Bought my dad's old Buick Funny Car...

[musclecarjohn]

World's only Buick-powered Buick Funny Car constructed by my dad at his shop Brooklyn Speed & Machine in 1967.

Ron Peligrini owner of Fiberglass Limited in Chicago owned the only other Buick-bodied F/C (run under the Chicago Buick Dealers Group banner) that made it to the track but his was Chrysler Hemi-powered and was later destroyed in a on-track accident...it is believed that only 2 Skylark bodies were ever constructed but there are rumors a third body was created.

My dad is still with us and is eager to see his old car again.We need him to re-create the front timing cover to accept a magneto like he did 42 years ago.
Car ran a 8:71 blown 430 buick backed by a TH-400 trans prepped by Vitar.Rear was out of a Wildcat w/3.90 gears.
Car ran a best of 7.79 @ 191mph.

Guys...I'm just beside myself with joy,really,really happy to have the opportunity to own this time capsule that means so much to us. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/HPIM68381.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/IMG_25071.jpg

As it currently sits at the Gilmore Museum and was featured in Hot Rod magazine a few months back:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07363.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07362.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Wow http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif John! That is just terrific! Can't imagine how that feels. What are your plans for it? Keep us posted. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[MosportGreen66]

Awesome story. Congratulations!

[Atuckman]

congrats. you must be overwhelmed with joy

[Salvatore]

Has to be one of the best days of your life. What a war horse and extremely rare funny car! Keep us posted. I bet your dad feels real young again. Hey John, Think you will ever make a pass in it someday, maybe a cackelfest!!!? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
Hey John, Think you will ever make a pass in it someday, maybe a cackelfest!!!? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That is the plan,first get it to run then cackelfest it and eventually,get it back down the track.

Supremely happy here today http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif,I'll post more original pics from back in the day soon... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[jeff-san]

Awesome outcome John...I'm glad the car made it back to where it belongs! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[TDW]

Did you have to sell the 70 Z28? I hope you got to keep it!

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
Did you have to sell the 70 Z28? I hope you got to keep it!

[/ QUOTE ]

Keeping everything at this point...where this one will live is another story,lol. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
Awesome outcome John...I'm glad the car made it back to where it belongs! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Jeff,nice chatting with you this week. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Xplantdad]

Very cool John...congrats buddy! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[Postsedan]

John,

Congrats! Nice to see another Buick owner, Welcome! I have been telling everyone not to under estimate the power of a Buick! A few have been listening http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Dan.

[DarrenX33]

WOW!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[SuperNovaSS]

Fantastic. Congrats John!

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
Fantastic. Congrats John!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Jason...and thanks to everyone else for the kind words.
I'll post up some period-pictures ASAP... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

John

[BillD]

John, That is fantastic. Congrat's. Did you just find the car recently?

[flyingn]

fantastic news John!!! Do your Dad proud!!

[CC Rider]

Wow, very cool. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[COPO PETE]

That is too neat! Congrats!
Peter http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

BIG Congrats on aquiring your Dad's old Funny!.
I remember you or someone else posting pics of it here a year or so ago...when it was still owned by someone else?.

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

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
John, That is fantastic. Congrat's. Did you just find the car recently?

[/ QUOTE ]

No Bill,it kinda found me,lol.
I've known about it for about 2 years now and have been trying to buy it ever since.Owner finally relented and decided to offer it on eBay and it ran it's course w/o meeting the reserve last Sunday,I struck a deal with the seller after that.

As promised,here are some pictures that were scanned then mailed to me then I have taken pictures of scanned pictures (lol,I know...buy a damn scanner http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif) but you must admit the quality and steady hands produce pretty good quality. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

First up is a still from NY National Speedway in 1968:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07803.jpg

Just completed and sitting in front of my dad's shop Brooklyn Speed & Machine probably 1967.
Shop looks to be smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood,huh?
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07806.jpg

Magazine stills shot by noted east coast photog Bob Beattie:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07807.jpg

Motor is pretty much stock looking except for the 8:71 blower & injector.Chassis is my dad's version of a Logghe,from chrome moly tubing,rear is a Buick Wildcat piece w/3:90 gears.Weight of the car was 2,005#'s:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07808.jpg

Car is considered to be one of the best constructed in terms of safety...imagine strapping in and going 7.79 @ 191 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07809.jpg

Magazine articles:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07810.jpg

Strictly Buick is right,even the tow car was usually some big Buick boat,typically an Estate wagon:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07811.jpg

This article was missing a page...car got shortened,lol:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07812.jpg

Display in a Chevrolet dealer I believe...
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07813.jpg

Action shots...first up a pass @ Englishtown (our home track),love the way it's twisting the chassis a bit:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07814.jpg

This shot is available on line from NY National Speedway facing Malcom Durham in his Strip Blazer stretched Camaro.
The DC Lip always ran hard-charging all-Chevy powered Chevrolet's:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07815.jpg

I remember this day clear as a bell,I was 10 yrs old,we beat Doug Nash first round in his "Bronco Buster" Bronco II,I think he broke,lol.
Dyno Don & Mr. Norm were also there...what a show http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07816.jpg

Later it it's life when "Rapid" Red Lang drove it:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07817.jpg

Whatcha guys think...? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[mockingbird812]

Over the TOP!! What a score. Great photographic history. More - More!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

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

[CC Rider]

Love the story! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[gb70]

Awesome! What will you do with it once you restore it some, assuming it needs it? Museum piece, carry it to shows, race it?

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
Awesome! What will you do with it once you restore it some, assuming it needs it? Museum piece, carry it to shows, race it?

[/ QUOTE ]

Plan it to fabricate the pieces needed to make it run,then cackelfest it and hopefully find it's way down the 1/4 mile again... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
Will miss the CA Reunion next year but hopefully in '11,that would be our goal. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
Over the TOP!! What a score. Great photographic history. More - More!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

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

[/ QUOTE ]

This ride is beyond cool!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gifThe fact that it was your Dad's and now you have it back is beyond wildest dreams!! CONGRATS !! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Over the TOP!! What a score. Great photographic history. More - More!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

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

[/ QUOTE ]

This ride is beyond cool!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gifThe fact that it was your Dad's and now you have it back is beyond wildest dreams!! CONGRATS !! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you,I truly am living the dream over here! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif
More original stuff will be coming with the car so stay tuned guys... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[musclecarjohn]

Alot of people asked to see the car in it's current condition so here are some resto pictures:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07820.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07821.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07823.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07824.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07825.jpg

Look how accurate the body is,owner says you can read the guide numbers and date on the lenses!:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07826.jpg

[BJCHEV396]

Very http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gifA car from the golden age of drag racing! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[musclecarjohn]

Here is a picture of Ron Pelegrini's Super Bird Chrysler Hemi-powered '67 Skylark,the only other known body to ever make it downtrack.This car was later destroyed in an on-track incident:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/Pel67BuickFunny.jpg

Pelegrini also ran this 1968 Buick with a Romeo Palamides chassis under the Chicagoland Buick Dealers banner but this car handled very poorly and was crashed soon afterwards:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/Pel67Beware.jpg

[musclecarjohn]

Ingenue being loaded last Sat in MI,if all goes well I should see her on Sunday,here's some pics:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07847.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07846.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07845.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07848.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07849.jpg

I also received this picture of the front of the motor taken when it was being photographed for a magazine in 1967,you can see the mag drive/timing cover/crank girdle my dad fabricated for the 430 Buick motor.
I have a funny feeling the first two words out of his mouth after he see's this will be "crank trigger",lol... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07850.jpg

Chassis detail,basically dad's copy of a Logghe:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07851.jpg

[John Brown]

So, it must have been on display at the Red Barns Museum in Kalamazoo. I have a friend that had his comp coupe up there, also Al Berglers car was in there too.
You're in good company. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07847.jpg

[markjohnson]

I studied those pictures of the front of the engine and as a former machinist in a past lifetime, that's some nice work.

[L89DRMR]

Great car and fantastic photos. I agree with Mark about the machine work-nicely done. The DRAG NEWS plate is cool as well.

Dave

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
I studied those pictures of the front of the engine and as a former machinist in a past lifetime, that's some nice work.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks,I agree...man's a genius. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[mockingbird812]

Bet you can't wait. Woo hoo!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Salvatore]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I studied those pictures of the front of the engine and as a former machinist in a past lifetime, that's some nice work.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks,I agree...man's a genius. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[/ QUOTE ]Of course he is, he is Italian!

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I studied those pictures of the front of the engine and as a former machinist in a past lifetime, that's some nice work.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks,I agree...man's a genius. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[/ QUOTE ]Of course he is, he is Italian!

[/ QUOTE ]

True... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[musclecarjohn]

Car will be here @ 8am tomorrow,pics to follow. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[lwkitt427]

GREAT STORY LOVE THE HISTORY.

[musclecarjohn]

Thanks...slight delay,figure around 9-9:30. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[musclecarjohn]

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07859.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07862.jpg

Wifey was the only one who fit,lol...
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07865.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07866.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07869.jpg

Dad on the right,gentleman on the left picked up the body in the dead of winter in Chicago in 1967:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07871.jpg

More pics to follow later.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC07875.jpg

[gb70]

so is the wifey the new driver http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
so is the wifey the new driver http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Told her that's how Shirley got her start...she wasn't amused.

[Dog427435]

Saw these shots on the HAMB board - Is this the other one?


Here is a photo from about 6 or 7 years ago, at Chick Brignolo's annual party. I don't know anything about this car, but I think it was from NY. The guys picked it up in NY went a couple hours out of their way to Massachusetts for a barbecue, then headed back to Ohio.




http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t114/dog427435/Car%20Shows/scan0012.jpg
-
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t114/dog427435/Car%20Shows/scan0010.jpg
-
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t114/dog427435/Car%20Shows/scan0009.jpg
-

[Pulnaway]

I would say it looks like Musclecarjohns car before it was restored, but the cage is not the same? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif When was the other car destroyed?

[Pulnaway]

On second thought, those extra bars look like they were added to get it through tech. I bet the guy who restored it removed those bars during the restoration.

[Shevelle]

That is just tooo cool!! Congratulations! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Welcome to the Buick Owners Club. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Smokey]

So where is the YouTube clip of you firing it up and warming it up like it used to in the pits back in the day???

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
On second thought, those extra bars look like they were added to get it through tech. I bet the guy who restored it removed those bars during the restoration.

[/ QUOTE ]

Correct,same car...those additional bars were removed by the guy I purchased it from.

The only other '67 GS400 built & driven by Ron Pellegrini (owner of Fiberglass Limited) was destroyed and is long gone,this is the only other surviving example ever built.

I got back from vacation friday night and shot some fresh pictures yesterday before the rain came,will post those up hopefully tonight. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

Thanks for the welcome to the Buick site Shevelle... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[John]

John, That is great that you got that car back....

thought you might want to see an old sign I picked up....

I think it is from the 1950's ..from the letter style in the sign....
It is painted metal sign and double sided ( 3' x 5' )
..but the other side is covered in white paint.

check it out...( see attachment )

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

[musclecarjohn]

Cool sign John,thanks for posting that.

Well,I received the car about 3 hours before I left for vacation and the wifey was hounding me to pack so not much time with Ingenue before I left.
I come back to freezing cold rain so not much action has taken place here,here's a few pics I shot of the 4-light A-bodies hanging out together http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC00276.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC00208.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC00252.jpg

I know it's an important piece of Buick racing history and the response from the entire Buick community has been nothing short of overwhelming.
Car is so original it's almost scary.I haven't had time to study it very closely but I have determined that the front tires are original to the car and according to the date codes,they are the same tires that were on the car when the magazine glossy shots I posted earlier were taken...scary stuff I tell you.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC00226.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC00228.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC00216.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC00219.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC00221.jpg

[mockingbird812]

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

[gts340]

It's a great car. I saw it this summer at the museum. I tried twice to post the pictures I have of the car but they are too big again.

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
It's a great car. I saw it this summer at the museum. I tried twice to post the pictures I have of the car but they are too big again.

[/ QUOTE ]

Would love to see any pictures you have...you can email them to me if you'd like. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[email protected]

[musclecarmatt]

hey john this matt from over at nastyz!....thats one bitchin garage man!...still got the 70Z?

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
hey john this matt from over at nastyz!....thats one bitchin garage man!...still got the 70Z?

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Matt http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif...yep still got the '70 Z,it's over at Mary & Dave's right now,might sell it in the spring...or the Chevelle,not certain.
Merry Christmas man... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[W117Monte]

Awesome!!! What happened with the car from when it was restored till now?it appears as though it needs paint. Is the original motor with it? Also, was the car competetive back in the day?

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
Awesome!!! What happened with the car from when it was restored till now?it appears as though it needs paint. Is the original motor with it? Also, was the car competetive back in the day?

[/ QUOTE ]

Guy restored it to look like a barnfind purposely masking around the scratches...then gold-leaf lettered it...can't quite figure it out myself. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Original drivetrain is long gone,car ran a best of 7.79 @ 191mph but was limited by the 430 Buick IMHO as well as the TH400.
It had a 392 Hemi installed in it later in life when it was run by "Rapid Red" Lang.