Motion Oldsmobiles

OK guys - I gotta question.

This is my first post on this board, and I have a question about a dealership outta Hempstead Long Island, called Mack-Markowitz Olds. They offered a package, in conjunction with Motion Performance, called the "Motion-Markowitz Racing Division". They were called "Mach 1 Supercars". It included prepared W-31's, W-30's, 442's, and even Toronados !!!

Does anyone have any information relating to this Olds offering ? I have ONE article that showcases a "Mach 1 Ram-Rod 350" (W-31). I'm looking for catalogs, dealer info, documentation, cars ....

PS - My username comes from my DESIRE to own a Yenko Deuce. Those cars have always impressed me. The Camaros and Chevelles get all of the ink - but those Novas are my weakness. http://www.yenko.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/laugh.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/laugh.gif

[Fhakya]

I've got a number of those adds and a few write ups (They had that 68 W-31 sitting like a fuel altered!). I was in contact w/ a gentelman about a year ago who's brother owns what he claimed to be a Motion tweaked W-30 car (can't remember the year) which was originally owned by one of the writers for 'Hi-Performance Cars' Magazine (Joe Oldham maybe?). I talked to another guy shortly thereafter who claimed that there were no Motion Oldsmobiles produced. This was supposedly from the mouth of Joel Rosen. I'm sure that Motion had done some tweaking on Oldsmobiles but have never come across any of the advertised 'Mach-1' Supercars. I'm guessing that they were simply performance tuned by Motion (Topcat Kit and suspension tuning) and never badged as such. I'd like to find out more though. Anyone have any more input?

-Mark Holman

[JoeC]

There were a few of the Motion Olds built but I was told that there was not much interest in the program. If an Olds customer asked about the Mach I, they were told to bring their new olds to Motion for modifications.
Markowitz Olds also had a 442 drag car.
Here is a ad from Sep. 1968 Cars mag

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1169942&a=8610132&p=38447098

YEP !!

That's the ad that I have too. Too bad it wasn't a popular program http://www.yenko.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/frown.gif

Can you imagine a 455 "Ram Lux" Motion-prepared Toronado ?? http://www.yenko.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/shocked.gif

Any other info out there ??

[Fhakya]

Interesting you bring that up..hehe. I'm guessing I'm kind of a 'pup' here at 28. But, I had a '69 Olds Toronado (courtesy of grandma) for a winter car my 2nd and 3rd year of college. Being a die hard gear head, I looked up the specs on the motor of my beast and found that the engine was strikingly similar to the W-30 of the same year (cam profile etc.). It did have a forged crank and would turn some serious smoke from the front tires from a stop sign.....God...the looks on the peoples faces! This particular car had such a serious case of cancer that you could see through the trunk (from outside the car) and a radiator that could've aided the hoover dam in production. But be damned If I could get it stuck in a MN winter! I got it high-centered one time but that was on a huge snow drift in S. St. Paul on a dare.....I thought I could clear it (70 series tires measuring at darn near 29"). Much to my stupidity, I let it slip out of my hands to some towing company when I didn't have the funds to move it (college) when it finally died (cooling sys, not engine).
Uggh! ...type 'C' heads!

-Mark

[copo9566aa]

Very cool
A 1968 Motion Markowitz Cutlass (Ram-Rod) post coupe, was pictured in Rodder & Super/Stock Magazine
of March 1969 in a Motion Supercar Club ads.

The ads is black and white, the Cutlass is probably white, chrome 5 spoke mag (cragar SS or GT) and the car is racing in E/S class.And my magazine turn to yellow hahahaha.

Its the first time i listen Mach 1 motion oldsmobile. Its for this i love the online board, i can know new thinks all times.

I Have full of old magazine,but not scanner for the moment sorry.

[JoeG]

Going thru some of my old Motion stuff---Motion-Markowitz '68 catalog--------

[JoeG]

Back----------

[JoeG]

One more----------

[chevelleman]

Joe is there anyway you could make the sec pic bigger? Ertl did a Motion Markowitz Olds this year in 1/18 scale and I would like to see how close they got it.


Thanks,
Ralph

[JoeG]

Ralph,--- I picked up that Motion/Olds car myself--for the most part it is right on("Member" on decal should be on top of wheel),but it's not--LANE EXACTS --it would have been nice if they had put in the ram/air hoses--------Joe


Heres your blow-up------

[copo9566aa]

Another /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Casey Marks]

copo - THAT PICTURE ROCKS !! Thanks for posting.

Trivia Contest: What about the Motion-Markowitz die-cast is blatently incorrect ?? (not including the info already stated...)

[JoeG]

Casey, Your right ERTL seems to go off track when it comes to actual detail---If I remember correctly that Motion/Olds was a 4 speed.Overall it's kinda neat.---JoeG
Got to give them credit though,-- they spelled MACKOWITZ right /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif---- See what I mean.

Here's another-----

[Casey Marks]

OOOH - the plot thickens !! That wasn't *quite* what I was looking for - but EXCELLENT observation Joe.

Don't pay any attention to all the other crap attached to my refrigerator. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif Just look at the die-cast. It's an ugly error ..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

PS - Rob Clary can't play. And now that I see 442w30 (Diego) is on-line, he can't play either !! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[JoeG]

OK-Casey---Baldwin Motion Oldsmobile /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Casey Marks]

JoeG with the quick response !! DING-DING - - we have a winner !! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[Mr70]

Casey
Don't forget to pick up your Dry Cleaning...and Your Mom called.
Nice Fridge....Is that a Maytag X4. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[JLP]

I have in front of me a Baldwin Performance Guide and Catalog,for Pontiacs. On the back is an advertisement for similar Guides and Catalog's for Mopar, Ford, Olds, Chev and Pontiac. Phase III Publications. $2.98 each. Wonder how many are still around?

[JoeG]

'69 H/O--Motion PhaseIII 455 engine/suspension http://www.yenko.net/attachments/93062-motionolds.jpg

[55chevy]

SWEEEEEEEEET!! Does anyone know if this car still exists? Would love to see more pictures of it if anyone has them http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[JoeG]

One More ED--Motion Markowitz 442/convert. tow car(nocturne blue/wht top for the (nocturne blue) M/M drag car---- http://www.yenko.net/attachments/127698-bosshoss.jpg

[MosportGreen66]

[ QUOTE ]
One More ED--Motion Markowitz 442/convert. tow car(nocturne blue/wht top for the (nocturne blue) M/M drag car---- http://www.yenko.net/attachments/127698-bosshoss.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

Super skinnies up front. SWEET photo Joe. THANKS!

[JoeG]

Don't know if this was posted B-4-- http://www.yenko.net/attachments/128973-Scan0021.jpg

[55chevy]

Yeah that is one of the coolest ones you posted before Joe. Was hoping you had more of that car.. I had that pic up on my screen as a background for a few months. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Do you have any info on that Olds? The vette pipes on it look awesome http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[55chevy]

Here's the only other one I have of the '69.. Looks like a bad boy! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/129046-80890-MotionOlds.jpg

[JoeG]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif Photo.....

[Casey Marks]

That is a VERY COOL photo Ed ! THANKS ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

I "think" that car now resides in Florida ('69 Commotion car) ??? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[JoeG]

Motion/Markowitz W31 Ram Rod--- http://www.yenko.net/attachments/129455-Scan0024.jpg

[427TJ]

Love the '68 442's with the vertical side stripes. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[GM-26]

I love the 15x4 inch Cragar Super Sports! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[427TJ]

I've said it before: Skinny Cragars http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif RULE!

[JoeG]

- http://www.yenko.net/attachments/130569-Scan0017.jpg

[55chevy]

Keep diggin and keep 'em coming Joe http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
- http://www.yenko.net/attachments/130569-Scan0017.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

Now I want a '68 442. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Chevy454]

Yeah, yeah, not a Motion Olds, but a cool Olds nonetheless...if I'm not mistaken, Jack ran E/S, but coulda jumped down to F/S. And even cooler than that, I *believe* a descendant of his resides and posts on this very board! And ironically, he also runs a W-31...http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

Anyway, I got this from S/SS Yahoo group, from the 5-71 SS&FC...

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/130837-JACKMARK.jpg

[427TJ]

Very cool! Slicks on the Magnums look great, as do the skinnies on the front.

The airplane is a 1960-ish Beechcraft Super 18 executive transport, built before the Lear Jet changed everything in 1964. Remember the movie "Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World"? That' was a Beech 18 that they flew through the billboard.

Hey, I'm just filling in the gaps here.

[Mr70]

http://www.gchudleigh.com/images/airplanebillboard.jpg
http://www.gchudleigh.com/images/stooges.jpg

[Casey Marks]

HEY ! That guy standing on the wing has the same beer gut I do ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

That is my uncle's 1970 F85 W-31. The guy standing on the ground is Rich Powers, a very prominent Olds engine builder for Stock and Super Stock class racers back in the day.

Coincidentally ---- those Magnums were unique Motor Wheel produced Super Stock I Olds rallyes. They were 15x8" in the rear and 15x4" in the front. Jack still has an NOS set of those that are PERFECT. The unique thing is that Olds didn't offer a 15" SSI, so they snuck it past tech and everything else. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif That picture is probably one of my favorite pictures of Jack's race cars. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[427TJ]

I read that guys like Bill Jenkins ran tall fronts so they could stage the car in such a way so as to leave on the last yellow. The tall tire allowed more rotation and kept the beam broken longer as the car left on the yellow light. Anyone else heard of that? Sounds good to me. Tall skinnies look cool too.

[Steven J]

[ QUOTE ]
HEY ! so they snuck it past tech and everything else. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

So, you are just continuing the tradition ??? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[JoeG]

That's one http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif!!!! photo----No not yours Rick- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Casey do you have anymore vintage photos of that car.....

[Casey Marks]

This is a snippet from that same article. The team was pretty successful. Even beat up on the Smothers Bros. ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

http://www.fototime.com/7ED07CCFC840B4B/standard.jpg

Tidbit: They DID get their asses chewed by Olds management for beating the Smothers Bros. at Indy though ....... ooops .... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[Casey Marks]

Here's another shot of the Motion W-31 E/Stocker that Joe posted the front fender shot of.

http://www.fototime.com/EE1A3BD79D865F2/standard.jpg

[Casey Marks]

Here's a shot taken at Martin Michigan in 1969. This is Jack's F85 W-31, sponsored by Lines Olds.

http://www.fototime.com/695375E11897F65/standard.jpg

[Casey Marks]

Here's a crappy pic-of-a-pic ..... This is the same '69 F85 W-31 in the Winners Circle at the US Nationals in Indy. I've got (2) 8x10" black-and-whites of these. Jack has one that is 3'x4' hanging in his garage still. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://www.fototime.com/2E20231C4681153/standard.jpg

[JoeG]

Did you say Smothers Brothers- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/attachments/130939-Scan0026.jpg -- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif info and photos--Dynamite Olds http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif, now I know where you get your passion for 442's/Olds-- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif--

[Mr70]

Hey those are http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif pictures!
Not yours JoeG. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Casey do you know where this car is Today?

[hvychev]

Casey VERY COOL!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Does Jack ever give you any tips? Was he your car inspiration?

[Casey Marks]

[ QUOTE ]
Casey VERY COOL!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Does Jack ever give you any tips? Was he your car inspiration?

[/ QUOTE ]

Unfortunately Frank, Jack has NEVER even seen my car. He lives less than 100 miles from me, and I've owned the car for over 7 years ..... never ...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif Once he stopped racing in 1974, he literally left it all. He still has some VERY cool factory Olds race and NOS stuff in his garage and basement that I've tried to buy from him numerous times, but he won't sell. One of those, "I might do something with it someday" diatribes. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

Virtually EVERYTHING that I've done to mine to make it as quick as it is, is my own homework and knowledge. It really is unfortunate that he doesn't even talk about "the old days" with any sort of passion. He had a very successful stint as a factory backed Olds racer during the most important years in performance for Oldsmobile. It sucks, but oh well. I'll continue to make the Marks name a thorn in all the other small blocks' behinds ....... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[JoeG]

What are the colors on that Olds Casey---I keep thinking I've seen a color shot in one of my mags---Gotta check.....

[427TJ]

From the May, 1968 Cars Magazine article on how to hop-up '68 Oldsmobiles. Joel Rosen, in suit, tie, and glasses, takes notes on an Olds motor being dynoed by GM technicians.

[427TJ]

From the May, 1968 Cars Magazine article on how to hop-up '68 Oldsmobiles. Joel Rosen, in suit, tie, and glasses, takes notes on an Olds motor being dynoed by GM technicians.

[427TJ]

"Ram Air" Olds 442 drag car engine shot. Only photo of the car in the article.

[427TJ]

Love the Hurst wheels (with knock-offs) and the vertical '68 side stripe.

[427TJ]

Gotta' love the Ram-Air 442, especially in red.

[427TJ]

Here's a couple of Olds Cutlasses being drag tested at Irwindale. Maybe Cutlass S models with W-31 package? Doesn't say. Stock redlines may be a tip-off that these are W-cars.

[427TJ]

Another one of those posed "spinning fan" engine shots.

[Mr70]

Danger Will Robinson!
http://bobgreiner.tripod.com/1cc2ce10.jpg

[hvychev]

Here is a 1968 442 that my dads friend across the street got as a high school graduation present in 1968. The car was Yellow. Photo circa 1968 when the car was BRAND NEW! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[hvychev]

Here is another shot of my pops other buddys 442 in the back ground. Pops is the second guy from the left. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Picture circa 1969

[whitetop]

mr70
I don't think many people get it. I do.

[Belair62]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif Haven't seen that in a while..

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
Here is a 1968 442 that my dads friend across the street got as a high school graduation present in 1968. The car was Yellow. Photo circa 1968 when the car was BRAND NEW! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Yellow like a Butternut Yellow? (Whatever Olds called it.) Man, I want a '68 442 with that vertical side stripe!

Frank, are you in the circa-1969 picture? Great old pics!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[budnate]

[ QUOTE ]
Frank, are you in the circa-1969 picture? Great old pics!



[/ QUOTE ]

yep riding around in the twins.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[GM-26]

There are some strong running "442"s out there!
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/131431-Milan_Obradovich_69_Cutlass.jpg

[hvychev]

[ QUOTE ]
Frank, are you in the circa-1969 picture? Great old pics!


[/ QUOTE ]

No TJ....wasn't even a thought yet! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
No TJ....wasn't even a thought yet! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Jeez Frank...when I graduated high school, you were less than 1 year old! Damn young kids... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[W31Steve]

I own a 69 f85 w31 and am looking for any and all drga car pics from the era. My car was a drag car in the eary 70's and is from florida. any more out there?

[W31Steve]

I own a '69 f85 w31. Any chance of getting a look at some of those pics you tried to post?

[Belair62]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/153414/an/0/page/0#153414

[JoeG]

Very http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif--W31--------------- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[W31Steve]

Hey Steve rom Florida here. i gotta see those pics of th '69 f85 w31 winner from indy. I'd love to get that on may garage wall over my "69 F85 W31. thanks in advance for your help!!!

[JoeG]

Here's a 8 page catalog Motion put out on the Motion/Markowitz '68 OLDS Performance Group----Front http://www.yenko.net/attachments/156271-olds--motion1.jpg

[JoeG]

Back Page-------- http://www.yenko.net/attachments/156272-olds--motion2.jpg

[W31Steve]

Anynone see the '69 F85 W31 on ebay? I see some weird stuff like wrong hood. Not displayed with cowl tag, engine #'s etc. Waddya think? Ebay item # 4572167713

[Fhakya]

I was guessing that that would be the correct hood for that one. What hood are you thinking should be on there? That would be a fun car.

[W31Steve]

Heyman How are ya? I own a '69 F85 W31. It has the 442 double hump hood. the 442 hood was in fact part of the package. I've never seen another f85 w31 with a plain f85 hood. Not recently or even in B&W pics from the era.

Still would be a great car if it's real
Mine can be a real blast!!!

[SamLBInj]

This looks like a clip from the Deer Hunter http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/131230-Scan10010.JPG

[hvychev]

HEY! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My pops is the one that is second from left. That pic was taken in 68-69.

[P.J.]

The real serious racers used that tire config
and aslo angled the car a little on the line
I hole shot plenty of cars that way: great feeling http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
suprss70

[KarlSarpolis]

Hello,
I have a 1968 Hurst/Olds that was sold new at Mack Markowitz Oldsmobile. Is it possible for you to scan a full size copy of your 1968 Motion catalog?
Regards,
Karl