Corvette Engines and Racingcars

[thunder427]

A point that struck me recently, in a conversation regarding early years of Motorsport in New Zealand ,was,where would we have been with out Zora Arkus-Duntov, wonderful creation..the 'CORVETTE ENGINE'....got to thinking what a 'mystical' ring it had to the statement.."It's got a CORVETTE in it"!!!.....started to run through some that came to mind, Rod Coppins,Giff Tait, Ron Silvester, Arther Kennard, Neil Doyle, Bill Thomason, Red Dawson, Johnny Mansel, Stanton Bro's, Morrari,.........the import 'rort', that if the engine was installed in a boat of a 'commercial' nature, there was no 'Import Duty'....the 'Drag racers, Hot Rodders..people like Dave Chung of 'Berry and Chung'speed Equipment Fame,Dave's famous Roadster,Pink Panther' was featured in the 'Iskerdarian' advert in the American 'Hot Rod' Magazine of the 60's.....this little engine, the Soul of the 'Corvette' Sports car,The 'Heart Beat of America'....an Iconic' Mechanical wonder !!?..................regards thunder427/MJ:D

[Leo D]

Murray Carter......... Corvette Special..... His first car I believe.....
Charlie Occhipinti........ Corvette Stingray......

Leo D ...... "HERTZ" ZHZ C6 Corvette..... ok, so it was only a rental ..... "but what a rental!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mM3Q-APXUc) ..... unfortunately they no longer have them in their fleet :(

[David McKinney]

There were no Corvette engines in early NZ motor racing - they didn't come along till the late '50s (or am I showing my age?)

[thunder427]

[QUOTE=David McKinney;2325]There were no Corvette engines in early NZ motor racing - they didn't come along till the late '50s (or am I showing my age?)[/QUOTE

Dear David,I was born in October/1945,the Chevrolet V8 was created when I Was all of 10yrs old,so I was probably considering that 1955/6 was the. "early years",I shall try to be a little more specific in future..........regards thunder427/MJ:)

[Steve Holmes]

There were no Corvette engines in early NZ motor racing - they didn't come along till the late '50s (or am I showing my age?)

I could be wrong David but I assumed Myles was talking about Corvette (usually really small block Chevy) powered race cars internationally rather than just NZ?

[David McKinney]

That still doesn't make the '50s "early years of motorsport" in the US, Australia, Europe or even Japan :)

[Ellis]

The Australian speed record was set in Tasmania on Bakers Beach in 1961 by Launceston Hotelier Austin Miller in a Cooper racing car which had been modified and fitted with a Corvette V8 by Geoff Smedley of Launceston....Pic source Geoff Smedley

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/falcongtho/BBurrAMillerGSmedley.jpg
Bruce Burr, Austin Miller, Geoff Smedley

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/falcongtho/image003.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/falcongtho/Snapshot2011-06-0817-58-00.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/falcongtho/smedstreamlinecooperbak.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/falcongtho/LandspeedrecordBrokeninTasmaniaSCW196201P47.jpg

[Steve Holmes]

Ellis, that is amazing! What a mental little car. I love it! It must have been completely terrifying to drive. Did they convert it back to original after the record run? Where is it now? What a great post!

[David McKinney]

It continued with Corvette power in the hands of later owners, but the engine went elsewhere in the 1970s. The various parts were duly collected together and the car rebuilt with 2.2 Climax engine, and Aussie Miller was among those who drove it in historic events.

After a spell in the Lukey Museum it was sold to the US, then acquired by NZ film-maker Rob Whitehouse around 1987, though the car remained in the US for a while longer. Whitehouse did appear with the car in practice for a historic meeting at Donington in 1991, but I'm pretty sure never raced it

It was however raced for the next dozen years or so by a new English owner

[Ellis]

David has it down pat....What he said.

Guy Miller...Ozzie's son lives not far from me in Tas.
I think the family still has a Cooper Bristol that has appeared at Historic meetings.
The family has links to flying still with interests in a Super Spreading business in Vic.
Austin passed away less than 2 years ago a ago and was admitted into the Tasmanian Motoring Hall of fame not long after he died.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/falcongtho/MillerCooperBathurst60.jpg
Bathurst cc 1960 ...pre Corvette

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/falcongtho/AustinMillerCooperCorvetteAMSP66Jan1965.jpg
Advert from cc1965

He was quite a character in his heyday.

[Steve Holmes]

These are incredible Ellis! David, thanks for filling in the gaps.

[Ellis]

Just a bit on the gearbox for the speed attempt.....
It was pre being able to ring Hollinger etc and get one made by a fair few years.
The car was already fitted with Light 15 Citroen gearbox not renowned for its reliability
with its smaller racing engine and now it was going to have to handle a lot more hp.
Geoff Smedley dismantled it and built 2 new gears...it was now a 2 speed box.
He drilled & cross bolted the gearbox to hold it together. Thats what it run with for the attempt.
The Corvette was obtained from Syd Fyscher of offshore boating and later Sydney Hobart
yachting fame.

[Steve Holmes]

Amazing info Ellis. Thanks for posting. Imagine how quick the car must have been in a straight line.

[Steve Holmes]

About 10-15 years ago John Diamond (I think) appeared at a New Zealand historic racing event with a car he'd brought over from Australia called a Carter Corvette. It was a smallish sports car from memory, in which the rear wheels were partially covered by the bodywork. Does anyone have any info and pics of this car? Was it John Diamond who owned it? And if so, was this the same John Diamond who with brother Steve were active New Zealand racers in the '70s? Steve moved to the US and established a large mineral water company I believe called Koala Mineral Water, or something similar.

[woody]

John Dymand is living in the USA. He says he exports cars to NZ. He can be found in Trade Me, old friends.

[woody]

John's father had the Diamond Grill in Rattray St. in Dunedin. John e-mail is johndymand@aol.com

[Rod Grimwood]

He bought a Corvette Imsa car out and ran in the Sports Sedans over the christmas summer series a few years back, late 90s if i recall. Got photos of that somewere, he had great battles with Huxford and had big off down south in wet and clouted the big tyres.

[bry3500]

pics from Phillip island

[Steve Holmes]

He bought a Corvette Imsa car out and ran in the Sports Sedans over the christmas summer series a few years back, late 90s if i recall. Got photos of that somewere, he had great battles with Huxford and had big off down south in wet and clouted the big tyres.

Yep, thats right. I think that was the 1989/90 season. The NZ drivers really didn't want him there as the car didn't fit the local regs, but he was trying to get seat-time for a full campaign in IMSA. He also sent his giant Kenworth transporter to NZ too, which made for quite an impressive site.

[Jac Mac]

Yep, thats right. I think that was the 1989/90 season. The NZ drivers really didn't want him there as the car didn't fit the local regs, but he was trying to get seat-time for a full campaign in IMSA. He also sent his giant Kenworth transporter to NZ too, which made for quite an impressive site.

Just to Clarify..It was Steve with the IMSA Vette & Mineral Water. He also ran a V8 Chev powered EH holden in OSCA at one stage.

One car John ran was a very tidy Cologne/like Capri repowered with a 302Windsor, often wonder if that car is one of the cars wenow see in Historic class's etc.

[Steve Holmes]

Yes thats right, Steve had the Vette. The EH was imported from Australia for OSCA. Steve purchased it from Ron Dickson.

The V8 Capri John Dymond had was apparently scrapped. I was speaking with Don Elvy about this car some time back and this is what he felt happened to it.

[Steve Holmes]

Its official, I'm an idiot. It was Mark Dymond (no relation) who had the Carter Corvette. Does anyone have any more info on this car?

1967

[jim short]

did he take the McLaren coupe back to the states??

[105angria]

I think these have the right motors

[pallmall]

Stanton-Covette Sports.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Covette%20Specials/033750x545.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Covette%20Specials/046750x502.jpg

Rod Coppins Zephyr-Corvette Tribute car. The original had the ex Camoradi Corvette engine out of the TecMec Maserati. (What happened to that engine?)
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Covette%20Specials/272750x488.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Covette%20Specials/096750x502.jpg

[Ellis]

[QUOTE=Steve Holmes;2810] Does anyone have any more info on this car?

Murray originally built it up I believe on basically a Jag XK 120? chassis .
This is Murray reunited /driving his old car with I assume the current owner...
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/falcongtho/murray_carter_corvette.jpg
Pic source not known

From Web..... at Historic Winton/ FOS recently....
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/falcongtho/dsc7331x.jpg
Pic source not known

[Steve Holmes]

Hey Ellis, many thanks, thats brilliant. Do you have any more info on it?

[Steve Holmes]

Stanton-Covette Sports.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Covette%20Specials/033750x545.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Covette%20Specials/046750x502.jpg

Rod Coppins Zephyr-Corvette Tribute car. The original had the ex Camoradi Corvette engine out of the TecMec Maserati. (What happened to that engine?)
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Covette%20Specials/272750x488.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Covette%20Specials/096750x502.jpg

Good question Gavin, what did happen to that engine?

[Steve Holmes]

Here is some incar footage of a Gen III Corvette race car Myles Johnson (thunder427) built for a customer. You can see the driver is being VERY gentle on the throttle, not gassing it up until the car is straight, but he gets caught out a couple of times.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvrdvUK3MaA

Here is a model that was built of the Corvette. Cool huh!

2622

2623

[Steve Holmes]

Sorry, should have said, the track is Winton.

[Paul Kirk]

Hay Rod, I'm pretty sure that was Steve that brought out the IMSA car. (And got the rules changed so he could run it here).
PK.

[Paul Kirk]

He also brought a v12 BMW with him, to get from the motel to the race track in, and that combined with the AUSTRALIAN water, (ours is better), certainly did "impress" many of us.
PK.

[Rod Grimwood]

Yea Paul it was Steve, and yep there was a bit of an act around him and his troop. Don't know if he made a very big following (never seen him since)

[thunder427]

.....spoke To Rowan Pinder today,owner of the 'Orange' Corvette that you can share a ride around Winton Raceway courtesy of the 'incar camera',he's planning to post on this great forum,clearing up a few points,firstly that he,Rowan built the Corvette racer and called upon my services after one of those ,'Oooooops moments when fibreglass tree comes in contact with wooden Corvette,put another way,it was a very confussing moment for Rowan,to say the least,But you can always fix 'race cars',the Corvette saddly was very much in need of a 'plastic surgeon' of some repute ,when all else failed...... Rowan rung me for my service's, he had been told I had an excellent 'bedside' manner.!!!!...............regards thunder427/MJ:)

[Steve Holmes]

Sorry, my mistake. Would be great to see some more photos of this car Myles. And get some more info on it.

[Leo D]

Steve,

Here you go......

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/4011/saidvette.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/641/saidvette.jpg/)

I can put the build pictures on this thread or start another..... It's your call on that

[thunder427]

Sorry, my mistake. Would be great to see some more photos of this car Myles. And get some more info on it.

SORRY!!!Sorry,What have you got to be sorry about,it was just a typical Journalistic bungle!!!........Nahh!! Just joking!!!..no offence taken, be assured.............MJ:cool:

Steve, I sold Rowan's brother,Micheal my '69 Camaro (Read MISTAKE!! hindsite and all that!) at that time Micheal expressed that his Brother,Rowan would be interested in a manual/chrome bumper Vette,should I ever come across one 'for sale'...interesting point,at this time Rowan was driving a real nice C2/Red/327/Manual, he had imported from NZ !!!!!!!!!

I was offered a very nice/clean/ RHD/maunual 'Vette that had became ava,from a private collection, at a very even price,it had a few minor faults that needed attending prior to 'sale', which we handled before offering this car for Micheal's approval, Rowan took up the opportunity and purchased it for his 'Targa' ambitions

Rowan, turned out a 'cool' vette 'Tarmac/street racer in Red,(something about 'Goes Faster'!!)but what has been interesting ,for me is to have observed the 'racer' come out in Rowan,he's developed a keen eye for detail, with a simplicity thats getting great results as his 'Project Vette' evolves.................should mention, Brother Micheal is a bit of a suspension 'Guru' that works for a division involved with the FPR road cars.used to take delight in driving his (mine!!) Camaro to work and parking in the Ford car park !!!!:p
...............regards thunder427/MJ:):):):)

[Steve Holmes]

Steve,

Here you go......

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/4011/saidvette.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/641/saidvette.jpg/)

I can put the build pictures on this thread or start another..... It's your call on that

Yeah, a dedicated thread would be great thanks Leo.

[Steve Holmes]

SORRY!!!Sorry,What have you got to be sorry about,it was just a typical Journalistic bungle!!!........Nahh!! Just joking!!!..no offence taken, be assured.............MJ:cool:

Steve, I sold Rowan's brother,Micheal my '69 Camaro (Read MISTAKE!! hindsite and all that!) at that time Micheal expressed that his Brother,Rowan would be interested in a manual/chrome bumper Vette,should I ever come across one 'for sale'...interesting point,at this time Rowan was driving a real nice C2/Red/327/Manual, he had imported from NZ !!!!!!!!!

I was offered a very nice/clean/ RHD/maunual 'Vette that had became ava,from a private collection, at a very even price,it had a few minor faults that needed attending prior to 'sale', which we handled before offering this car for Micheal's approval, Rowan took up the opportunity and purchased it for his 'Targa' ambitions

Rowan, turned out a 'cool' vette 'Tarmac/street racer in Red,(something about 'Goes Faster'!!)but what has been interesting ,for me is to have observed the 'racer' come out in Rowan,he's developed a keen eye for detail, with a simplicity thats getting great results as his 'Project Vette' evolves.................should mention, Brother Micheal is a bit of a suspension 'Guru' that works for a division involved with the FPR road cars.used to take delight in driving his (mine!!) Camaro to work and parking in the Ford car park !!!!:p
...............regards thunder427/MJ:):):):)

You know what journo's are like Myles, if the truth doesn't make a good enough story, then a new one has to be fabricated!

[David McKinney]

I resemble that remark!

[Steve Holmes]

Admitting it is the first step to recovery David.

[Leo D]

The Charlie Occhipinti Corvette at Calder Park...

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1162/95407899.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/95407899.jpg/)

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/214/co1h.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/24/co1h.jpg/)

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/6369/co2k.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/co2k.jpg/)

[Steve Holmes]

Hey Greg, that is awesome! Looks like its fitted with a set of Mawer wheels? Where is this car now?

[thunder427]

The Charlie Occhipinti Corvette at Calder Park...

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1162/95407899.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/95407899.jpg/)

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/214/co1h.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/24/co1h.jpg/)

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/6369/co2k.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/co2k.jpg/)

...to answer Steve's question,which if you look at the order of 'posts' hasnt been asked yet!!????????????????

....this Corvette was puchased from Charilie by Steve Wherret/Holley Performance/Melbourne in a joint venture with Roger Condon a rigger on building site cranes,'Leo D' will post a photo soon in its Red/White (pearl) and Blue 'Warpaint'

Steve was the local Melbourne Holley 'Guru', asked me to drop in to his shop to discuss the Vette project,when I got there Steve subjested a run up to the lunch shop.."We'll take the 911'!!!......I'm thinking 'Right'...Whats Steve doing mucking around with this 'imported' stuff....so I buckle up,Steve hits the ignition.....Bawwww!!!!.....Thought..."Doesnt sound like a Porsche,sorta v8'ish"...Well Steve pulls ,first gear,then second gear then as he hits third...(we havn't moved forward yet!!)...SMOKE!! cant see for Smoke, we 'hole shot' out from the kirb....S.I.D.E.W.A.Y.S up the street....I think we went past 5 sandwhich shops before we tamed the Beast!!!..."SO, Whats in it "??? trying to appear casual......"I've just dropped a quick little 327 in and given her the 'new' Holley" treatment"!!!....Man I was impressed!!!...then I realised that we still had to get back to the shop!!!!!!!!!!!!!:p

Steve was a real 'Speedfreak',a very capable mechanic with an ability to get the 'Horse power' from his favourite weapon,the Chev Small Block, especially with one of his 'tweaked' Holley's,sadly, Steve lost his life testing a 'Hydro' race boat around 1980/81.

Will write about the Vette when the picture appears.......regards thunder427/MJ

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Myles, will look forward to learning more about this car.

[Paul Kirk]

About 10-15 years ago John Diamond (I think) appeared at a New Zealand historic racing event with a car he'd brought over from Australia called a Carter Corvette. It was a smallish sports car from memory, in which the rear wheels were partially covered by the bodywork. Does anyone have any info and pics of this car? Was it John Diamond who owned it? And if so, was this the same John Diamond who with brother Steve were active New Zealand racers in the '70s? Steve moved to the US and established a large mineral water company I believe called Koala Mineral Water, or something similar.

Har ha ha, yeah Steve did bring a transam-type car here to race in our NZ summer series that didn't comply to the rules but somhow he managed to get permission to race, he also brought a V12 BMW road car to drive from the motel to the race track and back, (Very impressive!) Funnilly enough he wasn't well recieved here for a few reasons, eg, he couldn't drive, the car didn't comply, he was promoting Austrailian "mineral" water here in NZ, (our's is the best in the world), and he had one silver cup/trophy (dunno where he found it), that he carefully put on the dashboard of the tow truck so everybody could see it. But I think he might have influenced the course of car racing in NZ, because it was the start of the Transam importing boom.
PK.

[Paul Kirk]

About 10-15 years ago John Diamond (I think) appeared at a New Zealand historic racing event with a car he'd brought over from Australia called a Carter Corvette. It was a smallish sports car from memory, in which the rear wheels were partially covered by the bodywork. Does anyone have any info and pics of this car? Was it John Diamond who owned it? And if so, was this the same John Diamond who with brother Steve were active New Zealand racers in the '70s? Steve moved to the US and established a large mineral water company I believe called Koala Mineral Water, or something similar.

Har ha ha, yeah Steve did bring a transam-type car here to race in our NZ summer series that didn't comply to the rules but somhow he managed to get permission to race, he also brought a V12 BMW road car to drive from the motel to the race track and back, (Very impressive!) Funnilly enough he wasn't well recieved here for a few reasons, eg, he couldn't drive, the car didn't comply, he was promoting Austrailian "mineral" water here in NZ, (our's is the best in the world), and he had one silver cup/trophy (dunno where he found it), that he carefully put on the dashboard of the tow truck so everybody could see it. But I think he might have influenced the course of car racing in NZ, because it was the start of the Transam importing boom.
PK.

[Paul Kirk]

John's father had the Diamond Grill in Rattray St. in Dunedin. John e-mail is johndymand@aol.com

And Dymonds Steak House in Ch Ch.
PK.

[Rod Grimwood]

There were already some NZ built space frame cars running in Sports Sedans at that stage, and Dymonds car was an IMSA version which was different again. The Trans Am importing thing came down to couple who did this and as has happened in other class's (they have been involved in since) they proceeded to stuff it. The OSCA/Sports Sedan brothers were going along nicely until this happened.

Got a video somewhere from inside the car when it turned left instead of ahead and meet a big tyre sideways.

It was not uncommon for some expats to return with all these claims to fame and trophies from $2 shop back in those days.

[Steve Holmes]

Har ha ha, yeah Steve did bring a transam-type car here to race in our NZ summer series that didn't comply to the rules but somhow he managed to get permission to race, he also brought a V12 BMW road car to drive from the motel to the race track and back, (Very impressive!) Funnilly enough he wasn't well recieved here for a few reasons, eg, he couldn't drive, the car didn't comply, he was promoting Austrailian "mineral" water here in NZ, (our's is the best in the world), and he had one silver cup/trophy (dunno where he found it), that he carefully put on the dashboard of the tow truck so everybody could see it. But I think he might have influenced the course of car racing in NZ, because it was the start of the Transam importing boom.
PK.

There is some race footage from that season on this thread Paul: http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?398-1989-NZ-Sports-Sedans

Yes I agree, I think that car did create a turning point for NZ sports sedans. As Rod has said above, there were a few NZ built space-frame sports sedans already racing, but that car seems to be the first space-frame car from the US and it was very quick. Owners started importing their own versions during the following seasons, and then it was decided that everyone should have one, and that the old traditional production based sports sedans were effectively outlawed. The US space-frame cars were certainly effective, but they lacked the character and uniqueness of the Kiwi machines.

[ged]

1950-1960? austin healy corvette i think i rember one going around south island

[cavvy]

Ferrari 125 fitted with Corvette power at 1962 Aus GP at Caversham, link for a photo.
http://www.oldracephotos.com/shop/product5001

Bruce McLaren won the 1962 AGP
http://www.terrywalkersplace.com/

Apologies for my inability to post a picture, so you need go to galleries to see the winning Bruce McLaren, hang on there is more, the same gallery includes a photo of the Eldred Norman double banger V8 that saw out its days in WA, last driven by Toby Carboni.

[rogered]

There were already some NZ built space frame cars running in Sports Sedans at that stage, and Dymonds car was an IMSA version which was different again. The Trans Am importing thing came down to couple who did this and as has happened in other class's (they have been involved in since) they proceeded to stuff it. The OSCA/Sports Sedan brothers were going along nicely until this happened.

Got a video somewhere from inside the car when it turned left instead of ahead and meet a big tyre sideways.

It was not uncommon for some expats to return with all these claims to fame and trophies from $2 shop back in those days.

I see that jim short refers to this chap as "the clown".in another thread.
never quite worked out how this one chap had so much "say" and "influence" for so long, at my count 40+ years.
and some day, i would not be suprised to see the name on the new years honours list.
One day you can explain it to me Rod :confused::confused:

[woody]

Gwyn, Ed Candy ( Timaru) had a Healey Corvette & G Smith (Chch) had a Healey Corvette.

[markec]

Regarding space frames, PDL2 was not what you could call being a monocoque construction.

[David McKinney]

Gwyn, Ed Candy ( Timaru) had a Healey Corvette & G Smith (Chch) had a Healey Corvette.
Originally raced by Arthur Kennard, then to the Candys and later still Graham Smith. Don't think I've heard of it since about 1966

[mac]

Good question Gavin, what did happen to that engine?

Hi Guys, Sorry I'm way late in this reply. I purchasesd the car off Rod. The engine threw a rod at the grand prix at Pukekohe. The engine was toast but saved the cam and hilborn injection. Fitted a new corvette engine We continued to race the car including Rod who drove it again at a couple of races. The old block and heads were given to the Stone boys in lieu of balancing the new motor. They then cut it down to a four banger to be used for speed way, i never saw the thing completed but was told it was some task! Cheers, Colin Macbeth

[mid-year]

8281
Hey Greg, that is awesome! Looks like its fitted with a set of Mawer wheels? Where is this car now?

Alive and well,prowling the streets of S.E. QLD,now RHD and back to Big-Block power as a road car.

[Rod Grimwood]

It's worth more like it is know, as those split window models are the ones everyone wants.
Don't quote, but think the split window was only made in 68. They sure had the humps and bumps and shark front.

[markec]

I see the Astronaut Armstrong car seems to be going to fetch huge money and its a rust bucket.

[jim short]

Give me a ring at the same time Rod need another laugh,and by the way and I may be wrong but I think the Dymonds are two different familys. The Steve Dymond hit the wall at Levals was not the Penrite oil man from Aussie.Steve took of with the McLaren coupe a friend of mine in Denver bought it Harry Mathews,.Told about some not very nice dealings ,and if I was hiding like behind mr xxrrxed I would print it As to the Queens medal if you were up with the play you would know I turned it down and as you mentioned it some time back I must say sorry if I keep you awake at night

[markec]

Steve , John and Brian are brothers, Steve was in Aussie for a while then went to the states, brought that illegal Camaro over for the Transam series one year.

[jim short]

So was John and Mark father and son they had the Carter corvette ???? both now dead???

[Racer Rog]

Two Different men, John Diamond ran Penrite oil, and raced here in NZ at Historic events with his family for a number of years, his son and daughter ran cars here two, his son died of cancer and John passed away a few years ago, he was a mighty guy with a passion for racing and oil, Barry Leitch did a lot of work on their cars and I think his daughter still races in Australia.
Roger

[jim short]

Yes I agree , he offered to sponsor my Short Spyder in the early 90s to a trip right around Aussie as it was all sealed I had told him I had driven it from the top to the bottom of NZ and would love to drive melb. to Perth .They had the Carter at the last Wigram along with Spencer Martin in the 300s Maser and XK220,have some great vidio shots of Spencer and Jim Palmer in the 300s along side the Chev coupe and PDLect

[jim short]

Going back a few post to help out rogered with his maths one thing I am good at from 1955 to 2000 is 45 add on 12 and it comes to 57 Rogerd wish you would be man enough to use you name when you slack anyone off 57 years and I dont make a big deal out of it just some of us are born this way!!!

[woody]

John Dymond is on Trade Me/old friends/Otago Sports Car Club member.

[Habu]

Image as posted in another thread on this website. Although im not a "bowtie" kind of guy, this is a fantastic car :)

8349

[jim short]

In 1958 Ardmore .I always watched practise at College corner then sat as high up as possible in the grandstand opp. the pits this day an Austin Healey with a chev v8 E Kennards arrived at the corner way to fast and did five high speed loops I have never seen anyone do better, certanly had some of the spectaters running,not certan but think it was two tone blue and grey??

[mid-year]

Hi Guys,the "split-window'' Coupe was a one year only body style in 1963 and is consided quite collectable yet not as valuable as an 1967 (last year for this body shape) 427/435hp Convertible........$100,000+ US.

[Rod Grimwood]

Hi Guys,the "split-window'' Coupe was a one year only body style in 1963 and is consided quite collectable yet not as valuable as an 1967 (last year for this body shape) 427/435hp Convertible........$100,000+ US.

Thanks, new there was something around the split window being a collectors item.

PS Jim got dvds thanks. Now leave our mate Rogered alone, you saw him in mirror a few times too in days gone past. Think he was extracting the urine. (now that will have you thinking, don't loose any sleep though) Got your phone number now so will help you with amnessia, because i do care about you.

[jim short]

Gee thanks Rod ,Steve David Amco now you what more can a man ask for ..Did I lap him?? how many times??

[Steve Holmes]

8281

Alive and well,prowling the streets of S.E. QLD,now RHD and back to Big-Block power as a road car.

Thats the same car? Wow, I'm shocked. Thats really had a big resto done, its stunning. As much as I love the way it looks now, I think I prefer it as a race car.

[Steve Holmes]

Steve , John and Brian are brothers, Steve was in Aussie for a while then went to the states, brought that illegal Camaro over for the Transam series one year.

There is some good tv footage on another thread on here from when he raced that Corvette in NZ. To be fair to Steve, he never actually wanted to race for points or the championship, he just wanted to get some racing under his belt for a full campaign in the IMSA series.

[findthedb]

I am trying to find information about the double banger. I am Toby Carboni's son and compiling a book about his life including his racing days. I would appreciate any information, images or any contacts you give to help me. Thanks in advance

[225sloper]

Took this photo at Chris Amon meeting Hampton Downs 2011.He did this every time he came past,looks cool,put a smile on alot of peoples faces who witnessed this.10535

[W154]

Corvette racing cars? Ah yes the Chev Corvette Production Sports Car raced by Warwick Henderson in the Aust Sports car Champ springs to mind. This was a huge beast of a car.Had a huge cowl on the bonnet over the quad DD webbers which caused a few visibility problems. At Calder one day Hendo starts from the back of the grid having missed practice the day before. First lap, up the back straight,hauling them in, tucked in behind a Bolwell Nagari he pulls out to pass it and wham!!! fibreglass everywhere, cars going in all directions. He had rammed the back of a tiny Nota Fang and obliterated it."Never even saw it " he said, just this bang and the fibreglass bodywork of the Fang flying in all directions. Hardly any damage to the Vette,must have had the heavyweight body fitted that day.... In future races I ALWAYS made sure he knew where I was in my little Lotus 7!
Will try and find some photos and post em.

[Steve Holmes]

W154, is this the same Corvette he ran in the 1980s, with the Greenwood-style wide body? It ran in Sports Sedan/GT races. Looked fantastic! I understand the Henderson family still own this car? Would love to see photos if you have them.

[Grant Sprague]

Corvette Engines [CHEV] I have a contact from Hendrick racing that can supply nascar crate engines in various stages eg hours run , & from different stages of HP. If any one is interested let me know & I can do some fishing re costs etc etc ........

[GFR]

I found this image I captured of Warwick Henderson in his Corvette at Amaroo Park in May 1977. Photo is a bit grainy but you can get the general idea of what the car was like.

19113

[GFR]

I found a further image that has Henderson in his Corvette in a production sports car field at Amaroo Park in about 1978. I have zoomed and cropped the image to show Henderson tucked behind Fitzgerald, Mathieson, Bond and Trevethan.

19114

[Wal Will]

I think 1960. Wigram for sure. The TecMec (?) J Mansell.

[Wal Will]

Same meeting. The Stanton Special. probably the only meeting it was run in this form before some of the components became the rear engined Sports Car.

[Wal Will]

The Healy Corvette at the time owned by Sid Candy. Firstly ouside the Candy home with Ed's TR and Wally Bakers TF. Second photo at a Flying 1/4 at Ashburton.
I heard a long time ago that the car was destroyed by fire on the road from Christchurch to Timaru?

[Steve Holmes]

Fantastic photos Wal, thanks for posting.