Here's what it used to look like Ken -- Reed in Neb.
acevette wrote:
Reed I don't disagree that he owned it. It's probably the one Charlie
Gilbertson drove a lot. But I think the guys that have owned it have been
trying to pass it off as the "original" 68 Nats winning car and I'm fairly
certain it isn't. I know he had at least two 68 Cudas. What color was it
when you got it? The second one ended up yellow and black for awhile.
Ken A
----- Original Message -----
From: "Reed Koeppe" <raremopars@frontiernet.net >
To: <StockSSDragRacing@yahoogroups. >com
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 3:08 PM
Subject: Re: [StockSSDragRacing] Fw: Featuring Arlen Vankes 1968 SS/N
National Champ Hemi Barracuda and Four other New Arrivals at Best of Show
Automotive!
> This was Arlen's second (back-up) Car - not raced much but was one of
> Arlen's Cuda's - Title was still in his name, no.'s were correct on the
> body, etc. - I used to own that Cuda years ago. It's true, it's not the
> "winning" Cuda but it is one of Arlen's.
> Reed in Neb.
>
> acevette wrote:
>>
>>
>> That car is so bogus. I've always heard the original car burned at I
>> belive
>> Muncie, IN. Not much was salvaged. That's also the 1969 paint scheme by
>> Grego. This is what the car looked like at the 68 nationals. Arlen hated
>> this paint scheme for some reason. I always liked it. Really looked good
>> in bright sunlight. Ken A
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "tom kasch" <tk3300@att.net <mailto:tk3300%40att.net> >
>> To: <70sprostock@yahoogroups. com
>> <mailto:70sprostock%40yahoogroups. com>>;
>> <stockssdragracing@yahoogroups. com
>> <mailto:stockssdragracing%40yahoogr oups.com> >;
>> "prostock 70-80-90-" <ClassicProStock70s80s90s@yahoogroup s.com
>> <mailto:ClassicProStock70s80s90s% 40yahoogroups. com>>
>> Cc: "SAl Biondo" <sal@biondoracing.com
>> <mailto:sal%40biondoracing. com>>; "Scott Brown"
>> <scottbrowndesign@comcast.net
>> <mailto:scottbrowndesign%40comcast. net>>; "Phil Burgess"
>> <PBurgess@nhra.com <mailto:PBurgess%40nhra.com> >; "Tom
>> Burmeister" <burmeister7252@yahoo.com
>> <mailto:burmeister7252%40yahoo. com>>; "chuck comella"
>> <cjcomella22@msn.com <mailto:cjcomella22%40msn.com> >; "mike delahanty"
>> <mdelahanty@aol.com <mailto:mdelahanty%40aol.com> >; "Dan DeLaney"
>> <double_d@dansignman.com <mailto:double_d%40dansignman. com>>; "dave
>> dilbeck" <dayfalcon@earthlink.net <mailto:dayfalcon%40earthlink. net>>;
>> "dan
>> dvorak" <dvorak@dvorakmachine.com
>> <mailto:dvorak%40dvorakmachine. com>>; "Ted Flack"
>> <tflack@flackenterprises.com <mailto:tflack%40flackenterpris es.com>>;
>> "bob frey" <bobfrey@earthlink.net <mailto:bobfrey%40earthlink. net>>;
>> "Larry &
>> Patsy Hill" <cuda@wk.net <mailto:cuda%40wk.net> >; "mike keener"
>> <camaroracer@hotmail.com <mailto:camaroracer%40hotmail. com>>; "Robert
>> Kert" <bkcars68@yahoo.com <mailto:bkcars68%40yahoo.com> >; "reed
>> koeppe" <raremopars@frontiernet.net
>> <mailto:raremopars%40frontiernet. net>>;
>> "dave lay" <DLEYRACING@aol.com <mailto:DLEYRACING%40aol.com> >; "Norman
>> Mayersohn" <norman@mayersohn.net <mailto:norman%40mayersohn. net>>;
>> "chuck norton" <cnortonss@yahoo.com <mailto:cnortonss%40yahoo.com> >;
>> "Todd R" <trw9@sssnet.com <mailto:trw9%40sssnet. com>>; "Bob Rice"
>> <bobrice@embarqmail.com <mailto:bobrice%40embarqmail. com>>; "Bill
>> Stiles" <whstiles@peoplepc.com <mailto:whstiles%40peoplepc. com>>; "bob
>> unkefer" <mr13204u@att.net <mailto:mr13204u%40att.net> >; "Rick
>> Voegelin" <rickvoegelin@compuserve. com
>> <mailto:rickvoegelin%40compuserve. com>>;
>> "Jerry walker" <jctopsail@accesstoledo.com
>> <mailto:jctopsail%40accesstoledo. com>>; "mike Walter"
>> <mikewfsa123@yahoo.com <mailto:mikewfsa123%40yahoo. com>>; "dan white"
>> <ddgw@valornet.com <mailto:ddgw%40valornet. com>>;
>> <hermanhermanator@cs.com <mailto:hermanhermanator%40cs. com>>;
>> <funnycarmemories@yahoogroups. com
>> <mailto:funnycarmemories%40yahoogro ups.com>> ;
>> <eastcoastdragnews@yahoo.com <mailto:eastcoastdragnews%40yahoo. com>>;
>> <jeg.coughlin@jegs.com <mailto:jeg.coughlin% 40jegs.com> >;
>> <junglevsbrutus@yahoo.com <mailto:junglevsbrutus%40yahoo. com>>;
>> <broncoinsane@yahoo.com <mailto:broncoinsane%40yahoo. com>>;
>> <mike.coughlin@jegs.com <mailto:mike.coughlin% 40jegs.com> >;
>> <lapeeracing@aol.com <mailto:lapeeracing%40aol.com> >;
>> <HEMIFRED@AOL.COM <mailto:HEMIFRED%40AOL.COM> >;
>> <MARKYAC@COX.NET <mailto:MARKYAC%40COX.NET> >; <SALES@SUPERCAR1. COM
>> <mailto:SALES%40SUPERCAR1. COM>>; <MOTORCITYKID@ GMAIL.COM
>> <mailto:MOTORCITYKID%40GMAIL. COM>>;
>> "charlie" <warfish3651@yahoo.com <mailto:warfish3651%40yahoo. com>>;
>> "sam" <sam@samsspeedshop.com <mailto:sam%40samsspeedshop. com>>;
>> <FunnyCarsForever@yahoogroups. com
>> <mailto:FunnyCarsForever%40yahoogro ups.com>> ; "dale"
>> <dale@superstockforum.com <mailto:dale%40superstockforu m.com>>; "LEO"
>> <LTAUGHERII@neo.rr.com <mailto:LTAUGHERII%40neo.rr. com>>; "mike home"
>> <mikewrc555@roadrunner.com <mailto:mikewrc555%40roadrunner. com>>; "CB"
>> <cbacher1@neo.rr.com <mailto:cbacher1%40neo.rr. com>>;
>> <daveribeiro@aol.com <mailto:daveribeiro%40aol.com> >; "troy"
>> <troy.coughlin@jegs.com <mailto:troy.coughlin% 40jegs.com> >; "John"
>> <john.coughlin@jegs.com <mailto:john.coughlin% 40jegs.com> >
>> Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 1:06 PM
>> Subject: [StockSSDragRacing] Fw: Featuring Arlen Vankes 1968 SS/N
>> National
>> Champ Hemi Barracuda and Four other New Arrivals at Best of Show
>> Automotive!
>>
>> --- On Thu, 12/10/09, Joseph Carroll
>> <Joseph.Carroll@bestofshowautomo tive.com
>> <mailto:Joseph.Carroll%40bestof showautomotive. com>> wrote:
>>
>> From: Joseph Carroll <Joseph.Carroll@bestofshowautomo tive.com
>> <mailto:Joseph.Carroll%40bestof showautomotive. com>>
>> Subject: Featuring Arlen Vankes 1968 SS/N National Champ Hemi
>> Barracuda and
>> Four other New Arrivals at Best of Show Automotive!
>> To: tk3300@att.net <mailto:tk3300%40att.net>
>> Date: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 12:37 PM
>>
>> Please add email@bestofshowautomotive.com
>> <mailto:email%40bestofshowauto motive.com> to your address book and
>> list of
>> safe senders to ensure proper email deliverability.
>>
>> Arlen Vankes 1968 SS/N National Champ
>> Hemi Barracuda
>>
>> With an incredible, historically significant car like this, I'm not
>> really
>> sure where to start: with the man, the legend, or the machine. For the
>> one
>> or two people out there who maybe don't recognize this amazing car, it is
>> "Akron" Arlen Vanke's record-holding 1968 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda Super
>> Stock factory drag car in fully restored and 100% authentic condition.
>> I think I'll start with the man himself, since without him, none of this
>> other stuff would matter. They nicknamed him "Akron" Arlen Vanke, a racer
>> whose involvement in drag racing dates back to the mid-1950s with
>> flathead
>> coupes, shoebox Chevys, and one of the first blown gassers in Ohio. He
>> started making laps down primitive drag strips with the likes of George
>> Montgomery and the Arfons Brothers in 1953. Operating out of his
>> little shop
>> in central Ohio, Arlen proved early on he had what it took to be a
>> contender.
>> Arlen first came to national prominence behind the wheels of Pontiacs
>> fielded by Bill Knafel and the Anderson Pontiac dealership. He raced
>> everything from station wagons to Tempests, winning Super Stock class
>> honors
>> at the '62 NHRA Nationals behind the wheel of a '62 Catalina. In a
>> V8-powered Tempest, he set a '63 A/FX mark of 11.89 seconds at 123.98
>> MPH.
>> After winning the Junior Stock crown in 1966 with a new GTO at the NHRA
>> Spring Nationals in Bristol, Arlen landed a payroll deal with Chrysler's
>> Dick Maxwell and he soon began putting Mopar machinery on the map with
>> performances at tracks all over the country. He became known as one of
>> the
>> masters of shifting a four-speed transmission at wide open throttle. He
>> raced into the early '70s as one of the most popular builder/drivers
>> in the
>> newly created Pro Stock category. As one of the "Hemi Heroes," he was
>> named
>> an honorary starter for the Super Stock Hemi Challenge at the 50th U.S.
>> Nationals in September, 2004.
>> Because he lived close to Detroit, Arlen ended up with a pretty cherry
>> job,
>> drag racing on weekends and working as a test driver for the factory
>> during
>> the week. Vanke is remembered for his work on the '67 big-block A-Body
>> and
>> RO/WO Hemi package cars. He received one of the earliest cars built for
>> Super Stock racing by Hurst, and added this Plymouth Hemi Barracuda to
>> his
>> stables in the middle of 1968.
>> His career continued to build when he won the Nationals at Phoenix and
>> Super
>> Stock B Championships at Pomona, California, where the 'Cuda ran
>> 10.20s at
>> 138 MPH. According to Arlen, "The 'Cuda was dominant in the B Class
>> races."
>> This led to several 1st place NHRA finishes.
>> For the next three decades, Vanke would remain active in the sport and
>> his
>> affable nature and incredible engineering skill would serve him well with
>> competitors and teammates alike. For all his tremendous efforts, Vanke
>> was
>> inducted into the Superstock Legends Hall of Fame in Columbus, Ohio in
>> 1997.
>> The car, a 1968 Super Stock Hemi Barracuda, factory race model B029,
>> is one
>> of very few remaining examples sold in 1968 by Chrysler. All were
>> race-only
>> versions, and competition finish work was done by offsite by Hurst. Most
>> have been destroyed or cannibalized over the years, but this one, chassis
>> #013, remains true to its original form, including the tires it was last
>> raced with by Vanke. It has recently undergone a no- expense spared
>> two-year
>> restoration, and features an incredibly-rare original 426 Crossram Hemi
>> engine built by Arlen Vanke himself. Even today, it is the most famous of
>> all of the Hemi SS/B 'Cudas.
>> It was inevitable that Chrysler would build the Hemi Barracuda. For
>> years,
>> racers had been gutting Barracudas and dropping in 392 and 426 elephant
>> engines anyway. Since Chrysler had enjoyed tremendous success on the
>> drag-strips in Super Stock and Unlimited Fuel since 1963, the decision to
>> build a factory super stocker—with assistance from Hurst—was an easy one.
>> The S/S Hemi Barracuda was assembled by Chrysler as a package and then
>> shipped to Hurst for final assembly. Although the number varies from
>> source
>> to source, at least fifty and possibly as many as seventy-five Barracudas
>> were shipped to Hurst's facility in Detroit. The conversions were
>> coordinated by Dick Maxwell at Chrysler and Richard Chrysler at Hurst. As
>> delivered to the dealers, the cars had fiberglass hoods and fenders,
>> while
>> the front bumper and doors were light-gauge steel, and side windows were
>> thinner glass with simple straps instead of winding mechanisms. The
>> interiors were gutted and Bostrom driver seats installed. No heater or
>> radio
>> was available..
>> To squeeze the mighty elephant engine into the Barracuda's tight
>> engine bay,
>> some modifications were made under the hood. The battery was relocated to
>> the trunk, and the right shock tower was moved, as was the master
>> cylinder.
>> Hurst also installed custom headers, shift linkages for four-speed
>> cars, and
>> special rear-axle assemblies. Off the transport trailer, the cars were
>> delivered on street tires. All that was needed to make the car
>> competitive
>> was paint, slicks, a deeper oil pan (a small pan was installed for
>> shipping), maybe even a hotter camshaft and valve-train.
>> Officially, here are the specialized equipment specs on Hurst package
>> cars
>> built by Chrysler:
>>
>> 426 cubic inch, 12.5:1 compression race Hemi engine
>> Dual 4-barrel Holley carbs
>> Aluminum or magnesium Cross Ram intake
>> Street Hemi camshaft
>> Hooker headers and single-pipe Cherry Bomb mufflers from each head
>> Reworked A833 manual or 727 TorqueFlite transmission and shifter
>> 4.86-geared 8A (automatic) or 4.88-geared 9A Dana 60 housing
>> Sure Grip limited slip differential
>> Roller timing chain
>> High capacity oil pump
>> Front disc brakes 4A bolt circles
>> Heavy-duty radiator with aluminum 7-blade fan
>> Reworked right front shock tower
>> Reworked brake mounting pad
>> Reworked K-frame engine support
>> Heavy-duty fuel lines
>> Reworked front suspension components
>> Heavy-duty high-control rear suspension
>> Super stock springs
>> 14x5 steel wheels and black-wall tires
>> Reworked rear wheel opening for tire clearance
>> Fiberglass fenders and hood with hood scoop
>> Thin-steel stamped front bumper
>> Accessories (window wiper, battery tray, and so on) deleted
>> Acid-dipped doors with no mechanisms or outside mirrors
>> Chemor side glass, opened via 27 inch strap on door
>> Battery located in trunk over right rear tire
>> Prestolite transistor ignition box
>> Lightweight aluminum seat mounts
>> Low-profile lightweight bucket seats
>> Rear seat replaced with cardstock panel
>> Radio and heater delete plates
>> The S/S Hemi Barracudas were delivered to racers in early May, in time to
>> qualify for the NHRA Spring Nationals. Ronnie Sox was one of the first to
>> get a Hemi Barracuda on the strip and turned mid-10s right out of the
>> box.
>> The introduction of the S/S Hemi Barracudas created controversy in the
>> stock
>> ranks, where the little guy now found himself pitted against national
>> record
>> holders in factory-built race cars. On February 20, 1968,
>> Chrysler-Plymouth
>> general sales manager R.D. McLaughlin outlined for dealers—and
>> racers—what
>> they could order directly from the factory. Check out this letter sent to
>> Plymouth dealers introducing the SS/B Barracuda program:
>> February 20, 1968
>> TO: All Plymouth Dealers
>> Subject: 1968 Hemi Barracuda Super Stock
>> The Chrysler-Plymouth Division offers for the 1968 models a 426
>> Hemi-Powered
>> Barracuda Fastback for use in supervised acceleration trials. These cars
>> will weigh approximately 3,000 pounds and have been designed to meet the
>> 1968 specifications of the major sanctioning drag strip organizations.
>> The Hemi-powered Barracudas will be available through production in
>> limited
>> quantities in March. To order this vehicle, use the Barracuda Order
>> Form and
>> specify Body Code BO29 and Transmission Code, either 4-Speed Manual, Code
>> 393, or Automatic, Code 395. No other specifications are necessary.
>> Description of Components
>> · 426 cu. In. 8-cylinder engine with dual 4-barrel carburetors- 12.5 to 1
>> compression ratio
>> · Cross Ram intake manifold
>> · 1 11/16" x 1 11/16" Holley carburetors
>> · Competition Hooker headers, exhaust pipes, and mufflers
>> · High capacity oil pump
>> · Roller timing chain (reduced timing chain stretch for more consistent
>> engine performance)
>> · Mechanical valve gear
>> · Dual breaker distributor
>> · Transistor ignition
>> · Metal core type ignition wires
>> · Un-silenced air cleaners
>> · Deep groove fan drive pulleys
>> · Heavy duty radiator
>> · Aluminum seven-blade fan equipped with viscous drive
>> · Special offset 15" rear wheels
>> · Chrysler-built 8 ¾" large stem pinion gear set, and heavy-duty axle
>> shafts
>> with automatic transmission (4.86 axle ratio)
>> · Dana-built 9 ¾" heavy-duty axle with manual transmission (4.88 axle
>> ratio)
>> · Sure-Grip differential
>> · 135 Amp. Hr. battery (located in rear compartment)
>> · Heavy-duty high control rear suspension
>> · Front disc brakes 41/2" bolt circle
>> · Fiberglass front fenders
>> · Fiberglass hood with scoop
>> · Light weight steel doors
>> · Light weight front bumper
>> · Light weight side window glass
>> · High capacity fuel lines
>> · Business coupe interior (2 bucket seats - no rear seat)
>>
>> For Manual Transmission Only
>> · Special heavy-duty 10 ½" clutch and flywheel
>> · Safety steel clutch housing
>> · Competition "Slick Shift" 4-speed transmission
>> · Hurst remote mounted floor-shift unit with reverse lockout
>> For Automatic Transmission Only
>> · High stall speed torque converter (large drive lugs and 7/16"diameter
>> attaching screws)
>> · Heavy-duty manual shift TorqueFlite transmission
>> · Hurst floor-mounted shift unit
>>
>> Please Note:
>>
>> The following items are deleted on this body type:
>> Heater, Body Sealer and Sound Deadeners, Silence Pads, Outside Mirrors,
>> Right Side Seat Belt and Body Color Paint
>> NO OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT OF ANY KIND CAN BE ORDERED
>> The policy of Chrysler Corporation is one of continual improvement in
>> design
>> and manufacture, wherever possible, to insure a still finer car. Hence,
>> specifications, equipment and prices are subject to change without
>> notice.
>> These vehicles are intended to use in supervised acceleration trials and
>> other competitive events, therefore, they will be sold without warranty.
>> Special stickers will be provided for plant installation (attached to
>> left
>> "A" post) which will read as follows: "This vehicle was not
>> manufactured for
>> use on public streets, roads or highways and does not conform to Motor
>> Vehicle Safety Standards.
>>
>> All customer orders must be accompanied by a signed disclaimer (sample
>> attached) indicating that the purchaser understands that this vehicle is
>> sold without warranty and does not conform to Federal Vehicle Safety
>> Standards.
>>
>> Any prospective customer who desires to purchase one of these maximum
>> performance vehicles should be made aware of the following
>> characteristics
>> which make them unsuitable for general use.
>>
>> A high idle speed is required to insure adequate lubrication, minimize
>> roughness, and to keep the engine from stalling.
>> The modified intake manifold causes a rich surging condition,
>> misfiring and
>> unstable engine operation in cold weather, which makes ordinary street
>> driving extremely difficult and it is not
>> recommended for this use.
>> Higher than normal oil consumption will be encountered because of
>> increased
>> lubrication to the valve train and cylinder walls.
>> The carburetors are calibrated for maximum power and a high numerical
>> axle
>> ratio is used for acceleration. As a result, the gas mileage is
>> considerably
>> less than for a conventional car.
>> Engine noise would be objectionable due to increased piston clearance and
>> mechanical valve tappet clearance.
>> The ignition system is designed for optimum engine output and must be
>> kept
>> in top condition. This makes it necessary to inspect, adjust and
>> replace the
>> spark plugs and ignition points more frequently than would be
>> necessary on a
>> standard engine.
>> On car equipped with automatic transmission, band adjustment must be made
>> frequently.
>> Due to performance characteristics, maintenance and operating expense
>> will
>> be high since premium fuel is required and frequent oil changes are a
>> MUST.
>> Does not conform to Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
>>
>> Warranty and Policy Coverage
>> Any customer purchasing this model vehicle should be advised that due
>> to the
>> expected use, the vehicle is sold "as is" and the 24 month or 24,000 mile
>> vehicle warranty coverage, the 5 year or 50,000 mile Power Train Warranty
>> coverage, or any other warranty coverage (including, but not limited
>> to the
>> implied warranties of fitness for purpose intended or merchantability)
>> will
>> not apply to the vehicle. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for
>> the manner in which such vehicles operate.
>>
>> Any repairs or adjustments which you believe warranty factory
>> participation
>> should be brought to the attention of your Regional Service Office where
>> such requests will be handled on individual merits.
>>
>> Attached is a form letter (to be prepared on your letterhead) which
>> should
>> be thoroughly understood and signed by each prospective purchaser and
>> attached to your order for each Hemi Barracuda Super Stock. The
>> purpose of
>> the letter is to explain the normal operation characteristics of these
>> vehicles and clarify that the warranty coverages do not apply. Be sure a
>> letter in this form, signed by your customer, is included with your
>> order so
>> there will be no delay.
>> Holy cow, that's hard core, isn't it? Can you imagine seeing a letter
>> like
>> this from any of today's automakers? Not in your wildest dreams!
>> The cars were actually delivered to racers in very crude condition, with
>> bodies in primer and bare gel-coat on the fiberglass front end
>> components.
>> The rear wheel openings were modified by Chrysler, but most racers,
>> including Arlen, further adjusted them to accommodate even larger
>> slicks. In
>> addition, the cars showed up in the middle of racing season, so they were
>> typically not fully prepped and finished to anything resembling a show
>> car
>> level—these were simple tools designed for only one thing, and they
>> didn't
>> see much love when they were new. They were never taken apart for
>> painting,
>> and any spot that wasn't visible from the outside never received
>> paint—the
>> door jambs, inner fenders and areas like that are still either gray
>> primer
>> or black fiberglass gelcoat. The glass and trim were merely masked off
>> and
>> the car was painted as quickly as possible. Racing was a business, and
>> cars
>> like this were product, nothing more. Nobody knew how special this
>> car would be at first.
>> Ultimately, this Barracuda won the Indy Nationals and set the SS/B class
>> record in 1968. Later that year, it went on to win the AHRA race in
>> Phoenix
>> and won Super Stock Eliminator. Shortly thereafter, it went to the NHRA
>> Winternationals at Pomona where it reset the SS/B record once again, this
>> time with blistering 10.61 run. It also won at the Drag World Open in
>> Columbus. During its short 1-year career with Vanke, it had an
>> astonishing
>> nine overall event wins!
>> The 'Cuda was sold in 1969 as a Super Stocker minus the engine, and it
>> went
>> through a couple of owners before being taken off the track as a
>> bracket car
>> sometime in the early 1970s. It sat for many years, until Le Hodge of
>> Hodge
>> Restorations in Inman, South Carolina, got word of the Nebraska-based
>> car in
>> 2002. The owner had apparently taken it apart long ago, but for a '68
>> Hurst
>> machine, all the right stuff was there, and there had been no major
>> changes
>> made to the suspension since the early '70s. The owner even knew it
>> had once
>> belonged to somebody named Arlen, but other than that, its use from
>> 1970 on
>> was unknown. The deal was made, and Hodge brought the carcass home in
>> bags
>> and boxes.
>> Along the way, Hodge and Arlen got together on the car's restoration and
>> Arlen was able to contribute both in terms of historical accuracy and
>> with
>> priceless vintage speed parts ranging from the Firestone slicks to a
>> Stahl/Moroso tach-drive tachometer mounted on the underside of the
>> dashboard
>> hood. Cragar custom built the replica wheels just for this project, using
>> the same offset measurements they used in 1968. The front tires are NOS
>> Firestone Drag 500 frontrunners, probably the last such set in the entire
>> world, and never mind how much they cost!
>> As the restoration progressed, Hodge discovered the original paint and
>> almost all of the original Hurst components were still on the car. All of
>> the fiberglass was original to the car, and the rest of the
>> sheet-metal was
>> extremely straight and clean. The only major surgery they did was to
>> clean
>> up the expanded wheel well housings at Arlen's request, since he was
>> never
>> happy with the rush job they had done when the car was new.
>> Mechanically, Lee wanted the real deal, and that meant a full-race Hemi
>> under the hood. Arlen was happy to oblige with a fresh original Cross Ram
>> Hemi, including a set of race-tuned Holley carbs and Hooker headers.
>> One of
>> Arlen's race secrets was the use of six-cylinder Ford Falcon valve seals
>> that he swore by back in the day, and they're on the car now. The only
>> recent piece of equipment on the engine is a deep-sump oil pan built by
>> Charlie Gilbertson of Barberton, Ohio. Of note, Charlie also built the
>> car's
>> first pan back in 1968.
>> We can't give you any specific specs on the Vanke-built Hemi, because
>> Vanke
>> still isn't sharing his secrets—if you want to know what's in it, you'll
>> probably need to buy it and tear it down yourself to find out. But we all
>> know you won't be doing that…
>> Real men shifted their own gears back in the day, and this car was no
>> exception. The original New Process A833 four-speed and 4:56-geared Sure
>> Grip Dana 60 were both rebuilt and went back under the car. The
>> shifter uses
>> a special bracket Arlen fabricated back in the '60s. The car's
>> original one
>> was missing when Lee got the car, but Vanke had a spare one among his
>> parts
>> and pieces at home, and it's on the car now.
>> The paint currently on the car replicates the car's second paint job,
>> which
>> was the one Arlen always preferred. The car's first scheme was too
>> ordinary
>> for Arlen's tastes, so this far-out space-themed look was designed and
>> sprayed, then lettered in gold leaf. Using vintage photographs and stills
>> from an old Chrysler promotional film, Hodge was able to replicate the
>> paint
>> and lettering exactly. The entire job took ten days from start to
>> finish and
>> was one of the most challenging projects of his career.
>> Most of the lettering is buried under the 2-stage clear-coat for
>> long-term
>> durability and a show-level finish—yeah, it's a lot nicer than it was in
>> 1968, but this car is a historical treasure now, not merely a tool, so
>> you
>> can forgive them for their enthusiasm. To Hodge's credit, they also
>> duplicated a lot of the factory flaws, ranging from some overspray in the
>> correct locations, to strategically airbrushed rust on some of the welds
>> under the car where Hurst may not have fully protected the steel with
>> primer. Talk about attention to detail!
>> The glass is all original, the floors are flawless, the interior is
>> perfect
>> and, well, it's exactly as it was in 1968 when it was setting records.
>> The
>> strip of white tape at the 12 o'clock position on the steering wheel is
>> still there, the radio block-off plate is in place, Arlen's homemade
>> driveshaft safety loop is in place, and that Hemi cackles and spits
>> like a
>> brute at idle. Sure, the car is a little cleaner, maybe even a little
>> shinier than it was in '68, but make no mistake, this is still a
>> 10-second
>> car as it sits today.
>> Ultimately, the restoration took more than two years and cost well
>> over six
>> figures. There's no doubt that the car is nicer today than it was when it
>> was new, but with Arlen's input on the project, it is 100% accurate and
>> authentic, with all the original parts intact, including that Vanke-built
>> Cross Ram 426 Hemi. There isn't another race car on the planet with a
>> pedigree like this one, and it will be the star of any high-performance
>> Mopar event in the world. If you are a serious Mopar collector, this car
>> needs to be the centerpiece of your collection, no ifs, ands or buts
>> about
>> it. To this day, Arlen still calls this 'Cuda the greatest car he ever
>> owned.
>> The entire restoration is, of course, heavily documented with photographs
>> and receipts. Photos show things like the Hemi engine arriving at Hodge's
>> shop in a crate bearing Vanke's return address. There's also a full
>> Govier
>> report on the car, plus Govier's signature next to Arlen's on the rear
>> valence panel. The report is summarized here:
>> 1968 S/S Plymouth Barracuda 2D Sports Hdtp VIN B029M8B299126 now in
>> S/S Hemi
>> registry.
>>
>> There were 80 1968 S/S Dodge Dart Hdtps and 70 1968 S/S Plymouth
>> Barracuda
>> Sport Hdtps built.
>>
>> As of the above date, it is #13 of 52 1968 S/S Barracuda Sport Hdtps
>> registered, built at the Hamtramck, MI Assembly Plant.
>>
>> All of the 1968 S/S Hemi cars were scheduled to be built at the
>> Hamtramck,
>> MI Plant between Feb 23, 1968 and May 23, 1968. There were 2 scheduled
>> production dates for Darts (218 & 521), and there were 2 schedule
>> production
>> dates for Barracudas (218 & 419).
>>
>> Additional documentation includes dozens of magazine articles bound in
>> two
>> huge albums, with topics ranging from Arlen's amazing 1968 win at the
>> Nationals, to biographies on Arlen himself, to the resurrection of this
>> amazing car. You'll spend hours reading all about it, and there's so
>> much to
>> learn about this piece of racing history that we can't possibly cover
>> it all
>> here. Here's a list of the articles on the car and the man:
>>
>> · Mopar Collectors Guide, August 2008 "Super Stock Reunion"
>> · Street Thunder Magazine, July/August 2007 "Flashback"
>> · Mopar Action, February 2007 "Hanky Vanke"
>> · Mopar Muscle, January 2007 "Vintage S/S Gathering"
>> · Musclecar Review, May 2008 "Historical Hemi Hardware"
>> · Mopar, March/April 2007 "Hemi Challenge"
>> · Old Cars Weekly, January 12, 2006 "Russo and Steele Offers Historic
>> Mopar
>> Drag Racer"
>> · Mopar Collectors Guide, March 2005 "Mopars at the Forge"
>> · Muscle Car Review, October 2008 "Drag-On Lady"
>> · Mopar Action, February 2005 "NHRA Duster Record Buster"
>> · Mopar Action, April 2005 "Mopar Nats"
>> · Mopar Collector's Guide, November 2004 "Big Fish"
>> · Mopar Action, December 2006 "Stock Yard"
>> · Car Craft, February 2005 "Hemi Super Stock Drag Action"
>> · Mopar Enthusiast, August/September 2008 "Mopars at the Strip"
>> · Mopar Action, October 2008 "Hemi Super Stock Reunion"
>> · Mopar Action, April 1990 "Akron Arlen: The Forgotten Legend"
>> · Mopar Collector's Guide, December 2008 "40th Reunion Extravaganza"
>> · Muscle Car Enthusiast, November 2004 "Total Recall"
>> · Mopar Collector's Guide, September 2003 "SS/AA Racing Past & Present"
>> · Mopar Rare Vintage Photos, Winter 2005 "Special Super Stock Hemi Dart &
>> 'Cuda Section"
>> · Muscle Car Review, June 2009 "Akron Arlen Vanke Interview"
>> · Mopar Muscle, December 2009 "Racing Back—It's 1969 Again!"
>>
>> There's also a scale model of the car, still in the box with Arlen's
>> signature on it. Cool!
>>
>> Finally, the car's original title, still in Arlen Vanke's name, is
>> included,
>> showing that he paid $3744.00 for the car, including sales tax.
>>
>> This Barracuda demonstrates a level of factory involvement that you
>> just don't
>> see any more at any level. Mopar was so single-mindedly focused on
>> winning
>> that they invested a ridiculous amount of time and money in a tiny
>> handful
>> of purpose-built race machines that would never turn a profit.
>> However, they
>> understood their customers very well back then, and knew that putting
>> cars
>> like this Barracuda in the winner's circle also meant putting buyers in
>> showrooms. Back then, it wasn't about money or sales. They knew that
>> reputation and street credibility were built with machines like this, not
>> with flashy ads and discount programs. Sadly, it's an era and a
>> philosophy
>> we'll probably never see again.
>>
>> At Best of Show Automotive, we have a reputation for finding some pretty
>> amazing hardware—it's our specialty. This 1968 Barracuda is by far the
>> most
>> significant car we've ever had the pleasure of showing, and we're honored
>> that it has come back to Ohio in its search for a new home. We have
>> guys in
>> our shop who remember this car when it was new, and who knew Arlen
>> personally back in the day, so there is a special connection with it
>> here at
>> Best of Show. This isn't just an artifact or a museum display, it's a
>> part
>> of so many lives that merely calling it an old race car does it a severe
>> injustice. We know you appreciate that, and that true enthusiasts know
>> why
>> this car is so special.
>>
>> This is among the most significant pieces of Mopar history in the world.
>> There is only one of these, and this your one and only opportunity to own
>> it. Don't hesitate, call Best of Show President Joe Carroll personally
>> and
>> feel the history come alive today.
>> For Images and more information on the
>>
>> Arlen Vankes 1968 SS/N National Champ Hemi Barracuda
>>
>> CLICK HERE
>>
>> To read more about over 120 amazing classic, muscle, and high-performance
>> cars, CLICK HERE
>>
>> • Click on vehicle name for more details! •
>>
>> Arlen Vankes 1968 SS/N National Champ Hemi Barracuda
>> 1968 Camaro SS 396/375 HP M22 4 Speed
>> Restored 1970 Chevelle SS Convertible LS5 4 Speed
>> 7,608 Actual Mile 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary
>> Rare Marina Blue 1966 GTO Convertible 389 TriPower 4 Speed
>>
>> Details for all New Arrivals can be found HERE
>>
>> Call Rick Iacoboni today at 440-350-1480 or email us at
>> newsandevents@bestofshowautomo tive.com
>> <mailto:newsandevents%40bestofshowa utomotive. com>
>> for more information about events.
>>
>> MUSEUM / GIFT SHOP Hours:
>> Mon. - Fri. : 10am - 5pm
>> Saturday : 10am - 4pm
>> Sunday : Gone Racin'
>>
>> Admission : $10.00
>> 12 & under : $ 5.00
>> Annual Membership: $50.00
>> Lifetime Membership: $99.00
>> Group Rates (15 or more) : $ 8.00
>>
>> Showroom Sales: By Appointment Only
>>
>> Best of Show Automotive, LLC.
>> 7700 Tyler Blvd. Mentor, Ohio (440) 350-1480
>>
>> Visit us on-line at www.bestofshowautomotive.com
>>
>> Sent to: tk3300@att.net <mailto:tk3300%40att.net>
>> If you prefer not to receive
>> future e-mails of this type,
>> Leave this List.
>>
>> Sent By:
>>
>> Joseph Carroll
>>
>> 7700 Tyler Blvd
>>
>> Mentor OH 44060
>> USA
>>
>> To view as a web page.
>>
>>
>>
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