1961 Chevrolet Impala: Dan Gurney’s American Export

The words “Chevy Impala" don’t tend to have motorsport connotations for most people, but that didn’t stop Dan Gurney from ordering one from the factory in police specification with an aim to take it racing in England. He’d been watching Jaguars dominate the British saloon car series and thought he could put the big Chevy above them on the podiums, so after rebuilding the motor to his liking Mr. Gurney sent his Impala across the Atlantic and proceeded to whoop the competition… for almost one full race. The Impala was leading in its debut before a wheel failure, and upon its return to the grid in the next race was banned from the series. It’s a lesser-known project from a man who earned a laundry list of racing success, but thanks to its current owner Ed Foster, its brief but inspiring underdog story is still being shared today.
See the photoshoot and read more here: petro.li/GurneyImpalaGallery
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[@lucaskoukouvaos2589]

This is how you should do the sound for all your videos. Good mix of pure engine and subtle background music when he is talking. Nothing distracting like many of your previous videos.

[@mcscgreenwheels]

Lol! Lucas Koukouvaos good point on filmmaking. Lot of filmmakers or content creators forget this very important tips. They try to use music to pull fake emotion from their audience.

[@dwb131313]

Lucas Koukouvaos I agree. I hate that trend in movies and videos. It’s so stupid. It’s not impressive or unique. It’s just stupid.

[@savithapenis4552]

holllyyy cowww that v8 noise and the car is just perfect

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

How completely appropriate that the auto-closed-caption feature translates the exhaust note into applause.

[@greg1268]

Awesome!!!

[@manofthehour6856]

I first became aware of this car about 30 years ago while reading a book, oddly enough, about Jaguars! As much as I love Jaguars, I also love this era of American cars, particularly GM. The styling of the 1961s were the last of the great Harley Earl, but with significant input by his successor, Bill Mitchell. There is some attractive reminants of the 1950s like the dogleg A-pillar, the bubbletop roof, and the impossing "V" design on the trunk, but it also has very clean "we mean business" lines. It's a pity that Jaguar apparently panicked at what a stock American car could do, but doesn't competition build excellence? So much for the best man winning.....thank you Ed Foster for this magnificent tribute to racing legend Dan Gurney.

[@RollYourRock]

The "Bubble Top" 1961-2 Chevys have always been my favorite! - Beautiful design! 😃

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

I was hoping this was a 62 Bel Air Bubble Top with a 409. A couple used to drag race one years ago.

[@RollYourRock]

@@JDsHouseofHobbies Yes, even a cleaner design. Less chrome same profile.

[@klauspohl1142]

Indeed, after the craze of the fin tails, this was the first "clean" design, with that special kink above the rear wheels All nicely tied together! What a great story!

[@hypocycloidiaspora]

The bubble tops were so cool, I don't get why they were dumped by GM stylists - instead of Bel Airs the bubble top should have been an SS only roof in '62! GM didn't ban racing until '63 after all, so it should have been better in NASCAR than the formal notchback.

[@Johnnycdrums]

I like that Chevy design, and also the 61' Ford Starliner which had a similar bubble top roof line.

[@virgilrytaar9083]

Best film for a while.....and like me, he's British. DO NOT PUT SILENCERS ON! sounds incredible. Top work

[@edfoster1447]

Ha! I won't!

[@herculanoguimaraes4605]

the engine noise is perfection, i hope they never silence the roar of this car

[@rscottenglish]

I grew up in Flint, MI. Flint was the home of Chevrolet. My next door neighbor had a 1961 409 Chevy Impala, the guy across the street had 1964 SS Impala and we had a lowly 1965 327 impala...those were the days!

[@usergonemad]

The perfect owner and car combination. Dan would certainly be happy about this. Great film!

[@thejoshbtv]

Nothing beats the sound of an American V8.

[@Mainsail333]

Or an American V8 roaring through the English countryside

[@stillsearching1284]

I think the sound of an italian V12 or British inline-6 are also pretty great.

[@WheresTheAnyKey1]

@@stillsearching1284 im there with you a high revving v12 and a big displacement v8 are both great. I'd also add in a german flat 6.

[@JohnSmith-bx1mp]

@@WheresTheAnyKey1 and flat 12!!

[@Anirossa]

thejoshbtv America v8 and German v6 and v8s

[@minimalistinlife]

Now this encapsulates the relationship between a man and his car. Truly lovely to see.

[@ChevyBM]

Nothing beats the power from a big block! The 61 bubble top Impalas are the best looking of the whole production.

[@jeffjusth2522]

Dan's movie star grin is smiling ear-to-ear every time you fire that 409 up!!!!! GREAT JOB!!!!!

[@winstonlandymore4154]

The actual 1961 race video is on you tube. "1961 Silverstone race" . Lots of race footage of Dan and the Impala.

[@shitbox7413]

Winston Landymore, Thanks for the info! 👍🏻

[@125AXer]

Indeed! That segment begins around 3:45 here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJuWkoiLj9t-oqc

[@maurodiaz4229]

11:40 That leaning during the rev! Wow! 👍

[@windronner1]

As Lucas points out, what an excellent composed and edited video!! Just remember, that a '61 Chevy Bubble top is itself an American Icon. Owning an early 60's V8 icon owned by one only 4 American racing Icons who won at Le manns, Indy 500, Formula 1, and NASCAR makes this one very valuable car!! Great work!!! Finding it's home back in England where the owner really appreciates..

[@kevinvernon3600]

Um....Dan never managed to win Indy, as a driver. He did win as a car owner.

[@grumpylimey4539]

The sound of a big block V8 .. intoxicating. There's something exotic about American muscles to a Brit like me. Something I get to indulge in now I live this side of the pond :)

[@willyhwang1059]

watching big American cars on narrow twisty European roads always makes me smile. they weren't built for each other so the juxtaposition is intriguing.

[@94jrose]

Truly an excellent video. I had no idea Dan Gurney did this. Makes me want a 409 even more

[@danieltubbs5422]

The 409 is a boat anchor, but a nice one.

[@jdrok5026]

Takes a lot of money to build a 409 tho they do have aftermarket

[@shitbox82]

@@danieltubbs5422 You gotta keep in mind the W engine was designed in the 50’s, performance V8’s were a new idea for GM at the time, I’d say the 409 was a pretty good effort for the time period, 400+ hp must’ve been insane in 1960…

[@ShifuCareaga]

Finally an American export. This episode did not disappoint! I think I'll join your membership

[@scarbourgeoisie]

At first I thought it had glass packs on it, but then the owner confirms it's straight pipes only. It sounds glorious.

[@paxwallacejazz]

Dan Gurney a legend in the age of giants.

[@RL-dj4zl]

Back to the inception and what Petrolicious was meant to be. This is truly his/story. The car and the piece have the most important elements, depth and soul. Everything else is obvious. Congratulation on a job well done, and welcome back.

[@energyasylum997]

I salute this dude for repping a big American gem!! ✌🏼from Los Angeles, USA 🇺🇸

[@yaboibakalli]

Wow that V8 Noise is truly eargasmic

[@DavidLucas-hf1cx]

I’ve always loved this story.. One of my favorites growing up...

[@gmcnelly2468]

348s and 409s had their own unique, but awfully sweet sound. the 409 was the first engine that I built.

[@TheRealFLX81]

That sound is legit thunder of the gods.

[@trucchose2386]

I‘m more in European Race Engineering..... But have to admit that the sound of a V8 is just the most sexy sound an engine can make... definitely one of your best videos...story included! This guy saved a gem in racecar history... and enjoys it...! What else to say? Nothing

[@orangelion03]

I've enjoyed many of your videos, but this one actually brought a tear to my eye. Dan was, and always will be, The Man. Kudos to Mr Foster for preserving a part of his legacy.

[@simontallboy209]

Love this car! It speaks to Gurney's talent and character that he watched a race, figured he could win in a stock Impala, and damn near did. It really was the golden age of racing.

[@Chuck59ish]

Like the song says," She's so fine my 409. "

[@deusalexjones]

i literally said that out loud when he said what size the engine was

[@NoPrivateProperty]

The song goes “she’s REAL fine”

[@parrisgeorge9708]

@@NoPrivateProperty My dual quad four speed posi traction 409!

[@k.j.g.9601]

Man, you just woke up France......

[@tristanclark7795]

the bubble top was such a sweet design. The steel wheels and side exhaust downplay the glitzy trim this car had stock and just makes it real honest old car. the truck floor shifter no and no exhaust makes you smile

[@cecilwilson5442]

Don't worry about the noise it's one of the best bits of the car better than a radio and hats off to you for building it up to the original specification truly brilliant thanks for the video awesome viewing

[@jimmyholt7711]

Wow, what an amazing thing to have done! Props to the current caretaker of Dan’s Impala!

[@mikedionne8187]

I think this is one of the best episodes so far! Ed Foster-thank you for preserving this fantastic piece of American muscle car history. The sound and look of that car are absolutely intoxicating.

[@philcopson3900]

Great stuff: in reading about '60s saloon car racing, you generally get an account along the lines of how "Jack Sears' Ford Galaxie finally broke the domination of the 3.8 Mark 2 Jag following the earlier incursion of Dan Gurney's Chevy Impala" and I'd always wondered why there seemed to be no more to the story when it was obviously so similar to the Galaxie and should have cleaned up. Really good to know that it survives, and Sod's Law that it was at the only Goodwood Revival meeting I've missed. (When Ed said it was 6.7 litres, I thought he'd got it wrong, reasoning that 409 cu in is only slightly larger than the 394 in my '59 Olds Rocket, which I'd always thought was around 6.3 litres. Rechecked, and my mill is actually 6.5 litres - thanks Ed ! The '59 Olds Rocket is a pretty hot ship too - Lee Petty won the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959 at an average speed of 135 mph. I believe that on some banked ovals they lapped at around 144-145....)

[@ltlieu61]

thank you, great video, american muscle, chevrolet, the history of what is like to even accomplish this, is so great, i love the sound and power of old school muscle. And the story of dans journey.

[@jolynedrover1768]

There is just no comparison to that amazing exhaust note, thanks for sharing it sir

[@jackmacer718]

This is a great story, great accomplishment, great dude!!!! Chevrolet's in particular Impalas/ Caprices have been in my blood since I was a kid. My first car was a $300 77 Caprice Coupe same color blue as this car white vinyl top white leather interior. Since then I've had a dozen Impalas and Caprices... As well as a lot of other Chevrolet's. Some of which I paid $50 for and drove for multiple years and other than regular car maintenance didn't put a dime into!!!

[@CRUISOMATIC]

That is a great piece of history. Glad it ended up with someone who truly appreciates it and doesn't mess it up.

[@chrisjeffries2322]

She's so fine my 409! Thank you for sharing.

[@stickiefinger5571]

Impala bandwagon is definitely a good wave to be on. Good choice!

[@jakespeed63]

Spectacular sound and story. Gave me the warm n fuzzies. Dan was The Man! Personal hero. Thanks once again, for a wonderful film.Who the hell are these people giving this thumbs down???

[@nrabchenuk]

Dan Gurney for President.

[@chestermcdaniel106]

Thanks my English brother for taking care of this. I feel the same about the old Jags.

[@speedcat80]

Excellent, I'm jealous. This is how an engine should sound. I almost cried 😊 Purring idle, Roaring throttle.

[@speedcat80]

7:15 onwards... O M G !

[@barrymontgomery9860]

Big Dan Gurney fan! Great video very well presented!! Love it!!

[@keithburns5707]

In 1969 when I was in high school I had a chance to go work at all American racers. I meant Dan gurney and talk to him a couple of times that was a thrill. But the real thrill was watching Pete Wilkerson make a set of spaghetti headers for in Indy 500 car. Dan was such a down to earth just regular guy always good spirited.

[@adamhoffman3687]

I have watched this several times and it never gets old. I would have loved to be there when the English-men heard that for the first time. Had to be like pouring Jack Daniel's and ketchup all over tea and crumpets lol

[@garylow7167]

Absolutely fantastic viewing I really enjoyed watching this amazing video many thanks for sharing with us all my friend

[@stuartsaunders563]

A great film of a car that just shouts "I'm Trouble" Love it.

[@MartinScreeton]

Great Story! By the way I owned a 1961 Impala and a 1962 impala in the 70's... these my first cars. :) Unfortunately just both small blocks... one 3 on the tree and one automatic... Love love the 61 here with the 409...wow! Very cool!

[@JohnBarrow1961]

Great story. Glad to see that this car lives on.

[@tmseh]

That is awesome. The car's got a good home. Dear God that thing sounds amazing!

[@Flowernight2011]

I just discovered this channel, wonderfull videos! I can’t stop watching..

[@twarken5078]

Beautiful car and story, Ed. Love the sound of the motor!

[@cbobscountrybunker2312]

love the strait pipe sound

[@johnbeltrante6933]

I never knew that Dan Gurney raced this car. When I was 18 I owned a similar car except mine was Honduras maroon and one of 205 super sport models, 409” dual quads, Borg Warner 4 speed and before I got it, it had a 4:11 posi rear. The 1st of the super sport models, the side emblems where the flags are had SS on them and the rear trunk emblem also had SS over the flags and it had small console where the floor shifter was. Go ahead and try to quiet that 409 down, I had new full size mufflers front and rear everything from the 2.5” exhaust pipes back installed and True story, I was pulled over for loud mufflers an hour later. I showed the officer my dated receipt and after some head scratching he let me go. This was the loudest fastest car I ever had and I thank my St. Christopher medal for protecting me and everyone within a two block area. JohnB

[@philkennedy8862]

Just the idea of a production/police package 61' Impala racing in the UK back in the day is priceless. Add in Dan Gurney and you have a car history lesson for everyone to enjoy, good job!.

[@jep1912]

'Licious can teach many KZbinrs a lesson or two in pure spine tingling content.

[@Spitsz01]

What a great story! Thank you. And that SOUND, aahh it makes my manparts tingle...

[@amanwithnoname6687]

What a great story, imagine the tales that car would tell if it could talk.

[@peloi111]

I love 1950s cars nd the Belair impala is a big part of that love. The early 60s era is somewhat looked down upon by those who like 1950s because it was the end of an era. The "tail fin era" was done and it was the dawn of the muscle car era, many car producers just didn't know what to do with their cars during these changes, you can see this clearly with Chrysler products. Many cars abandoned their 1950s heritage, to the point where their past was unrecognizable... except for THIS CAR, the perfect bridge. To me, this car looks like a beautiful 1950s Chevy with it's 2 tone chromed up design and sideways fins (following it's 1958 heritage), including the beautiful 6 taillights, an interior design for the wife and a spaceship top ... yet at the same time, it's low, longer, wider with those headlights so lower than low, more straight edges than round corners, Including a loud SS monster of an engine that could be taken to a drag strip. This car represents the best of both worlds, the transition point and I think it was the last one to carry so much of it's 1950s glory in a tasteful way.

[@88Nunya]

Wonderful story and video, Dan Gurney was the best.

[@ArtHotelRiposo]

the sound is intoxicating !

[@che7wins614]

More car sounds please, love a loud V8

[@orcinsd]

What a beautiful car. The color, styling, and the noise that it makes...holy crap. That was awesome.

[@edm1004]

Please keep making these videos. You are the best car Channel on KZbin in my opinion. The passion is undeniable. Love the style, keep it up!

[@zul8erbm]

That's the stuff of legends. Keep that amazing piece of automotive history alive and well. I hope to see somthing about this car making it's way home to the U.S. your a tour at some point.

[@donteifke7636]

Very cool video! Glad Ed is going to keep it as it is. Makes me really miss my old 60 Impala. Was even the same color except I had the 348 in it. (Same W head engine)

[@mowler8042]

Oh my how many guys are going to look for this same year car now....great video

[@soulsofpresentgracethompso5990]

His neighbors must love him when he cranks the American symphony '409' by Chevy in Detroit major through the winding, palatial estate roads. Smashing work on the video Petro. 👏

[@edfoster1447]

Sadly the roads are far from palatial... However, the neighbours do give me a thumb's up!

[@soulsofpresentgracethompso5990]

@@edfoster1447 That is awesome Ed. 👍👍

[@kennyjohnston6448]

Love this story! Never knew of this! Hope to see the car someday in person

[@dalejones1977]

Love your videos!! Thanks for posting and keep up the awesome work!! Would love to see some on the Cougars, I own a 71 XR-7 Convertible and love it! :)

[@pathakajit]

Incredible noise!

[@oliversworldofwheels4910]

That car is so cool! I love it! Love the video like always!

[@scott555]

Were it not for a freak flaw in a steel wheel, the entire decade of racing may have been re-written. Dream car.

[@blueridgebill3763]

In days of old when knights were bold...every American kid who was interested in European racing was in love with Dan. He was an American original representing the individual fighting against the establishment!

[@Tomgillchevy]

What a terrific story! Thanks for sharing

[@Ltbookum]

It's quite the world traveler. From the US to the UK, to Australia , returned to the US and send onwards to the UK once more. Beautiful machine, those near stock races cars which could be bought of the showroom floor still amaze me. Even more so that those big whallowing boats where driven around at any kind of speed around a track. Just the noise alone; it's sheer beauty.

[@shitbox7413]

The W engine was a monster in 1961. 👍🏻

[@Gordonhaymes]

You have to love a guy who feels Heritage as much as he does, keep em rolling .

[@bearbergmann2782]

Great Car, Great Story, Great Video... Awesome!!!

[@dano4572]

Thank you, sir. Love it for the rest of your life.

[@MrStingraybernard]

Beautiful !

[@mckinleymckeehan6659]

Well done crew! Great work on this one.

[@ivancastillo934]

Absolutely love this story! An American went to Europe in stock trim and whooped everybody in their racing trim!!!

[@impslap7620]

I love the juxtaposition of the idyllic British country estate and the good ol' American muscle. I can only imagine how this would have caused such a commotion at the races back in the 60's.

[@paronychia7299]

One badass Impala 🔥

[@Panthercholo]

That car is perfect! Glad to hear this story told.

[@roadfly360]

Simple Chevy V8's, I miss driving big cars like that.

[@chrisfloyd9224]

True car guy. Glad to see American muscle being appreciated and respected by a fellow across the pond. Kudos to you sir.

[@van5829]

Yeah man... That sounds like Rock n' Roll.

[@mrme4507]

Incredible story, and of course another great video.

[@Armanispice]

Wow...what a great story!

[@johndiaz7240]

Great story , thanks . My folks had a white one with a 283 ,first car I drove still love the way they look.

[@loucostabile]

Wonderful, smiling the whole time watching the video :-)

[@wileyonek7876]

Man, what a cherry car! Great Story. Nothing like the bassy humm of a V8, so signature. I hope to catch word when you bring it across the Pond 😉