Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

just to add to chrysler controversy, there was a high and low block version of the 383

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Neil, that's what I forgot the early 383,361 and 350 were high deck so they used the rb style manifold.

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Paul: I believe that the 383 was High or Low Deck.............................................. ...........................................But the 361 and 350 Both
were low deck only. My Friend (John Greenwood 72 AHRA SS Champion) had a 58 Plymouth Fury Wagon with a 350 and Dual Four Barrels.... Ran 15.22 at Lions Early 60's. LOTS of 350/361/383/413 had Dual Inline AFBs, I HAVE seen them on cars available to the public as well as brochures on Police Packages. Called "Golden Commando Power or Silver Commando Power" as I recall. Even 318 Poly had Dual Four Barrel Option in 57 until early 60's Factory produced (318/260HP) I bought one in later 60's from Smith Bros (Now Pro Trans)that was AHRA National Record Holder at 12.82. These are vehicles that I have owned or at least seen and touched.

In fact: Mopar made extensive use of Dual Inline AFB Four Barrels since mid 1950's. 55 - 59 Chrysler 300 Letter Series/ De Soto Adventurers/ Dodge D500 are a few that I remember first had seeing when they were new.

Paul: Congrats on you guys win tonight at LVMS.

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Here is the story of 383/343HP Race Package:

It differs from Regular Production 383 as Follows:

Clay Smith 284/484 Solid Cam and Pushrods
Chrysler 300 J Heads With 1.75 Exhaust
Chrysler 300 Adjustable Rockers
Otherwise similar to regular 383/2 Fours.

This package was developed for Chrysler by George at Clay Smith
(Buena Park CA.) Not much different than Some "Dealer Installed"
GM packages (Example 70 Buick Stage II ) and others

In the 60s - Mid 70s I used to Hang around his shop and bug him
with lots of questions so I have some first hand knowledge.

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Based on my often-questioned and fast-fading memory, the earliest iteration of the 383/343 combination to appear in Division 7 was a blue and white 440 2-door hardtop that fit the prevailing class break at the precise top of B/SA, breaking at 9.50 pounds per horsepower. It appeared in a Car Craft magazine report of the Ramona (San Diego) Regional meet as the class winner, driven by Joe Ross (see attachment). That report shows it running 13.11 but that track, located on a hilltop northeast of San Diego, was as slow as owlxxxx.

At some point in 1964, it was driven to a new class record of 13.07 by Jim Johnson with a listed address as Hermosa Beach, California (see other attachment). I might be wrong but I think it was the same car, driven by two different people. I remember it as a two-door hardtop with bucket seats. Again, I could be wrong, that was over 45 years ago.

c

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

X's 10!

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

I haven't seen him in a year but if Whip Wilson out of Richmond Va.Still has his car. He Is the original owner on his 67 Z 28. Raced it since day 1 may have never won Indy but a nice one owner car none the less.

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

I recieved a call from him (Whip) late last fall. He was looking for someone to do a set of heads for him. He still owned the Z-28 at that time and was wanting to get ready to race in 2011 but havent seen or heard if he did. .

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

I spoke with Whip last summer and he still had the car. thought he said something about building another one for his son? not positive on that one though, and i know he was looking for someone to do him a set of heads. he has mentioned before something about being burried in the car....
Theres another expensive car that runs from time to time and thats the Gollidays "Wild Child" (although not at Indy) amx orginial car, its been cut up over the years and tubbed for super stock but it is an orginal car. I think it only has like 12 miles on it, Larry bought it back in the fall of 69, took it home parked it and the following year they raced it. I think that was the story Larry told me one day, ive gotten to be close to there family over the years and know them all pretty good.

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Larry,

There are some issues about W. Wilson's car. Although I have it in the registry, it was reported to me by another local in FL who knew Whip that his original car was destroyed in a towing accident. I have no proof, only what I've been told.

When I saw the car about two years ago, it did NOT have to cowl tag on the firewall. The 4L code is what tells you it's a Z28.

I don't know the whole story, I'm only posting from my notes in the national registry.

Jerry

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Why the crack on Berts wagon? Oh probably because he could outrun you by at least a half a second on your best day! Have you even ever ran into the thirteens? Capn Joke is what they should call you,or better yet Capn Jack Off!!!!!

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Go get 'um Jack.

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

At VMP last year... (see attached photo)



Re: Bert's Wagon.... I believe that was humor. Wagons weigh a lot. :rolleyes: Had Jack been at Indy, I'm sure he could've used his car as an example as well.

When Danny Waters had his wagon for sale, under the asking price on the back window it also said, "or $2/lb., your choice"

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

You guys beat me to that one...There isn't a real stocker even close to the value of Wenzel's Camaro!

In fact few know or remember that Dave and Ben also own a 69 COPO 427/425 car that was orginally built special order for Dick Arons. In fact the window sticker on the car said it was built especially for "Dick Arons" and as far as I know Wenzel still has it. They changed the paint on the car but no problem restoring that baby. Last time I spoke with Ben (I wanted to buy it in 1992) they still had the car but that was a while ago. Knowing Ben and Dave they still have it....

By the way the only reason Wenzel got the COPO car instead of Arons was because delivery was delayed and Dick needed a car and couldn't wait. To resolve the late delivery problem Arons settled for a 396/375 car that Berger Chevrolet had in stock so he could get on with his program. In fact there is an excellent restoration article done about this car in Camaro magazine back in 2007 I believe.

MK

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Mike I believe Ben sold the COPO car a few years back. We were talking about that car this summer up at Martin. You are 100% right about Ben's 67 car being the most valuable. I don't know of any stocker besides Ben's that would bring $100k and I think Ben's would go in the right venue for over 200k.