Arlen Vanke

[olredalert]

-------I bought two vehicles from Bill Knafel. One in early 1973, a 1972 full boat, white/blue deluxe gut T/A. Bill himself told me it was his wifes demo. I ended up not liking the car much but cant remember why as it was a pretty cool ride. Maybe because it was an automatic??? The second was a 1973 GMC El Camino with the equivalent to the Chevy SS package (SC?). I bought it later in 1973 after I sold the T/A. Didnt keep the El C long either as a friend just had to have it. Knafel Pontiac was a great dealer for a young guy to do business with as just about all the salesmen were savvy musclecar guys. The thing I dont have much info on is Arlens involvement with Bill K. I wish I knew more about that myself. Maybe Mike G has some input???........Bill S

[sixtiesmuscle]

Sorry it took so long to see this thread. Been busy. Anyway, Arlen's relationship with Knafel Pontiac was off & on for many years, but, always "stormy". Both Arlen & Bill Knafel were strong willed back then, so, they would have periodic "disagreements" that got in the way of a long term relationship. Arlen first sold cars for Knafel in the 1963 to 1966 timeframe. In '66 he became the service manager, built and drove the Knafel Tin Indian GTO to many national
event wins. That came to an end when he switched to Plymouth for his personal drag car. From '67 on he raced pretty much full time, as well as, was the official tire tester for Firestone drag tires. Then he reunited with Knafel, even though he was very successful with his Plymouths, to build the two Pontiacs Knafel campaigned in 1970, the Tin Indian RA IV Judge, and, the Tin Indian Firebird. Both of these cars were extremely successful in AHRA competition. Hope this helps.

[NCGuy68]

Thanks for your insight Mike.

It makes sense that Arlen tested Firestone drag tires.
Its my understanding that at the time, Akron was known as the "Rubber Capital" of America.

Does anyone know if Firestone, Goodyear, etc was sponsoring Arlin along with Plymouth?