Arlen Vanke

NCGuy68 · #1 08-19-2007, 06:10 AM

Was talking to a old friend in Ohio and he mentioned 'Akron' Arlen Vanke and his 68 SS Factory Hemi Cuda. As I recall, Vanke beat Sox & Martin with it at the Spring Nationals.

I'am looking for vintage photos of the car. I can find lots of photos of his 71 Duster, but none of the Cuda during that time.

Does anyone have vintage photos of the original Cuda?

Thanks in advance for any help.

**mockingbird812** · #2 08-19-2007, 08:02 AM

I think the car your referring to was for sale at the 06 Russo & Steele. I looked thru their past results and it was not listed. Arlen was there and he looked good. Really got the crowd pumped. Sold for $2 mil????

Here is one photo I found of Vanke biting hard at launch....

NCGuy68 · #3 08-20-2007, 04:40 AM

Thanks Sam and yes, that is the car I'am referring to. East Town Chrysler/Plymouth clearly on the side. I'am wondering why so few photos of it exist considering it was one of the few cars to beat Sox and Martin in the finals at a national event...69 Spring Nationals I think. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

Can anyone provide facts, history or photos of this car?

As always, thanks for any help Gents.

**mockingbird812** · #4 08-20-2007, 04:49 AM

Found one from R&S auction...

**mockingbird812** · #5 08-20-2007, 04:53 AM

These are just following the recent restoration...

**Salvatore** · #6 08-20-2007, 08:21 AM

Most of the time in the old days there are not many original pictures because the guys only have those factory cars for 1 to 2 years at the most. They change hands and are relettered.

**mockingbird812** · #7 08-20-2007, 09:28 AM

One more...

**bwag** · #8 08-20-2007, 05:49 PM

If my memory is correct ,at the '68 nationals the factory picked Sox to lose his class SS/B race. In retaliation Ronnie redlighted by about 2 full seconds and ran about .8 seconds under the SS/B record. Arlen was seeded into the S/S eliminator and won it going away.

**mockingbird812** · #9 08-20-2007, 07:19 PM

[ QUOTE ]
If my memory is correct ,at the '68 nationals the factory picked Sox to lose his class SS/B race. In retaliation Ronnie redlighted by about 2 full seconds and ran about .8 seconds under the SS/B record. Arlen was seeded into the S/S eliminator and won it going away.

[/ QUOTE ]

Very interesting. Guess he showed the factory a thing or two.

Z28fan · #10 08-21-2007, 07:53 PM

Here's the Cuda at Indy in '69. Not sure who to credit for the photo.