Verne L Frantz

The original engine has a cast date of Nov 16, 1960. It was one of the first batch of castings that were done with an incorrect casting number. The incorrect one was ground off and stamped with the correct number. The second batch of castings also had an error on two digits which were also ground off and restamped. The 3rd batch of castings finally got all 7 digits casted correctly. I'm aware of the original design engineers for the W project. What was your father's name? Was he assigned to the project after it was developed in '58 or part of the original team? BTW, the 400hp 409 you owned was one of just 742 produced in '65. Verne

Outstanding feedback. Thanks! I'm guessing that Studebaker model was not a high priced one. The original owners of our farm house were dirt poor. Verne

Steve, Try calling Don Bock 856-467-7966 Verne

These were found in my garage in 1979 when we moved in. I've carried them to many flea markets to see if anyone could identify them. So far, no luck. They do have a nautical theme to them because of the red lens on the left one and the green lens on the right one but I feel they are automotive. Can anyone help? Verne

A little over $20K. It has many features that you can't see. Verne

You can't go wrong with an InTech. All aluminum construction and custom built exactly to your specifications. Amish workforce in Indiana. Verne

FYI: This car had been sold.

From reading all the unfavorable comments about hiring an inspector through a company, I'd strongly suggest that a potential buyer try to reach out to a known authority on the type of car in question (possibly through a club, or just by reputation). I've been hired to document (inspect) '58-'64 full size Chevys a number of times, and I don't just pick on the cars. It depends on what I'm being hired for. I have been asked to pick the stuffing out of a car that was previously restored and list all the mistakes that were made and need to be corrected. Mostly, I'm asked to verify what is authentic about the car (or not as presented). Whether it's the owner or a potential buyer, a reasonable fee is worth every penny either way the results come in. If the car turns out to be legit, the fee was worth it to confirm its higher value. If the car turns out to be a forgery, the fee is a small price to pay to save someone thousands if he had bought the wrong car.

The email that they sent out said to take the First Right off 15th St, but that's wrong. That's Vine St. You have to continue past the westbound Vine St and East bound Vine St intersections about a block to make the right on String St. Look at the map that was posted a few posts earlier. The map very clearly shows this. Good luck to everyone arriving tomorrow.

Unfortunately, due to a firm contract with GM for the use of their slides, I'll have to ask that no videos or photographs of the presentation are made. The contract strictly prohibits me from letting the photos be published in any form other than used in seminars. I really don't want to get a letter from GM's lawyers.... Verne

Yes, "Known of" are the key words. Being as rare as one would be, I would think if one did exist, it would have been brought to light in the hobby. Of course, there is always the slight possibility that someone likes the idea of hiding one...... Verne

Bob, As I understand it, documentation is mostly only a concern in point judging where a feature is questioned by the judges who aren't certain that feature was legit from the factory or the dealer. The guidelines strongly suggest that an owner of a car with certain rare features bring along some documentation to prove they are correct. Verne

HI George, I've been documenting these cars for 35 years and I am aware of every '61 409 car that has surfaced. I've investigated several others that claimed original engine, but they all failed the test. You can Google my name and read my reputation. If you have a '58-'64 "X" frame Chevy that you wish to have documented as to its originality, I can be hired for the task. Thanks Verne

Imported from Australia after 55 years, this Impala is now in New Jersey seeking a new owner. Original rust-free body, Original engine block, trans and rear. All the chassis racing modifications are present. Many original parts. Converted to RHD. Purchased new by Dan Gurney and raced at Silverstone, England in May '61, then sold to racer Laurie O'Neil who shipped it to Australia. Ownership history and a letter of authentication from Dan Gurney. About 1/2 restored. This is the only 1961 Chevy on the planet with its original 409 engine block! One of 142 produced. This is a one of one car and deserves to be in a fine collection. Asking $115K. Contact me for more details and photos. Thank you.

Bobg, I would encourage you to preserve your original car rather than restoring it. There are only so many originals left. You only have two choices: either preserve history or destroy it.