Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

I think the value of Wenzels car would depend on how it was sold.
At Barret Jackson at 7pm on the Saturday with live TV and some celebrity hyping it may get twice as much as what the new Cobra Jets and V10 Challengers go for but put it in the classifieds it may be fifty grand.
As for most expensive car there for cost instead of value i wonder if anybody has more tied up in their cars than those new cars? What's the V10 Drag Pak cost anyways?

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Terry,

I've known about this argument for years and my question has always been that if the cars weren't built then why are there so many Chrysler 383 2x4 manifolds out there? I do know for a fact that there were some 62 Dodges and Plymouths that were ordered with the 413 with inline 2x4's....

JimR

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

You know as well as I do that the 413 and the 383 are 2 different manifolds. The subject here is the 383/343 HP combo not the 413.

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

If word got out that B. Wenzel was selling his car at auction, collectors would pay attention and find out when and where to bid. I am hired every year by my clients to do the BJ auction as I evaluate cars for purchase at that event.

I track these cars as it's what I do for a living. Some of the '67 Z28's with Trans Am history and no fame have sold for well over $300K when the economy was good. People are still paying well over $100K for a nicely restored '67 Z28 in this economy. Project '67 Z28's with no drive train and rusty as hell are selling for $60K and up.

Ben's provenance, paperwork (he has it all) and race history would do very well. He is also the only surviving original owner of a 1967 Z28. Everyone knows Ben and Dave and only 602 were built. It will also continue to increase in value as time goes on.

Jerry
D/Stock, #1710

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Every Mopar meet I go to you find at least one or two 383/343 manifolds, where did they come from.
Everything that I've heard also points toward that being a back door "police" option but why are so many around?

JimR

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

If Ben's car is worth that much,I bet it will be worth a whole lot more if he goes on to win a pewter Wally at the 2011 U.S. Nationals!

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Jim, I see lots of them also at swap meets. I do remember the two police cars (small town called Seat Pleasant) where I grew up back in around 1965. They stll used a 4 door 62 Dodge and a 2 door 62 (Whew....Ugly) Plymouth. They were nice guys and I had my 425-S 65 Plymouth so we talked a lot when we saw each other. Had to check each other out....LOL. No I didnt get into trouble....LOL. Both of those cars were 383/343 HP cars with automatics. I would imagine if you knew how to order one it could be bought new in 62? I think some of the State Police guys used 413's and I saw one 62 Chevy409/380 HP 4 door Biscayne State car with a 3 speed on the column.

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

the 383 343 manifold came on 361 and 383 cars from 1958 to 1961. It was used in many chrysler dodge plymouth and desoto models. They were put on many combinations. I believe the 1958 350 got this manifold as well. I have plenty of dyno time with this manifold. It is nothing special. It has been in the books for 45 plus years.

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

Jason Mc Cormicks Hemi Car.
Priceless leaving the starting line!

Re: The most valuable stocker running at Indy.
 

years ago the wenzel's still had the original motor...it gets my vote.

jack mccarthy

bert's wagon is worth the most at the recyclers !