Agree Ken The short screens on the C2 Vettes are a great looking machineQuote:
Originally Posted by khyndart in CA
cheers from down under
Agree Ken The short screens on the C2 Vettes are a great looking machineQuote:
Originally Posted by khyndart in CA
cheers from down under
Thanks Paul.
Here is a good 1968 battle in Ohio between 3 Fords and a Corvette captured by Jerry Melton.
Attachment 58958
( Ken H )
Sometimes one plunks away not knowing who might be interested in what happened in Mid America in the 1960s and then I was rewarded with a call at work by someone who noted an old friend in one of Jerry Melton's photos who had gone off to Vietnam and not returned and was pleased to see him in a photo here on TRS.
So I will keep on plunking.
A popular Formula Vee in the US in 1968 was a "Zink" built by Ed Zink whose company went on to build many successful formula cars.
https://www.revolvy.com/page/Zink-Cars.
Attachment 58991
1968 FV Zink. in 1968
(Jerry Melton photo )
A 1968 Zink that was for sale in 2017.
Attachment 58990
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2017/0...ula-vee-racer/
(Ken H)
Keep on plunking away Ken!
There is some neat stuff there and you always have something of interest for all.
Cheers
I agree with Paul, always worth a look. Ken do you have any contacts with SVRA in Seattle area?
Rhys,
The only one I know in that area is, Tony Garmey, who was originally from the Papakura area (I think.) A super guy and very talented.
You can reach him through this site. Horizon Racing.
http://www.horizonracing.com/
I hope that works for you. Cheers,
Ken
The Formula race in 1968 included Formula B open wheeled cars (1600 cc which became Formula Atlantic in 1979 ) and Formula C open wheeled cars (1100 cc max.), formerly Formula Junior. ( Formula A cars entered these Formula races more in 1969.)
A rare Formula C car at the Steel Cities event in 1968 was the Rassey "Hurricane" FC car
driven by Bob Clemens # 61.
Attachment 59014
Attachment 59017
( Jerry Melton photos..)
Here is some information from OldRacingCars.com;
" Bob Clemens (Roseville, Michigan) worked for Chevrolet as a chassis designer, and had raced a Triumph Spitfire in the SCCA G Production class in Central Division from 1963 to 1966. In September 1966, the 34-year-old appeared in a Formula C car, designed by Clemens, built by Rassey Manufacturing, and known as the Rassey Hurricane. Clements raced this car in both local SCCA events and in Pro events over the next couple of seasons. By 1970, Clemens was a chassis and suspension engineer in GM's Corvette division, and acquired a Corvette RS which spent a year as the family runabout before he and mechanic David L. Skibowski reworked it into a Trans-Am car. He ran that car in Trans-Am in 1971 and 1972. He then went on to design the Formula A car for 1974, but his race record in the car is as-yet unknown. "
(Ken H)
Just a slight break in the action to ask questions regarding this 1978 Jerry Melton photo of a Formula 5000 car at a Michigan club race.
How did the driver get in or out in a hurry if he needed to ?
Is this an early version of a F1 type "halo" ?
(I eagerly await your answers. Thanks. Ken H )
Attachment 59033
(Jerry Melton photo.)
With help from Martin-Baker?
In case anyone is wondering. " Martin-Baker supplies ejection seats for 93 air forces worldwide."
(Good one Allan.)
KH
Robert Clift was a brave driver indeed in these Kawasaki powered DSR M-F Specials # 13
First in 1968 he drove this one.
Attachment 59038
In 1969 Robert was driving this DSR-MF Special. # 13
Attachment 59039
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(Jerry Melton photos. )
Ran twin Kawasaki engines .
Wonder what they were as until 1969, Kawasaki didnt really have any quick engines.
500 Mach 3 was 1969, also 350 Avenger- twin cylinder- rotary valve was a flyer.
Good thing car ran a lucky number.
Another great Hot-rod is Gar Woods 6,400 HP Boat...4 V12 Packards-
https://bangshift.com/general-news/v...AMkoUWsWrgYtJx
A car seen in 1968 events in the SCCA D Sedan class was the NSU 1000 TTS.
Did any of these reach "Down Under" ? I think NSU went on to become Audi ?
Attachment 59046
Attachment 59047
The open rear lid must have been an early type spoiler. (Note this one had the oval headlights..see note below. )
(Jerry Melton photos.)
I found this bit of info. regarding the NSU TTS. (Lane Auto Museum material.)
"NSU 1000 TTS-1967
The NSU 1000 represented a major change for NSU. This model has a four-cylinder, overhead cam engine which is air-cooled and located in the rear. You can see that the styling of the Prinz IV carried over. The 1000 is larger with an 88 inch wheelbase and an overall length of 150 inches. With the quad headlights, the 1000 looks even more like the Chevrolet Corvair. For the U.S. market, the NSU 1000 was altered with the use of quad, round, sealed-beam headlights (the original, oval headlights were still illegal in the USA). Front parking lights and turn signals were round and mounted below the bumper. The wrap-around front blinkers were replaced with a metal panel. Later, front seat headrests were installed, as were other safety features, like front seat shoulder belts and 4-way emergency flashers.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: NSU Motorenwerke AG
Country of Origin: Germany
Drivetrain Configuration: Rear engine, rear wheel drive
Engine: 996cc, 40 hp, 4 cylinder, air cooled
Transmission: 4 speed manual
Top Speed: 85 mph
Years of Production: 1964-72
Number Produced: 207,628
Original Cost: $2,595
https://www.lanemotormuseum.org/coll...-1000-tts-1967
Please check this Nashville Tennessee museum as it has some very interesting and unique information on all types of transportation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
(Ken H)
The original Munch Mamut motorbikes used an NSU engine - up to a 1300 I think. Huge for the time, now, not so much...
I know of one NSU in the Waiuku area.
Rhys,
Was that Tony Garmey information of any use to you on post # 86 ?
Ken.
In Australia the NSU Prinz was a runner in the Armstrong 500 with drivers like Doug Whiteford, Lex Davison, Paul England and hillclimb champion Bruce Walton in 1960.
Whether non-appearance in later races was due to withdrawal from the market or changes in the rules I don't know, but I have never seen anything more recent than the Prinz.
NSU and Auto Union merged in 1969.
Thanks, but I haven't tried yet. Needs to be very specific.Quote:
Originally Posted by khyndart in CA
Re ; NSU 1000 TT TTS
A car seen in 1968 events in the SCCA D Sedan class was the NSU 1000 TTS.
Did any of these reach "Down Under" ? I think NSU went on to become Audi ?
Ken H, never seen a race one in NZ, but I have a 1;43 of one with the open engine cover - very Abarth idea, as have a Fiat 600 [ [ 1000 Abarth, and a Simca Abarth coupe with the same set up a great looking little car ..
The sports car race in 1968 at Steel Cities Raceway included a "Genie" Mark 8 with a Camaro V-8 engine, # 17 driven by Jack Ensley.
Attachment 59075
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(Note the tiny roll bar compared to the later photo below.)
Attachment 59077
(Jerry Melton photos.)
The Genie was the creation of Joe Huffaker and there is some information at this site which also shows the beautiful craftsmanship involved in making these cars that still look great today.
https://girardo.com/available/1965-h...e-mk12-can-am/
Attachment 59078
(Ken H )
This would scare the crap out of me!Quote:
Originally Posted by khyndart in CA
Agree Steve, (post #88) It looks like the frame was bolted on after he got in. But there is a rather large void in front of the steering wheel, but that would mean the whole steering column would need to come out to get in & out.
Beats me?
Good pic Ken!
Cheers
1968 and the Formula B and C class open wheelers were without wings etc.and I always liked how they looked.
For example;
A McLaren M 4-B
Attachment 59171
Attachment 59172
A Brabham 21A
Attachment 59173
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(This could be a NZ scene such as Renwick etc. but it is in Ohio. USA. Nothing fancy but it was all enjoyed by everyone and well captured by Jerry Melton.)
(Ken H)
Between the track and the parking lot, British engineering is very much on display here in mid America, in this photo, as the Lotus 51 # 22 takes to the grass inside the Brabham BT21 A # 76.
Attachment 59177
(Jerry Melton photo..)
The Lotus 51 back on the track with the tyres showing signs of being a bit in the rough.
Attachment 59186
A 1965 Cooper T 75 # 10
Attachment 59187
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An Elva 300
Attachment 59189
An early Russell- Alexis # 2
Attachment 59190
Attachment 59191
(Jerry Melton photos)
Here is a site describing the Russell-Alexis story. (I like the look of that Mini Cooper beside it.)
http://www.britishracecar.com/JeffSnook-Alexis-Mk14.htm
(Ken H)
In the SCCA Sports car race a few Can Am cars were entered along with others including a Lotus 11 so there was a rather large speed differential !
The winner after 10 laps was Bob Nagel in his recently purchased 1968 Lola T70 Mk3 – chassis SL73/128.
( from Carl Haas who had drivers Chuck Parsons and Skip Scott drive it for him.) Bob was a privateer and drove in sports cars until 1977 and passed away a few years ago at the grand age of 91.
Bob had the original Bartz-Chevrolet 365cid 5900cc V8 engine replaced with a Ford 427cid 7000cc V8 and entered here for this event.
(One of the few events he had any success.) Car # 24
Attachment 59264
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Jerry Melton photos.
This car has been on the market a couple of times and now here is your chance folks to purchase one of the last Lola T 70 Spider (Open cars ) built.
First at Bonhams in 2006. https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/142...?category=list
And today I think it is again for sale at this site (Just in time for Xmas !) in Belgium with a well documented history etc.
https://racecarsdirect.com/Advert/De...hassis-sl73128
(Ken H )
These pics keep getting better, Thanks Ken.
Agree Bruce,
I could only imagine sitting on the side line and hearing those Can Ams blasting away. Music to my ears
Paul,
The older McLaren Can Am cars would often be found at these SCCA sports car races. At this meet in Ohio there were two 1965/66 McLaren M1Bs that were chasing the 1968 Bob Nagel Lola T 70. One was driven by Don Eichstaedt in McLaren # 16 and the other was Dave Causey driving McLaren # 54.
Attachment 59311
Attachment 59312
Attachment 59313
Sometimes Causey tried a bit too hard !
The # 16 McLaren M1 B was driven by Don Eichstaedt and the next post will show what an interesting history this car had.
(Note;It had a 351-W Cobra/Ford V-8. The engine was equipped with downdraft Weber racing carburetors. )
Attachment 59314
Attachment 59315
Attachment 59316
(Jerry Melton photos..)
The Don Eichstaedt 1965 McLaren M1 B history.
Attachment 59317
https://1965mclarenm1b.weebly.com/hi...ackground.html
(Ken H )
A fine little British sports car was the Turner, but sadly the company went into liquidation in 1966
Here is a nice example captured by Jerry Melton in 1968.
Attachment 59340
I have to admit I did not know much about these cars but this site has a heap of info. especially if you do the power point presentation.
http://www.turnersportscars.co.uk/
(Ken H )
They are great looking machines Ken, that has got to be a bucket list thing to drive a Can Am car!Quote:
Originally Posted by khyndart in CA
At decent pace!
Even though this is a 1966 listing, note how few if any US built cars competed in most SCCA classes except the "big banger""A & B classes in 1968-69.
Plenty of English & European vehicles before the "Asian Invasion " or " Too soon for Datsun" etc..
Attachment 59358
p.s. If anyone has tried to email me recently I am sorry we have not had email since Dec. 23rd and may not have it back until next year !
(Ken H)
Some of the British cars racing in 1968 at the Steel Cities Raceway event.
Attachment 59359
A Sunbeam Alpine driven by Nancy Frost.
Attachment 59360
An Austin Healey Sprite driven by Don Miller
Attachment 59361
Don Munoz in his MGB.
Attachment 59362
William Larson in his Lotus Seven.
Attachment 59363
Attachment 59364
Two Mini Coopers back in the day of "bungee cord" bonnet straps.
(Jerry Melton photos. )
Two of the Porsche at the 1968 event.
Attachment 59365
Jim Osborne in his Porsche 356 pulling into pit road while an MGA is being worked on in the background.
Attachment 59366
Fred Baker competing in his beautiful Porsche 906.
(Jerry Melton photos. )
The 906 Porsche has become a very sought after car today and worth over $ 2 million USD at some sales
(Do check this information on the Porsche 906.)
https://petrolicious.com/articles/he...istory-forever
(Ken H )
Jerry Melton often photographed events at the Waterford Hills circuit near Detroit, Michigan.
As you can see in these 1968 photos the track safety features left some room for improvement !
Attachment 59485
Attachment 59486
Shouldn't that picnic table and bench be at least on the other side of the fence ?
Attachment 59487
Attachment 59488
The rewards for winning the Formula V race !
Attachment 59489
Plus you might also have had the opportunity to get to meet Miss Michigan 1968.
Darlene Kurant Follett, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, 1968
(Jerry Melton photos..)
Although he tried his best the driver of this Shelby Cobra 289 # 196 had some difficulty keeping his machine on the track.
Attachment 59510
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Attachment 59512
(Jerry Melton photos)
In 1969 one of the vehicles competing at Waterford Hills was this Holman-Moody modified Ford Challenger # 3
Attachment 59531
(Jerry Melton photo..)
It was possibly one of these being built at the Holman-Moody workshop in 1968.(No the window pillar is slanted in the other direction.)
Attachment 59533
This 1967 photo shows what a fine facility Holman- Moody had for all their various Ford racing preparations.
Attachment 59532
(Ken H )
Brilliant pics Ken. The middle photo shows the new HM Ford Torino stock cars being built for the 1968 NASCAR season. These were built using a custom made frame onto which were hung steel body panels. I believe HM retained some of their 1967 Fairlanes which they then re-bodied as Torinos for '68.Quote:
Originally Posted by khyndart in CA
Bobby Unser's Holman-Moody prepared 1972 Ford Gran Torino # 41 at Sonoma, June 2018.
Attachment 59537
(K Hyndman photo)
Some info about this car at this site.
http://www.mustangandfords.com/featu...nascar-torino/
(Ken H)