Fascinating Landy Charger tale

[Dog427435]

Okay, I think some of us are being a little hard on Dick. He has been a little difficult to work with, and didn't seem very anxious to help me, but as I've stated before, he probably has good reason for this. He said many people have contacted him and claimed to have old Dick Landy cars. Most of them were bogus and he's apparently the victim of many attempted scams. I guess we should actually thank him for weeding out the phonies. At this point, I'll be more appreciative of the authentication if I get it. If Dick weren't so strict and apprehensive, there would probably be a lot more "Landy" cars out there than were ever actually made. He's very busy and in demand and I'm grateful that he finally took the time to look my car over. He won't say for sure if the car was his until he compares the information and observations to the records he has back at his shop. His wife said he has very detailed information on file for every car he ever had. Of course he expects to be compensated for this service, but why shouldn't he be? I wouldn't expect him to do anything for me for nothing. I'm positive, also, that he would never take the money and do the authentication unless he was certain the car was genuine. I did have to follow him around most of the weekend and I was very persistant while trying not to be a pest. I apologized to him and his wife for this, and reminded him that he's the only one in the whole world that can do this for me. I assured him that I wouldn't have been so persistent unless I was sure that my car was genuine. It was Saturday afternoon before Dick finally checked out the car. At one point during the inspection, he kinda told me to shut up and go away, so I did. In the end, all's well that end's well. About the only positive thing he said was "It looks like my car." This was after he completed his inspection and was all I needed to hear. At this point, I'm very optimistic. It was a stressful weekend and after Dick finished, I just wanted to go home. I stayed anyway and put the car out for a while on Sunday becuase I said I would. I didn't feel my car deserved to be on display with all those beautifully restored cars that these people worked so hard on. I had done hardly anything to my car other than clean it up. I thought it was important that I kept it as original as possible and not give anyone the impression that I was trying to fake anything. In the end, I was really really glad that I put the car out. It did attract a fair amount of attention. I met some great people and got lots of positive comments and encouragement. Troy, it was great to meet you and I appreciate your help and advice. I hope everyone at DodgeCharger.com appreciates your time and devotion. When talking with the Carlisle crowd about the car, I was trying very hard not to refer to the car as a Dick Landy car becuase I didn't want Dick to get the impression that I was jumping the gun. Along that same line, Randy Bolig, of Mopar Muscle, agreed not to publish his pictures or story until we heard back from Dick Landy. Sorry to have rambled on for so long. Again, thanks to everyone at DodgeCharger.com for all the help, advice, and encouragement. Thanks to everyone at Carlisle that stopped to talk and check out the car. I'm so glad I stayed and put it out. Thanks, Daryl Klassen, for your comments and advice. Your '68 Hemi Dart is awesome. Everyone on the Carlisle staff that I came in contact with was as helpful as could be. It was a great and organized show.

Got my fingers crossed, Ron.

[Dog427435]

Well, we got the papers. Dick has confirmed what I think most of us already knew... it's genuine . I had no doubt, but I was afraid he'd see something that would keep him from being convinced. What a relief. We're hoping to get copies of all the info Dick's got that he compared the car to. The contract he sent us appears to say that we must restore the car to the way he had it if we display the car with his name on it. I think the first thing we should do is have the Hemi built and in the car. If we have dLi build the motor, it'll be a true Dick Landy Hemi in a Dick Landy car. What do you think? Since Dick apparently wants it restored, hopefully he'll let the information flow. I don't even know if he ran it as a four speed or automatic. The car's had a lot of B&M stickers, so I'm guessing an auto. I bought a new bumper with mounting brackers at Carlisle. I already had a bumper, but not the backets. It'll all have to be acid-dipped. I need a new hood, too. Lots of decisions to make. Keep, sell, restore, drive, show, race, etc. I don't even know if I should put my money into it or let someone else take it on as a project or investment. Any advice?

Check out the pics of Dick checking out the car at Carlisie. Now you can see the elusive accident damage (and the cool can).

[Dog427435]

Thanks, 6pkrunner, for the front end picture of the car, but where'd it go? It appears to have disappeared. Any chance of getting it back? I didn't know what my hood was supposed to look like until I saw that picture. I was hoping to print it and put it in my folder. I'd appreciate anything that could be done to get it back.
We've had a few people express an interest in buying the car, but no one has made an offer yet. I'm a little reluctant to name a price. I would think that most of those interested in purchasing the car would probably know better than I what it's worth. Advice? I still wouldn't mind keeping the car even though I still don't know what I'd do with it. I've been asked a few times what I paid for the car. I didn't want to say, but I guess it doesn't really matter. I recall paying $2,400, and Willy threw in a set of '67 440 heads. It wasn't intended to be an investment, but it seems to have become a pretty good one. Don't forget, Mopar Muscle December issue.

[CC Rider]

That's a great story!

[Mr. Chevy]

Very Cool!! What a find!! I wish I was that lucky...

Rich

[budnate]

I think I am numb after reading that...how cool is that...wow! owner sounds like a cool dude as well,and think who ever does the car has it mostly all there to just clean up..

[PeteLeathersac]

Magic story Dog...thanks for sharing w/ us!!!

Note some of the old shots have '70 hideaways and some the '69 nose..
Dick probably dumped the heavy '70 nose and ran the '69 parts for lighter weight but are the '70 hideaway shots later?.

It's great the guy had Dick give his blessing on the car before he passed away...wonder what's happened since as Landy's already been gone for a year and a half or so already?.

DG RCKS!!!

~ Pete