1962 409 race car

[david montanbeau]

I bought this car that was a drag strip only car. 409-409 4 speed bench seat car with no miles. I bought it in Southfield Mi. 8 mile and Livernois area. I got it in 1968 for 200 dollars. The guy name was George and he had a Z11 63 that was brown. I was 17. I had a 65 Impala S.S Conv 409-400 that i pulled the motor to put into the 62 with many problems. Pan and brackets was different. A friend of mine and my self went out and stolled a 70 LS6 for the engine to put it in the 65. Got busted. Went in front of the Judge, had 2 options, jail or service. I joined the Navy.

 

[david montanbeau]

If you look close, you'll see the Doug Thorp decal on the driver side rear window and the toll tabs in front. The headers came with the car along withe the factory tack and shiftier. I have 8 MM movies racing this car at Det Dragway in 68 to 70. Once i figure how, I'll post it. We were running 4 at a time back then. The best the car did was the mid 13s.

 

[mark johnson]

Very, very cool ! I love seeing stuff like this. Thanks for sharing!

 

[benchseat4speed]

Those pics are classic! Do you still have either the 62 or the 65? How'd ya get busted stealing that Chevelle??

 

[david montanbeau]

The thing called (MOTOROLA) got us. We borrowed the car from Emmert Chev on Grand River in Detriot. We went on a extended test drive. Both cars were sold in 74. I started building Corvettes and other 409 cars in the 70s and 80s.

 

[pjnewlin]

Great story and photos. Thanks for sharing.

 

[4onthefloor]

David, what were the big Chevy dealers in the Detroit / Harper Woods area in the early 60's ? My car was found in a garage in Harper Woods. last licensed in 1968. Pall Mall butts still in the ashtrays.

 

[david montanbeau]

Dexter-Paul McGlone-Emmert was the big dealers back then. More pictures of my 62 that I bought in 1968 when I was 16. Picture of it being red was taken in 74. My dad painted it for me while I was in the service. Also a picture of the tow vehicle for the 62. 1955 Chev-454 turbo 400. Picture taken in 1974-75

View attachment 30467

 

[64chevydude]

Hi David,
On nov 18th I got an email saying you posted some pictures of the autorama . But I cant find them, would be cool to see.
Steve

 

[HemiChallenger71]

Used to be a MI native I take it? Cool story!

 

[david montanbeau]

Born and raised on Telegraph. Detroit MI.

 

[Teighlor]

Brilliant photos! I love a good bit of history. Can't wait to see the footage, if it is possible to get it online!

Cheers

 

[ROYALOAK62]

13 mile and Woodward Ave and still cruising the Boulevard.
Hey Steve, it was nice seeing you once again. We should set something up for meeting up at the big cruises this coming year.
Dave

 

[david montanbeau]

See the Decals on the driver side rear window above the Doug's Headers Sticker? Detroit Dragway wins.

 

[64chevydude]

13 mile and Woodward Ave and still cruising the Boulevard.
Hey Steve, it was nice seeing you once again. We should set something up for meeting up at the big cruises this coming year.
Dave

For sure Dave!