1962 Belair 409/409 Black Lightning

[fsc66]

Helping the now owner of above car. He had most of the history through the 3rd owner. Car is a 1962 Belair 409/409 radio and heater delete car, ordered to race. 3rd or 4th owner Joe Murdaca found the car in a barn in Lima Ohio. Current Owner spoke to Joe who told him Jerry Eustis also out of Vacaville CA may know original owner. Current owner spoke to Eustis maybe 3rd owner but he cannot remember any details as to first owner or second owner. Car was raced in Lima under the name "Black Lightning" and supposedly won many races. Car is black with red interior.
Any help would be appreciated.

Paul

[markjohnson]

Has this car been restored or is it still original?

[fsc66]

From what I know this far it’s restored back to the original condition it was ordered. Still has original block and trans and rear axle case

[markjohnson]

I have been around 409 cars for many decades and that race name on a ‘62 doesn’t ring an immediate bell but I’m always looking & listening. Having a race history I’m actually very surprised to hear of it having its original block, and original (but fragile) drivetrain pieces. BTW, are we talking about a Sport Coupe or a sedan?

[fsc66]

Agree, I do not know if any drive train components were ever removed or stored and then re-installed. It’s a Belair model 1611. I know the rear gears were removed and replaced with 5.13’s and 4.56’s along the way but they retained the original case. Still researching. I also did not find any ads listing “Black Lightning”. 4 -page write up from owner’s said it was either called Black Lightning or white lightning. Car was black so would seem odd to be name “white lightning”. Write up says in 2004 it took first place in the Vacaville CA. 2003 best of show Sacramento Autorama and talks about other awards.

Paul

[AnthonyS]

Hi, there's a Lima connection here and "Black Lightning" but it's called a 1961...

https://www.baylifffuneral.com/obituaries/print?o_id=4379295

[fsc66]

Thanks Anthony, interesting, possible these owner’s who are reiterating the story may have some of their facts confused, most of them are in their late 80’s. One thing for sure is that it’s a Belair and not an Impala SS.

[AnthonyS]

No worries - just too many coincidences in that obit IMHO - that he also had a white 62 Vette... and remember, it was a family member, and not necessarily a car person, that likely wrote that... could that plastic car have been the source of the "white" in lightning confluence?... just thinking out loud. :)

[nova7579]

PM sent
Brian

[fsc66]

Anthony, I sent that article or obit to the current owner. He called the local dragstrips and the information in the article was wrong. It was this car, a 1962 Belair 409, so now we have the original owner, great work!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and thank you.
He also called Kal Kare Speedway and Bunker Hill Dragstrip confirming Black Lightning!!


Paul

[AnthonyS]

Kool and the Gang!

[scuncio]

Nice detective work, Anthony!

[Steve Shauger]

Hi, there's a Lima connection here and "Black Lightning" but it's called a 1961...

https://www.baylifffuneral.com/obituaries/print?o_id=4379295




Amazing Anthony, and thanks!!!

[fsc66]

Update: Current owner spoke to current Sales Mgr at old locations of White Chevrolet, Lima Oh. He knew the history of the car. Original purchaser was Gary Lauck who bought and only raced the car. Current owner has a call in to Gary who is still around to discuss details. He also knew Chuck Dawson who purchased the 61 Impala SS from White's. Said it did not originally have a 409 when ordered, Chuck installed the 409 to race....and the saga continues...

[RPOLS3]

How about some pictures...….??!! Would love to see the car.

[AnthonyS]

Gah, very coincidental though! Keep us apprised please, hope this latest lead pans out. I am surprised that a current Sales Mgr has knowledge of a car sold 60 years ago - wow!

Good luck following up!

[fsc66]

Current sales mgr of the dealership that is now located in old White location. He was only 16 years old when car was purchased but knows the family and attends all the local car shows. Current owner spoke to Gary Lauck and it was his car. Gary is sending him some old pictures with the racing number on the side. We'll see if he gets them.

[AnthonyS]

Very cool! That makes sense... still good news! Yay.

[jbtech]

You all are some serious investigators.. wow.

[mssl72]

So it looks like all this isolation is doing a great thing!!! :headbang: Awesome job connecting the dots guys!!

[BJCHEV396]

X2!!

[markjohnson]

When someone says "1962 Bel Air" I normally think 'Sport Coupe' but when I learned it was a 1611 Two-door Sedan it sparked a memory. I'll just leave this right here:

[fsc66]

Wow Marc very interesting, I will forward to current owner and see what he says!!!

Thanks

[Verne_Frantz]

If that car had a 409 in it, I don't think it would be running E/S.
Verne

[fsc66]

See attached