RogerD’s 1969 COPO/HPC Chevelle
Update or replace my trusty ’66 SS 396 Chevelle . . .
My aging ’66 SS396 Chevelle, problem solved . . .
Aug 19, 1969 – on my way to work around 8AM, a bright orange Chevelle with black hood stripes rolling onto the 'showcase' section of Bill Allen's lot caught my eye. The salesman, Mr. Fieden, didn’t waste any time – he hit key points about performance mods at the HPC shop and shortly afterwards, I drove on to work in a brand new HOT 1969 COPO 427CI / DH 450HP Chevelle!
I enjoyed the car briefly and then, my first “race” . . .
I was never left behind at a streetlight and on the few occasions I raced “in the flats” locally, was unbeaten. The first “race” with PHS classmate John Carter was in early Dec 1969 out on Highway 33 near Plattsburg – he had a hot 396CI/350HP Chevy Nova. John smoked his tires while I screamed to the turnaround. It was a hollow victory - my motor scuffed a cylinder wall – it was replaced under GM warranty at Bill Allen’s shop days later. While there, they damaged the hood, top and deck lid - just patched it up without telling me. I discovered their botched repair a few weeks later - the fresh paint started cracking - another shop visit for a repaint on the hood, top and deck lid followed.
Summer of 1970, another memorable “race” . . .
This race was just outside Karen's hometown of Gallatin, MO in the summer of 1970 shortly after we were engaged. She and lifelong friend Janel Reynolds, were riding around with me that summer evening when we were “invited” to race Karen & Janel’s underclassman, Ben Houghton in his strong running Challenger 440 six pack. Junior Burke set it up on Highway 13 between Gallatin and Hamilton. Ben smoked his tires - I eased off the line and then hammered the gas pedal through the quarter. Flashing red lights in the distance heading our way halted a rematch . . .
That's exactly how it happened back in 1969 and 1970 – then, in the fall of 2008 . . .
My wife and I often talk about our chance meeting at Fansher's, our “summer romance” and the Monaco Orange '69 Chevelle which was so much a part of that summer. We were having one of those conversations in October ’08 talking about times past. I embarked on an “all out, do or die” effort to either find the car or chase it to ground. In Dec ’08, I tracked down and talked to the mid ‘80s owner of the car. During our conversation, he talked about a subsequent owner who contacted him in 2005 about the car. The 80’s owner knew all about the car’s heritage and told me the DH emblem on the trunk lid had been removed the day he sold the car at auction.
My enthusiasm hit the floor - I was about ready to give up (again) but . . .
Over the past 12 years, I had “given up” several times only to pick it up and start again. That's exactly what happened in late Feb 2009 - something inside me just wouldn't let go - I just couldn't quit. So, I started again - went back to the farm contact (where it sat for years) and continued to ask questions. Tracked down and talked to the tow company that hauled it - couldn’t locate any scrap yard in the area that could verify it had been crushed. Loose ends remained - it just wasn’t finished . . .
On May 2, 2009, I received an intriguing email . .
It was from an individual on the East coast totally unknown by me - a riveting one liner - "Roger, by chance was your cars VIN 136397K470099? Dan". Was it a scam or perhaps was my car really out there? Dan's email rekindled my fire - it was the spark I needed! I regained my focus - up every morning at 4:30AM - going back over clues - looking for anything I may have missed. I responded to Dan a couple of times and then, in late July I emailed him one last time - no response. I began tracking Dan via old posts and emails hopeful that I could locate his phone number to call him. . .
I expanded my search – “You can see the original orange under the crappy white paint” . . .
I added several major metro’s into the mix, hopeful I might find anything. Good move - I found an expired Craigslist, Illinois ad with the VIN just a few days after I spoke to Dan. It was inactive but I kept on, hopeful the seller might relist. He did and on Aug 12th shortly after 6AM, I found his (Aug 11th) relist. Several emails to the seller later, he responded and by mid afternoon, I connected with JonW via phone. We agreed to meet the next morning at 7:30AM at the storage rental where the car was stored.
August 12, 2009, 10:00PM – on to Ottawa via rent car . . .
Arrived Chicago about 10PM, picked up the rent car and headed for Ottawa. It was about a 2 hour drive and I was fortunate to find a room for the remainder of the night. I was up at 5:00AM the next morning, pacing the floor and trying to stay calm. I needed a place to store the car (if it was authentic) so I started searching via the internet (love motel wireless access about now). First call I made had space available but politely said “no” to space for a nonrunning vehicle. Next call, I explained my urgent need for a space to store the car in which my wife and I had our first date over 40 years ago and that it wasn’t running right now. The agent just couldn’t say no and they were running a special on the first month’s rent for just $1.00 – that’s right one buck. At 7:15AM sharp (Thursday Aug 13, 2009), I was waiting for the seller at the storage unit in Ottawa. I noticed as I drove in, the phone number was the same as my space reservation – everything was falling into place. Jon arrived at 7:30AM right on the dot - we exchanged pleasantries and a few minutes later he was opening the door to the storage unit.
August 13, 2009, 7:30AM - A mid ‘80’s Missouri Inspection Sticker . . .
August 14, 2009, 12 Noon - 1,900 mile Road trip – whew . . .
March, 2010 - It’s been over a year since I tracked down and bought back our old Chevelle . . .
May, 2010 - We immediately took a liking to the boys at Premier Body and Paint . . .
August 31, 2010 – let’s get the project started . . .
Jeff, Darren and Tim - doing what they love to do . . .
December 1, 2010, progress – lookin’ GOOD . . .
My first “race” back in the winter of 1969 – Highway 33, Plattsburg MO. . .
Another memorable “race” back in the summer of 1970 – Highway 13, Gallatin MO . . .
Jan 6, 2011 – A Mega millions Lotto Winner in North Idaho . . .
April 8, 2011 – 2 hours driving time Southeast from my place . . .
April 30, 2011 – Circa ‘69 Missouri plates back on the bumper . . .
Next stop, going to Kansas City for the ACES Regional, Sept 23 ~ 24, 2011 . . ..
Mar 16, 2012 – I headed for the Good Guys Lonestar Nationals event at the Forth Worth/Alliance Airport . . .
We can only hope . . .
2012 October issue, Super Chevy
Article Reproduced from a PDF file