Original owner muscle cars.
 

I was thinking about how cool it would be to be the original owner of a muscle car that you still own to this day. I know of a few people that are. (some on this board)
Maybe you know your muscle car from back then is still alive and well but owned by someone else. Just looking to hear some cool stories on this topic. I know that a lot of us board members really appreciate original owner cars.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

There are 12 original owner Yenko Deuces that we know of, the stories they can tell are amazing [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Frank, I personally enjoyed talking with Ken Barnhart about his Z-L1. I think that is one for the books.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Don't forget Dennis Cumby (Orig LS6).
Owns a Fred Gibb LS6 from day one.All the papers,storys and pix to boot,but all this is eclipsed by how nice a Man he is.
God Broke the mold after he was born. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

I thought I would have gotten a big response to this topic. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

I was fortunate enough to come into the work force in 1965, a perfect time to get involved in the muscle car era. After going through a 1966 283 Beaumont,1966 396 Beaumont and a '68 Ram Air Firebird, I finally bought the COPO Chevelle which we are now restoring. There was a ring sealing issue when the car was new. We then added the headers, Hurst Competition Plus shifter and Hedman headers. Now the car performed as it should. No one invited me out for a run. I'm sure there were faster cars around our area but they may not have wanted to risk their reputation. Today, a car running in the 12s on the street wouldn't get a second glance.
We met the original owner of our 396 car. He had tried to trace the car down in the late '80s, with no luck. He bought another '69 and spared no expense doing it over. We had a great visit.
We are the third owners of our Lemans Sport. I had talked to the original owner over the phone and he sent us some of the original paperwork. Unfortunately, at age 58, he died with a heart attack before we had a chance to meet him.
Good thing we got the cars when we did. They have become unaffordable for most of us today. To us the summers,are just like the old days, only better. In the old days, car shows were for rods and customs. Pull in in a muscle car like ours meant nothing. The parking lot is over there. In that respect things have changed considerably. Most people would know your car and your name. Often times they didn't know you at all. You were known for what you drove. The cars were king.
Back in '73 I took a teenaged lad for a drive in the COPO car to show him what they were like. In the mid 90s I was at a cruise night talking to a guy. It turned out that he was the kid from '73. Bill and I have been good friends ever since. The memories are good. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Kieth, did he thank you for messing him up for life?, I am sure after the ride you two went on [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img] it left a impression on him,

I joke with my Uncle about a 12 step prograhm to help guys out like us, He took me for a quite a few rides when I was small back in the late 60's early 70's, I couldnt see over the dash but he would hit it and plant me in the seat hard for a short blast,Those were the days when a guy could come up with cars at will, seems he traded cars like every few weeks, drove my Grandparents crazy as I recall. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

When i was a Kid my dad had American Cars, and i especially remember his Black 71 Mustang Mach 1,

Almost every single day when it was nice weather he used to take it out, wash it, and on we went, down to the local Gas station to get Coke, and always when pulling out of the station he fried the wheels in the 1, and 2 gear, the car didnt have limited slip, but for a kid like me that really didnt matter.

As a fact for a couple of years ago, he was able to buy the car back, and so he did, so now its back with us.

NEW

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

I guess I messed Bill up in a nice sort of way. Today he has his own garage business, a '67 Chevy II with a 383 stroker motor and a low mileage '65 Chevy two with the original 6. He has drag raced off and on for many years. I think he has told just about everyone who will listen, about his ride in the old Chevelle.
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Lets not forget Ray Morrison, bought his 427 nova new from Dick Harrell.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

If Dick demo'd th car for him, that had to be one heck of a ride! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img], We used to call it "growing" Kind of funny when you get out in second and third gear and the car is still sideways and street lights are starting to click by pretty good and you would notice the passenger with there legs straight out against the firewall and hanging on to whatever was around. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

[ QUOTE ]
God Broke the mold after he was born. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

The "mold" you're referring to was already in the casting. That's what's wrong with me; Old and moldy!

Wanna talk class individuals; gotta agree with Kim. Ray Morrison is the definition of "gentleman". [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif[/img]

Barnhart, on the other hand........... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif[/img] God love him, I hope he never changes! We'll see him Sunday. (Yeah, Charley, we're on "Kid Watch" all week-end!)

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

You would still think a guy like Barhart having the since new could do a burn-out [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif[/img] You are right Dennis he is the MAN.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

I'll second Dennis's description of Ray. A few years ago I was on here looking up some 1968 COPO engne codes. It turned out that one of them was for the L78 engine in front of the automatic in the Gibb Novas. Ray had all the information, first hand. Handsome looking devil he was on video tape describing his car. We have since sent back and forth information, videos and trivia. Although we have yet to meet in person, I feel as though we have always known each other. We'll have to take the trek south one of these summers and visit Ray and some of the others on this site. Guaranteed to be a pleasurable experience. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

So what's your excuse for Sunday? Drag your lazy butt off the couch and head over. You can survive just one day without a nap! Maybe the two of us can show the Irreverent Mr. B how to do this. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

I have met all three gentleman and I can honestly say that they are BY FAR the 3 most true car enthusiasts that I have encountered to date. I wish that I had my video camera rolling when I talked to Barnhart and had a half hour conversation with him.(I had it in my hand!) He probably told the story about a million times about his car but told it to me like it was his first time telling it with a ton of enthusiasm. Ray and Dennis both did as well. True class acts. The three of them could be special guests at the reunion by themselves. (I think that Ray was already?)

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

for those of us not old enough to buy these cars new these storys are real cool jeff [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Ya hear that Dennis C..[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif[/img]..He is calling you OLD!

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Dennis I would love to be there but I have too much to do here.
who told you about my naps???? Kim

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Frank, this 427/435 is still owned by the person who drove it off the Douglass Chevrolet lot in '67.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

This is Bill. I met him at the reunion and he is one of the nicest people out there. He bought his yenko brand new in 69 and still owns it today. He bought two actually, but that is another story.
He brought his slicks with him to the reunion!! https://www.yenko.net/attachments/343...%20charlie.jpg

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

. https://www.yenko.net/attachments/343...%20trailer.jpg

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

He looks like Charley. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
I heard this man is a very nice Guy and his story is incredible.What a great Car he owns,from Gates I believe.
I wish I could've met him that day.I heard Mick did. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

here is a picture or Ray M who is original owner of a 68 COPO 375hp TH400 Nova with 427 conversion by Dick Harrell. Ray is holding the tee shirt that Dick H gave him. pic is from SCR2.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

I got the wonderful opportunity to talk with Bill at the '98 Super Chevy Show in Tucson. I was admiring his car when this most unassuming man walked up and asked if I had any questions. We spent the next hour talking about his car and the truly incredible story surrounding it and the other one he owned. (Its a GREAT story) In this era with the $3000 distributors and original air in the tires he was a breath of fresh air. Just an average down to earth guy with an incredible car and the desire to share its story with lowly gearhead like me. It was a wonderful hour for me.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Since we are talking about storyies and people, I was at a Super Chevy Show in Montgomery. A gentleman with an orange COPO with ZL1 engine was telling me about a feud of an owner over some engine and body of a 69 COPO car. Supposedly the story went that an orignal owner of a COPO car had his car stolen not to long after he had bought it. The car was stripped and sold in pieces. Later on, like years or something like that, he got the body and chassis back. He also found where the orginal engine was, somewhere in Canada I think he said. And supposedly there is a feud between the two parties know as one or the other will not part with their parts. For any price.

Any one know of this story. The person telling me of it was nice and talked to me for awhile. I was shocked cuz I have found down her that these guys (car collectors)aren't easy to talk with.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Confused [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif[/img], We had a 62 Vette returned to the orig owner around here awhile back, the car was stolen back around 1970, well it was very nice when the State Patrol cought it comeing back into the State, the short of it is he was given the car back, why does this guy not have all the pieces of his COPO car back, STOLEN is just that, he bought and paid for the car once.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

The car was sold in pieces to many buyers. If they don't know who all the buyers are then the parts can't get back to him. The story was about a 69 Camaro COPO. And I guess since the owner of one part of the car is living out of the country, it would be hard to get it back. Especially if it was bought also from someone else.

Budnate
was the car still in good shape. That is a great outcome.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Yes the car was very nice, at least it appeared to be to stock on TV, the guy had a pic of it from before it was stolen it was a driver that looked a little ratty, should have seen how big his grin was when it was given back to him. This was like 8 yrs ago and they were bringing BIG money for that car around here, Nice to see things work out once in awhile.

Still a little confused on the COPO story, you say the car was stolen, was it not together and running at the time?, even if it was apart, Stolen is just that, I may be way off base but It was exsplained to me a long time ago it doesnt matter who has the part today either the owner or the INS C0. gets the car or parts back, it belongs to them not the person holding the part today, no matter what the current owner thinks, The police are usually more than happy to back track all owners on said car or parts, trail has to lead back to the bad guy at some point. All it takes is a phone call to the local police and some paperwork on the stolen car to sort it out from there.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

THe car was relatively new maybe a couple of months or years old at most. Remember back then COPO were just another Camaro. Then someone stole the car. Next they striped the car; example sold rear end to one individual, motor to another, seats to even another. Sometimes you can get more for the parts than for the whole car itself. This is how it was explained to me. I am guessing that no one else has heard of this story or is keeping quiet about it.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Chris from Hobart, that pic of the Vette is awesome!! I would love to see what a dealer decal or plate frame looks like from Douglas Chevrolet.

I have heard the story about Bill Hunter and his Yenko's. I would LOVE to meet him!

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Frank, it's ironic you should ask about the decal. When my brother first negotiated the deal with the salesman, it included the provision that there would not be a Douglass decal on it. He didn't want to give any free advertising to Jack. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif[/img] The night we picked it up, there it was, a decal on the rear. He refused to sign the papers unless it was removed. The sales guy went out and removed the decal with a razor himself. Sales was willing to do anything in late '67 to get rid of the last 3 remaining 435hp cars on the lot, including offering $1000 off the sticker BEFORE trade-in. Who would have guessed back then advertising might be cool some day.

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Looking for pics of Original owner muscle cars at MCACN

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

I was offered a COPO motor,VIN tag and ownership that matched the motor over 10 years ago.The guy wanted 20K.Story he gave me was the car was being restored in a shop when it was stolen.The motor was in a different location and did not get stolen with the body.The insurance company paid on the stolen car.Some other guy ended up buying the motor and some how tracked down the original car.This guy went to the new owner with his lawyer,insurance man and a cop.He bought the body and put everything back to original to end up with a nice COPO.I thought there was a thread on this forum years ago that gave all the details.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 82z96ss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since we are talking about storyies and people, I was at a Super Chevy Show in Montgomery. A gentleman with an orange COPO with ZL1 engine was telling me about a feud of an owner over some engine and body of a 69 COPO car. Supposedly the story went that an orignal owner of a COPO car had his car stolen not to long after he had bought it. The car was stripped and sold in pieces. Later on, like years or something like that, he got the body and chassis back. He also found where the orginal engine was, somewhere in Canada I think he said. And supposedly there is a feud between the two parties know as one or the other will not part with their parts. For any price.

Any one know of this story. The person telling me of it was nice and talked to me for awhile. I was shocked cuz I have found down her that these guys (car collectors)aren't easy to talk with. </div></div>

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Scuncio Kid brought life back to a 10 year old topic...

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Wow, an almost 11 year old thread actually! Most of us are still here and kicking too!

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hvychev</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow, an almost 11 year old thread actually! Most of us are still here and kicking too! </div></div>

.....and some of us are a lot lighter [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Dan

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif[/img]

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[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/santa.gif[/img] Some just lurk around [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]

Re: Original owner muscle cars.
 

Not quite on topic but close (sorry for those that already heard the story). While not the original owner of a special car, I am currently the caretaker of the &quot;Tin Soldier&quot; 69 COPO Camaro.

Plenty of stories around this car, but this past summer I was able to get in touch with the original owners son, Jason. Jason's dad, Ron Terrell was the original owner of Tin Soldier. Jason and I hatched a scheme to sneak the car and his dad to the Camaro Nats in MD. We did a reveal and his dad had not seen the car in nearly 28 years!

You can read about that here:
Link to Thread on the Reveal

The true history of the Tin Soldier was great, as I had been told that Ron worked for Queen City chevy where TS was ordered. Instead, I learned that Ron actually worked for GM in the Norwood plant, and he helped assemble this COPO at every station on the line. There were indeed some &quot;items&quot; that fell on the car along the way too! One item still on the car, is a large water gauge tapped into the intake manifold (which had been changed by Ron along the way over the years). That water gauge was donated by one of Ron's friends in the GM locomotive division.

Ron was not only a well known &quot;Privateer&quot; back in the day, but is still a respected one today. He still races &quot;Tin Soldier II&quot; the 85 Camaro he sold Tin Soldier to buy. His wife told him either the Camaro or his 67 427 vette would have to be sold to get the 85. Ron is a legend in the privateer (non sponsored) drag racing community.

Here's a pic of Ron from last summer in TSII:

http://www.69lm1.com/pics/TinSoldier/TSII-1.jpg

Jason and his mom snuck out Ron's old fire suit, helmet and photo album. I brought a scanner and scanned all of the old TS pics and made this vid with the reveal and the pics. My favorite is at the 1:00min mark where Ron was handing his wife his beer as he was staging!

Youtube Vid:
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/3jl5n0peiSQ"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/3jl5n0peiSQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>



Stills:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3...o/holdbeer.jpg


Ron and Wife Early 70
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E...ronwifeold.jpg

Ron and Wife 2013
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C...no/ronwife.jpg

Ron Jason and I
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g...RonJayRich.jpg

Ron and Jason taking Tin Soldier for a spin
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_...o/Rondrive.jpg

Old Pics I scanned:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n...o/oldpics1.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q...o/oldpics2.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L...o/oldpics3.jpg

Anyway, not the original owner, but still a cool original owner story I thought......

Rich