an overdrive gearbox, make that Spitty - Fire .. Could put a roof on too !! .
This for the bodywork styling
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Moss Motors for the engine and bits - you know where to go Ken and who to talk too!!.