Dick Harrell Prepared Chevy ll’s

[dykstra]

Love these pics!!!

[copo-2]

In 1962, the “Big 3” auto makers were underway in building speciality cars for competition purposes. Larger motors that produced more power & eliminating weight seemed to be key issues as interest was really unfolding in drag racing. Winners were an excellent way to advertise a brand name?

Dick Harrell was heavily involved in the sport during this time of competition, knowing both of these things played an important role in being in the winners circle? A light weight engineered ride with a powerful engine, would favor an experienced driver & tuner? Retribution 11 would then be born from a road racer into the drag racing scene.

[copo-2]

1963 would be the last year for factory backing in the field of racing? For a final effort, Chevrolet Motor Division would go out on a limb in building at least 50 special lightweight Impalas with a larger 427 engine. This special built option was called Z-11 at an additional cost of $1240.00 with a curb weight of about 3,400 lbs. according to a little research? The 427 motor developed for the Z-11 was initially rated at 430hp, however, some competitors were believed to have gotten over 500hp with the help of installing of headers?

Dick Harrell was one of those with access to a Z-11 that proved well for him winning the AHRA Winter Nationals. He later set a record speed for his class at 118.57 mph.

Harrell was faced in 1964 without factory backing, as were other’s such as Jenkins, by engineering their own method to compete against other corporate engineers? Both of these men would find ways to successfully compete against Ford & Mopar?

Dick Harrell would retain the 427 W block to compete in a 64 Chevelle to compete against the newly introduced mid-sized Ford Thunderbolt. Then, the 427 W Z-11 engine was put in place in
“Retribution 11” with fuel injection.

[Carleen]

62

[Carleen]

64

[dykstra]

I wonder if this '64 Chevelle still exists??

[seventyLs5]

So is Bill Allen the tuner the same Bill Allen that owned the Chevrolet dealership in Kansas City where Harrell got cars from?

[copo-2]

Originally Posted by dykstra

I wonder if this '64 Chevelle still exists??

Dave,

Not a lot of information on its existence, but did find that it is believed that it does exist in the hands 0f a collector? An interesting tidbit in the information given, notes say that GM intended to offer the Z-11 packagee for the Chevelle, but the 63 corporate racing ban forced the project to be a private effort with "covert factory help".

Both Dick Harrell and Malcolm Durham built these Chevelles with the Z-11 motor, but had to run in the "Modified Production" class rather than "Factory Experimental" class, because the Chevelles weren't technically factory built?

[copo-2]

Originally Posted by seventyLs5

So is Bill Allen the tuner the same Bill Allen that owned the Chevrolet dealership in Kansas City where Harrell got cars from?

Bill Allen Chevrolet of North Kansas City was established by Bill Allen Sr. before World War 11 and continued operations into the 80’s until the retirement of Bill Allen Jr.

Bill Allen Enterprises was from Las Cruces, NM, who sponsored the Harrell cars in the early 60’s. Therefore, it seems to be unlikely they would be the same?