Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Wayne shot this on Saturday, 14 June, the day after delivery. Good shot of the "Wide Treads" at all 4 corners. I asked Wayne the other night about the "Wickline" license plate frame and he doesn't even remember it. I'm sure that was one of the 1st things to go. Probably not cool enuff for a 20 y.o. dude to be advertising for some Chevy dealership. Wayne is going to check w/ some of the local salvage yards to see if he can track one down.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...hevelle029.jpg

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Sam,

What a great picture...Stunning! So it never came with a red side stripe?

Dan.

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

No sir. 2nd owner put that on in early 90s. I think it sets the car off nicely, though. I like it but have contemplated taking it off. No stripes looks a bit more sinister/stealthy.

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

-----Sam,,,Not to throw any fuel on the fire, but!!! Could a guy order the factory thin pinstripes on an SS that could have been on a Malibu??? I think they were included in some deluxe package. I just kept staring at your beautiful car wondering what thin red pinstripes would look like........Bill S

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

[ QUOTE ]
No sir. 2nd owner put that on in early 90s. I think it sets the car off nicely, though. I like it but have contemplated taking it off. No stripes looks a bit more sinister/stealthy.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree...no stripe https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Dan.

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

I must admit that it looks great without the stripe. Very sinister looking.

Phil Woj.

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

I vote in favor of the stripe....I think they look naked without https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Cool car either way, but I think I'm with Bill.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...1-05-6_006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...hevelle029.jpg

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

And I agree with Dennis and Bill...looks way cooler with the red stripe. Sets off the interior, too! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

I vote for the red stripe!!

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Just got my July '08 Hemmings Muscle Machines with Sam's '69 L78 on the cover with a nice 6 page write up by Sam with many of the pics seen here. (Great now EVERYBODY will know about my favorite Chevelle.....I'll never own it at this rate...)

The issues a keeper. Right after Sam's car is the most amazing low mile '67 GS400 I've ever seen (under 10K miles, black on YELLOW, 4 speed, wow). Resto Profile is of a nice 440-6 4sp Superbird, and even the late model modified is an '84 Monte SS with an L98 TPI engine and a t56 manual trans, everything looking factory.

Good job, Sam. Everybody else go and get yourselves a copy.

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

My copy should be in the mail today.

Sam, you should be hired by Hemmings! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Sam, great (no, outstanding) car and article!!

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Excellent article, beautiful car and awesome photos;

Congrats Sam, great job!

BA

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Thanks guys. On the road now and this still hasn't shown in the newsstands (even in Chicago!). If it's not too much trouble for someone to scan and post here, I'd appreciate it. I reviewed a near final draft version 3 weeks ago and I know a few things changed. I know the editor was not able to use all of my vintage photos, so I have a few more to post when I get home.

Thanks! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks guys. On the road now and this still hasn't shown in the newsstands (even in Chicago!). If it's not too much trouble for someone to scan and post here, I'd appreciate it. I reviewed a near final draft version 3 weeks ago and I know a few things changed. I know the editor was not able to use all of my vintage photos, so I have a few more to post when I get home.

Thanks! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Click here to see it!!!!

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Thanks Dude! You da man and.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...BruceRocks.gif . I was telling Bruce tonight that the cover photo was actually shot at night. Those of you that know Don Spiro's photography work, know what an artist he is. He thinks outside the box. He told me he wanted to do something different - shooting a black car at night is definitely different https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/shocked.gif ! The shot had a 30 second exposure (my son Tyler was working the camera's shutter) while Don was racing completely around the Chevelle with a special strobe light holding it high then low while flashing it intermittently. He actually passed in front of the camera on 2 occasions. I think it turned out quite well. The editor went ga-ga over it and was quite excited.

Speaking of Tyler, I told Terry McGean (editor) that my son took the shot of Wayne and I and Terry gave Tyler credit for the shot.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif (one proud pappy! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif )

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

As you should be! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Very nice lay out Sam!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Phil Woj.

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Black on Red...THE BEST!! Awesome car! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Just got my issue today. Probably the best car photography I"ve seen! Congrats Sam. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif
IF I could have ONE Chevelle in my garage, it would be that one! Black on red, and unrestored..... Couldn't be closer to my heart!

Verne https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Thanks Verne - kind of you to say.

I do want to make sure the record is straight on one account. I have still not seen the entire magazine yet, but it appears the editor may have lumped my car in under the "unrestored" category, i.e. a theme of the magazine as per the title of the cover. Is that correct (maybe the contents page reveals this)? If so, I would characterize that as using poetic license. If I were selling the car, I would use stronger language. Although many portions of the car ARE unrestored (paint, interior, trunk, etc.) I would NOT consider my car unrestored as a whole - engine bay and front suspension have been fluffed. As a writer (I use the term loosely) you do not always have complete control over the final product. The editor has unbelievable constraints and as Terry told me he must serve numerous superiors. But I am learning this fascinating trade which has been an enjoyable process thus far. I am completely appreciative of the editor's confidence in me at trying this challenging trade - so, do not construe this as looking a gift-horse in the mouth. It's all good. There are a few minor errors, but essentially the car is depicted as I intended and I hope that I conveyed the interesting story beyond the metal, rubber, & vinyl of the car itself. To me, this is where it is really at!

I'm done blabbing now. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Sam, That is a beautiful car, can't get much better. Congrats on a great article.
Grady

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Nice article https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

I grabbed a couple more photos from a server that were not used in the article.

This is the street trim version (JC Penney L60s on back) while parked in front of his parent's house in '70 ....

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/42...600x600Q85.jpg

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Race trim....

[ http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/39...600x600Q85.jpg

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

This was taken at New London Dragway with Wayne and his wife Delaine. She is holding the Class Win trophy that now has the 2 nickels glued to the top that his cousin, Lisa gave him for good luck.

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/40...600x600Q85.jpg

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

I love those photos from the day. Thanks for sharing! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

[ QUOTE ]
I have still not seen the entire magazine yet, but it appears the editor may have lumped my car in under the "unrestored" category, i.e. a theme of the magazine as per the title of the cover. Is that correct (maybe the contents page reveals this)?

[/ QUOTE ]

Sam,

Yes, your assumption is correct. Directly above the picture of your car is the word "UNRESTORED" in large font, and then just below it, is "3 Factory Original Muscle Cars". I doubt that anyone here (at least anyone who knows you reasonably well) thinks you're trying to pawn it off as something it's not. We all know you have to take what you read in any car magazines with a grain of salt. The car is what it is....what's truly priceless is the relationship you've been able to establish with the original owner, and all the memories (photographic and otherwise) that he's eagerly provided for you to share https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Thanks Bill. Finally scarfed up a copy at Borders.

Back from Chicago now and wanted to take a moment to thank some of the folks who helped me with the magazine project - you certainly can't do it alone and these folks sure were great https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif .........

** Tyler (my son) for yr photographic and car detailing talents. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif
** Ed M (enio45) for yr expertise in car prep and and all the other things that go along with the photo shoot. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif

[Don Spiro (photographer) and his wife are to the left and Ed is in the middle, Tyler, my youngest, is on the right.]
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...-R1-006-1A.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...R1-038-17A.jpg

** Steve (njsteve) for yr expertise on certain '70 B body Mopars w/ elephant engines! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif
** Dan Vasic (Postsedan) for your '69 Chevelle under-the-hood expertise https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif
** Fred K and Ward G (couple local dudes) for "CZ" and "GH" underhood detail help https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif
** Dale McIntosh (chevellestuff.com ) for yr historical statistical data https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif


One other thing I wanted to share with you. When I got back from the airport, this was waiting for me in my inbox:


<font color="blue"> "Sam,

Just finished reading the JULY issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines for the 13th time!!!

Your article is excellent- pictures and the stories, everything in detail. Not only about the Chevelle,



but about an ultimate piece of my life,about family and friends that I am still so proud of today.

Going next week to pick up another copy. Guess what day? FRIDAY the 13th , this copy of

Hemmings Muscle Machines along with the dated sales receipt will be my personal 40th Anniversary

present.

Thank You,

Wayne "
</font>


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...8/P1010683.jpg


https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Just got my copy in Fridays mail.
Well done Sam https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Mike https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Wow Sam...that's too cool! Great things happen to great people! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Thanks Sam....I`m always willing to help out a fellow 69 owner. Great car, great owners...past and future.

Dan.

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

This '69 is a beauty! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

I'm partial to '69 Chevelles. Congrats on the magazine piece.

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

I read the article while at work tonite https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif. I enjoyed it and really dig the Chevelle. Very Nice https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif


Tommy https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

My brother in law dropped of the July Hemmings Muscle Machines magazine last week before even reading it because he knows I am partial to the 69 Chevelle's. Wow, what a story and what a great car. Congratulations Sam for having the insight to keep this beauty. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

When I was going thru each of Wayne's old photos with him, he was careful to identify each person in the photo and tell me about them a bit. He was very proud of the young lad in the next photo helping him hook up the tow tabs. Jamie is his name and he used to come over to Wayne's a bunch to see what he was up to. Wayne always remembered he would show up on a dirt bike eager to help out. Wayne enjoyed his company and recalled that young Jamie was a quick study. Today Dr. James McManaway is a noted Pediatric Opthamologist in Hershey, PA.

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/40...600x600Q85.jpg


This is the Nov. 1990 Hemmings Motor News Ad when Wayne sold the car. He eventually sold the car for $ 13 ,000.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...velle023-1.jpg



Here's a few more out takes from the photo shoot....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...IMG_3613-1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...8/IMG_3578.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...IMG_2353cr.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...IMG_3611-1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...8/IMG_3605.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...8/IMG_3603.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...8/IMG_2327.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...8/IMG_2351.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...8/IMG_2335.jpg

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

So cool Sam. It just keeps getting better! The first outtake shot is AWESOME! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Sam,

More great shots. Wow!! My 69 SS appeared in Hemmings about two years after yours did. I never saved the original Hemmings that I saw it in. I couldn't afford the car at the time. But stayed in contact with the seller and was finally able to purchase it.

Thanks for more great shots.

Phil Woj.

Re: Sam Griffith's 1969 L78 Chevelle...WOW!
 

Sam,
I'm likin' that car more &amp; more.

BTW, I'll bet a few people will be calling some of those numbers in that Hemmings ad you posted......... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Verne https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif