Operation: Hemi Superbird, the former Jim Lindsley Bonneville Salt Flat record holder. As you can see from the pictures, it had various schemes from the original paint with decals to a brownish paint for which you can still see the white in the door jambs.
How it came to be... Pete called me about a part I was looking for on that 1970 six pack Charger R/T I am working on and conversation turned to he wanting to sell the Bird. I knew what Bird he had, have known Pete for nearly a decade, almost bought his former F6 Playboy Daytona but it wasn't meant to be. This time he told me about selling the Bird.. Lordy, a chance to get an original Hemi Winged Car with racing pedigree. I asked for a week to try and sell my 500, he said sure.. Damn if you wouldn't know it, I had someone interested in it in less than a day and bought a day or two later. This time, this car was meant for me.
Pete was a great caretaker to the car and had a bunch of documentation for me with the car including the original California pink slip with Mr. Lindsley and original plates and dealership frame !! Thank you again Salt-free Pete..
I weighted the cost of shipping and a flight to Connecticut to make the financial part versus me just going to get it. Thanks to my friend Jeremy for going with me and Dave P. for letting me borrow his trailer to Julius to supporting the decision. So, here it is. Will pull out of the trailer probably Friday, still on the road... will take some pictures of the rest of the car. Getting tired of the 3 days of heavy driving but have had a great time. Drove the car to lunch with Pete and Jeremy, Bird runs great!!
https://youtu.be/q6GheV0RB_M
Pete and I...
Congratulations Troy!
Looks like you had all your Christmas presents 'all rolled up into one' this year! :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Does that say 211-MPH for a street driven Hemi Superbird!!! :drool5: :drool5: :drool5:
Top of my Bucket list is to see a Superbird and a Daytona 'running the salt'... :drive: :drive:
And even one day become a 'SALTIE' with a Charger 500 and get the 200 MPH tattoo too lol... :drool5: :2thumbs: :coolgleamA:
I wanted to go to the 50th anniversary run of the 71 replicar.
But you know how its goes, 'Covid and Poverty' ruined everything... :slap:
Very sorry for the blatant 'thread steal' but hey its CHRISTMAS! ... :patriot:
Great find Troy, congratulations
Congrats!!! I've had the good fortune of seeing this car in person, having purchased some parts from Pete a few years ago. It is a beautiful car in every way.
I'm curious to know what will be taking it's place in Pete's garage...
:o Damn ! wow :dance: ! what a piece of Aero hardware !! congratulations !! AB Troy :yesnod: :cheers: :cheers:
did think another troy trade , wonder what awesome mopar ya found this time :scratchchin: & what could of topped the press demo C500 :scratchchin:
think to find d a superbird with top end salt flat racing history is a good replacment for the C500 :P
looking forward to seen more pictures info & stuff ... shame there is not any old flim footage of the running on the salt flats .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BS5tuo5v4Y
Congrats, Troy!
:2thumbs: :cheers:
Wow...amazing!
Congrats Troy :cheers: going to miss seeing it around but will be nice to see what Pete drives in it's place :icon_smile_big:
(https://c.tenor.com/L-DCabIW-H4AAAAM/eating-thumbs.gif)
Wow, NICE! Congratulations! :2thumbs:
Nice deal!
What's next? DC-93?
Quote from: odcics2 on December 17, 2021, 09:29:56 AM
Nice deal!
What's next? DC-93?
I ain't got that sort of coin. ;)
Quote from: hemi68charger on December 17, 2021, 09:46:19 AM
Quote from: odcics2 on December 17, 2021, 09:29:56 AM
Nice deal!
What's next? DC-93?
I ain't got that sort of coin. ;)
Sure ya do: Flip this new Bird, sell the Daytona. Probably have some left over! :Twocents:
:cheers:
Geez Troy, these Mopar deals, trades and buys your gonna need a dealers license! :icon_smile_big: good to see a HEMI Bird in your garage..... BTW is this the same Bird that Pete put a sunroof into some years ago?
MikeG
Not the same car Mike,that was a 440 car. Pete bought that sunroof assembly off my friends rolled over 70 Charger R/T SE. Way to go Troy. I have seen the car in person,and it's all that! Pete is a great guy with some cool cars. He reunited my 71 Charger R/T with it's original fender tag!
Nice! :cheers:
It's time to knock the dust off your old nickname Troy! The Aero Bastard is back! lol
Quote from: chargervert on December 17, 2021, 05:33:25 PM
It's time to knock the dust off your old nickname Troy! The Aero Bastard is back! lol
Was waiting for that.. One can't call himself that.. you beat Jim to it.
Coolio :2thumbs:
Would love to see a bunch more pictures and info on the car in race trim, class, speed, etc.
Quote from: RallyeMike on December 18, 2021, 12:30:09 AM
Coolio :2thumbs:
Would love to see a bunch more pictures and info on the car in race trim, class, speed, etc.
yup.
Any plan to restore it to as raced condition? :shruggy:
Quote from: odcics2 on December 18, 2021, 07:22:12 AM
.....
Any plan to restore it to as raced condition? :shruggy:
Na.. not under my watch.. Wouldn't take forever for this full-time working stiff and I wanna drive and enjoy. It is basically how Mr. Lindsley bought it. I even have the original plates and dealership plate frame.
I have a book titled Dodge Chrysler Plymouth from the early seventies,that has a multi page feature on this car in race trim.
Quote from: hemi68charger on December 18, 2021, 09:58:50 AM
Quote from: odcics2 on December 18, 2021, 07:22:12 AM
.....
Any plan to restore it to as raced condition? :shruggy:
Na.. not under my watch.. Wouldn't take forever for this full-time working stiff and I wanna drive and enjoy. It is basically how Mr. Lindsley bought it. I even have the original plates and dealership plate frame.
Original driveline?
Quote from: chargervert on December 18, 2021, 10:04:20 AM
I have a book titled Dodge Chrysler Plymouth from the early seventies,that has a multi page feature on this car in race trim.
Post some info, when you can. Thanks!
Quote from: chargervert on December 18, 2021, 10:04:20 AM
I have a book titled Dodge Chrysler Plymouth from the early seventies,that has a multi page feature on this car in race trim.
No Way.. I do believe I remember seeing something like that.. Can yo post a picture of the cover or title. I would love to find a copy.... Heck, I may have one stuck away somewhere....
Quote from: odcics2 on December 18, 2021, 10:12:42 AM
...
Original driveline?
Original motor is there under the hood... tranny long gone.... It is a 70 Hemi 727 though...
Troy, I gave you a copy in the pile of info I gave you with the car. Pete
Probably the original engine and trans were used
on the Salt Flats. :Twocents:
1973 Peterson book
Quote from: Wingnut426 on December 18, 2021, 11:49:36 AM
Troy, I gave you a copy in the pile of info I gave you with the car. Pete
Correct, I did find it.. such a plethora of stuff..
You should build a clone of the car in race trim,and display them together!
Quote from: chargervert on December 18, 2021, 06:28:31 PM
You should build a clone of the car in race trim,and display them together!
That would be cool, a lot of dough....... I got a request last night to bring it to MCACN next year... So, that'll be cool.... have to make it.. MCACN was always a bucket list show to attend, but to bring my car there too for display would be the bomb...
Congrats Troy,that is very cool!
Troy, you have a beautiful car.
Lindsley's Plymouth was a seminal car for me. In a major way it shaped how I viewed cars for about 25 years. Much as it pains me to say it, I believe LeVan Prothero's '67 Camaro was a better race car. The Bonneville record books back this up.
In America when you buy and own something, and especially if you have a title to something, you get to do with it as you wish. At the time Pete bought this car from Jim, Pete decided to restore it to showroom condition. That is where the smart money was and is and I respect that. A number of times Sports Car Market Magazine has covered selling a showroom car converted into a race car, not a pretty sight. Reference Big Willies Daytona #3. People said restore it to how Big Willie had it. Whoever restored it took a bath. Likely the only street Wing car converted to a race car that is worth more than the original showroom car is the Jack Werst/Tosten & Jennings SS car. It was not a great race car but the factory did it. It is also a complete time capsule.
Among things that I believe that made Lindsley's Plymouth great were the innovations that the Lindsleys put into the car. They fabricated things. It had a Pontiac rear end in a Plymouth. I remember Larry talking about how he ground something off the engine block to get a starter to fit on the KB. Their time and care was in the car and they had goals with it. Jim and Larry did it together. It was unique. They did it in the day. They knew everyone that started aftermarket performance parts companies in Southern California and they were wonderful people. One afternoon Jim told me how to set up a clutch for Bonneville and he told me who I should call when I got home. This was after I came out to Bonneville with a drag clutch set-up that did not work very well. Theirs was a street car off the showroom floor modified into something extraordinary for Wing car followers. I admired them then and I still admire them today. They were my friends. Dick Bown's Superbird stock car comes to mind as a similar effort.
For me, the history of Lindsley's Plymouth has been erased on the chassis. I do not think that is bad economically. The car has been restored as perfectly as possible to reflect how it looked on the showroom floor in 1970. It is a fine example of that. I suppose one could display it with fetish objects and paperwork that show pieces that the Lindsleys fabricated. But once upon a time their butts were in a single bucket seat when they had their right foot to the floor with the car aimed towards Floating Mountain at Bonneville. The car as the Lindsleys had it was Lindsley's Plymouth. How does one display the chassis today without being stolen valor? I think this is a big question given the showroom restoration. It is much easier to display it as simply a showroom restoration. It is most certainly not the irreplaceable race car it once was.
By the way in the second picture group in this thread, that is a 23 year old sunburned me in 1981 beside the passenger door of their race car. Jim's back is to us as he is next to some vehicle..
Quote from: Redbird on December 19, 2021, 11:32:58 AM
Troy, you have a beautiful car.
...
By the way in the second picture group in this thread, that is a 23 year old sunburned me in 1981 beside the passenger door of their race car. Jim's back is to us as he is next to some vehicle..
Hey Redbird (tried to find your name and address you as such ;-) )
I don't think I'll have the financial means at this time to do that even if I wanted to. I was thinking of getting those soft magnets that are made for commercial signs people put on their doors and make some to be the "16", "Lindsleys", etc to make the car look similar to it's 1st racing paint scheme (I'm assuming the #16 was the 1st since the car is still white)... It would be cool to do that. I doubt I'll be putting roll bars in it..... I do have the original lower driver's side dash section below the instrument cluster. The part that Pete gave me definitely shows the indention of the roll bar there pressing against the part. You can clearly see the bar pressing against the dash in the one picture with Patti sitting in the car... But for now, I'm going to keep up the good work Pete did, get the original distributor back in it and have fun with it...
Operation Hemi-Bird is home and tucked next to her older brother.. what a cool journey thus far.
1st fill-up
This is awesome! Congrats!!
It brings a tear to my eye :'(
Nice Troy, now hang on to this one would yah!! :yesnod: :icon_smile_big: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:
After reading Redbirds recollections of the car back when it was raced,I think once you get caught up and get bored looking for a project to do Troy,you can grab a 70 Plymouth roller and start replicating a clone of the car in race trim,using the pictures to replicate the unique pieces that were used and fabricated on the car. Your attention to detail will surely help you produce an accurate replica of the car. That should keep you busy once you retire Troy!
I believe the value of the car will be determined by the facts that it is a Wing car with an R in the serial #. I don't think it is worth a penny more or less than a similar car. It is simply an investment car.
For me, I do not believe it would add any value to replace the roll cage with a new reproduction and replacing anything on it was not what I was suggesting. All the important real parts that made it special are gone from it. I believe it used to be special and unique and I think that is gone forever.
I'll modify a sentence I said above. It is most certainly not and will never be the irreplaceable race car it once was.
Making a clone of what it used to be seems to me to be a really bad idea. Better to work on something that is your own. :Twocents:
As it sits it seems to be a nice good car.
Galen
What's that at the Top of your Garage Walls, Do you Collect Beer Cans? LEON.
Quote from: Redbird on December 19, 2021, 06:58:59 PM
...
As it sits it seems to be a nice good car.
Galen
Hello Galen..
Thanks for your input.. The experiences and perspectives you have are extremely unique in that you actually were part of the car's history and nothing can replace or duplicate that. The memories in your head are one-of-kind...
As you eluded to, the components that made the car's history are gone; i.e the roll bars, the fire-extinguisher, wheels, parachute, huge hood scoop, etc... So, we save what we have and know that, the history is inescapable and THIS IS the car that did it. Adding to that is the parts car Superbird that was used to put it back together (some seem to think it might be the 179800 car?)
Right now, trying to find as many documents and/or pictures as possible to document and plan, just have fun with the search. I was contacted by Gary Lindsley a few days ago on Facebook and trying to connect with him. I think he is Larry's son? Would love to get more pictures and such about the car.
Cheers,
Quote from: hemi-hampton on December 19, 2021, 11:49:55 PM
What's that at the Top of your Garage Walls, Do you Collect Beer Cans? LEON.
Yeap.. Probably my oldest hobby.. Started collecting them as a young teenager roaming through the woods of West Palm Beach and came upon an old Schlitz aluminum flattop can. Later on found another cool can on the side of the road.. I figured, "cool, a free hobby, I just find them on the side of the road". Obviously, that's not always the case. Some I find on the road still, buy/drink and now have gone international because of my European travels with the military and my civilian employer...... I love all the different designs...
Yep the 'cat got the cream' this time Troy!
It brings a tear to my eye also, all those wonderful memories... :patriot: :notworthy: :drive:
Them 70's scoops were REAL fugly lol... :2thumbs: :smilielol: :slap: (totally UN-AERO)... :scratchchin: :o ::)
Someone should deffo build a clone of the 'record-holder' and 'do it again' lol...
I know driving a Superbird to the 'gas station' is coolio, but driving 200+ MPH at Bonneville. :coolgleamA: :coolgleamA: :coolgleamA:
Now we are TALKING!!! :drool5: :drool5: :drool5:
I think Don has got the 'Scoopy' right on his car... :scratchchin:
572ci KB-Hemi, would probably get you there??? :woohoo:
Here is the Salt Flat partner in crime; still in Racing configuration.
http://www.oocities.org/drylakes207/new_page_2.htm
I think I may of asked you that Beer Can Question a few Years ago? I may have some old Texas Pearl & Lone Star Flat Tops from the 1950's if your Interested? Let me know.
You Wingcar Guys are just soooo Cooliooo...! :notworthy:
I'm just gonna 'pop over' to Utah and run the 200's :drool5: :drool5: :drool5:...
HOW HARD CAN IT BEE... :pigsfly:
Earlier kinda Wingcar (fin-car) doing 188mph too...
All you really need is a HEMI... :dance: :dance: :dance:
Bonneville Tona Too...
White on White, that's a lot of White, at the Salt flats... :dance:
Why no 69 Chargers 500's or any Chargers at the SALT?
Found this lovely pic of a AERO car (at the salt) entering the 150mph club.
But I did find a 69 Dodge that actually ran the 200mph...
From San Fernando Valley and I never saw this car in all my trips there in the 2000's?
If you can run the 200 in a NON Aero, then a Charger 500 would 'WALK IT''... :slap: :slap: :slap:
Good picture AB Troy :2thumbs: remember looking at the pictures of Jims Superbird Fly rod in a magazine or book when i was a kid , cant remember if there was any text or what it said , but what i do remember said 200 mph superbird, & remembered it ! then think early 90s it was featured in one of the mopar magazines , awesome story of Jim & fly rod & his back up car a V code superbird :coolgleamA:
awesome pictures Aero Lith thanks for posting
Had to get her out this weekend.. so returning some TV items back to Best Buy was a good excuse to take her out.. Wasn't feeling well early this morning but started getting a wee bit better, I had to get out of the house and drive "Bonnevile". Plus, the Hemi needed some time running the streets..
1
:coolgleamA: :2thumbs: :cheers:
To keep this with thread. Will have graphics soon as well.
(http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=141242.0;attach=326077;image)
Hi Troy, I'm glad you are enjoying the 'bird. My Convertible is on the road! I forgot how much fun a 4-speed is! WINGNUT
Quote from: Wingnut426 on June 07, 2022, 05:41:50 PM
Hi Troy, I'm glad you are enjoying the 'bird. My Convertible is on the road! I forgot how much fun a 4-speed is! WINGNUT
:drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5:
Quote from: Wingnut426 on June 07, 2022, 05:41:50 PM
Hi Troy, I'm glad you are enjoying the 'bird. My Convertible is on the road! I forgot how much fun a 4-speed is! WINGNUT
Hey Pete.. So glad you are able to drive your car you have had so long.
Operation Mopar goodies:
Today I final received the OEM-style battery and her alternator back from Pj Jacobs .. Looks great !!!!
Looks good, but what's going on with the odometers?
(http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=140759.0;attach=328476;image)
Quote from: Mytur Binsdirti on August 14, 2022, 03:40:12 PM
Looks good, but what's going on with the odometers?
(http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=140759.0;attach=328476;image)
.
I am rebuilding a cluster for a friend's Bird
:coolgleamA: :2thumbs: :popcrn:
Quote from: Wingnut426 on June 07, 2022, 05:41:50 PM
Hi Troy, I'm glad you are enjoying the 'bird. My Convertible is on the road! I forgot how much fun a 4-speed is! WINGNUT
Nice to see the vert back out Pete! The last time I saw it in person,was at the Papa's show at Limerock.
Hi Troy, Alternator looks great! Is that the one I gave you with the car? I got plenty of "thumb's up" with the 'bird, but people go crazy over the convertible! Must be the color! LOL! WINGNUT
Quote from: Wingnut426 on August 16, 2022, 11:35:35 AM
Hi Troy, Alternator looks great! Is that the one I gave you with the car? I got plenty of "thumb's up" with the 'bird, but people go crazy over the convertible! Must be the color! LOL! WINGNUT
Hey Pete, I believe it is..
So you have the Daytona back on the road? I totally get that the car gets all sort of positive attention..
What the hell am I up to now?
... Looks good....but might want to put the alt warning tag on it to truly finish it off, as your a stickler for details... :scratchchin: :icon_smile_big:
MikeG
Quote from: DAY CLONA on September 05, 2022, 01:23:18 PM
... Looks good....but might want to put the alt warning tag on it to truly finish it off, as your a stickler for details... :scratchchin: :icon_smile_big:
MikeG
Hell yeah..
Quote from: hemi68charger on September 04, 2022, 07:17:05 PM
What the hell am I up to now?
I'm going to guess...... overhauling the rear brakes. WINGNUT
Operation Almost-ready to jab:
Doing the final touches on the differential for the Superbird. Thanks Jamie Stephan , got the brake lines just now. It isn't perfect, but looks good and I am happy with the outcome. Now, ready to install but going to take the mufflers and resonators out for the new ECS exhaust coming in and fixing one of the original resonators.
Looks good!
:2thumbs:
Operation Lindsley Bonneville Salt Flat Superbird:
In preparation for the Muscle Car And Corvette Nationals (MCACN) I wanted to replicate the graphics from the 1971 as best I could. Thanks to Gary Lindsley verifying items nd Signarama in Magnolia, Texas for the work we did on the graphics. Unfortunately with me being so anal they had to come back 3 times. But, at the end of the day it looks pretty damn good if I do say so. I did a lot or detailing too..
(https://media.tenor.com/UePebNwTBHIAAAAM/bonky-michael-myers.gif)
:coolgleamA: :2thumbs: awesome stuff :cheers:
Looking good! All you need is a mock up of a parachute on the tail end! WINGNUT
Quote from: Wingnut426 on October 15, 2022, 01:19:25 PM
Looking good! All you need is a mock up of a parachute on the tail end! WINGNUT
Hey.. I have been chatting with Gary Lindsley and Patti is supposed to connect with me this weekend.