1962 Belair 409/409 Black Lightning

[fsc66]

Helping the now owner of above car. He had most of the history through the 3rd owner. Car is a 1962 Belair 409/409 radio and heater delete car, ordered to race. 3rd or 4th owner Joe Murdaca found the car in a barn in Lima Ohio. Current Owner spoke to Joe who told him Jerry Eustis also out of Vacaville CA may know original owner. Current owner spoke to Eustis maybe 3rd owner but he cannot remember any details as to first owner or second owner. Car was raced in Lima under the name "Black Lightning" and supposedly won many races. Car is black with red interior.
Any help would be appreciated.

Paul

[markjohnson]

Has this car been restored or is it still original?

[fsc66]

From what I know this far it’s restored back to the original condition it was ordered. Still has original block and trans and rear axle case

[markjohnson]

I have been around 409 cars for many decades and that race name on a ‘62 doesn’t ring an immediate bell but I’m always looking & listening. Having a race history I’m actually very surprised to hear of it having its original block, and original (but fragile) drivetrain pieces. BTW, are we talking about a Sport Coupe or a sedan?

[fsc66]

Agree, I do not know if any drive train components were ever removed or stored and then re-installed. It’s a Belair model 1611. I know the rear gears were removed and replaced with 5.13’s and 4.56’s along the way but they retained the original case. Still researching. I also did not find any ads listing “Black Lightning”. 4 -page write up from owner’s said it was either called Black Lightning or white lightning. Car was black so would seem odd to be name “white lightning”. Write up says in 2004 it took first place in the Vacaville CA. 2003 best of show Sacramento Autorama and talks about other awards.

Paul

[AnthonyS]

Hi, there's a Lima connection here and "Black Lightning" but it's called a 1961...

https://www.baylifffuneral.com/obitu...t?o_id=4379295

[fsc66]

Thanks Anthony, interesting, possible these owner’s who are reiterating the story may have some of their facts confused, most of them are in their late 80’s. One thing for sure is that it’s a Belair and not an Impala SS.

[AnthonyS]

No worries - just too many coincidences in that obit IMHO - that he also had a white 62 Vette... and remember, it was a family member, and not necessarily a car person, that likely wrote that... could that plastic car have been the source of the "white" in lightning confluence?... just thinking out loud.

[nova7579]

PM sent
Brian

[fsc66]

Anthony, I sent that article or obit to the current owner. He called the local dragstrips and the information in the article was wrong. It was this car, a 1962 Belair 409, so now we have the original owner, great work!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and thank you.
He also called Kal Kare Speedway and Bunker Hill Dragstrip confirming Black Lightning!!


Paul