Arlen Vanke

[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.