67since67
08-16-2020, 09:37 PM
In the spring of 1967 Richard McBride of Dayton OH ordered a black/black '67 L79 Chevelle Malibu, optioned for optimum performance. After several years of drag and street racing the modified Chevelle was put into storage while Richard was committed to family obligations, with the intentions to "restore it someday".
Fast forward to 2018. Richard commissioned Terry Davis of Wythville VA to do a full restoration. Amazingly the original engine and driveline had survived intact.
Terry had promised Richard that he would have the car done by Christmas 2019. Unbeknownst to him, a conspiracy was set in motion to surprise him with the completed car at MCACN 2019.
One of Richard's buddys says, "Hey, let's go to MCACN", he had never been before. Once there, "let's check out this El Camino", meaning Jeff Helm's '67 L78. The black Malibu was parked next to it, under a cover. At this point, just as Richard's wife and family come out from hiding, Terry pulls back the cover to reveal the Chevelle to a speechless and very emotional Richard.
The Chevelle earned Concours Gold.
But the story is not over. On Monday, on the way home, Terry dropped the Chevelle off at the original selling dealer, in the same building, that Richard had ordered it from. After a celebration of sorts by dealership personnel, Richard was given the keys and drove it home, just as he had in 1967.
Stories like this are the best part of this car passion (obsession)!!
Bill W
Fast forward to 2018. Richard commissioned Terry Davis of Wythville VA to do a full restoration. Amazingly the original engine and driveline had survived intact.
Terry had promised Richard that he would have the car done by Christmas 2019. Unbeknownst to him, a conspiracy was set in motion to surprise him with the completed car at MCACN 2019.
One of Richard's buddys says, "Hey, let's go to MCACN", he had never been before. Once there, "let's check out this El Camino", meaning Jeff Helm's '67 L78. The black Malibu was parked next to it, under a cover. At this point, just as Richard's wife and family come out from hiding, Terry pulls back the cover to reveal the Chevelle to a speechless and very emotional Richard.
The Chevelle earned Concours Gold.
But the story is not over. On Monday, on the way home, Terry dropped the Chevelle off at the original selling dealer, in the same building, that Richard had ordered it from. After a celebration of sorts by dealership personnel, Richard was given the keys and drove it home, just as he had in 1967.
Stories like this are the best part of this car passion (obsession)!!
Bill W