HISTORIC Camaro Funny Car REUNITED with Previous Owner (RARE Footage Inside)

We bought this old chassis because of the wheels, but found out that it had CRAZY history in Illinois. Believe it or not WE SOLD THIS CAR! But it went to a great home. We sold it to one of the car's previous owners, and his history with the car goes back to when he was a teenager. He had the opportunity to buy a turn-key nitro burning funny car when he was only 16. Nope, he wasn't a rich kid...just happened to be at the right place at the right time to buy a beautiful, candy apple red Camaro funny car with a blown and injected big block Chevy engine. Sure, he was in WAY over his head, but this car sparked his obsession with funny cars. He went on to own 88 funny cars later in life, but this is the first (and last) one.
This car was SELDOM SEEN. It did not run at very many national events and wasn't photographed very much. Thanks to lots of digging, we were able to find pictures and videos of the car's original configuration when it was called the "Panasonic Playmate". Then, it was sold and renamed the "Intruder", then sold to Mandy Holder who completely rebuilt the car and renamed it "Old Iron Sides". This car had a distinct chassis and body setup. It had rectangular frame rails (outlawed by NHRA), a steel rear body section that tilted rearward like regular funny car, and a stretched fiberglass front end that tipped forward. The car evolved through the years and was eventually shortened to a stock-ish wheelbase. The car somehow made its way from Chicago to North Georgia where it sat in a junkyard for many years. Luckily, the historic funny car chassis will now live on.
#hotrodhoarders #dragracing #history

[@bobgibson8601]

I want to thank Tommy Lee and his dad for finding the car an selling it to me... The restoration is going to be fun... Were still collecting parts and replacing some of the frame rails, were really hoping to locate the original body, if not we'll used the fiberglass version. Thanks to everyone for the great comments.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Bob! I'm still hoping we can track down that old body...that would be the ultimate find to complete the package.

[@MrGunPilot]

Awesome story. Congratulations on the reconnection.

[@Wooley689]

Great you found it and got it back, now you can go to bed at night and dream about it just like the sixteen year old kid.

[@addicted2fuel245]

Did he give you the original front end and wheels for the car?

[@chevelle-pi1bn]

This has to be the best story on an old drag car I have ever heard. Congrats on having it back and I cannot wait to see the progress up to the finished car . Absolutely awesome . Please post updates .

[@watsisbuttndo829]

Young fella must of had the most laid back parents ever. Teenager with a nitro funny car.

[@HotRodHoarder]

He said his dad wasn't too thrilled with the situation. But yeah....kinda crazy!

[@alanwood5857]

Love that a 16 year old kid, riding the school bus buys a 7 second drag car!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Kinda crazy!

[@klausvonschmit4722]

That doesn’t have the means or knowledge on how to keep the engine internals looking like such rather, than a bunch of pieces that use to look like a rotating assembly. If you think about it, not many individuals can even secure a ladder, or a bicycle when transporting them much less an individual that is only sixteen years of age knowing how to strap the drum of fuel down much less strapping the vehicle down for transport to the track! However, got to love that American can do attitude full of will and determination still going strong some fifties years later! Totally Awesome!!

[@alanwood5857]

@port nut Too much soy milk.

[@craigstreetzel7743]

Can't get it unless you ask 👍

[@stephenthompson1319]

@port nut .

[@Cartier_specialist]

Now that's a true story that's stranger than fiction. He should rename the car Boomerang because no matter what it seems to come back to him.

[@Ed70Nova427]

Nice...

[@stevenhagebusch9561]

Cant wait to see it when its back together......please please keep us updated on this story and car.......its touching to hear the story of the car and how he got it back all these yrs later and what it still means to him after all these yrs.....

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yes sir, I'll keep you guys updated.

[@jasonrackawack9369]

Hands down the best "my first car" story of all time......ever! LOL!

[@HotRodHoarder]

YES! Bob wins that contest hands down.

[@Darrin_Wyatt]

Where the hell do you get these awesome story's weekly? You must do nothing but research all week long. My hats off to you sir, thanks for another wonderful story.

[@HotRodHoarder]

I've been collecting information and researching these things for years. I eventually get to a point where I feel comfortable piecing the story together. It's definitely a challenge to put this stuff together on a weekly basis.

[@stevealimorong]

Hey HRH, do you ever sell anything? I'm wondering if you can do a guy a favor, well actually my last resort. I'm running L60 14"s from the 70's, Firestone Super Sports, on my 71 Javelin/AMX 401 4-SPD. PRAYING

[@accobra5631]

@@stevealimorong Have you looked into Coker Tires?

[@stevealimorong]

@@accobra5631 yes, they don't.

[@hemioutlaw4273]

16 Years Old, Just too Kool...Once your bit by that Drag Racing Bug it never goes away-----It may fade for a time or two but it always comes back

[@andyday1981]

Love stories like this, and fair play for doing a good deal on it for him. Keep us posted with any updates on it.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Andy, I'll be sure to keep everyone updated.

[@MarTin-we7vc]

@@HotRodHoarder Did the car ever race at US30 Dragstrip? I thought I've seen it there.

[@jimmybatts3300]

That is just amazing. If he doesn't do anything but put a rolling chase and body on it with the paint scheme it will be a conversation piece from that hell wouldn't have. Awesome job good for you and him. LOVE IT MAN.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

Man! I hope we get to see it finished! Great story and good job kid!

[@robMrRob]

As always another GREAT story! The face on the 16 year old lifting the covers off that car would have been priceless!!! Loved the footage of the car running at the now a bunch of houses at the old Detroit Dragway! Brings back some memories going there as a kid.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Mr. Rob! I do wish there were some pictures of this thing sitting in that garage. Would've been cool to see that.

[@davida.p.9911]

Very cool story and car!! It must be an honor to have been a part of this car's history. 👍😎 Thank you for sharing!

[@HotRodHoarder]

I love it when something like this just falls into place. Pretty much meant to be...and yes, I'm so glad to have been a part of it!

[@firstvett69]

Totally unbelievable Story Bob Gibson I have heard of him back in the 60s and your Story and some of my Memory's of Cars I have Had Just Make me Cry Keep up the Great Investigations of the Past, Thank you so much.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Garry!

[@Charles_S.]

Thanks for sharing this. I was a youngster back in the heyday of drag racing and remember seeing F/C's of this era, fond memories! Thanks again for keeping memories alive 👍

[@HotRodHoarder]

That's awesome Charles, thank you for watching!

[@chuckstith838]

In the 60s I went to Irwindale raceway and saw a " funny car" . A mustang called " phony pony". I had a extended hood just like the camero. Bring back memories. Thanks

[@HotRodHoarder]

Very cool! I love the old long nose funny cars.

[@davidsantos8206]

What a cool story. Don't tell me. Not only did he show up with a short bed pickup truck. But I bet he also had $500 in his pocket. Really enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@HotRodHoarder]

As a matter of fact, he did!

[@tommybowling6234]

@@HotRodHoarder i sure hope you gave the man the front end and wheels too????

[@txsailor57]

Great story! There is nothing much there above scrap value without the story. Add the story and its priceless!

[@HotRodHoarder]

For sure, the story makes all the difference!

[@jrsn2music]

Great episode, Tommy! I'm an adimin on the Martin US131 Dragway facebook group and one of the most asked questions in the group is, "I wonder where that car is now?" There are countless old drag cars out there with people wondering what happend to them, and I'm one of them too. I"m glad that I was able to help you out with the history of the Hobo B/Altered car with my photo from Indy. You do a great job with your channel! Thanks! John

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you John! I'm still working up the nerve to do a video on the Hobo B/Altered car. It's gonna be pretty extensive.

[@DHarri9977]

It would be cool to get someone to video the restoration of this car he would have many people following along. Such a great story growing up in this era brings back memories the funny cars seemed to just fade away, thanks for sharing.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yeah, I wish I was a little closer...I'd go check in from time to time.

[@permotoman9279]

What a great story 👍 love seeing vintage funny car’s brought back to the way they were raced

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching!

[@dodge4x418]

Fantastic job of bringing another one back, can't wait to see kit again in it's glory. Thanx

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching!

[@jackstansberry1261]

Tommy Lee, love your stories I was born in 61 and grew up loving gasser's, I would love to show you some pics of my 66 Dodge d100 gasser, 440 tunnel ram with dual Holley carbs the hole 9 yards, jack

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Jack! I'd love to see the gasser, send me an email at [e-mail].

[@chadwooley6700]

Id like to see that truck as well. Mopar or no car

[@Guardducks]

Great story hope Bob gets it going. Would love some updates on the progress.

[@bigmaddad7689]

I've seen some of your stuff before, but this is a story that finally made me subscribe. You helped to share so much amazing history about this car's life and Bob's story is a dream come true for anyone who has owned a car that changed their lives. I sure hope you are able to help Bob document and possibly show the car as it gets restored here on KZbin. Keep up the great content.

[@diycatcraft]

You do an awesome job on the history and preserving of racing.

[@granddad-mv5ef]

Member of a FB group, "The Glory Days of Drag Racing". One day in 2014 I see a post from someone looking for the history on a FED he has purchased. I was almost jumping up and down, I owned that car in the mid-70s! Mechanically, it was unchanged, had my engine and trans. Original California top-fuel car, Woody Gilmour chassis. I ran it as a C/ED, rear engine cars had taken over by then. Obviously, your video touched me in a big way.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Wow that's awesome! Facebook is pretty powerful for researching old drag cars. I use it pretty much every day.

[@frankblosse119]

I just think it's cool that you find these old gas heaters and old race cars that I used to see when I was a kid in the seventies

[@HotRodHoarder]

We love digging this stuff up!

[@JA-sm9zf]

Wow-way to stay on the hunt for the history. Awesome-thanks for sharing. - Juan in Virginia

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Juan, I love digging for this stuff.

[@mikeyt3940]

Just when I think you found the coolest old stuff ever, you out do yourself. Fantastic story and episode . Thanks brother.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the kind words Mikey!

[@TheLukaCeeChannel]

I absolutly LOVE this channel. It is so cool what you and your dad are doing to help preserve the history of the sport. And these videos are really well done and enjoyable. I got to buy me a SHIRT!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the support!

[@380.motorsports]

Just a great story! Thanks for staying with the trail on this one and sharing here. And, thanks for the pics and old video of Detroit Dragway. Gone now but not forgotten by some of us who grew up going there to watch Funny Cars run.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Bob!

[@dougford5259]

Another great old drag car story! Thank You for all the work you put into these stories.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Doug!

[@richdiscoveries]

Such an amazing story, thank you for your time and effort

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching!

[@morgansword]

Very well presented and says something about you as well. I'm not a drag car person but I can understand how someone would want a second chance at owning something they built themselves.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the kind words Morgan!

[@aliassmithandjones9453]

FWIW $500 in 1972 would be $3,300 today :)

[@jons7771]

Always a treat when your vids pop up. Thanks for the Hot Rod history.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Jon!

[@user-js4vh2lw6n]

Such an awesome and amazing story! Hope to hear more on the car as Bob gets it put back together. Thank you for all the work you put in to get that car home.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks D! I'll be sure to keep everyone updated.

[@pattys409]

My god this story is amazing and I am so grateful that people like yourself are around to keep the greatest sport ever well preserved. Thank you for the great videos and cannot wait to see the next gem or gems you come across. AWESOME WORK !!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@patricknash1198]

What a killer story...thanks for sharing...

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Patrick!

[@dalerobinson3184]

Bless you heart bud , For helping the old dude get his first car back. That touches me deep in my soul. I hope you realize what that had to mean to him.Im 59 years old and I would give anything to get my first car back. Which was a 64 plymouth Belveders two door coupe. With 4 speed. I was so proud of that car. THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST CAR STORIES IV SEEN IN A LONG TIME. GOOD WORK. BROTHER. 😁😁😁😁😁😁🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the kind words Dale!

[@carlwhite8225]

I too love these old stories, awesome old car. thanks

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Carl!

[@chrishensley6745]

Great story and ending,Keep up the good work man!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Chris!

[@gilwilliams9036]

I'm going to show this to my uncle. We live an hour so away south of Springfield and he used to drag race back in those days. I bet he might remember this car

[@HotRodHoarder]

That's awesome!

[@stugreen7937]

Wonderful story . I love the funny cars from the mid 60s to the early 70s.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching Steve!

[@cannednolan8194]

Glad he is getting his car back. Looked like a nice car back in the day.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Definitely a nice piece, especially when Mandy Holder revamped it.

[@darrellroeters4951]

Love every word of the story, thanks.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for your continued support Darrell!

[@markweber7275]

Great story, you have a talent retelling history, thank you.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the kind words Mark!

[@mick_1949]

Love to see this one put back together mate. Too cool. 👍

[@jeromelaher2687]

Keep up great work Tommy Lee,Love the stories of the cars and people

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Jerome, I appreciate the support!

[@almoffat7504]

Love the story $500 for a funny car what a score,good luck to Bob hope to see it in the future. Cheers

[@HotRodHoarder]

It's a wild story for sure! I enjoyed hearing Bob give me all the details of his transaction and his times with the car. Pretty awesome stuff!

[@johnq.customer8027]

Dude, Love your vids. Thanks!👍

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the kind words John!

[@erikalbertson7483]

What a great story ! So cool that he got to buy it back. I hope he got it for $500 !

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching Erik! Inflation did its thing, but he didn't have to give much more than 500.

[@garyslentzii2796]

This is my favorite time in drag racing history, best looking cars not like today's where everything looks the same and the grills are just a sticker.

[@HotRodHoarder]

For sure, the cars REALLY had personality back then.

[@joevald3]

Another great great story . You're doing a fantastic job . Keep going .

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the continued support Joe!

[@jsrutherford1098]

I appreciate you hanging on to the history! A lot of memories to me, I'm 64 and working on a 92 GMC Sonoma it's old school with a Twist

[@TrojanHorse1959]

Great video, car, and story, thank you!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching Robert!

[@andyanderson4151]

Really Kool story Tommy, Bob is a wealth of information and just a really nice guy.. The Car with the 2 piece Camaro body n the Candy Apple Red Paint reminds you alot of the Original Pisano Bros FC they campaigned in 66 n 67.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yes sir, Bob is carrying around a lot of knowledge in his back pocket. He's been around the block! Definitely a cool guy to know.

[@coachieshort5413]

love the videos,thanks for the great histery

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching!

[@keithadamo304]

Your doing a great job keeping racing history alive great video!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Keith!

[@timothymaiden1345]

This is absolutely a amazing story ! To know a 16 year old kid/young man was able to get this is crazy. The owner then must have seen something special in him as a 16 year old to just sale it to him. Awesome story and look forward to many more from u.

[@tedh.8356]

Hey Bob, Ted Hogan here in Colorado, if this is the same Bob Gibson that I knew from the 80's who moved back to Springfield, I knew you had a lot of cars but I didn't think you went this far back! good luck on the restoration!

[@bobgibson8601]

Hey Ted, hows it going.... man it's been awhile. Message me on Facebook

[@tedh.8356]

@@bobgibson8601 Hey Bob it's me, I tried the FB deal to find you , couldn't but anyway I'm good, still in the Firearms business, Hoganweapons.com, doing some machine shop work, no Drag Racing stuff, everybody I know is out or gone. How about you? still out there? when I see Wilkerson on TV I always remember that you know him and wonder if you're still involved in some capacity? anyway if you're good at FB pages I'm on, hit me up!

[@bobgibson8601]

I'll try to get ahold of you, great to hear from you.

[@Merylstreep1949]

Your videos remind me of the 70s hot rod magazines for some reason. Always fascinating, please more old drag cars and gassers oh and more funny cars too!

[@MODELMIND72]

Awesome video brother!

[@georgedimakos2723]

Luv ur videos...i really mean that....looking forward every week for another one !!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you so much George, that means a lot!

[@sfpnostalgiamotorsports9943]

Another awesome episode!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you!

[@keepout7439]

Another Legend reunited with what he once owned , it doesn't get much better than that for sure 💯 , most people would not have taken so much time to research and complete such a Awesome car and history , great job brother 👍💯👋🏁

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the kind words! I love doing this stuff!

[@deansorenson2567]

Alot of your videos are so touching for me. This one particular really brings bvb CV k memories about my father. He was and engine builder and drag racer. Thank you again for all your work. Keep them Coming

[@billbremer6871]

I have been following you now for a few months, I love your stories, I love Camaro’s and loved this story, keep up the great work, I’m going to order a shirt and hoodie,

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching Bill and thanks for the support!

[@floydloonie4880]

Great video... THANK YOU!!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Floyd!

[@Mynextproject_74]

That's a great story! Thanks for telling it!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching!

[@ricksalmon4916]

Great story! Can’t wait for a follow-up!!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Rick!

[@johngatten2925]

Another great job keep em coming

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you John!

[@lapsteels8]

awesome story and history, thanks for what you are doing

[@gregorymcn1894]

Just love this show,just the best,all the best from Australia 🇦🇺

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the support!

[@eazymoneyracing]

Awesome! I currently run a 67 Camaro FC (same body you had). Thanks for the amazing video about Bob!!! Hope to see you at the track this year!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Awesome, hope you have a great racing season!

[@dennisazzopardi2089]

Great Story.THX for Sharing.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Dennis!

[@Wooley689]

I am again amazed at you tracking down the history.

[@kk-vk7uc]

Awesome story. Great to hear the words Beeline Drag way. The grounds are still there but they tore the tower down a few years ago. Its only a few miles away from where I live.

[@Rhifan01]

Great storytelling. Thank you. I hope Bob Gibson has a KZbin channel!

[@robcates2383]

Really live your videos, absolutfly love that a 16 year old , was able to buy this car! So cool he's restoring it!!

[@dannywilsher4165]

Awesome story!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching Danny!

[@curtfreeman8632]

Another great video, looking into the history of our sport. Fantastic job putting the pieces together. HRH is a great channel. God bless...

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the kind words Curt!

[@nealhead195]

Wow that's really cool. The work that you do finding the original owners inspires me to try and find some of my old cars. Another great history. 😁👍

[@1pieman]

Unreal I have got to the point I just hit the thumbs up before I even watch the video thank you for such great content keep them coming

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you!

[@markallen1413]

Great show again brother 👍👍👍👍👍✅✅✅✅✅

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you sir!

[@steveclark4291]

Awesome story about this car thank you for sharing this with me ! I love learning about this old dragsters ! Take care , stay safe and healthy with whatever you maybe doing next ! Doing well here in Kansas .

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for the continued support Steve!

[@steveclark4291]

@@HotRodHoarder You're welcome !

[@colinklang]

Really cool how it all came back full circle

[@HotRodHoarder]

One of my favorite drag car experiences...glad to see it end up in good hands.

[@henrycossou2945]

Dude, what a beautiful car!! Thank you !

[@chevelle-pi1bn]

Awesome story on another cool piece of history . 👍

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching!

[@johndehaven8694]

For me this ranks up there as of the best if not the best video yet.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for the kind words John, and thank you for the continued support!

[@gregghatfield9946]

You’re right I’m covering something old and unusable could be a dream for somebody to get it back that’s awesome that you did that brought probably a lot of life back to that guy good job love the story keep it up be safe .. Rock on

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Gregg!

[@jeffreybentz7097]

Excellent story, Thank you 👍👍

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Jeffrey!

[@michaelhoban4238]

I really enjoy your videos Keep up the good work can not wait for the next one

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Michael!

[@miker7294]

Great video.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Mike!

[@jimslawnandtreeservice5364]

Thanks another great story and drag car finding its way home always makes my day catch you next time !!!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Jim!

[@davidm3302]

Great story as always thanks for sharing

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching David!

[@donsorrells2552]

Great story, keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Don!

[@robertbrown9035]

I have a similar story I’m restoring an old 67 Camaro funny car that was campaigned by Bobby wood out of Birmingham Alabama...Also a few other old drag cars

[@HotRodHoarder]

Oh wow! Bobby Wood had some WILD cars back in the day. I'd love to hear more about what you have going on. My email is [e-mail].

[@sonicfoundry]

Sleeperdude sent me your way and man I'm glad he did, you are a wonderful story teller and your passion really shows, thanks for the videos and your hard work