What a line up that would have been. Starting with the Corvair, then the Chevy II Nova fastback, and crowned with the Corvette!!! I wonder why they did not use the Tempest rear end setup? I guess the divisions were still actual divisions!!
I saw one of these cars on the track at Mission Raceways back when they were new, most likely the Allen Green car, became it was based out of Seattle. They were wild times, so many innovative cars being tried out everywhere, unlike the homogeneous cars we see today. I’m glad I’m old.
Wow...learn something new everyday. That car deserves to be brought back to its glory! One of the rarest cars out there i would think. I thought i had seen them all. Great story.
Currently active in the Southeast Gassers Association www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/images/vcsPRAsset_2464767_98650_f4592254-7415-4d00-bb92-9af1e1c49148_0-lg.jpg
@@carshowreporter I have owned over 2k autos in my life, mostly vintage cars cause they used to be cheap, not anymore tho..to old to work on them now but it was a good run
Thanks for sharing, I learned to drive in my Grandmother's '63 Chevy II. It had a straight 6 and was a blast to drive, I wish it had survived to today.
They were nice, little cars, TheSybermedic!! Today, they are a realistic collectable, too! Here is the video of a few of them at this show: ua-cam.com/video/k5fG_i9NuC0/v-deo.html
I remember that Chevy ll from the first article in one of the magazines . Alway's thought it was really Cool . What a great find and not knowing about exactly what it was when he bought it makes it more exciting. So COOL . Thanks for sharing and posting the video .
It's a Rambler Marlin roof attached to a Nova body. What a cool idea! Just think if they made 500 of them years ago! They would really be worth alot today. A rare find. Shawn
Maybe it was reversed, Shawn, a Nova roof on the Marlin??!! Any who, the original,, concept at AMC was a fastback Rambler American, the Tarpon. Thanks for watching and commenting. Please check out the rest of my channel.
I know a lot about early Novas and have been the owner of an original 63 wagon since the eighties but I didn't know this car ever existed it's sad to see something so rare in such rough shape. It's still way cool and is definitely a keeper.
Old race cars are usually put away quite rough, if they survive all of the mods through its career!! Ken will bring her back, though. He has experience restoring old drag cars. Nice wagon!!!! By any chance, is it a 2 door??!! Have you seen this video? There is a sweet wagon in it: ua-cam.com/video/k5fG_i9NuC0/v-deo.html
Would honestly love to see this completely restored as close as possible to how it left the factory and was intended before the racers got hold of it, as rare as even for those who don’t really like this style, it would be nice to see something as rare as this restored as part of history 👍🏼
You say Racers as if that was a bad thing. The whole idea of the car was for SCCA Racing , a different form for sure , but still racing. 2nd if it wasn't for those that owned it before keeping it all these years , I t would not be here today. Said tongue in cheek....
I agree hate to say it but the owner needs to sell it to a respectable car collector like Jay lenno so it can be put together to the original condition and I don't think he has the recourse for doing it just saying I could be wrong good luck
A real piece of automotive racing history. Knowing the history is awesome. Hopefully you can manage some form of a restoration to preserve it, even if further modifications need to be made to make it roadworthy. Thankyou for showcasing it. Truly remarkable.
As a young child I saw one of these cars race at the old Double Eagle Dragstrip northeast of San Antonio, Texas. I'd love to see it in CKC paint once again.
@@carshowreporter Unfortunately I do not. I was very young (age 6-8 years) when I lived near that strip. We lived in the rolling hills between San Antonio and Converse about 3/4 mile from the track. My oldest brother would take me and my sister to the races almost every weekend, he even campaigned a 1958 Chevy there in 1967. The HAMB website has both the CKC and Alan Green entries, as well as the Twister cars.
saw this historic car run at southwest raceway in tulsa, most likely in 1965, soon after it was converted to a funny car. despite the fastback, it wasn't the sleekest, nor the fastest, even with the big block. but it was certainly unusual and i have always remembered it. amazing that it has survived. although it lived its life as a drag racer, this extremely rare car deserves a first class restoration to its original scca trim, if only to highlight that these three novas were originally conceived by gm as "production' sports racing cars. kind of a nutty idea but now a piece of racing history.
WOW!!!!!!! i have a 'Love of Nova's'!!...i have a '71 ..being 'Restored' ( with a few Upgraded Mods ) presently.....Pace yourself Pam!!! cheers Robert!
@@carshowreporter actually has a Fuel Injected 5.3 Litre ( GMC..pick up ) engine in 'her'...with L460 tranny...Willwood Brake...System. Aftermarket AC..& !7X11 back..17X9 Rims! Take Care..& enjoy the 'shows' my friend! Cheers Robert!
Wow how cool is that,, soooo cool,, Man Hi Pamela, Ha you thought I forgot,,, never,,, so glad you found this one I really like it,,,if you been watching my videos you know I like AFX AWB drag cars #1 fan Glen later gater
Oh yes, and TALL engines!!!!! I have to admit, I am behind in my viewing of your cool and FUN, videos!!! If all of you gearheads out there want to know what we are talking about, go to: ua-cam.com/channels/hJmYoDiBjDOPrARKay6nZA.html Remember, if you like it, SUBSCRIBE!!!!!! In a while, Numero Uno!!! and Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To go from road racer to strip car they moved the diff centerline forward,hence that rough looking work on the chassis rails.This was to make the weight transfer create a tractive force Then to further better the handling a straight front axle was installed and placed further forward giving it better steering as the front rose under acceleration ...and it was the 'trend' in the Pre funny car era. If it were mine I would be returning it to road race spec and entering historic races. Even though it never raced as such ,the fact it was GM project makes it a viable scheme.
You got it, Mercmad!!! I agree, even with the history on the strip, the original concept would be more significant. Thanks for watching and the informative comment.
That's an amazing find. While the barn find look makes sense as to its history I would prefer just the running gear restored to accuracy. That is, the SCCA configuration as it was first intended. Thanks for that history lesson Pam.
Restoring the fastback to it's original would be a major project, from the extended front end, altered rear, totally changed suspension.... whew... if would be really interesting to see the original build. Thanks for your insight, Drew.
IMHO A combo of both worlds. Keep the longer wheel base, fix the frame, put a suspension under the front end, get the body fit right.... it the kind of project a lot of people would be all about.
It is one of 3 built, then sent to the fate of the strip... 66 years ago. It is quite understandable not to have seen one, David!! Can you believe GM was building an SCCA racer...besides the Corvette??!!
Hey, Camaro Chic, are you trying to plug your channel here? Well, you did not include your link: ua-cam.com/users/CarolinaCustomClassicsvideos Cool channel!!!!!! Please plug mine, too!
There is currently one of these running in the Southeast Gassers called The Dixie Twister that was apparently raced in the 60s n called the Dixie Twister then.
Yes, Tony!! Here is the FB page: facebook.com/HPdixietwister/ Thanks for watching and commenting. Please check out the other, more unusual, cars on my channel.
There’s another one I know of that’s still alive and kicking. Was originally raced by Houston Platt out of the Carolina’s & now raced in the “South East Gasser Accosiation” or SEGA by his grandson Rocky Platt (I think I got the names right).
@@carshowreporter People forget that Shelby had to buy back a lot of his cars that now are in the millions and this fast back Chevy nova was the first fast back out there. Bill THOMAS was fired for nothing biggest mistake Gm made . The original with vette parts would be worth millions. Lucky find a piece of history when see what the NOVA became.
It's not a Rambler Marlin roof as some have stated . The Rambler Marlin is a very Cool car and unique in many ways . Rambler as well as Studebaker built some really Cool cars including the AMC's . This Nova is such a great example of what was done to cars of that era to get people's attention and that's exactly what they did . I remember seeing the Fastback Nova when it was featured in the first magazine it was featured in . Radical but oh so COOL .
I agree with you on the Marlin, and, especially, Studebaker, D Vint!! ( here is a Marlin in rough shape from Carlisle: ua-cam.com/video/PjLcf2Cs2Rg/v-deo.html ) . The conservative compacts of the era were sales sensations. The idea of " grafting " on a fastback was common, too. Look at the Barracuda, Charger and, of course, the Marlin. Yes, AMC had the time to do a better job of blending, though. Thanks for watching, and please check out the rest of my channel chock full of cool, and a bit, unusual, cars.
If you wanna see one of the 3 still racing look up Dixie twister. Fella ain’t afraid to run the car either. Just watched this car last month at Kil-Kare at a south east gasser association event. Super great guy too
@@carshowreporter awesome share because not many people would even know stuff like this existed. All the concepts of today are only computer renderings..
That's an old Bill Thomas car. Originally had a Corvette rear suspension and a Rochester injected 327. I know the guy he bought it from and helped him chop the windshield frame 1" in the early 70's. The car was set up for a 426 hemi and a Torque flight at that time. Had a '57 Olds rear end. My friend bought it from somewhere in Texas as a roller. Had some goofy psychedelic paint job when he bought it.
Do you know who took out the Corvette suspension?? Do you, or your friend have any photos??? Ken would greatly appreciate any history!!! Thanks for watching and adding to the history of this fascinating Chevy, R.D.
Wow! Great find! You didn't know about this car history when you purchased? I knew about this historical car in 1970's high school! Well documented in hot rod publications. So awesome if this could be restored accurately as possible. Can visualize the step to the 1968 shape.
Ken, the previous owner and the people who pasted this by, did not know about the trio. Maybe because this car was so rough and, as you can see, the roof extension looks like the add on it is. Ken has experience in restoring vintage drag cars, so stay tuned, Clark!
Many, old, race cars were canalizable and left to Clem. Stay tuned to see how it turns out after Ken restores it. He has done other. vintage drag cars. Check out more interesting cars on my channel. A few are Clem approved, like this " boat truck " ua-cam.com/video/6J-3BGqLRNc/v-deo.html
The altered wheelbase is part of the class, altered. It is the forerunner of the funny cars. Maybe we should have called them " odd " cars??!! 😉 I will post another video when Ken finishes the restoration.
It's 1 of those hard part of old cars , how do you present it . OEM as came from the Factory? The life it lead , some have more then 1 interesting story to tell . Or as found ? What a good problem to have.
AMC Marlin was my first thought. The fiberglass certainly is “roughed in” on there! Even the rough lines on this glass hat is rough and very interesting! The owners’s description of the earlier vette suspension is still a little hard to wrap my head around. Hard to believe GM was behind this one. Almost seems to rough. If truly a prototype it’s hard to believe it wasn’t crushed. I wouldn’t believe it was a GM project except for the fact there were supposedly 3 made! 🤔
@@carshowreporter yes but no Nova convertible body had a 42” long door and there were no four door convertibles made. Just saying. PS been building and drag racing cars since 1970. Last effort, a Jo Amado Top Fuel championship car converted to top alcohol. Ever been hit in the back by a train?
You got it, rockymontana1. This is a '63 and the Marlin came out in '65. The style was common in the early to mid sixties, but GM started it. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Love your appreciation for something a little different, Led it go kustom plastic!! Hey folks, check out his channel at: ua-cam.com/channels/jJtPAtELY_WnIAkwbdoGKQ.html
My first car was a '63 Nova SS. I had no idea they had made a fastback til now...(Ive always wanted to build a 63 with the straight 6 and pg, but hotrodded. I know there is a grip of go fast potential there)
That would be very interesting, Rick!!! We were talking about something along those lines, the short lived NASCAR compact class of 1960 - 61 www.nascarhall.com/blog/bill-france-compact-idea Imagine your fantasy, hot rodded, Chevy II running this series.
Great question, Dan. The stretched wb puts the engine further back, while the diff moved up gets the most traction off the line. The same formula is a disaster for a road course.
I dunno, I'm having a hard time seeing the value of this Nova. Sent here and hacked, sent there and hacked, and then rehacked some more. So much of the originality (if you can call it that) has been lost that the thought of restoration would basically involve building a brand new vehicle. I mean other than the fiberglass fastback clip I'm not seeing much reason to do anything with this car except let it be.
Great point Vargas!!!! Race cars go through many modifications until they become either to far gone or obsolete. Especially in drag racing. Ken plans to pick a point in it's drag racing past and bring her back to that point. He has restored other drag cars, and he is doing and intense research into this one's past.
Look into the straight axle Shelby that Dennis Collins & Richard Rawlings recently found & bought. 1 of 37 that came with a supercharger. Even though it's been hacked, it still holds a valuable history.
It looks like they chopped the top off of a later barracuda and stuck it on this chevy II. Personally, I don't like the look at all...but it is unique.
Style is personal taste, Michael. Anyhow, in this case, the purpose was for better aerodynamics, as it was developed for SCCA road racing. Looks don't count, airflow does. Thanks for watching and your insightful comment, Michael.
@@carshowreporter there is one of these that runs in the Southeastern Gasser Assc. the car is black.....I did learn something here, there was only 3 cars built. It's very fortunate this car survived, when these old race cars served their usefulness, they were either disassembled or scrapped....thank you for sharing this car with the viewing public!!
Gee, David, do you think you can plug the " competition here??? Well, you're right!!! Here is the link to the Motor Trend article: www.motortrend.com/news/huston-platt-dixie-twister/ Thanks for mentioning this great article, David.
What it looks like from the side is a 1966-67 Charger with that roof line. The part that makes me laugh is because it was done by G.M. workers it is special but if Joe blow does it is nothing special other than the fact it is a old race car with bad fiberglass work that most would frown on and not be worth much. Do not get me wrong because i love fastbacks. I always wanted to put a fastback Mustang roof on a early Cougar which i think would look great but i can imagine some would frown on me for wreaking a good Cougar and Mustang unless i worked for Ford or something like that.
Look at some pieces of art, Henry. One line is nice, but no, big deal...unless it is signed by Picasso. Everyone was fastback crazy in the early to mid sixties. Hence your Charger example, Barracuda, Marlin, and to a limited point, even the Avanti. A fastback Cougar would be cool!!!! On a quick search, I came up with this: www.autoevolution.com/news/this-1967-mercury-cougar-fastback-unicorn-was-done-by-a-17-year-old-143700.html
@@carshowreporter Thank you very much for your info. I would have loved to own this one even in it's present state. I think this looks really cool and wonder why they never made this version. bet the interior pieces were mustang in the back with cougar blended in.
The crudeness is what hid the past from the previous owner. Many manufacturer's special vehicles are cobbled together under the paint. Look at the Superbird. Under the vinyl roof is some cobbled seams. Due to the production numbers, they were better built, by far! Thanks for watching and your insight, roadkingdream.
This is not unusual with vintage race cars. They were built and modified to do one thing, fast. After they are obsolete, they are put away all beat up...or scrapped. This one is unusual enough, and complete enough to be saved. Ken has restored old drag cars before, so if anyone can do it, it is Ken!
Odd that the initial discussion frames the owner instead of the car. I don’t care to watch a guy talk to the camera when I clicked to see the car, not him.
You mean a Chevy II? They were a dime a dozen, as Chevy sold hundreds of thousands of them!!! Look at them today, though!! Here is one at Mecum: ua-cam.com/video/Z2BxkiVg4QQ/v-deo.html
A fastback ANYTHING seems like an extremely odd choice for SCCA racing...NASCAR would seem a slightly more logical venue. With the possible exception of a small hand full of smaller British sports cars, I can't remember ever seeing a fastback being a better SCCA racer than the equivalent notchback model.
It depends on the SCCA, Howard. In '63, aero was finding it's way into racing, including the C2 Corvette, Chaparral, Porsche and Lotus ( champs in SCCA racing, circa 1963 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963_SCCA_National_Sports_Car_Championship ) . Now, the more interesting question is, why the fastback and the flat air dam, front end??!!!! Thanks for watching and bringing up a very, interesting point.
I get it. You knock back a half dozen rum and Cokes, smoke a fatty, and start sketching something out. But when you wake up in the morning and see what you did, the first thing should have been to trash it before anybody else could see it.
I think you have revealed the true origins of funny cars, Anthony!!!!!!! 😆 Meanwhile, let's give Ken some time to restore this little Chevy II. Then enjoy a few rum & cokes and a fatty....
Just looked up Dixie Twister. Amazing. That is two out of three after fifty years. Where is number 3? Can ANY manufacturer boast if this type if record? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
@@carshowreporter three one off cars made, amazing racing history, one still and continuously racing hard for 50 years, one more found and maybe raced again. One more still out there somewhere. It was a compliment fer chriss’s sakes.
Totally agree, Guitarhole!! Altered class was not done for beauty, and, naked and unrestored they will not even win $10 for second place in the beauty contest!! Thanks for watching and commenting. Please check out the rest of my channel of something a little different...
Restored back to the car as the factory created it would make it one of a kind since the other two are just as butchered. The Corvette and Nova parts to do it are readily available.
It's a Chevy Barracuda! What history, what a story, what a car.
What a line up that would have been. Starting with the Corvair, then the Chevy II Nova fastback, and crowned with the Corvette!!! I wonder why they did not use the Tempest rear end setup? I guess the divisions were still actual divisions!!
The roof line resembles a 67 charger alotttt
A Chevacuda??
@@jeffreypepple3198 rambler marlin too !
Great interview ! I remember seeing those in the magazines and now I know the rest of the story ! Thanks Pam !
Good day! Paul Harvey! Good Day!
😄😄😄😉
Even articles on these Novas are rare!!! Can you believe the origin story?????
I saw one of these cars on the track at Mission Raceways back when they were new, most likely the Allen Green car, became it was based out of Seattle. They were wild times, so many innovative cars being tried out everywhere, unlike the homogeneous cars we see today. I’m glad I’m old.
Yes, James, we saw some really cool cars during some wild times!!!
Never be glad "you're old", but be glad you saw these wonderful things!
Yes, i've seen pictures of the Alan Green Nova fastback at Mission. Wonder if that car still survives?
Long live the Chevrolet Chevy ll..💙💙
You got it, Rubicon 5280!!!!!! By the way, did you see this video of the other Chevy II from the GM Nationals? ua-cam.com/video/k5fG_i9NuC0/v-deo.html
@@carshowreporter Nice.. Thanx Pam!..💙🤗
Wow...learn something new everyday. That car deserves to be brought back to its glory! One of the rarest cars out there i would think. I thought i had seen them all. Great story.
You got it Joe!!! I try to find something a little different in the automotive world. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Currently active in the Southeast Gassers Association www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/images/vcsPRAsset_2464767_98650_f4592254-7415-4d00-bb92-9af1e1c49148_0-lg.jpg
Been into cars since I was 12 years old. And these old cars keep popping up now and then..keep them coming..
Oh, yes, Larry!!!!! That is what my channel is all about!!! Thanks for watching and your encouragement!
@@carshowreporter I have owned over 2k autos in my life, mostly vintage cars cause they used to be cheap, not anymore tho..to old to work on them now but it was a good run
@@carshowreporter just subscribed.
Thanks for sharing, I learned to drive in my Grandmother's '63 Chevy II. It had a straight 6 and was a blast to drive, I wish it had survived to today.
They were nice, little cars, TheSybermedic!! Today, they are a realistic collectable, too! Here is the video of a few of them at this show: ua-cam.com/video/k5fG_i9NuC0/v-deo.html
I remember that Chevy ll from the first article in one of the magazines . Alway's thought it was really Cool . What a great find and not knowing about exactly what it was when he bought it makes it more exciting. So COOL . Thanks for sharing and posting the video .
You got it, D Vint!!!! Thank you for watching and commenting.
It's a Rambler Marlin roof attached to a Nova body. What a cool idea! Just think if they made 500 of them years ago! They would really be worth alot today. A rare find. Shawn
Maybe it was reversed, Shawn, a Nova roof on the Marlin??!! Any who, the original,, concept at AMC was a fastback Rambler American, the Tarpon. Thanks for watching and commenting. Please check out the rest of my channel.
right off the bat I was thinking Marlin...
When I first seen it it looked to Me Like Somebody I'd cut the back end off of a Marlin
i thought this was click bait, but wow! learn something new every day. i never even knew these existed, let alone saw one. that was a treat, thanx!
You got it, handyhippie65 !!! I like more, unusual cars for my channel. No click bait ( yech!!! ), either!!
I know a lot about early Novas and have been the owner of an original 63 wagon since the eighties but I didn't know this car ever existed it's sad to see something so rare in such rough shape. It's still way cool and is definitely a keeper.
Old race cars are usually put away quite rough, if they survive all of the mods through its career!! Ken will bring her back, though. He has experience restoring old drag cars. Nice wagon!!!! By any chance, is it a 2 door??!! Have you seen this video? There is a sweet wagon in it: ua-cam.com/video/k5fG_i9NuC0/v-deo.html
A true survivor with an incredible history. Thanks for that, appreciated.
You got it Bob!!
Would honestly love to see this completely restored as close as possible to how it left the factory and was intended before the racers got hold of it, as rare as even for those who don’t really like this style, it would be nice to see something as rare as this restored as part of history 👍🏼
I agree, Dave. It would be a very interesting look into the early sixties at GM.
You say Racers as if that was a bad thing. The whole idea of the car was for SCCA Racing , a different form for sure , but still racing. 2nd if it wasn't for those that owned it before keeping it all these years , I t would not be here today.
Said tongue in cheek....
If you wanna see it run look up a car called Dixie Twister
Here is the link to their FB page: facebook.com/HPdixietwister/
I agree hate to say it but the owner needs to sell it to a respectable car collector like Jay lenno so it can be put together to the original condition and I don't think he has the recourse for doing it just saying I could be wrong good luck
Hope this ride gets restored. I'm glad I ran across this post it convinced me to subscribe! Thanks!
Ken has done a few, historic, drag cars, so it is in very good hands!!! Thanks for subscribing, and welcome, Mike!
What a piece of Chevy racing history SAVED..tks for sharing
You got it, Kyle!!!! Thanks for your encouragement!! Please check out other, interesting, cars on my channel.
A real piece of automotive racing history. Knowing the history is awesome. Hopefully you can manage some form of a restoration to preserve it, even if further modifications need to be made to make it roadworthy. Thankyou for showcasing it. Truly remarkable.
Ken has restored vintage drag cars before, so it is in good hands, Scott. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Unbelievable find unbelievable history
Keep looking in those regional classifieds!!!!
As a young child I saw one of these cars race at the old Double Eagle Dragstrip northeast of San Antonio, Texas. I'd love to see it in CKC paint once again.
That is a very, rare treat, whythebearconcepts!! By chance, do you have any photos???
@@carshowreporter Unfortunately I do not. I was very young (age 6-8 years) when I lived near that strip. We lived in the rolling hills between San Antonio and Converse about 3/4 mile from the track. My oldest brother would take me and my sister to the races almost every weekend, he even campaigned a 1958 Chevy there in 1967. The HAMB website has both the CKC and Alan Green entries, as well as the Twister cars.
I will check it out, Why!! Thanks for sharing your memories. I'm sure you have many from both road and track!
There is one of these running with the Southeastern Gassers I saw it at Lassiter Mountain Dragway about a month ago.
Yes, the Dixie Twister!!
saw this historic car run at southwest raceway in tulsa, most likely in 1965, soon after it was converted to a funny car. despite the fastback, it wasn't the sleekest, nor the fastest, even with the big block. but it was certainly unusual and i have always remembered it. amazing that it has survived. although it lived its life as a drag racer, this extremely rare car deserves a first class restoration to its original scca trim, if only to highlight that these three novas were originally conceived by gm as "production' sports racing cars. kind of a nutty idea but now a piece of racing history.
I agree with you, Maxelsman. It would be a major undertaking, though, as there is not a trace of the original beyond the fibreglass roof.
Thanks Pamela! Awesome find.you are the best.peace.
Thanks Tim!!! I always look for the unusual!!!
WOW!!!!!!! i have a 'Love of Nova's'!!...i have a '71 ..being 'Restored' ( with a few Upgraded Mods ) presently.....Pace yourself Pam!!! cheers Robert!
350? 396? LS? Nice build, Robert!!!!!! I am having to much fun to slow down!!! Cheers!!!
@@carshowreporter actually has a Fuel Injected 5.3 Litre ( GMC..pick up ) engine in 'her'...with L460 tranny...Willwood Brake...System. Aftermarket AC..& !7X11 back..17X9 Rims! Take Care..& enjoy the 'shows' my friend! Cheers Robert!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!! Nice build!!! Enjoy, Robert!!!!!!!!
That's cool as hell, never know what's out there. Thanks for posting.👍👍
You got it, Michael!!!! This is what my channel is all about!
Looks like a chopped up AMC Marlin. Neat story & history.
Maybe they saw Dick Teague's original design, the American based Tarpon!!
Rambler Marlin Roof added to a Chevy II
You got it, Lloyd!!!!!😆
Wow how cool is that,, soooo cool,, Man Hi Pamela, Ha you thought I forgot,,, never,,, so glad you found this one I really like it,,,if you been watching my videos you know I like AFX AWB drag cars #1 fan Glen later gater
Oh yes, and TALL engines!!!!! I have to admit, I am behind in my viewing of your cool and FUN, videos!!! If all of you gearheads out there want to know what we are talking about, go to: ua-cam.com/channels/hJmYoDiBjDOPrARKay6nZA.html Remember, if you like it, SUBSCRIBE!!!!!! In a while, Numero Uno!!! and Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To go from road racer to strip car they moved the diff centerline forward,hence that rough looking work on the chassis rails.This was to make the weight transfer create a tractive force Then to further better the handling a straight front axle was installed and placed further forward giving it better steering as the front rose under acceleration ...and it was the 'trend' in the Pre funny car era. If it were mine I would be returning it to road race spec and entering historic races. Even though it never raced as such ,the fact it was GM project makes it a viable scheme.
You got it, Mercmad!!! I agree, even with the history on the strip, the original concept would be more significant. Thanks for watching and the informative comment.
That's an amazing find. While the barn find look makes sense as to its history I would prefer just the running gear restored to accuracy. That is, the SCCA configuration as it was first intended. Thanks for that history lesson Pam.
Restoring the fastback to it's original would be a major project, from the extended front end, altered rear, totally changed suspension.... whew... if would be really interesting to see the original build. Thanks for your insight, Drew.
IMHO A combo of both worlds. Keep the longer wheel base, fix the frame, put a suspension under the front end, get the body fit right.... it the kind of project a lot of people would be all about.
Another rare one: 62 Chevy 2, two-door wagon. Gotta be out there somewhere.
I saw one in 1972, neighbors.
Compact, 2 door, American wagons are rare birds!!!! and cool!!!!!!!!!
Too cool, BIG Project! 🤠🇺🇸
Oh, yes, Kevin, but well worth it!!!!!!!
@@carshowreporter 👍🏻😎🇺🇸
I've never saw one before
It is one of 3 built, then sent to the fate of the strip... 66 years ago. It is quite understandable not to have seen one, David!! Can you believe GM was building an SCCA racer...besides the Corvette??!!
WOW! Check this out a Carolina Custom Classics! Awesome! Hope you all have an amazing day!!
Hey, Camaro Chic, are you trying to plug your channel here? Well, you did not include your
link: ua-cam.com/users/CarolinaCustomClassicsvideos Cool channel!!!!!! Please plug mine, too!
There is currently one of these running in the Southeast Gassers called The Dixie Twister that was apparently raced in the 60s n called the Dixie Twister then.
Yes, Tony!! Here is the FB page: facebook.com/HPdixietwister/ Thanks for watching and commenting. Please check out the other, more unusual, cars on my channel.
There’s another one I know of that’s still alive and kicking. Was originally raced by Houston Platt out of the Carolina’s & now raced in the “South East Gasser Accosiation” or SEGA by his grandson Rocky Platt (I think I got the names right).
Yes, Jay. The link is posted in another comment. Thanks!!!!!
Bill Thomas was years ahead of his time but GM didn’t look at him as a CAROL SHELBY great find .DYNO DON was great ford man .
Great point, William!!
@@carshowreporter People forget that Shelby had to buy back a lot of his cars that now are in the millions and this fast back Chevy nova was the first fast back out there. Bill THOMAS was fired for nothing biggest mistake Gm made . The original with vette parts
would be worth millions. Lucky find a piece of history when see what the NOVA became.
It's not a Rambler Marlin roof as some have stated . The Rambler Marlin is a very Cool car and unique in many ways . Rambler as well as Studebaker built some really Cool cars including the AMC's . This Nova is such a great example of what was done to cars of that era to get people's attention and that's exactly what they did . I remember seeing the Fastback Nova when it was featured in the first magazine it was featured in . Radical but oh so COOL .
I agree with you on the Marlin, and, especially, Studebaker, D Vint!! ( here is a Marlin in rough shape from Carlisle: ua-cam.com/video/PjLcf2Cs2Rg/v-deo.html ) . The conservative compacts of the era were sales sensations. The idea of " grafting " on a fastback was common, too. Look at the Barracuda, Charger and, of course, the Marlin. Yes, AMC had the time to do a better job of blending, though. Thanks for watching, and please check out the rest of my channel chock full of cool, and a bit, unusual, cars.
If you wanna see one of the 3 still racing look up Dixie twister. Fella ain’t afraid to run the car either. Just watched this car last month at Kil-Kare at a south east gasser association event. Super great guy too
Here is a recent run: fb.watch/egwbqmvPV8/
So much history such a icon
You said it, Mackenzie!!!!!
@@carshowreporter awesome share because not many people would even know stuff like this existed. All the concepts of today are only computer renderings..
Great point, Mackenzie!!!
I'm not really a GM guy, but that thing is way cool.
Understandable, Iilorbie!!!!
My mom had a Chevy nova fastback she used to race it sad to know it’s a really rare care
It may have been the production " fastback " style of '68 - '74. Many of them where built to run!!!!!!
That's an old Bill Thomas car. Originally had a Corvette rear suspension and a Rochester injected 327. I know the guy he bought it from and helped him chop the windshield frame 1" in the early 70's. The car was set up for a 426 hemi and a Torque flight at that time. Had a '57 Olds rear end. My friend bought it from somewhere in Texas as a roller. Had some goofy psychedelic paint job when he bought it.
Do you know who took out the Corvette suspension?? Do you, or your friend have any photos??? Ken would greatly appreciate any history!!! Thanks for watching and adding to the history of this fascinating Chevy, R.D.
Wow! Great find! You didn't know about this car history when you purchased?
I knew about this historical car in 1970's high school! Well documented in hot rod publications.
So awesome if this could be restored accurately as possible.
Can visualize the step to the 1968 shape.
Ken, the previous owner and the people who pasted this by, did not know about the trio. Maybe because this car was so rough and, as you can see, the roof extension looks like the add on it is. Ken has experience in restoring vintage drag cars, so stay tuned, Clark!
@@carshowreporter That myth is False. GM never built any. Bill Thomas built three and all three were used in drag racing. Never SCCA racing.
Looks like a car made by Clem at the corner gaz station : no style, no power...nuthin but oh my gosh...it's rare !
Many, old, race cars were canalizable and left to Clem. Stay tuned to see how it turns out after Ken restores it. He has done other. vintage drag cars. Check out more interesting cars on my channel. A few are Clem approved, like this " boat truck " ua-cam.com/video/6J-3BGqLRNc/v-deo.html
Is he going to finish it, would like to see it together
Yes, Steve, that's the plan. Ken has restored other drag cars, so he is the right guy to do it. It may be a while, but keep an eye on my channel....
I think it's interesting.I would like to see it with all the windows in it and the front wheel wells moved back so it doesn't look so odd.
The altered wheelbase is part of the class, altered. It is the forerunner of the funny cars. Maybe we should have called them " odd " cars??!! 😉 I will post another video when Ken finishes the restoration.
Any good builder can bring this back and you should.
All it takes is skill and money with a strong dose of research. Easy peesy, X Mo!!!
@@carshowreporter
Option B
Your money pays for another's skill. But, my point was the car should be brought back... It's not too far gone at all.
Agreed, racer D!!! Ken has restored other vintage drag cars, so it is in good hands.
That's one cool car!!
Thanks John!!! Love these more unusual, and historic, cars!!
What is going on with the painted fingernails at 7:28?
I know, it is Mustang Red at a GM show! You caught me, Thomas! Good eyes!
The roofline does kind of remind me of a 1966-67Dodge Charger!!!.
Everyone had to have a fastback in the sixties!!!
Is this your top video?
So far, yes.
Oh it makes a difference with the extra length... From Experience... I would definitely Have It...!
Thanks for your comment, Chief Willy J. Just from your name, you know from first, hand, experience!!
There is a real one running with the Southeast gassers
That is the only other one known. It is the Dixie Twister, Jerry.
@@carshowreporter owned by the Platt family
Hopefully it gets a full resto job so we can see the original idea . Very odd looking Chevy II for sure.
That's the plan, Randy. Ken has restored vintage drag cars before, so it will happen!
Do you have any proof or documents to justify your story. Any old photos showing this vehicle on the drag strip or race track?
Ken has them, and showed a few in the video.
There a guy in the southeast gassers that has one running in fx
Yes, that is the other Chevy II Nova fastback!!!
Cool Car !
Thanks Vet7174!!!!!
It's 1 of those hard part of old cars , how do you present it . OEM as came from the Factory? The life it lead , some have more then 1 interesting story to tell . Or as found ? What a good problem to have.
Great insight, pat36a!!
AMC Marlin was my first thought.
The fiberglass certainly is “roughed in” on there!
Even the rough lines on this glass hat is rough and very interesting!
The owners’s description of the earlier vette suspension
is still a little hard to wrap my head around.
Hard to believe GM was behind this one. Almost seems to rough.
If truly a prototype it’s hard to believe it wasn’t crushed.
I wouldn’t believe it was a GM project except for the fact there were supposedly 3 made! 🤔
Here is a good source to prove out what Ken had researched. Scroll to near the bottom. www.novaresource.org/history.htm
@@carshowreporter
Will do thx 🤓
Looking at the gigantic door, I suspect that some lengthening happened there.
The front fender has been extended as well as the rear diff moved up. This is typical, drag racing, mods. Thanks for commenting, Larry.
@@carshowreporter yes but no Nova convertible body had a 42” long door and there were no four door convertibles made. Just saying. PS been building and drag racing cars since 1970. Last effort, a Jo Amado Top Fuel championship car converted to top alcohol. Ever been hit in the back by a train?
The fastback part of this car looks similar to the Marlin, if anyone remembers them, I believe they were by AMC.
You got it, rockymontana1. This is a '63 and the Marlin came out in '65. The style was common in the early to mid sixties, but GM started it. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Oh My Gossshhhhh!
You said it, Gabriel!!
WOW, I somehow never seen or heard of them.. It's kinda ugly but it's so cool it doesn't matter.. Great video 😎👍
Love your appreciation for something a little different, Led it go kustom plastic!! Hey folks, check out his channel at: ua-cam.com/channels/jJtPAtELY_WnIAkwbdoGKQ.html
My first car was a '63 Nova SS. I had no idea they had made a fastback til now...(Ive always wanted to build a 63 with the straight 6 and pg, but hotrodded. I know there is a grip of go fast potential there)
That would be very interesting, Rick!!! We were talking about something along those lines, the short lived NASCAR compact class of 1960 - 61 www.nascarhall.com/blog/bill-france-compact-idea Imagine your fantasy, hot rodded, Chevy II running this series.
Why make it so long? The front also seems stretched along with the rear?! Road course or a drag strip wouldn't benefit from the long sheet metal /WB.
Great question, Dan. The stretched wb puts the engine further back, while the diff moved up gets the most traction off the line. The same formula is a disaster for a road course.
That looks like a home made car
I know what you mean, Jackie, but no. Look at the Superbird when it is stripped. It looks almost as rough!!
I dunno, I'm having a hard time seeing the value of this Nova. Sent here and hacked, sent there and hacked, and then rehacked some more. So much of the originality (if you can call it that) has been lost that the thought of restoration would basically involve building a brand new vehicle. I mean other than the fiberglass fastback clip I'm not seeing much reason to do anything with this car except let it be.
Great point Vargas!!!! Race cars go through many modifications until they become either to far gone or obsolete. Especially in drag racing. Ken plans to pick a point in it's drag racing past and bring her back to that point. He has restored other drag cars, and he is doing and intense research into this one's past.
Look into the straight axle Shelby that Dennis Collins & Richard Rawlings recently found & bought. 1 of 37 that came with a supercharger. Even though it's been hacked, it still holds a valuable history.
It looks like they chopped the top off of a later barracuda and stuck it on this chevy II. Personally, I don't like the look at all...but it is unique.
Unique is good, Matt!!! Thanks for watching and commenting! Please check out the other, shall we say, unique car on my channel.
Just a quick search on the web looks like they made about six of them...
So far, only 3 were built. Please post the links you have found for a " run " of 6. Thanks.
What amazing fingernails my good sir… 💅🏻
Thank you mam, by the way, did you like the story behind the unique, Chevy II?
@@carshowreporter Absolutely! 👍🏻 That desperately needs to be made whole again. Hope that’s part of the plan.
I realize these 3 known cars are a huge part of A/FX & early funny car history, but man, the fast back styling dosen't do anything for me..
Style is personal taste, Michael. Anyhow, in this case, the purpose was for better aerodynamics, as it was developed for SCCA road racing. Looks don't count, airflow does. Thanks for watching and your insightful comment, Michael.
@@carshowreporter there is one of these that runs in the Southeastern Gasser Assc. the car is black.....I did learn something here, there was only 3 cars built. It's very fortunate this car survived, when these old race cars served their usefulness, they were either disassembled or scrapped....thank you for sharing this car with the viewing public!!
Read the motor trend article references these vehicles.
Gee, David, do you think you can plug the " competition here??? Well, you're right!!! Here is the link to the Motor Trend article: www.motortrend.com/news/huston-platt-dixie-twister/ Thanks for mentioning this great article, David.
Is this the one raced by Alan Green Chevrolet? I can see remains of green paint on the nose...
I will ask Ken...
Wow !
That just about sums it up, Tom!!!! Thanks for watching and commenting.
What it looks like from the side is a 1966-67 Charger with that roof line. The part that makes me laugh is because it was done by G.M. workers it is special but if Joe blow does it is nothing special other than the fact it is a old race car with bad fiberglass work that most would frown on and not be worth much. Do not get me wrong because i love fastbacks. I always wanted to put a fastback Mustang roof on a early Cougar which i think would look great but i can imagine some would frown on me for wreaking a good Cougar and Mustang unless i worked for Ford or something like that.
People use to part out Cougars for Mustangs before Cougars became popular and collectable so atleast it would still be around
Look at some pieces of art, Henry. One line is nice, but no, big deal...unless it is signed by Picasso. Everyone was fastback crazy in the early to mid sixties. Hence your Charger example, Barracuda, Marlin, and to a limited point, even the Avanti. A fastback Cougar would be cool!!!! On a quick search, I came up with this: www.autoevolution.com/news/this-1967-mercury-cougar-fastback-unicorn-was-done-by-a-17-year-old-143700.html
Henry... or you could quit caring what others think
@@xmo552 So my opinion or others hurt your feelings? Not my intention, i enjoy the +&- . so what do you need a safe space?
@@carshowreporter Thank you very much for your info. I would have loved to own this one even in it's present state. I think this looks really cool and wonder why they never made this version. bet the interior pieces were mustang in the back with cougar blended in.
It looks like someone pieced together different cars. Not factory.
The crudeness is what hid the past from the previous owner. Many manufacturer's special vehicles are cobbled together under the paint. Look at the Superbird. Under the vinyl roof is some cobbled seams. Due to the production numbers, they were better built, by far! Thanks for watching and your insight, roadkingdream.
Leno would love to restore that car! 😂
He would bring it back to the original design. Do Ken a favor, Danny. The next time you speak to Jay, suggest he contact Ken...... 😉
its been cut up so its not much more than junk now
This is not unusual with vintage race cars. They were built and modified to do one thing, fast. After they are obsolete, they are put away all beat up...or scrapped. This one is unusual enough, and complete enough to be saved. Ken has restored old drag cars before, so if anyone can do it, it is Ken!
Might be a pain, but it's restorable.
Odd that the initial discussion frames the owner instead of the car. I don’t care to watch a guy talk to the camera when I clicked to see the car, not him.
I know what you mean, M A. I need to get a remote mike. Thanks for your input.
@@carshowreporter good stuff you do. Just wanted to be positive. I’m a former commercial film producer and am unable to control myself.
1936 Pontiac 3 window sport coupe project ,any interest ,shout out !
👍👍
Thanks Tim!!
Rambler marlin rear glass section
This was the beginning of the style. The Marlin was introduced in '65 and the Charger in '66. Thanks for watching and commenting, Randall.
My friend had one of those didn't think twice about it
You mean a Chevy II? They were a dime a dozen, as Chevy sold hundreds of thousands of them!!! Look at them today, though!! Here is one at Mecum: ua-cam.com/video/Z2BxkiVg4QQ/v-deo.html
@@carshowreporter Iam more versed in cars than you will ever be Chevy 2 nova never had a hatch back
A fastback ANYTHING seems like an extremely odd choice for SCCA racing...NASCAR would seem a slightly more logical venue. With the possible exception of a small hand full of smaller British sports cars, I can't remember ever seeing a fastback being a better SCCA racer than the equivalent notchback model.
It depends on the SCCA, Howard. In '63, aero was finding it's way into racing, including the C2 Corvette, Chaparral, Porsche and Lotus ( champs in SCCA racing, circa 1963 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963_SCCA_National_Sports_Car_Championship ) . Now, the more interesting question is, why the fastback and the flat air dam, front end??!!!! Thanks for watching and bringing up a very, interesting point.
But he has not cared to bring it back is the sad part!😢
Ken plans to restore her to her drag racing past.
I get it. You knock back a half dozen rum and Cokes, smoke a fatty, and start sketching something out. But when you wake up in the morning and see what you did, the first thing should have been to trash it before anybody else could see it.
I think you have revealed the true origins of funny cars, Anthony!!!!!!! 😆 Meanwhile, let's give Ken some time to restore this little Chevy II. Then enjoy a few rum & cokes and a fatty....
Almost an AMC Marlin roofline.
Yes, Xombi, it seems to be the style of the era!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Can he trace it back to GM, and Alan Green Chevrolet by it's VIN number...
Ken has amassed a lot of history. Thanks for the info, Joe.
Just looked up Dixie Twister. Amazing. That is two out of three after fifty years. Where is number 3? Can ANY manufacturer boast if this type if record? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
The Dixie Twister video was good! What do you mean by " Can ANY manufacturer boast if this type if recorded? " Thanks Larry.
@@carshowreporter three one off cars made, amazing racing history, one still and continuously racing hard for 50 years, one more found and maybe raced again. One more still out there somewhere. It was a compliment fer chriss’s sakes.
Ok well one man's trash is other man's treasure
You got it, Benrose!!
never heard of it
That's why I had to share this, rare, Chevy II, Jonesy!!! I love the more unusual!!!
Looking at the front bumper it's a 73 not a 63
The grille is a newer one, too. As you know, race cars, especially this one, goes through a lot of changes through it's tough life,
Lost 63 Nova? It wasn't lost, it was hidden away because it is so ugly.
Good one, nojunk work!! Let's wait and see after Ken restores this little Chevy II .
@@carshowreporter Restored or not, it goes to the pig and the lipstick theory.
That was intended to be an A/FX drag car. No way that it was ever going to be a road racing car.
Before it was stripped and modified, it was built for SCCA road racing!!! Scroll to the bottom of this history: www.novaresource.org/history.htm
Interesting for sure . Hideous for sure as well . It certainly looked better before the length was added .
Totally agree, Guitarhole!! Altered class was not done for beauty, and, naked and unrestored they will not even win $10 for second place in the beauty contest!! Thanks for watching and commenting. Please check out the rest of my channel of something a little different...
Restored back to the car as the factory created it would make it one of a kind since the other two are just as butchered. The Corvette and Nova parts to do it are readily available.
I agree, Steven, although it would be a major undertaking. Ken is planning to bring it back to its drag racing past.
Patina, anyone?
Oh yes!!!!!!! 😂😆😂😆
looks like something Bad Chad would build........
It is alive!!!!!!!!!! almost!!
Honda civic is the best
Who knew!?
Knowledge is power!!
Would ya just look at it. I mean look at it . Just look at it would yA.
Oh yes!!!!!!!!!!!!