Larry Clain B/Motion collector dies/cars STOLEN
 

I need to start by saying we have all lost a great friend in the supercar world.. Larry Clain (pantera) died on May 18. He was a very close friend of mine and I'm sure many of you. Now comes more bad news.. I just got word his shop has been broken into since his death and all his cars he had stored in that shop have been stolen. Both 69/70 Baldwin/Motion Corvettes.. His race cars: 1969 SCCA B/P vette & Lola T-400 Can-Am Race car ( ex- Ongais F-5000 chassis)Now with Frissbee bodywork .. A Chaperell 5th wheel trailer with a 68 Vette body in it, and a couple other Corvettes (a 72 and a crashed 84).. all Stolen. Here is a link to the website he was making for his cars with pictures of several of them that have been stolen. http://home.swbell.net/vette-65/index.html If anyone is approached for any of these cars "for sale" please contact either myself directly or the Tulsa authorities. Keep an eye out for these cars!!
It's a sad day in the Supercar world.

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dont know what to say Ed, I got to talk with Larry for a bit at SCR and you could tell he loved the hobby and the folks who were involved in it as well. Sorry and sad to hear of his passing.

The cars though important are nil next to his passing but I still hope they catch the ones who ripped them off.

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Ed, I am so sorry to hear of this news. My heart sunk when I read your post.

What a royal shame. Words cannot describe what I feel right now.

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I'm just sick...

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Thieves are low lifes, thieve who steal from someone that has just died do not deserve a second chance!

I met Larry at SCR 3 years ago. A real class act and as Jeff said, someone with a passion for his cars and this hobby. Please let us know what happened to Larry. He posted on that very day and I had heard nothing bad since. I had no idea he might have even been sick. Good guy!

I will definitely keep my eyes and ears open. What a sick world we live in! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif
Rick

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My God. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif
I have been waiting on a reply from Larry on some emails we exchanged last month.
I was wondering what happened.
I knew right away who he was when we first met him with you too Ed @ the Dragstrip @ SCR7,pulling that trailer,and later needing help rolling his Motion GT Corvette off the trailer & into the Convention hall.
We shared a brief drink together later on.
What a Nice Man and Genuine Character he was.
My prayers are with his Family.
Rick
https://www.yenko.net/reunion/SCR7999997.JPG

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good thing theres a place like hell for idiots like that.

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I feel like I have lost a friend too. I never met him in person. I sent him a headlite bezel for his Nova a while back that he was looking for. He emailed me a few times to say how much he appreciated it. He sure seemed like one of the good ones. Condolenses to his family and friends.
I would kill the thiefs with my bare hands if I could get away with it. Slowly.

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Larry was a neat guy, to say the least. I remember him pushing his Motion GT into one of the SCRs, to share with all of us. It is a sad day on many levels.

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At that same SCR event 3 years ago, Larry came up to Chad and my room after asking if we wanted to see some photos of his cars. About 2 hours later he left and it was well after midnight after about a 20 hour day. He never stopped talking and was filled with stories of his cars and his business. I only knew him a few short hours at that time and already knew he was passionate about this hobby. Very hard to believe.
Rick

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I'm at a loss for words. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif

Deepest condolences to his family & friends.

Eric

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Wow! Just terrible...I`d like to catch those bastards and hang them by there b#**s!

Dan.

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So sorry to hear about the passing of Larry. A car guy through and through. He will be sadly missed at future SCRs.

It took a lot of caoxing to get Larry to bring the un-restored Motion Vette to the SCR, as he was afraid it would not fit in. I kept assuring him folks would "dig it", which they did. One of the most talked about cars ever at a SCR.


And thanks for letting us know about the stolen cars, hopefully we can help find who did this terrible act.

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My god! What terrible news. Not only that the hobby has lost him but some low lifes were waiting in the bushes to grab everything. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif

If I may ask, what were the circumstances of his death? I thought he was a healthy guy.

a black day for the hobby indeed....... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif

any pictures of his cars, etc would be very helpful so all of us can keep an eye out for anything that surfaces.

Damn, I just can't believe it......... There is no icon that can depict the low feeling I have..............

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We all need to be on the lookout, these cars will have to surface sooner or later. Then we can help get them back where they belong.

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Ed,

I am truly sorry to hear this. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif

I first met Larry at BJ2005. He was there with one of his buddies from Tulsa. We hung out for a while and then he went to talk to George (who had the gold Baldwin Motion Vette going across the block that year)

I met Larry again last year at SCR8. On Friday afternoon, he introduced me to Kim Howie and to Ray Morrison (As I didn't have a clue who anybody was) Ray, Larry and I talked for a few hours out in the parking lot until Charley Lillard came up and informed us that the Banquet was about to start! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif I had planned to go to the hotel and change into more appropriate clothing...but while talking to these two great guys...I lost all track of time. I was forced to wear the "Charley Lillard" shirt to the dinner...

Charley was even nice enough to give Ray, Larry and I a ride across the parking lot in his rental car (Charley didn't need to use his GPS that time. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif)

I will remember the enjoyment that I had talking to Larry and I will truly miss him. He was a genuine good guy...and I am honored for having known him.

Thanks for the memories https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gifRest in peace Larry https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

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Very sad to hear of his passing.

Do you have a contact for the law enforcement agency handling the case? Based on the value of the vehicles stolen, this may be of interest to federal law enforcement as well.

I know the various automotive magazines would be interested in getting the word out. CNN and the New York Times both did articles just last week on the million dollar muscle cars out there. I think they would definitely want some info. Get me the contact info and I will pass it along. PM me if you like.

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Good idea Steve! Let's get this information out ASAP!!

Ed, a number for the local Tulsa PD would be good, too (Like NJSteve suggested)

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I can shoot this awful news to the major magazines...let me know how I can help. Still in disbelief.

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Only knew his posts and i am now very sorry i did not get to meet him.
My prayers to his family.

As for the ultimate scum..............karma's a bitch

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Unbelievable...Godspeed Larry. We'll all miss you...

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I am very sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers will be with his family.
James

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...our prayers are with his family
.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif

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This really sucks. Larry really was one of the nice guys. It really was neat seeing his well worn Motion Vette at the reunion and getting a kick out of all the rust that fell off the sidepipes onto the trailer. I'm at a loss for words.

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sure sorry to hear about this....he was a neat guy
will it be possiable to get a vin # list of the cars?

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I got to talk to Larry at the Drag Strip the year he brought his white Corvette to the ReUnion and we talked at length about the Motion Cars.
Our Prayers go out to his Family.
Mark

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Today has been a horrible day for me for many reasons. I was hoping that I might unwind for a bit before heading to bed only to hear this terrible news about my friend. Larry and I had just been chatting about 200-s wheels. He had offered to help me find a set around his area. What a cool guy he was. I vividly remember that day when Rick and I helped Larry push his Vette into the show. He even let me sit inside it. I am going to say a prayer before bed for Larry and another for serious justice to be served to the low lifes who took his property.

God bless you Larry. You will be missed. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif

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Man, that's terrible news... As said earlier, Larry was one of the "good guys". Always willing to help out others, share into and stories unselfishly, and many times he provided me (and I'm sure alot of you) with an enormous amount of information, always in his witty and charismatic way... he was a true "straight shooter", and truly a good guy. Even though I only knew him a short while, I feel like he was a close friend. My brother and I joked around and shared stories at the Supercar Reunion and I remember Erik and I talking on the way home about how cool of a guy he was to bring that car for us all to see... He modestly told us how he felt his "old clunker" wouldn't be well accepted in a room full of shiny, restored supercars, but I think we all would agree it was one of the coolest cars to look at within the entire convention center. His cars will turn up, and whoever did what they did will meet justice, but thats really insignificant at this point... its times like these when you realize how unimportant all the cars and material things really are, in the "big picture", they don't mean a whole helluvalot. Its the PEOPLE who make this hobby what it is... People like Pantera. He will be deeply missed.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif -JB

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Now from "the heard from less-than-often Tulsa guy"...

Bruce, that was me you met with Larry at the BJ.

Here's a bit more skinny...

Larry had three passions in life, aside from his better half, Dee.

Those were cars, racing and karaoke. The afternoon of the 18th, he called and asked if I would care to join him at his favorite club to sing. That evening I had other plans. Sure wish I hadn't...

Larry was not in poor health, worked hard all the time and was relentless in his making sure the people he cared about had all the help and things needed for comfort.

The night of his demise, he was preparing to sing karaoke in the club and just dropped. Massive coronary. He's never had heart problems in the 33 years I've known him.

One of the biggest holes I've had left in my life is the one Larry has left. To all who have posted, thank you. Larry was a great guy...

The number for the Tulsa PD is [918] 596-9222. This number is the non-emergency number and will likely get a secondary menu.

The theft was just discovered today, so the exact department handling it is yet unknown. The police and lawters and I were at the shop for the biggest part of the afternoon, compiling as accurate a list as was possible for their investigative team.

If any further info is discovered or contact is needed, please feel free to e-mail me, or Ed [thanks, Ed] and we'll try to keep y'all updated.

Lastly, but not leastly...I HATE THEIVES!!! The cars removed - the BM cars, in particular, deserve a better fate then they have heretofore received. Keep your eyes open, and again, thanks to all.

Perry Litchfield

[email protected]

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This is absolutely terrible news! Larry and his friend came to my home a couple years ago on there way to pick up the Nova he bought. He was a great guy and had a true love for automobiles. I will never forget when he brought his Motion Vette to SCR. A sad day indeed.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif

As far as the low life that robbed him, they will get theres. It is obvious that it was someone that knew him or lived close to him. If those cars sat in that shop as long as they did and they just now were stolen it is pretty simple to figure out. I bet the Tulsa Police won't have to look far to find where they ended up. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/mad.gif

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I never met Larry personally,but our backround is in road racing and I hooked him up with my friend John Morton for tips on getting his Lola/Frisbee together.Cool cat that will be missed-

On a lighter note anyone remember his Tilex cure for poison oak?
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/show...0/fpart/1/vc/1
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/show...0/fpart/1/vc/1

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I never had the chance to meet Larry but did exchange a few emails with him on BM cars sad news and the theives that pull something like this what SCUM!!!!!!!!! Its gotta be a local guy that knew him and what he had to move in so fast. These guys need to be dropped off in the middle of Iraq and left for dead! I cant believe the crap people will do these days if we need stronger penaltys for people like this it wouldnt he happening so much. Everything is about the almighty dollar to these crooks we all need to pool together and put a reward out there someone will roll or have info if it get publicized enough. I throw in $1000 to the arrest of the heartless pricks that did this. What do you guys think about placing some ads in Hemmings and Auto trader???

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well I just feel horrible...Larry was awsome we talked in length about cars and our love for Panteras...great guy!!!

how in the world can some morons take these cars and expect to do anything with them???? there all one of's??? I don't get it????

maybe his ex had them grabbed???? he mentioned more than once there was no love lost there.

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[ QUOTE ]
... its times like these when you realize how unimportant all the cars and material things really are, in the "big picture", they don't mean a whole helluvalot. It's the PEOPLE who make this hobby what it is... People like Pantera.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif -JB

[/ QUOTE ]


VERY WELL said Joe & I couldn't agree more! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

I met Larry at SCR-7 and thought he was a cool guy. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif

I have been addicted to "Sundried Tomato & Basil" Wheat Thins since I read his post cookies and milk and bought some. They are GOOD! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Thanks Ed & Perry for letting us know and I sure hope they catch the scum bags who stole his cars! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/mad.gif

May you rest in peace Larry! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Rita

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Damn, that just sucks. Larry was a really cool guy. Talked to him on the phone a few times about his nova, and got to know him better at the reunion. He had a genuine depth of soul. He not only liked cars, but was very concerned about the well being of others. He truly was your friend Ed, as he spoke well of you to me, and hoped all problems could be overcome. We have indeed lost a good friend in Larry.

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As rick mentioned,we met larry at the reunion and had a great time chatting about cars,the old days,and his car dealership that he sold used cars at. Larry was a great guy and will be missed. It is hard to believe that there are people out there that once they found out larry had passed,all they could think about was how fast they could steal his cars. Total scum!

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I met larry at scr when he had his vette there. He was a very nice guy who had true passion for the cars. But what i remember most, is how friendly and genuine. I talked with him, and it was like he knew me already. Great stories and a great man. He will be missed!! God bless and prayers for the family. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/shocked.gif Roger

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I really am a loss for words here, shocked is more like it. I was introduced to Larry by Bruce at Barrett-Jackson 05. Right after we started talking about cars and numerous other things, I knew he was a class act. We gathered around the 69 BM Phase III Corvette and had a great ole time, talking about what we so dearly loved, musclecars and supercars.

I met up with him again at SCR8, and continued on in our discussion and knowledge of musclecars. I remember him sitting beside me in the parking lot in front of the Holiday Inn, when all of a sudden his lawn chair collapsed and his rearend ended up on the pavement. We both had a good laugh about that.

Since I met him, and until the remaining years of my life, anytime I see a BM car for sale, or even hear the words Baldwin Motion, or Motion prepped Corvettes, Camaro's, etc, I will think of Larry. His knowledge on Baldwin Motion cars was top notch. I will miss talking with you Larry, like so many of us who came into your life, and your life into ours. You will be missed.

I wanted to share a touching part from one of the last PM's Larry sent me.

"I value you as a new friend like many of the guys on here I think I have found a new home."

Until we meet again Larry.....

Seems there are few people with morals anymore. A man who works all of his life to pruchase the cars of his dreams, and some pathetic looser rips them off when he passes away. How pathetic.

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I enjoyed meeting Larry at SCR and listening to him share stories about his Motion corvette. He had a lot of passion about his cars and his passing is a great loss. God speed.

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I dont know larry but recall his ID.....my condolences to his family and hope we can help recovering his cars.