Bob Core, We've not seen that photo before, cool pick.
Dan Gurney 1961 409 Impala
- Thread starter chevytaylor
- Start date
Bob Core
Well Known Member
That one has been a "holy grail" for me too, although it's a little sad. I'm not the only one who would like for that event to have ended a little differently.Bob Core, We've not seen that photo before, cool pick.
Hey Tommy, were those wheel centres riveted or welded back then?
I think the 15" wheels may have riveted and I'm sure thats what he was running but in that picture it looks as if the center area around the lugs broke out, not the entire center. Along about this time frame is when NASCAR began requiring a double center to be welded in the wheels. Also in the early 60's NASCAR started requiring all cars to use a 5 on 5 lug pattern which increased the size of the troublesome area and perhaps spread the load. I say all this because the problems that Gurney experienced could have influenced the changes that were made over here by NASCAR at about the same time
After 55 years, Dan Gurneys 61 409 has landed back in the USA!! 
Verne Frantz artical.
I’d love to see this car ( and all parts) up close.
http://www.superchevy.com/features/...ith-this-hot-409-powered-chevrolet-impala-ss/
The Gurney Impala was not an SS, Super Sport.
The Gurney Impala was not an SS, Super Sport.
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Yeah, it was the rear wheel Steve, just a miss print. The Aussie, Laurie O'Neil went for a burn around London in the car with Dan before shipping it to Australia.
That's a good article.
SS and 1 of 147 ?
SS and 1 of 147 ?
Yeah, not an SS though Grub. This car was built in late 1960 early January 1961, well before Super Sport was introduced. Probably one of the very first factory built 1961 409 Impalas made.