1961 Chevy Belair Sport Coupe Race Car

[x Baldwin Motion]

This is a rare opportunity for someone to own this “barn find” and bring it back to its glory.


wow, I saw this excellent ride on weedbait (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230307561635&ih=0 13&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=)




http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/61Belair/61BelairSptCpe1.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/61Belair/61BelairSptCpe001.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/61Belair/61BelairSptCpe040.jpg

[mockingbird812]

My heart be still http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif ! Niiiiiiiiice! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[ORIGLS6]

Damn. That thing could be SO COOL!

[x Baldwin Motion]

I was thinking a great street car in race trim. And the name painted on the side...... Divorce Court

[PeteLeathersac]

I Lhttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gifVE IT Thttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gifhttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif!!!

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

[Plowman]

COOL|

[72-SS-L48]

How Neat! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[resto4u]

Very interesting car verne franz

[Verne_Frantz]

[ QUOTE ]
Very interesting car verne franz

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, I think it is. I sure wish someone could figure out it's history. It sure had plenty of old stickers and graphics on it, but no lettering I could find. I guess I'm lucky it hit the reserve. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[1969z280]

Bruce:

Thanks, just what I needed another project to drag home. I would've never seen this if it wasn't for your post. I'm having a hard time keeping my fingers off my lucky bidding buttons.

Just for kicks, what do you guys think this old girl is worth? Ya know, just in case the keyboard starts bidding on it's own. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gifEd

[x Baldwin Motion]

Just for kicks, what do you guys think this old girl is worth? Ya know, just in case the keyboard starts bidding on it's own. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gifEd

[/ QUOTE ]


I think this car is a bargain, if I had the time and space it would be mine. Good Luck bidders http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[John]

..with the 2 taillights ...was this a Biscayne? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[al8apex]

the Biscayne was not available with the hardtop, post sedan only ...

[Verne_Frantz]

Just to let everyone know, I couldn't be happier that it turned out this way. The gentleman who bought this car is the original racer of it. It's like a storybook tale come true. He has his race car back. It was called the Mousetrap. There's a LOT of history and more photos. It was the most coincidental circumstance that he happened to see the car on ebay at his son-in-law's place the day before the auction ended. It was fate. It was meant to be. He's on cloud nine and so am I. The planets lined up on this one!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/MikeCaputoAtco0001.jpg

I'm not sure if I'm crying because I had to give it up or because the original racer has it back. These things just don't happen that often. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/MIkewithcar0001.jpg

[ORIGLS6]

So cool Verne! I'm all smiles too.

Ain't it great when good things come full circle! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Mr70]

That is a twilight zone moment..
Get him to log on here and tell us the past experiences he's shared with it.

[Verne_Frantz]

[ QUOTE ]
So cool Verne! I'm all smiles too.

Ain't it great when good things come full circle! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I think my tears are more for joy than the sorrow of giving it up. What better outcome could there have possibly been?. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[69 Post Sedan]

That is a GREAT story and those are some GREAT pictures. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Kurt

[Xplantdad]

Way too cool Verne! Get him on here as well http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Whttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gifW...that is so cool Verne!.

I hope the owner/racer shows up here too!.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[MosportGreen66]

Thats very cool indeed Verne... did he instantly know it was his or did he need a minute to gather the facts?

[JoeG]

Luv a story with a happy ending.............

[Stefano]

Great Story!

[Chevy454]

Cool, Verne! That's the car that was asked about on the HAMB, right?

[x Baldwin Motion]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif Wow that is the greatest story I have heard in quite a while (much better than Charlie's dirty Camaro)!!

Those drag shots with the Keystones are priceless http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif


Congrats to you Verne, you just made a large deposit in the karma bank!!

[scuncio]

AWESOME story!!!!!!

[chevelleheart]

GREAT GREAT ENDING !!!! Need more stories though !

[Verne_Frantz]

More stories will be forthcoming as I get to know the new (old) owner.
For 23 years I've been sitting on this car, with plans to bring it back to the track, and the whole time I've been searching for it's history. Only today, when it left, did I learn that it's going back to it's original racer/owner.
I couldn't be more sad and happy at the same time. I just don't know how to express the feelings. He has his car back. I can only imagine how I would feel. I will do everything I can to help him bring this car back to the way he raced it.
Even though this car is certainly not aligned with the main topic of this site, I know there are many guys here who have those undescrible juices flowing in their veins and many of you truly understand what has just happened.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/OntrailerMike0001.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Great stuff Verne. Just unbelievable. I am sure you made one fellow very, very happy. You da MAN!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif
Congrats to you Verne, you just made a large deposit in the karma bank!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Couldn't have said it better myself! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[SuperNovaSS]

I'm confused. Were you the seller of this car Verne?


Jason

[Verne_Frantz]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm confused. Were you the seller of this car Verne?


Jason

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, it was sitting in my garage for 23 years exactly the same way I bought it, except I put hood on it and sanded off some paint trying to learn a clue to its history.

[JoeG]

He's lucky it was in the hands of an old geezer like you who appreciates these cars or it might have been lost...nice work pops..........

[ORIGLS6]

Geez, I didn't read closely enough I guess. I didn't realize YOU owned the car.

Now I understand the bittersweet feelings Verne. Here's hoping the new/former owner does her proud so you can get some sense of comfort.

To You Sir. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[njsteve]

I can only imagine how that buyer must feel.

I was all giddy when I found my original Cragars and tires on ebay last Superbowl weekend. Finding a long lost car would be the ultimate thrill.

Nice work Verne. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

You shall hereafter be known as Yenta Verne, the automotive matchmaker.

Verne's new motto: "Such a match I have for you!" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

That's funny Steve! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif If I was in his shoes and saw the car in person last Sunday (hours before the auction ended) I don't know if I could have been as cool as he was. He wasn't fighting to keep a big stupid grin off his face like I would have. I don't blame him for keeping it to himself until after title & money changed hands. He didn't know me, so he needed to be careful in case I was some jerk who would try to bleed him. When I told him I thought it was the most perfect ending possible he said he was happy I felt and looked at it that way.
He said he knows where there are more photos and he promised to send me copies.

As Chris said, the karma bank is overflowing. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Dog427435]

Wow! What a fabulous story - Boy I've got to read the for sale threads more often!!

Way to go Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif- what else you got squirreled away in that garage??
I'll be over this weekend to check it out!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

You and Carol are invited. We'll fire up the barbie. (no cameras though................)

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

[Verne_Frantz]

They just sent a few photos from Sunday when they picked it up. Loading in the rain without a winch was fun. Here's the old/new owner. He's soaked but he still looks happy. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/MCaputomepick-up.jpg

[x Baldwin Motion]

Verne, I hope you are able to keep in touch with these folks. Maybe you can move the thread to "other muscle" and we can follow the work they do!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

I was promised that more info would come to me, as well as more photos of it back then.
I agree, if the moderators also agree, maybe a different forum is more appropriate to follow this car. Let them make the decision. Afterall, it isn't for sale anymore.

Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Tarrytown SS427s]

Wow, great story! I'm really looking forward to seeing this thing restored. The picture of the guy working on the car before it was all painted up is really neat.
Steve

[njsteve]

This "no-winch loading" seems to be a trend with vehicles loading and unloading at your garage. At least you got to skip the workout that day after the winching hour.

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

[NovaMob03]

How cool is that? It's great when a sale is a win-win for both parties http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

[ QUOTE ]
This "no-winch loading" seems to be a trend with vehicles loading and unloading at your garage. At least you got to skip the workout that day after the winching hour.

We got it half way up by pushing, then since it was an open trailer I was able to pull my truck up next to his and pull it with a strap while they steered. It was a lot easier than what you had to go through with that non-running '62! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Seattle Sam]

[ QUOTE ]
This "no-wench loading" seems to be a trend with vehicles loading and unloading at your garage. At least you got to skip the workout that day after the wenching hour.

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

[/ QUOTE ]

...the wenching hour... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

Verne, perhaps you should add a wench to your crew?
http://www.liquorsnob.com/pictures/Oktoberfest-Waitress.jpg

[PeteLeathersac]

Nice Jugs!.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
~ Pete

[njsteve]

Those are mugs. Get your terminology right! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Mr70]

..those are steins.And two are under abreast.http://www.mvohio.net/Smileys/NgSmiley/police.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Lets see...there's eight there so divided by the two, wouldn't that make it four under a breast?.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif
~ Pete

--------------------
I like real BREASTS best...the REAL real ones!

[njsteve]

I guess that's what you learn from traveling a broad.

[sYc]

[ QUOTE ]
I guess that's what you learn from traveling a broad.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hum..traveling a broad. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Tarrytown SS427s]

lol

[Verne_Frantz]

I was going to ask my two German sisters to help load it, but they don't like raincoats.....

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/tn-8.jpg

[Donutblue]

Vern, you need to start feeding your poor sisters, their pants are falling off !!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[SuperNovaSS]

I'm glad their not my sisters. Are you the protective type Verne? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
Lets see...there's eight there so divided by the two, wouldn't that make it four under a breast?.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif
~ Pete

--------------------
I like real BREASTS best...the REAL real ones!


[/ QUOTE ]

All right, hold it right there, you guys are all under abreast!

[Verne_Frantz]

Well, I just got off the phone with the son of the new/old owner. He is still thrilled. Right now the plans are for an engine, trans, go through the electric, brakes, etc to just get it running again. He's so happy that he has it back that at this point, that's all he needs. It can sit in the garage forever, just so he knows he has it back. But I did get a hint of his intention to find the old decals he had on it and paint the replacement hood white so it looks old to match the rest of the car. He doesn't know it yet, but I have an original '61 hood that's painted white that's actually in better condition than the one on the car now. I'll ask him if he wants to trade.
You can't just let go of something you owned for 23 years and not care about its future. I was told that the car will remain in the family "forever", and that was a very good thing to hear.
As far as getting him on the site, he's old school. No computer, no interest. But as I am imparted with more history of the car, I will share it here. He's still on the track of more photos, which are supposedly in the possession of the nephew of the second owner.
I'm going to try and help him as much as I can with the future of the car (within my means). I guess I've kinda gotten attached to it...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[mockingbird812]

Way cool Verne. Keep us posted! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

He'd like to find some of the old decals that he had on it, like Keystone, Air-Lift, Hooker. If anyone has any, I'd appreciate it if you could help.

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

[1967Z28]

Verne,

I've got one Air-Lift sticker. Found it while I was looking for something else. It's a freebie for a good cause. PM me your address.

-Jon

[Verne_Frantz]

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

Thanks. I'll make sure he gets it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
PM sent

Verne

[1967Z28]

I'm very happy to be of help, Verne. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

-Jon

[Jerry@CHP]

Verne,

There is also a vendor called Past Lane Auto that sells a lot of these decals. I bought many originals from him back when I was restoring the Dave Strickler Old Reliable Z28 Camaro. I'll see if I can come up with an address and phone for you.

Merry Christmas,

Jerry

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
He'd like to find some of the old decals that he had on it, like Keystone, Air-Lift, Hooker. If anyone has any, I'd appreciate it if you could help.

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

[/ QUOTE ]

Doesn't 427King peddle old stickers?

[Verne_Frantz]

Thanks Jerry. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Back on page 1, the photo of the car in front of a garage shows the way he had it decaled. The photo of it on the track was after he sold it to the next racer and some things were changed.
I spoke to his son recently and learned that the candy red and blue paint he put on it was actually model car paint! I guess that's an example of the kind of budget those Junior Stock guys were on back then. It didn't hold up at all to the sun and got real ugly. It wasn't on there very long before he went with the white and brown scheme.

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

Verne

[Jerry@CHP]

Verne,

Here's what I have. Hope it's still good.

Past Lane Auto, C/O Ken, PO Box 69, Athol Springs, NY 14010, 716-649-4108,

Good luck,

Jerry

[pSYCo]

....i've found some cool old decals on ''the bay''

[copo69]

Past Lane website

http://www.pastlaneauto.com/

[Jerry@CHP]

Verne,

You would make a nice owner for the first 1961 Chevy Dave Strickler race car. Old Reliable #1. It's still out there. Just has to be found. Mike Stickler has some nice color photos of this car when it was campaigned. We are hoping that some day it will be located.

Jerry

[Verne_Frantz]

Thanks Jerry,

I think there's a good chance the original is out there too. But of course, since it wasn't heavily modified as a race car, it could have found its way back on the street where it might have met its demise.
There is a recreation, or tribute car being built now. I've been helping with a lot of the details. Bill Jenkins is on board, providing his details as well as some original parts he had from the real car. Bill also went through the carbs and dyno'd the motor. Mike Strickler and Susie are involved as well, providing more photos, etc. It's especially nice to know they are helping with the project. The chassis is almost done and is scheduled to be at York next July.
We're having a heck of a hard time finding correct wide white wall 7x14 cheaters. The repros are all 15". The car will be done to the OS/S configuration with the 2x4s and hood scoop. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Verne

[Jerry@CHP]

Verne,

Keep me posted on the new tribute car. I didn't even know that one was being built! The Strickler family are top shelf people. Have always been that way and I've helped Michael with his bracket race car quite a bit. He's a chip off the old block and drives just like his dad. If he had the backing and sponsorship, I'm sure he'd be dangerous in the world of Stock or Super Stock Eliminator.

Mike took me for a ride in the 67 Camaro that he owns many years ago after I rebuilt the 4-speed for him, that ride got my attention. Lethal with a four speed!

Merry Christmas,

Jerry

[Verne_Frantz]

Jerry, Please check your PMs.
thanks
Verne

[Verne_Frantz]

Jon,
Received the Air-Lift decal today. It will look like it's always been there!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/61Belair/61BelairSptCpe036.jpg

These are the kind of things that make this hobby so enjoyable. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

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

[Xplantdad]

Verne...you are so right! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[1967Z28]

[ QUOTE ]
Jon,
Received the Air-Lift decal today. It will look like it's always been there!

These are the kind of things that make this hobby so enjoyable. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

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

[/ QUOTE ]


That's great, Verne. Glad it made it safely from one coast to the other. It is very pleasing to know that something I was probably never going to use has now found its rightful place. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

-Jon