50 years ago this week

[1903USMCUnertl]

Semper Fi

Originally Posted by 67since67

Wow thanks everyone, I am humbled!!

Here's some backstory to that pic.
I had returned home from 6 mos of boot camp and training in CA. On weekend passes I had been to the '70 WinterNationals at Pomona and a couple times to OCIR. Also experienced some LA car culture cruising Van Nuys and Whitter Blvds. and seeking out George Barris's and Bill Thomas's shops among others.
After 2 weeks leave I was to report to Camp LeJune, Jacksonville, NC, March 23rd IIRC, of course I was driving the Chevelle. I swapped the 4:88s for 4:10 "highway gears" and pulled the slicks in favor of Dan Vasic's ultimate, black rear rims, with H-60 Goodyear Polyglass for the trip to NC.
Somewhere nearby was a drag strip on an abandoned stretch of highway that I'm told is still in operation?? The traction was horrible, Best launch was starting in 2nd slipping the clutch and feathering the gas, still managed low-mid 13s.
My best friend was another Marine from KC who had a very healthy red 327/300 '65 Nova.
Early June I received the inevitable orders for beautiful SE Asia and the party was over. The Chevelle went back into Dad's garage until July of '71.

Bill W

[Rebelrouser]

Originally Posted by 67since67

Wow thanks everyone, I am humbled!!

Here's some backstory to that pic.
I had returned home from 6 mos of boot camp and training in CA. On weekend passes I had been to the '70 WinterNationals at Pomona and a couple times to OCIR. Also experienced some LA car culture cruising Van Nuys and Whitter Blvds. and seeking out George Barris's and Bill Thomas's shops among others.
After 2 weeks leave I was to report to Camp LeJune, Jacksonville, NC, March 23rd IIRC, of course I was driving the Chevelle. I swapped the 4:88s for 4:10 "highway gears" and pulled the slicks in favor of Dan Vasic's ultimate, black rear rims, with H-60 Goodyear Polyglass for the trip to NC.
Somewhere nearby was a drag strip on an abandoned stretch of highway that I'm told is still in operation?? The traction was horrible, Best launch was starting in 2nd slipping the clutch and feathering the gas, still managed low-mid 13s.
My best friend was another Marine from KC who had a very healthy red 327/300 '65 Nova.
Early June I received the inevitable orders for beautiful SE Asia and the party was over. The Chevelle went back into Dad's garage until July of '71.

Bill W

And what became of it when you came home?? And thank you for your service. Huge admiration for you and the men that did and didn't make it home. I salute you sir!!

[67since67]

Originally Posted by Rebelrouser

And what became of it when you came home??

It's still with me, unrestored with 40K miles, looking exactly as 1968.
Some here may have seen it in Dan Vasic's Real Day 2 Display at MCACN 2016, or on the cover of MCR, Nov. 2017.

Bill W

[AnthonyS]

Hear, Hear, thank you!

[TimG]

Great picture, Bill.

[MosportGreen66]

Bill, one of my all time favorite pics! Thanks for sharing your stories too and your service is appreciated as always!

Stay safe!

Dan

[dykstra]

Great pic! Thank you for your service.

[WILMASBOYL78]

Great car and a great story!

Thanks to you...and to all others who have served and continue to serve

[L78_Nova]

Such an Awesome yet Chilling photo of the times for young men. Thank you for your service Sir !

[67since67]

Originally Posted by L78_Nova

Such an Awesome yet Chilling photo of the times for young men. Thank you for your service Sir !

Yes, those were turbulent times for sure! As I was contemplating sharing that photo here I got a bit emotional recalling how my innocence was in the process of changing forever a half century ago.
Many guys had pictures of wives/GFs waiting at home, for me it was this Chevelle, and the lifestyle it represented "Back in The World".

To all who posted or gave a "Thanks" I offer a heartfelt THANK YOU, and to other veterans on this board, Thank you for your service. Semper Fi