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Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
How many were really built?
I have been killing myself trying to find out the truth. Heres what I got so far. Lets call this car #1 Still in the hands of Bill Thomas http://images52.fotki.com/v726/photo...back1vi-vi.jpg http://images17.fotki.com/v319/photo...angreen-vi.jpg Sold to the Jolly Boys http://images17.fotki.com/v319/photo...ack10vi-vi.jpg Then Gordon Apkar (Spelling?) started to restore http://images50.fotki.com/v1572/phot...novafb2-vi.jpg Now lets call this car #2 The CKC car. http://images50.fotki.com/v397/photo...26519vi-vi.jpg http://images52.fotki.com/v733/photo...DI266vi-vi.jpg Then sold to Roy Doyon http://images53.fotki.com/v1578/phot...968DNvi-vi.jpg http://images50.fotki.com/v397/photo...71/MB_9-vi.jpg Then lost & found http://images53.fotki.com/v421/photo...n_nova7-vi.jpg Car #3 Huston Platt's Dixie Twister. Is this the car that was destroyed? There has to be more than 3 pictures on the web? http://images51.fotki.com/v748/photo...20chevy-vi.jpg Now Car #4...... Yes I said 4! Well........... Do I have it right & How many were really built? |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
I believe that there were three built. At least that is what Kim Madsen owner of corvetterestorationaz.com has told me. I suspect that the last car pictured is his family's car. His dad was the service manager for Connor? Chevrolet in N.J. when the car was new and owned one of these cars then and it is still part of the Madsen family. His father was very active in racing back in those days and there is a lot more race history involved with the family including a 1960 big brake/suspension F.I. car that Kim currently owns.
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Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Last I heard, the Gordon Apker car was for sale in Hemmings about 10 years ago - so it's still alive, not sure who has it.
The cKc car is alive, and resides in PA. The Twister car is reportedly wrecked and gone. The last pic of the NJ version, if it's a 4th car, is news to me. Nice pic! |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Click here for some pics that I posted for the current owner of one of the fastback Novas....
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/show...0/fpart/1/vc/1 I think they are on page 6 |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
I just contacted Kim Madsen and he confirmed that the Hanover N.J. car was his dad's car. I sent him a link to this thread and he will be chiming in on this later.
Small world and another one for you guys to talk about. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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Click here for some pics that I posted for the current owner of one of the fastback Novas.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/show...0/fpart/1/vc/1 I think they are on page 6 [/ QUOTE ] I thought those pictures that Bruce posted a while back were the Dixie Twister, it was the only one that was outfitted with the 65 grill and trim. The other photos all have 63 grill, but any of that could have been changed out I guess over the years https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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I believe that there were three built. At least that is what Kim Madsen owner of corvetterestorationaz.com has told me. I suspect that the last car pictured is his family's car. His dad was the service manager for Connor? Chevrolet in N.J. when the car was new and owned one of these cars then and it is still part of the Madsen family. His father was very active in racing back in those days and there is a lot more race history involved with the family including a 1960 big brake/suspension F.I. car that Kim currently owns. [/ QUOTE ] Yes .... This is Scott Madsens car. I have been in contact with him on this & thats how I got these pics. As for 3....... I will say NO! This is the home of the "Super Gurus" So tell or better yet show me something https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Click on my signature. Then check out the Bill Thomas section. I have all the cars in order I think.
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Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
When I spoke with Kim Madsen about this earlier today he said it was his understanding that there were 3 cars and three "parts cars."
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Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
I have an old fiberglass catalog from '67 (A&A, I think) and in it they offered the fastback roof for early Novas. If I remember correctly, they even showed a picture of it. I tried finding it today but it must be buried somewhere. I'll keep looking. I would guess that Bill Thomas did not make these roofs from his own mold so it would seem to be entirely possible that someone could build their own fastback Nova by buying a roof from the fiberglass company and putting it on their own body.
-Jon |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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When I spoke with Kim Madsen about this earlier today he said it was his understanding that there were 3 cars and three "parts cars." [/ QUOTE ] Never heard anything about 3 "parts cars". https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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I have an old fiberglass catalog from '67 (A&A, I think) and in it they offered the fastback roof for early Novas. If I remember correctly, they even showed a picture of it. I tried finding it today but it must be buried somewhere. I'll keep looking. I would guess that Bill Thomas did not make these roofs from his own mold so it would seem to be entirely possible that someone could build their own fastback Nova by buying a roof from the fiberglass company and putting it on their own body. -Jon [/ QUOTE ] Now this I have to see. Did Fiberglass Trends do Bill's glass? |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
I believe the cars were built by Chevrolet and the fiberglass work was done by the same factory that made the Corvette bodies. They were later sent to Bill Thomas so he could work his magic on them.
This is from memory so I could be wrong. |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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I believe the cars were built by Chevrolet and the fiberglass work was done by the same factory that made the Corvette bodies. They were later sent to Bill Thomas so he could work his magic on them. This is from memory so I could be wrong. [/ QUOTE ] This would be..............WRONG https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif Come on guys..... show me something. I know you guys have the resources. |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Here is some internet info. I can't vouch for it's accuracy though.
Verne http://novaresource.org/history.htm#Fastback Also check this thread which includes comments by Dick Milner's daughter. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/show...0/fpart/1/vc/1 |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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Here is some internet info. I can't vouch for it's accuracy though. Verne http://novaresource.org/history.htm#Fastback Also check this thread which includes comments by Dick Milner's daughter. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/show...0/fpart/1/vc/1 [/ QUOTE ] The story from Novaresource has several holes.... 1, the cars were never taken to Corvette. 2, How did Huston Platt get his car if the 3rd got destroyed in L.A. ? Any 1 have pics of The Dixie Twister other then the 3 I have on my site? |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
I agree that Platt's car seems to be out of the known 3 envelope.I have more research tucked away but I just can't find it yet. Old person's syndrome.....
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Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Wow, I had a chance to buy one of these Novas in the late 80's in the Denver Co area. It was at a place called Wizard Machine. It was just sitting outside with no engine or trans, but had a late 50's Olds rearend. They said it last ran with a blown Hemi. I called Arnie beswick at that time and he remembered the cars, and it was his belief that 4 were built and that Bill Thomas had intended to build 6. This may be one of the cars known to exist but if not I would be glad to do a little research on the machine shop to see if they remember where it whent. They were only asking 1500.00
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Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Some of the cars ran olds rears. If 4 cars were built Then it would go like this...
1 Alan Green 2 CKC 3 Dixie Twister 4 #51 (Scott's car) 5 The L.A. car that was destroyed Thats 5 of 3 or is it 5 of 6 I mean 5 of 10 https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/hmmm.gif Yes I said TEN! Now....... ask me how I know https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif Question..... Why is it that after ALL these years this is still a mystery? Is it because its a 62 Yes 62 Nova Chevy II? |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Are there no pics of the destroyed L.A.-car ?
Dave you seem anxious to tell us something. Please do so ! |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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Are there no pics of the destroyed L.A.-car ? Dave you seem anxious to tell us something. Please do so ! [/ QUOTE ] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif I do, I do......... But I don't want to jump the gun. I just want more (yes MORE) pictures to prove it. How did Huston Platt get his car & what happened to it? Is the L.A. car just a rumor & who owened it? Enquiring minds want to know........ |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Don't play games. If you have something to share - then share it.
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Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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Don't play games. If you have something to share - then share it. [/ QUOTE ] DITTO. |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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Don't play games. If you have something to share - then share it. [/ QUOTE ] Who's playing games? I just thought I would ask the "GURU'S" what they know.. I have allot of knowledge about these cars that I'm more then willing to share for those that want to know. I just want to make sure I got all the facts right & when the time is right I will share it. So if you think I'm playing games then don't check back for updates https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif A good friend warned me about this site...... Maybe he was right https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smirk.gif |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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Who's playing games? " THIS GUY: "I do, I do......... But I don't want to jump the gun. I just want more (yes MORE) pictures to prove it. How did Huston Platt get his car & what happened to it? Is the L.A. car just a rumor & who owened it? Enquiring minds want to know........ " A good friend warned me about this site...... Maybe he was right https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smirk.gif [/ QUOTE ] Yup, we DON'T play games here. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Ok.......
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Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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Don't play games. If you have something to share - then share it. [/ QUOTE ] This is getting nutty just put it out there............ https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Dave how about some more info on these cars. You seem to know alot about them, please share it with everyone. Hurry before this thread to gets ugly, so please share quickly.
HOW MANY DO YOU THINK WERE BUILT?? |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Steve,Robert,Tom & everyone else (since we are going by our real names) I 'm not one for playing games. Have you guys ever found out something that NOBODY else knew or has long forgotten about? I want to share what I know, but I need just a "little" more info. The last piece to the puzzle if you will. So please bear with me. Its been 46 years since these cars were built a couple more days,weeks or month's to find out How many were built & what happened to them wont hurt. Trust me when I say that its hard to hold all this back.
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Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
I am still looking for the fiberglass catalog. I found one from the late '60s by Ai Fiberglass but it was not the right catalog I was thinking of and it did not have the Nova roof. Hopefully I can find the right catalog over the weekend.
-Jon |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
I see conflicting info here. The printed info from back in the day (or maybe more recently) says that the cars were sent to the Corvette factory for the fiberglass top and IRS, then shipped to Bill Thomas. Others say no, they didn't go to the Corvette factory.
Knowing how the auto manufacturers TYPICALLY did these types of things I too doubt that they shipped the entire car to a completely different factory. It was more cost effective to have an independant shop do the retro fit work. I could be wrong here, but I thought that Kim Madsen had told me that the three he knew of were his dsd's car, one each for Smokey & Grumpy. I have seen NOTHING here about either one of them having one of these cars. He said nothing about Bill Thomas having one. SO, does this nean that Thomas built his cars from the factory available "kit" of parts. Was it a "kit" from Chevrolet OR did Bill Thomas create the "kit?" As far as the top and who made what, it was very common back in the day for people to pull molds off of the original parts to make copies. Not to mention when the originals were made they would have made spare replacement parts as well. This would go for additional parts for the "kits." Who know how many "other" cars COULD have been made? |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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I am still looking for the fiberglass catalog. I found one from the late '60s by Ai Fiberglass but it was not the right catalog I was thinking of and it did not have the Nova roof. Hopefully I can find the right catalog over the weekend. -Jon [/ QUOTE ] I know about the catalog. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif It has the roof's for sale to the public. There was a magazine back in the 60's that ran a cutaway in "ROAD RACE TRIM" anybody have it? |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
"...There was a magazine back in the 60's that ran a cutaway in "ROAD RACE TRIM" anybody have it..."
You're not thinking of this 'CAR CRAFT CUT-A-WAY' pic in drag car trim w/ straight axle are you?. http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/bill4.jpg Looking forward to the Fastback news when you can share it w/ us!. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif ~ Pete https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
No, I have that. Its in a old road race mag. But thanks for trying.
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Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
I was looking back at the original post for the Madsen Hanover N.J. car picture, and it is not there anymore and the post has been editied by sYc. So I started re-reading the entire post and noticed that there are three other posts of member 196365 that have been edited by 1badnov. ALL of these posts have reference to the Madsen car.
What's up with this? Are these people moderators? Can any members edit any other members post on this site? |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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"...There was a magazine back in the 60's that ran a cutaway in "ROAD RACE TRIM" anybody have it..." You're not thinking of this 'CAR CRAFT CUT-A-WAY' pic in drag car trim w/ straight axle are you?. http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/free/bill4.jpg Looking forward to the Fastback news when you can share it w/ us!. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif ~ Pete https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif [/ QUOTE ] dang it Andy, you're good !!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Member 196365 & 1badnov are 1.
Q: What's up with this? Are these people moderators? A: NO Q: Can any members edit any other members post on this site? A: NO |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
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Member 196365 & 1badnov are 1. Q: What's up with this? Are these people moderators? A: NO Q: Can any members edit any other members post on this site? A: NO [/ QUOTE ] You can register and post under multiple screen names on this site??? Why did you delete the picture of the Madsen car? |
Re: Bill Thomas Fastback Novas ?
Thats 5 of 3 or is it 5 of 6 I mean 5 of 10 Yes I said TEN!
Now....... ask me how I know [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Member 196365 & 1badnov are 1. Q: What's up with this? Are these people moderators? A: NO Q: Can any members edit any other members post on this site? A: NO [/ QUOTE ] You can register and post under multiple screen names on this site??? Why did you delete the picture of the Madsen car? [/ QUOTE ] Still with the games https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif |
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