RARE: Dan Gurney's Chevy Impala Race Car Returns After 63 Years | Barn Find Hunter

[@secretagentbloke]

I played a very small part in this story, I delivered that original engine up to Scotland.

[@jont8707]

That's so cool to be a part of this story I'm jealous lol

[@bensnide5846]

That's not such a small part. That's awesome for you and I appreciate any peice of the history.

[@corporalclegg914]

you were/are doing the Lord’s work I’m sure your drive was beautiful, too

[@MaiYang-k9o]

@@corporalclegg914 HOW is that the Lords work???

[@ynot5105]

What a privilege!

[@larrygulick6080]

Dan Gurney is American Racing Royalty! Thanks for sharing this story and the car.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

He was innovative too. The Gurney flap, the American Eagle cars. And a good husband.

[@oldschoolmotorsickle]

One of a kind Racing Royalty is my thought too! Movie star looks And he invented the Champagne Shower on the podium at Le Mans I believe it was. What an Icon the man was and is!

[@FredPriest-ud6cu]

Nothing better than driving a piece of history, especially when owned by a American LEGEND like Dan.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Even if it wasn't Dan's race car. Or anyone's race car. It would still be awesome. A 61 Impala with a 409 and a manual! It's just amazing

[@funone8716]

61 BUBBLETOP no less

[@ralo1558]

Very, Very, Cool Dan was also a favorite driver, owner, and builder of mine. A LEGEND among legends, unforgettable.

[@leddygee1896]

Such a full circle moment! Thanks to you Tom and the Gurney family for sharing this event!

[@realmaindrianpace]

I've heard about that car for decades, never knew it still existed - let alone in such nice condition. What an amazing find.

[@tobysettle8595]

I love absolutely everything about this!! I was 17 years old and a hardcore car junkie when this car ran at Silverstone. I remember it well!

[@SOLOIIguru]

Tom, you’ve got the best job in the world, honestly and truthfully. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@logancarter2134]

This may be the coolest BFH episode ever!

[@joshuared1000]

1000%

[@claycampbell7901]

OMG, What a dream drive for you car guys !! The Cam in that 409 is sick ! LOUD & PROUD !

[@crystalbegley1804]

Cooliest story I've heard about a car and a family in ages, thanks for sharing.

[@bobr2959]

I lived in Speedway, Indiana and could hear and see a little of the fourth corner of the Track from my roof top when i was like 10 -12 years old ,way back in 1964 through 1966. I always rooted for Dan Gurney. He was a favorite, along with A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Roger Ward, Parnelli Jones, Bobby Unser, Graham Hill... Bobby Unser won in 68 and Al in 1970 and 1971. Al Unser Junior won in 1994. Dan Gurney, one of the founders of All American Racers, who finished second as a driver himself in 1968-1969, won his first and only Indy 500 as a car owner. Gurney's Eagle chassis itself scored its third "500" win. The race was part of the 1975 USAC National Championship Trail. Daniel Sexton Gurney (April 13, 1931 - January 14, 2018) was an American racing driver, engineer and motorsport executive, who competed in Formula One from 1959 to 1970. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of motorsport,[a] Gurney won four Formula One Grands Prix across 11 seasons. In endurance racing, Gurney won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1967 with Ford, as well as the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1959 with Ferrari.

[@markdepriest418]

My father had a 61 Impala but a convertible at our home in Louisiana. He cherished that car but unfortunately suddenly passed away in 1969. My mother, myself at 6 years old and my newborn sister returned to her childhood home in West Virginia and my uncle went back for the mint low mile Impala. Less than 60 miles from our home in WV he was sideswiped by a semi which destroyed the car. Ive had a love for hot rods and classics my entire life and this story, the recovery of the car and its home to the son hits a little tough. Such a wonderful ending for that fine 409.

[@watsom31]

Would love to see this car at Goodwood Revival back racing in the Jags again 😅 Please hit like so he sees this

[@mitchell-wallisforce7859]

YES. It is high time to revive Gurney's practice of "Jaguar Hunting".

[@jaym2084]

PLEASE do this!!!!😎

[@johnwayne3904]

Man oh man, YES!!!

[@michaeldean4704]

Absolutely!

[@rodsdmba1571]

Ed Foster bought the car with the intention of running it at Goodwood (he was the motorsports director for Goodwood). The car was restored at Jordan Racing in Tamworth. The Jordan's build and prep many cars that run in British vintage racing. To be race legal the car would have required a cage, fuel cell, yada yada. Doing so would have erased the essence of what the car was as raced by Dan. Bench seat, radio, etc. So the car was restored to the spec it ran as at Silverstone. Ed did drive it from Tamworth to Silverstone and make two laps of the track as a homage to Dan, before driving it to Goodwood. The car was driven on parade laps at the Goodwood Revival by Dario Franchiti with his wife along as a passenger. She was slewing side to side on the bench seat as Dario piloted it through the turns.

[@user-ts1fp4nm9y]

Dan Gurney was one of my heroes growing up,still is!! It's so cool to see his son get this car. My second car but the first I had on the road when i got my drivers license in 1970 was a 1961 White with red side stripe bubble top 348 Powerglide Impala.Thanks fot the fond memories!!!

[@IdrisAfonina-u7w]

Your content always lift me up. Stay as humble as you are.

[@vermontguy7692]

"Got cam?" 😆What a beast! A race car with a radio, a heater, a bench seat and windshield wipers! Great car and great story, Tom. Thanx for sharing it with us and hope you have a happy holiday.

[@campcrafter4613]

First thing I said!

[@obsidian....]

What a wonderful son, he's truly kept the name and history alive. I'm sure that Dan would be so proud of his boy! 👏👏👏

[@margaretbehler4935]

Dan Gurney is an American racing Icon. He completed in so many different types of of motor sports. Created the champagne tradition. And he seemed like a nice guy. Dan Gurney Eagles use to dominate the field at Indy.

[@deweygill1973]

Tom Cotter, this is amazing. What an important piece of both racing and automotive history. I’m jealous. What a beauty. Looks like an upgrade to an alternator from a generator.

[@poncho6784]

SUCH an amazing story. Growing up in the 70s I remember following Dan Gurney’s races and cheering. Thank you all for sharing this special story and car with us!

[@7367-k1i]

I remember watching the Petrolicious episode on this car a couple years ago; glad to see it’s come full circle and finally made it’s way home! Fantastic story; happy to see it back with the Gurney family.

[@RobertReep-s5k]

I'm amazed and crying at the same time!!! OMG❤❤❤❤❤

[@mikew3783]

Amazing story. Absolutely cool car with a storied history. Christmas came early for Barn Find Hunter viewers. Thank you both for sharing!

[@domcorleone66]

Great story, Tom!! LOVE IT!! For Dan Gurney's son to obtain his father's car is so touching!! EVERY car has a story behind it. It's not just the car but it's the story. So profound.

[@jimharper9609]

Tom, you guys have done it again! What an awesome episode! Dan Gurney was one of my racing heroes (along with Carroll Shelby) when I was a young car nut. I never knew (or remembered) about this car and its history. Thanks so much for bringing it to light. BFH just keeps getting better and better!

[@MyHighHorse]

That sound is unmistakable. Always loved the 409.

[@Ryan67rs]

This story brought tears to my eyes. My father went to drivers' school with Dan when they were just starting out. My father stayed more local. He raced a TR3. His home track was Watkins Glen. This was all before I was born. My brother and sister remember going to the races. He also raced Lime Rock and Thompson Connecticut. He sold his Triumph in 1966. I would love to find my father's race car. Thank you for the great story!! Merry Christmas to all.

[@funone8716]

Cool story! In Corning, NY here.....

[@Raudi1024Nine7]

This story means more than you know to me and my family that grew up and went to races at Riverside raceway. My grandpa worked with Dan at FMC in Riverside so this is personal for us. Thanks!

[@PhilNewcomb-yr2td]

This makes me love my 61 impala even more. Great story, beautiful car.

[@petek6522]

The best chevy impala video on KZbin

[@isalmankhan1]

Amazingly emotional😍😍😍 Thanks for sharing Hagerty👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 As always very special thanks to Tom for taking us on this journey👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rgs4x]

My friend in high school owned a Dan Gurney Special Edition Mercury Cougar! My uncle worked at the Van Nuys Plant!

[@gordocarbo]

Grew up just a few miles from the plant.

[@afwoods]

Dan was a legend. All those races in the 60’s were before I was born but everybody knew about Dan. Really great to see this car go to where it should be. Congrats Justin.

[@joesephelaiza2789]

That's one of the best exhaust and intake notes I have ever heard

[@RabidSnot]

my friend's father worked for Jaguar of North America during all those late 50's 60's and 70's era, and was very into the Jaguar Racing team events, he also knew Carroll Shelby, Ken Miles, Dan Gurney, all of the big guys back in those days, my friend has told me stories about those races in England with the Jag's and how funny it was that the 'Merican' guy wasn't allowed to compete at that level and how the Brit's were afraid of losing to the American Legend that is/ was, Dan Gurney. R.I.P Dan Gurney. That car is Sick I tell you, just listen to how she sounds.. Killer tone from that exhaust system. I hope my car sounds half as good when I'm done w/ her. Old's '64 F85 Cutlass 2dr post sedan, w/ a '66 Toro 425ci. Great story and really interesting history. I'm glad I finally heard (most) of the real story after all these years later. Thanks for sharing it.

[@stephenkrzanowski]

Beautiful car. What a wonderful reunion.

[@joshhuffine4522]

I love the picture with Dan and the Wod Brothers at the end!!❤. Leonard Wood is an inspiration to me.

[@richardlong8014]

Back in the 11th grade a classmate bought a brand new '61 Impala SS, bubble top 409, 4 spd with the money he made digging clams on the ocean. He was built like Arnold Swartznegger. Beautiful car. His was red. Nice video.

[@stephenholland5930]

How did a kid get insurance on a car like that?

[@gordocarbo]

@@stephenholland5930 Parents must have been involved or it was in thier name?

[@barrycuda3769]

This was very enjoyable. When Dan's Trans Am racing team was mentioned , it made me think again that it would be really cool if someone would do an in depth documentary about that era of Trans Am , AAR , Penske, Bud Moore etc. Considering how cool that series was , it seems like it has had very little coverage compared to other racing.

[@alanquintus2069]

Dan Gurney was bad to the bone. One of my all time favorite racers. Thanks for posting

[@MrDaleOaks]

I remember getting a Dan Gurney slot car racetrack when I was about 6 or 7 years old. So about 1963 or so. The cars looked like those Porshe open wheel cars that you showed. MEMORIES. ❤

[@emc1601]

So cool! That 409 may be the factory race 427,rare!

[@01FozzyS]

Such a historic car and nice to see that Justin has it back in the family.

[@johnhart125]

I remember him well, was an awesome driver, so glad his son now owns it. Very cool car

[@RobertEHunt-dv9sq]

Fantastic video. Thanks for posting. Met your father at the Monterey Historics many years ago, quite the gentlemen and a very talented driver and engineer. This Chevy has a great story and glad AAR has it back again. Cheers from Texas.

[@chryco63]

I remember some of the original videos Goodwood had posted about this car a few years ago. My dad and I sat at the computer with the speakers cranked, mesmerized by the wicked exhaust note. Great to see (and hear) some new footage!! Congrats to all involved!!

[@labradorguy5311]

GREAT story Tom! Thanks for sharing.

[@luggnutz]

Wow, congrats Justin, that has to feel so cool!

[@KevinBrownAZ]

Dan Gurney was my favorite driver and constructor. Just last week, for my birthday, our son gave me the Autoweek issue with Dan on the cover that was lost during a move a few years ago. RESPECT to Dan, & congratulations to his son for regaining this beautiful racing machine.

[@patbullard9276]

Great episode, I watched Dan Gurney race at Riverside.

[@ianmangham4570]

I seen you there

[@patbullard9276]

@ Yeah, I saw you there too, you were wearing a cowboy hat and suspenders.

[@PanAmRacer]

I'm glad that Justin was able to get back such a wonderful piece of history. Dan Gurney was truly an American Legend! I hope to see the Impala back in action at Laguna Seca someday! Thank you Tom for another very entertaining video!

[@vanclyde]

Shout-out to the camera guy for the 7:00 shot, that looks incredible.. no b-pillar life!

[@alvinpowell6189]

That car is a true piece of American racing legend driven by a real legend! Dan Gurney was to me larger than life. Such a gentleman genius!

[@danontherun5685]

One of my high school pals had a stock bubble top 409 4 speed posi, white with red interior. When Mel launched the guys in the back bounced the seat to puff tire smoke into the car, indeed a super machine. I miss tire smoke clouding out entire intersections.

[@michaeldean4704]

What a great story. Dan Gurney is a legend, and was in inspiration to a 7-year old me, back in 1961. And the '61 Bubble-Top Impala, with the 409, is one of the greatest cars of all time. Some people claim that Pontiac started the "muscle car" era with the GTO in late '63. But I beg to differ. And the 409 Impala is my evidence.

[@mini_min-e]

Didn't know that the impala still existed. I had pictures of it and always wanted one. Amazing car!

[@RoaroftheTiger]

As a kid, Dan Gurney was my Hero ... I'm 75 now, & He Still is. Congratulations Justin. btw - Have You heard from "Philippe d.L" latley ?

[@AJuchum]

The story told to me was that my father raced with Dan Gurney in the early to mid fifties at Sportsman Park near Cleveland Ohio. I could have been rich if my mother married the right driver.:). Also, apparently when I was at the track as a 5 year old I didn’t cheer for my father because there was a car with Bugs Bunny on the door that I liked better.

[@skeletoncrew539]

I have never seen a blue bubble top and I think it’s beautiful. Add in that 409 and manual transmission and that’s the most amazing impala I’ve ever seen.

[@stephenlea5765]

Awesome! Glad he got his dad’s car back. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@ChuckHeinze]

Absolutely amazing! I just can’t get enough of this stuff. So happy to see this car come home to the Gurney family.

[@greenmirror5555]

The Big Show on Friday morning! Great Early Christmas Present! Thanks for the video!

[@JOHNNY07-wu3cd]

Great video, Dan was so kind to me when I was his car chief at the 1988 Toyota celebrity race in Long Beach. We worked as a team and had a good result.

[@schumifannreins295]

A phenomenal episode, thanks everyone!

[@mindeloman]

This going to be one of the biggest BFH episodes of all time.

[@glennbailey9165]

This car needs to be at the next Goodwood Historical Festival. Let's race the British at Goodwood!

[@francoisg3500]

As a matter of fact it’s was previously owned by Ed Foster the lead assembly area/pitlane reporter during the Goodwood Members and Revival Meetings.

[@francoisg3500]

As a matter of fact it was previously owned by Ed Foster the lead assembly area/pitlane reporter of the Members and Revival Meetings.

[@francoisg3500]

@@glennbailey9165 There is a series on Goodwood Road & Races channel about its discovery.

[@BEERDRINKING101]

I believe that it couldn't be raced because of not having modern safety equipment. Roll cage, seat, harness..ect...and Ed didn't want to move away from the originality of this race car.

[@dazaspc]

Somewhere in the UK is Bob Janes Factory 4 Door Z11. He organised a 4 door as the Australian Touring Car Championship only allowed 4 door cars. Apparently it had all the alloy parts and the big drive train. Love to see that one. It makes me wonder if he got the idea from this as they were also racing against Jags.

[@borismcfinnigan3430]

You are wrong. never before 1993 was the ATCC limited to 4 door cars (Post 1993 it wasn't even a rule, just happened that the only 2 eligible cars at that time were 4 door cars) . The regs back then, known as Appendix J when the ATCC was for series production cars, dictated "closed cars with seating for 4" and there were certainly 2 door cars in it, from Anglia and Mini, to Cortina and VW beetle, Ian Geoghegan won the 1964 championship at Lakeside in a 2 door car (GT Cortina) I don't doubt Bob Jane had the car at all, but the reason you say he had it is not quite right.

[@dazaspc]

@@borismcfinnigan3430 I don't recall the year however I saw an interview he did at a historic race meeting. He went into some detail about how he sourced from a mate who was a dealer in the US and the reason why he had to have a 4 door. He went to some trouble to get GM to o the 4 door. Maybe an earlier Championship?

[@ajlord247]

Norm Beechey had a '62 409 Impala four-door that he campaigned in Australia. If I remember correctly, he said it was because it would be easier to sell once he was done racing it...

[@borismcfinnigan3430]

@dazaspc Inam faiely sure the earliest it could have possibly been was 1963 as that Z11 didn't come out until september 1963, the ATCC series production rules around car eligibility were the same from their inception in 1960 until the change to what we called group C in 1972. I can only assume Bob Jane was a bit messy in the memory department by the time he did that interview.

[@ajlord247]

Looked into it a little further... In 1962 you could only run a two-door if it was under 1500cc. Hence Norm Beechey going for the four-door hardtop Impala. Bob Jane was still campaigning Jags at that point, but did win the ATCC in a ZL1 Camaro in 1971.

[@flatheadV8]

If I remember correctly you were not allowed to register a left hand drive car in Australia, hence the RHD conversion, Canadian built Chevrolets were exported to RHD countries with factory right hand drive as Canada was part of the Commonwealth and therefore the import tax was less. I had until a. few years ago a 1965 Pontiac Parisienne with RHD. The registration XVD is a Lanarkshire registration in Scotland.

[@mattwright4488]

@@flatheadV8 well unless im an idiot sir its looking like this car is not at all rhd but rather a lhd ?? Or am i just imagining things?? I could be completely confused to be totally honest though so please excuse the smart ass comment but if i am mistaken please inform me as im always willing to listen to reason on the subject....just a question so plz dont bite my head off in the response as i am merely curious as to wear u see the right hand drive here...

[@flatheadV8]

@@mattwright4488 Hi, I am not into biting peoples head off.🤣 I believe he said that when the car was taken to Australia it was converted to RHD. Presumably the steering wheel etc has been returned to the original LHD as appears in the video.

[@mattwright4488]

@@flatheadV8 ahh yes i must haven't been listening as i am re watching this video and he does state just that example...i was probably not paying close enough attention as it seems so obvious now that i have been watching and this time paying attention to what is being said....my apologies and thank u for your time and help here its much appreciated

[@WayneB27]

My uncle owned an Canadian built 1960 RHD 4 door Impala SS in the UK , I remember sitting in it as a kid. Alot of the Australian imported American cars were converted to RHD by welding on a couple of sprockets and running a chain under the dash from the original cut down steering shaft over to the re located steering column on the right , I had a Jeep Cherokee Cheif that was converted that way in the UK by AMC dealer Howes Motors. Mr.Gurneys Impala may have been possibly converted that way?

[@5jr.racing982]

That car and myself were born the same year....1961... always wanted one...closest i came was my first car..'66 Caprice Classic w/ 396 big block😊

[@E.T.GARAGE]

👍😎👍 One of the coolest race car stories of all time is Dan Gurney and that Impala, Thanks For Sharing.

[@BobDixon-f7n]

I had a 64 and loved it. And for a long time was a 64 snob. But I grew to love all the Impalas. But especially the 61-64 and grew to enjoy the newer ones like the 65-69. Gentlemen, I enjoyed every minute of it. Great car and personal story.

[@ronschwolsky1626]

First off, so happy that Justin was able to acquire this car. I'm sure it's got a special place in his heart. Secondly, clearly the Brits didn't want to see Dan crush the Jags with his Impala. Thanks for sharing! ...cheers from Los Angeles.

[@paddle_shift]

Many many years ago i was test driving a 67 Chevy Impala big block at Doran Chevrolet in Dallas. Before i could take it out i had to put up a $100 deposit. I said ok, but i expect to get it back if i don't buy the car. The sales manager who was with the salesman said "sure, but you won't If i find out you Dan Gurney'd this test drive".

[@johnwayne3904]

😂 "Dan Gurney'd" hahaha I would have done that just to take that as a compliment lol

[@davidgalloway1526]

amazing story...i worked for damerow ford back in the 70s and remembering quite a bit of gurney stuff hidden in the parts dept. the owner of the dealership was a big collector...

[@stuartstephens]

So cool he was able to finally get the car, and with the original engine to boot.

[@elviti23]

What a story! thank you !!

[@kyleforeman4543]

unbelievable ,wow,wow, full circle is a understatement , tks too the Gurney family an Tom for sharing this video.. Happy Hunting,an Merry Christmas too all.

[@TerryMarsh-g9r]

Tom, this is one of your best stories ever. Thank you!

[@mccash264]

Tom, outstanding story. Thank you for bringing it to KZbin.

[@kevinlight4286]

Tom, keep the great stories coming.

[@murraywagnon1841]

My 2nd car was a 1961 Chevy Bel Air. I was rear ended in a blizzard and the only trunk lid I could get was an Impala deck. So I had a 6 tail light Bel Air for a few years. Great car.

[@UberLummox]

Love it. Nice upgrade!

[@danf321]

Great video! A look into the past when a “race car” was simply a modified street car👍

[@georgestemple3310]

Great video love automotive history and the story is fantastic

[@RobertSherman-h9d]

Iam 58 years young Tom and when that thing came off the trailer and you talked about Dan and yourself Tom I started to cry !!!!

[@gregfielder4763]

I’m just amazed that car has survived in one piece all these years! Wow!

[@williambarry8015]

Thats so cool that it has the bench seats.

[@billbryce3488]

That was the nicest year for the Impala.Love your show,and have a merry Christmas

[@garyslentzii2796]

My prized possession is my Dan Gurney Mercury Cougar ScaleXtrics slot car. Im a huge Cougar collector of anything i can find. I drove a 68 Cougar in my youth, sure withed it was a GT-E. This was a great video. I have a Dan Gurney Fomula model I'm building.

[@charliefox7206]

Now this puts a smile on my face. Nice interview, nice stories. Nice .🦊,

[@ronpat13]

That was amazing! I've only seen black and white photos of the car racing in England so this was a treat! Cheers.

[@NovaResource]

Fantastic story and video. Thanks again.

[@doxydoxdelamanca9902]

Listen to that engine! The way life intended it!

[@chrisfegan3475]

Awesome that he got his father's car. Amazing story

[@chrisfegan3475]

I would give anything to find and obtain my father's gtx. Had to sell it because of me and my brother...and mom couldn't drive it. Was years ago

[@edwinbruner1026]

What an AWESOME story and video to share with us!!! Thanks!

[@niosanfrancisco]

EPIC ❤. Love Dan Gurney. Such a gentleman

[@peterscandlyn]

Wicked episode Tom. Thanks for finding and presenting it.

[@renaissanceman8564]

My good friend was racing for Smokin Joes Honda and we went to Dan Gurney juniors house to race slot cars. Good times always. Thanks for the video . Peace on earth and at red line 😊

[@midwestspeed7889]

I love the old cars but i really love the story and history of the cars and owners!!

[@josebrito6519]

Great story, thank you very much for sharing this! Greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹