Before everybody gets teary-eyed about John not seeing his Dad race, keep in mind that he was 3 when all this was taking place. And he really wasn't interested in cars until about six months ago. That probably still would be questionable if he didn't have Tracy working next to him (plus, he is a tad bit obsessive once he starts something, in case you hadn't noticed). Keeping that in mind, you should have seen his face after pulling into the cruise night at The Pavilions on Saturday night. Next to us was not just one, but THREE totally restored Rambler Scamblers. This is the car he had heard his father talk about most of his childhood but never got to see one in person. He instantly emailed his Dad in Guam(using a camera phone) and sent him the above pics. We enjoyed his return email so much that we decided to share. It's obvious that John gets his passion for life and the willingess to say "I can do that" (and then do it!) from his Dad. 
GD's email read as follows:Awesome, where was it? If it's an original Az. Scrambler I may have raced against it (only lost once and that was to a 428 mustang). I still have a picture of mine. Like mine this is the son model- the father model had a different paint scheme. Only 1,500 of them made. All were made by the Hurst shifter company. Sold for $2,995 1969 AMC scrambler new- worth around $20k now. 390 cubic inch engine, muncie aluminum rock crusher 4 speed, 315hp, 2650 lbs. Best time showroom stock 13.90 in 1/4 mile. Jennifer got rear ended in a parking lot when it was 3 months old and let the other person talk her into believing it was her fault. Fortunately, it was only a dent in the trunk lid. 26 straight wins in one season, nobody from my family ever watched me race. Took it apart in 1971. Put the engine in an idiot's stock car, quit being involved in Arizona racing in 1974, never saw the car or the engine again. Last race was 1977 in a super modified at Sedelia raceway in Mo. Ran Jennifer's uncle's car, first time driving in over 4 years. Only trophy I still have. Good thing was in those days you got to kiss the trophy girl, bad thing was she was my friend's 15 year old daughter so no tongue. If I had all the money I spent on racing I could have quit work 15 years ago, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Now that I've bored you to death, thanks for the picture.
6 comments:
*whips out a calculator*
That's a 6.4 liter engine. Damn, the torque numbers on that are insane. With modern design (meaning fuel injection, computer ignition, modern combustion chamber design, more modern valvetrain, electric radiator fan) an engine that size could probably make around 500hp. And that's before messing with cams or turbos... makes me want to get an old engine like that, bring it up to the times, and stick it in a car with modern suspension, brakes, and tires. It's really a shame they don't make many engines that big anymore.
Smut sure does have great taste in cars ,what a thrill to really have raced one . scott
That was anice walk down memory lane! I remember those days , what fun! I wish I could have been there for the races, they were my passion in days gone by !
I like the K-Mart/Target parking lot thing, sounds like fun.Thanks for sharing. You all keep up the good work, Love Aunt Naomi
The sman says, it wasn'the kiddies i was talking about. Nor my new found relatives and siblings.
I started racing in Idaho at the ripe old age of 14.
(you could get a day drivers license at that age, if only i hadn't got caught with out one so many times. But thats another story, it's called crime and punishment)
First car a 1947 Hudson two door, had to steal a lot of hubcaps to pay the $15.00 for that stone. And siphon a lot of other peoples gas to drive it. Wasn't fast a the drags but man what a back seat.
Wasn't allowed to own a car so i always had to park them somewhere else.
It was that family i was refering too.
And a certain female who's name we shall not speak.
However that females relatives were at my last race, which was a good thing since it was thier car.
By the way J&T i think the title to mine reside in someones trunk, along with one for a 55 ford panel truck, a 59 El camino and a 27 Roadster pickup'
You might get it and take it with you next time. You might be able to steal mine back.
daaa
Another lost fact about these kicked the big three's asses cars. James Garners American International Racing shops prepared ten 1969 SC/Ramblers for the Baja 500 race.Garner did not drive in this event because of a film commitments that year. Nevertheless, seven of his cars finished the grueling race, taking three of the top five places in the sedan class
sman
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