Bob Longstreth/MI

[William]

Anyone here acquainted with him? Contact info?

He worked at Merollis Chevrolet back in the day. He posted comments in Hemmings
Muscle Machines about the stolen ZL-1 story. His recollection is quite different from the legend passed down over the years.

As the de facto ZL-1 Camaro historian, I would like to hear more.

Anyone have contact info?

[Steve Shauger]

Bill, I appreciate you researching and documenting these historically significant 69 ZL1's. If members could spread the word that William is requesting information it may provide a lead moving this project forward!!!

[William]

Thanks Steve!

[Mr70]

Just typed his name into Facebook and this is the first thing that popped up.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009942946442

*Executive at Chrysler LLC
*Vice President at Foresight Research
*Went to Eastpointe High School
*Studied at Regis University
*Lives in Rochester Hills, Michigan
*From Eastpointe, Michigan

[William]

Thanks much!

The legend had all five Merollis ZL-1s being stolen. Looks to be only two, on separate occasions. Since forever, #11 has been the only Merollis survivor. #24 was once registered, reported as scrapped 1973.

Could be another one out there, waiting to be found.

Emailed him; TBD.

[William]

Heard from Bob. Great job everyone!

[Mr70]

Nice!

[chevyman0429]

Iv got a close friend that’s into cars pretty good that worked and retired from Merollis Chevrolet on Gratiot. He worked the body shop for years. Ill have to invite him over to the site. Maybe he can share his knowledge on the missing ZL1’s from Merollis

[William]

That would be great!

The Merollis cars were five different colors. We know about the silver one; Bob knew about two others. Hoping he can recall which they were.

[chevyman0429]

That would be great!

The Merollis cars were five different colors. We know about the silver one; Bob knew about two others. Hoping he can recall which they were.

I just sent Johnny a text with a link. See if he shows up !

[William]

Had a nice chat with Bob. Has had quite a career in the automotive and aftermarket industry. Definitely a guy that should write a book.

As a Parts Department employee at Merollis, he was aware of the ZL-1s but not involved. He stated he never saw the first one, sold immediately to George DeLorean, John's brother. George drag raced it briefly in the Detroit area, possibly sponsored by Midwest Auto Parts or Rader Automotive.

Any of you Detroit area guys remember it or have pics?

[chevyman0429]

Well doesn't look like Johnny is coming over to visit us. He did tell me he doesn't remember Bob. I tried.

[William]

Thanks for the effort! 54 years is a long time. At least we got the real version of the Merollis story.

[Pro Stock John]

Thanks for the effort! 54 years is a long time. At least we got the real version of the Merollis story.

Do you have a link to his comments on Hemmings?

[1971ls6]

I have met some of the crew that were involved in the ZL1s. The motors went into boats.the motors were all they ever wanted.

[William]

Do you have a link to his comments on Hemmings?

His comments were in Backfire in the February 2024 print edition. The comments online are not in any order. Could be there, didn't find the February 2024 Backfire.

[L_e_e]

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/backfire-letters-from-june-2016