Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!

[Verne_Frantz]

Just got my issue today. Probably the best car photography I"ve seen! Congrats Sam.
IF I could have ONE Chevelle in my garage, it would be that one! Black on red, and unrestored..... Couldn't be closer to my heart!

Verne

[mockingbird812]

Thanks Verne - kind of you to say.

I do want to make sure the record is straight on one account. I have still not seen the entire magazine yet, but it appears the editor may have lumped my car in under the "unrestored" category, i.e. a theme of the magazine as per the title of the cover. Is that correct (maybe the contents page reveals this)? If so, I would characterize that as using poetic license. If I were selling the car, I would use stronger language. Although many portions of the car ARE unrestored (paint, interior, trunk, etc.) I would NOT consider my car unrestored as a whole - engine bay and front suspension have been fluffed. As a writer (I use the term loosely) you do not always have complete control over the final product. The editor has unbelievable constraints and as Terry told me he must serve numerous superiors. But I am learning this fascinating trade which has been an enjoyable process thus far. I am completely appreciative of the editor's confidence in me at trying this challenging trade - so, do not construe this as looking a gift-horse in the mouth. It's all good. There are a few minor errors, but essentially the car is depicted as I intended and I hope that I conveyed the interesting story beyond the metal, rubber, & vinyl of the car itself. To me, this is where it is really at!

I'm done blabbing now.

[1969grb]

Sam, That is a beautiful car, can't get much better. Congrats on a great article.
Grady

[chads454Ls6]

Nice article

[mockingbird812]

I grabbed a couple more photos from a server that were not used in the article.

This is the street trim version (JC Penney L60s on back) while parked in front of his parent's house in '70 ....

[mockingbird812]

Race trim....

[

[mockingbird812]

This was taken at New London Dragway with Wayne and his wife Delaine. She is holding the Class Win trophy that now has the 2 nickels glued to the top that his cousin, Lisa gave him for good luck.

[SS427]

I love those photos from the day. Thanks for sharing!

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
I have still not seen the entire magazine yet, but it appears the editor may have lumped my car in under the "unrestored" category, i.e. a theme of the magazine as per the title of the cover. Is that correct (maybe the contents page reveals this)?

[/ QUOTE ]

Sam,

Yes, your assumption is correct. Directly above the picture of your car is the word "UNRESTORED" in large font, and then just below it, is "3 Factory Original Muscle Cars". I doubt that anyone here (at least anyone who knows you reasonably well) thinks you're trying to pawn it off as something it's not. We all know you have to take what you read in any car magazines with a grain of salt. The car is what it is....what's truly priceless is the relationship you've been able to establish with the original owner, and all the memories (photographic and otherwise) that he's eagerly provided for you to share

[mockingbird812]

Thanks Bill. Finally scarfed up a copy at Borders.

Back from Chicago now and wanted to take a moment to thank some of the folks who helped me with the magazine project - you certainly can't do it alone and these folks sure were great .........

** Tyler (my son) for yr photographic and car detailing talents.
** Ed M (enio45) for yr expertise in car prep and and all the other things that go along with the photo shoot.

[Don Spiro (photographer) and his wife are to the left and Ed is in the middle, Tyler, my youngest, is on the right.]



** Steve (njsteve) for yr expertise on certain '70 B body Mopars w/ elephant engines!
** Dan Vasic (Postsedan) for your '69 Chevelle under-the-hood expertise
** Fred K and Ward G (couple local dudes) for "CZ" and "GH" underhood detail help
** Dale McIntosh (chevellestuff.com ) for yr historical statistical data


One other thing I wanted to share with you. When I got back from the airport, this was waiting for me in my inbox:


<font color="blue"> "Sam,

Just finished reading the JULY issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines for the 13th time!!!

Your article is excellent- pictures and the stories, everything in detail. Not only about the Chevelle,



but about an ultimate piece of my life,about family and friends that I am still so proud of today.

Going next week to pick up another copy. Guess what day? FRIDAY the 13th , this copy of

Hemmings Muscle Machines along with the dated sales receipt will be my personal 40th Anniversary

present.

Thank You,

Wayne "
</font>