Got really lucky with original owner #1 Z16

[Mr70]

Truer words were never spoken..

[hvychev]

Absolutely friggin amazing!!! That is so COOL!

[mrrec]

Again, my thanks for the comments. I've watched others find original engines, owners and docs and have always hoped to do the same. I've have had my share of good fortune (with hard work) finding some history on cars, but of any car of mine, this is the one that deserves for something like this to happen.

The best part is that the original owner is so interested and accomodating - a really great guy. And his wife actually "owned" the wheelcovers. I made the check out to her. Great people. They're still digging for more photos and even movies.....

Dave

[TimG]

Dave, I enjoyed seeing your car in Chicago in November. How neat that the original owner contacted you. Sometimes the story behind a car is as good as the car.

[PeteLeathersac]

Dave....what a great car and story! . The old photos are priceless, love the camping one w/ the wife in the mini....what a world! . Adding to the car spotting from the pics, isn't that a '60 Pontiac on the street shot behind the Z16? . Ok, here's a question....why being the Feb. Prototype is this L78 not considered 425hp like the full size and Vette motors? . Was the 375 Hp decal actually put on by Engineering or added at some later point? ~ Pete

[mrrec]

Pete:
Z16's don't have an L78. That is a common misconception. It is an L37 - unique to the Z16 - the only hydraulic lifter 396 375hp engine ever built.

The #1 engine is the same as all other production Z16s.

The only difference between the L37 Z16 375hp and the '65 Vette and big car 425hp is that the 425 got a wilder mechanical cam. Both had 780cfm Holleys, same compression, block, etc.

The 375 hp decal was put on by Engineering and is the same type as production Z16s EXCEPT the #1 car has a black background on the "Turbo Jet" side. It is the only known Z16 to receive this special decal. And that makes sense to me. The actual, original, special decal is described on my site and is in my possesion.

Dave

[TimG]

Dave, did the warranty book ever cause confusion about the car before its true history was uncovered?

[Xplantdad]

That is too cool Dave. Congrats!

[PeteLeathersac]

Thanks Dave....I appreciate you taking the time to clarify including the unique decal part. . I'll revisit the site for a more detailed look when I get a chance. . What a car....I'm happy for you that you didn't sell it! ~ Pete

[mrrec]

[ QUOTE ]
Dave, did the warranty book ever cause confusion about the car before its true history was uncovered?

[/ QUOTE ]

I doubt if the Warr Book caused confusion as it was in an early 70's owner's possession until the 90's. There was confusion, though, from the mid 70's when it "became" a collector car until the late 80's when the Engineering Vehicle Assignment List was found because of the filled in emblem holes, non-convertible frame, etc. The Warr Book was icing on the cake after the Assign List was found.

The POP, with the 327 code, causes a few newbies to frown a little until they understand the history, etc. and that it is not a newly found car - just new to them! The Warr Book itself, since it was issued by Enginneering, does, of course, lend real support.

Dave