Tony Dow reunited with his 1962 Chevy Corvair in 2016

[@nongthip]

For a whole bunch of us of a certain age who grew up watching Leave It To Beaver re-runs, a part of our childhood has died. Even in his 70s when you hear his voice it's instantly recognizable. RIP Tony Dow who was like our other brother from another mother.

[@saminaneen]

@nongthip, Now YOU are a bunch of vaxxed out, old , living zombies, with NO FUTURE

[@missymyers9786]

When he first spoke, I instantly thought how he sounded just like he did from his older yrs on the show. On a side note, as a kid born in 1970, it’s getting more difficult as almost daily, someone famous passes who was a big part of your childhood years and have some of your best memories attached. I still watch a lot of old shows and movies that are classic to my generation, or music and you can hardly find a show or band that you’re not thinking about how at least one actor/actress/member or solo act, is no longer alive. I include those who passed yrs ago, who were far too young to have died, whether it was due to accident, suicide, illness or an OD. Many of us have lost both or one parent now, and countless real life friends and classmates. It really is hard to come to terms with mortality and having entered into the last third of our own lives now. It’s as if we just got over the realization, despite how we feel, our youth really wasn’t “just yesterday”. 🥺🙁 RIP Mr Dow.

[@jrussellcase]

@@missymyers9786 I was born in 1971 and I know exactly what you're saying.

[@SMac-bq8sk]

Tony Dow was such a genuine guy...sorely miss him. R.I.P. Tony.

[@daveogarf]

Not gone yet...

[@SMac-bq8sk]

@@daveogarf: Sorry to be the bearer of sad news, but Tony did indeed pass away yesterday (7/27). A mistaken report was made of his death the day before (7/26), but he was in his last hours. Very sad news.

[@paulgrimm]

He passed away? I heard he was ill.

[@wisheduknew294]

@@paulgrimm He was, there was a false report but then he ultimately did pass!

[@robertwalegir8677]

Every younger brother should have a big brother like Wally

[@claudemaassen2963]

Another little bit of my youth gone for good. Rest in peace Tony.

[@elultimo102]

😭😭😭---We'll miss you, Wally...

[@williamcobb6322]

All of us that love cars remember our first car with reverence! Glad to see Tony Dow had the opportunity to repurchase his first car. You gave us many fond memories from your show Tony. Rest easy brother!

[@Douglas-up2vh]

I was born in 1962...grew up watching Leave it to Beaver..Love the show even in todays reruns...America was special back then...RIP Wally

[@ronaldsimmonds1002]

Tony Dow was America’s big brother.✝️🇺🇸🙏🏻 So long Wally. Rest in peace.

[@kbobdonahue1966]

What a beautiful car. I'm sad the owner is no longer with us. That car should have been on Leave it to Beaver. RIP Tony aka Wally, Love u bro.

[@williameltringham7559]

He bought laughter to so many. RIP

[@keepitforreally4501]

OMG… what a wonderful gift I was two years old in 1962 I’ve been crying all day hearing the news of your passing. I’m devastated I can only imagine your wife and family rest in peace the world has lost a wonderful human being RIP TONY DOW WALLY CLEAVER😭🌹♥️

[@blakeh6250]

I was 4..but used to watch the show a lot as a kid..

[@lordanthony8709]

Me too I watched them all the time I had a TV that would wake us up to go to school and the last episode I'd have to go to school

[@lordanthony8709]

REST IN PEACE LITTLE BROTHER

[@jeffring1222]

RIP Tony, u were a awesome guy, glad u got to enjoy ur first car again.

[@lordanthony8709]

I watched you guys everyday like a religion my name is Tony too rest in peace brother

[@johnnyzeee5215]

God rest you, Tony. Enjoyed you on the show. Glad you were re - united with your first car, and could have fun with it again. Loved my ' 65 Monza ragtop.

[@ervinthompson6598]

My first car,in 1971, at 14- a red '62 Spyder -- I saw the four speed, the tach and gauges- $75 later, it was mine !! RIP, Tony- the brother we all wish we'd had, from an era the likes of which we'll never see again.

[@tieroneactual2228]

That’s cool! My first car at age 15 was a ‘63 Corvair, Red with red interior, 3 spd. Paid $75 for it & use to launch it out of the garage doing hole shots when Mom was at work. It’s long gone but I still have the keys to it!

[@pierceaero3005]

I had a drop top version of the same Chevy Spyder, here in San Diego. Fun. Traded it for a same year Thunderbird. More fun. Our family saw him at Bob's Big Boy in L.A. once, when we lived in North Hollywood. Nice guy. Not at all full of himself like some could be. I will miss Tony Dow. Condolences to his family.

[@dukecraig2402]

We had a 62 Spyder in the late 60's I was a kid, black like this one but with a red interior. You're gonna like this story; About 15 years ago when I was driving truck I made my last delivery of the day in the Niagara Falls area and found a little motel with a lot big enough to park my truck for the night so I could get up the next morning and finish that route, when I went to bed that night the parking lot of the place was virtually empty, when I woke up the next morning it was full of Corvair's, more than I'd ever seen in my life all in the same place at once, there must have been some kind of Corvair collectors club that were having an event and booked the motel to stay in because there was license plates from just about every state you could think of. I only had 2 drops to make that morning before I could head home to Pennsylvania so I decided to walk through the lot and check them out since I had the time to spare, I was walking along looking at them when I noticed a custom plate on one that said "F NADER", I laughed and thought to myself "Obviously no one in New Hampshire's department of motor vehicles that processed the paperwork for that plate knows the story about Ralph Nader and the Corvair, or maybe they do".

[@pierceaero3005]

@@dukecraig2402 I have seen a photo of that plate somewhere. It is about the driver and not his or her machine. But I did lose a car collector friend to the Mercury version of the Ford Pinto, exactly as Ralph had predicted. There was no driving move she could escape with. I hated that Ralph was right, there. She was widely known and loved around these parts. It was difficult for many to take. I keep modern cars now and leave my classics to the garage, parades and parking lots. First time I saw Tony in person was at the Pantages in Hollywood when I was a tot. Nice guy, but I was worried about him in that car. I wish the cancer had not crashed into his life without a way for him to evade it. Life. "Mikey likes it." 👍 Me too.

[@ddellwo]

Glad he got a few good years in with his old friend before he passed…….👍

[@psw4763]

Best times and best shows ever and best memories. Very cool. Great video of Wally aka Tony Dow. Condolensces to the family.

[@scottbaker7532]

Rest in peace wally .I'll still be watching you and the beaver.

[@yakovpetrovich7682]

This is a great story! Loved Tony and Jerry and the whole Leave it to Beaver cast from when I was a boy. Whenever I'd catch a glimpse of a rerun, or seen their other shows, or pictures throughout the years, I was filled with joy. RIP Tony Dow.

[@bozodog428]

I watched every episode when I was a kid. Wally was the guy I looked up to. Great job Tony!

[@jondalrymple4758]

Gee Wally ….. we’re gonna miss you 😞 thank you for the memories ♥️

[@m.e.d.7997]

His voice never changed

[@spiff8862]

I would tell people that growing up in the '60's my childhood mirrored "Leave It To Beaver" (however I never fell into a bowl of soup on a billboard). Two loving parents, a big brother who looked after me. Two best neighborhood friends, Jeff and Dick. Neighborhood parents who really knew you and would watch out for you. I miss those days. I'm 70 now and I have to say growing up in Burbank California back then was the best place to be... RIP Tony. You were the best older brother any kid could have.

[@manher4335]

That is so awesome and I'm very happy for him! very cool. Being a teen at that time with such a fun car, must've had a lot of fun in the twisties.

[@helenmoore7450]

Rip. The show was amazing

[@cherylcampbell7495]

My first car too. Red one and loved it. RIP

[@j.d1614]

Heartwarming story

[@Slavatoremondo]

He was really proud of that car.

[@janewoods6725]

R. I. P. Prayers Up for family and friends.

[@morrisking3282]

This is great!!! 💙🙏🏽😢 "Heeey Wally?" "Yeah Beav?" "Hey Wally, well, I miss you." "I miss you too Beav." "Was it creepy and scary?" "Ah heck no, Beav, it was ... peaceful." "What's it like Wally?" "Well, it's a lot like Mayfield." "Mom and dad are here, Lumpy, heck, even that creep Eddie Haskell is here." "Really? Eddie got in?" "Yeah, I guess they took pity on him." "There's even a malt shop, me and Mary Ellen Rogers and all the guys and girls hang out after the Friday night game." "You get to play football and basketball too?" "Heck ya Beav and the the best part is, no one gets hurt." "Gee Wally, I can't wait to come there." "Well Beaver, you have time, but when you do, Mom, dad and me will be waiting." by Curt Brahm R.I.P. Tony Dow! 😢🙏🏽💙😇🌹

[@dalevansant5196]

Wouldn't it be nice if that type of Heaven exists!

[@elultimo102]

💔💔💔

[@mauricewascom658]

Well said, Curt. AMEN❗🙏🏼😊

[@Porsche996driver]

“Knock it off!” lol he was always in on the joke. That Spyder is a rare piece with early turbo power on the Flat 6 motor! RIP Tony 🏁🙏🏼🕊

[@lifeisgood5288]

RIP Wally, loved watching the show growing up, every show taught a life lesson, today’s kids shows teach kids wrong.

[@loryowens3028]

Awesome! My first car was a 62 Corvair. I bought it for $100, put a $20 part on and she ran great. I regret selling her for $500 to this day .

[@christopherpeninger324]

RIP Tony... Whenever I hear or use, "Gee", I always think of you.

[@crystaldobbs3931]

I have DVDs of leave it to Beaver and still watch the DVDs 📀

[@ricksls1]

Got to meet Tony once at an all Corvair car show.

[@kevinhamblin951]

Wally Cleaver was such a great role model. RIP Tony Dow…… America loves you !

[@frankdenardo8684]

At least he got his old car back before he passed away 😪

[@DTD110865]

So what happened to the car after he passed away?

[@billsillinger627]

Wow how cool was that with this first car 😎

[@brian7333]

RIP Tony, & nice wheels!! 💨👌

[@sarafreeman5073]

No matter how old Tony Dow got. He always looked like Wally Cleaver. R.I.P. You will be missed Mr.Tony Dow.

[@randygutierrez7704]

Absolutely beautiful car

[@ACF6180T]

I had seen previous stories on him reuniting with his Corvair on KZbin , & being a Corvair enthusiast I heard of his passing I had wondered if he had completed it ! God bless You Tony ! & may You rest in peace.

[@m.e.d.7997]

The Corvair was a really cute classy looking car.

[@gary9426]

Tony was a cool dude...R.I.P.

[@Rockzilla404]

Amazing.. Thanks for sharing

[@michaelfirman4700]

Rest easy, Tony

[@errorsofmodernism7331]

My dad was a real SOB. It was so nice watching LITB in the 1960's when I came home from school and seeing normal people.

[@IP0Monsturd]

Wally & Eddie are cruising again.

[@philipsmith3084]

You sure will be missed.

[@ferraridan4883]

RIP Wally

[@hoborock007]

I remember seeing Wally sitting in that car at the neighborhood burger joint .. eating french fries and flirting with the waitresses

[@truckerray7533]

Rest In Piece Tony Dow, a.k.a. Wally Cleaver!

[@nell3753]

We will miss superstar Tony Dow ❣️. Tomorrow, Sunday 9-4 e.t. a tribute to Tony Dow, on FE Tv, cable #323.!!🙂🎈

[@zenbodybuilder]

One of very few actors you can get away with calling him by his character's name.

[@angelahathaway3594]

I thought he was the best looking guy when I was a child watching him on TV. So sorryvto hear he's gone.

[@douglasmeek9774]

Rip Tony!!

[@glennhubbard5008]

I can hear Wally telling Eddie to cut it out with the pranks on St. Peter.

[@genefogarty5395]

RIP Tony, and thanks for the memories. You were one of the good ones and so much more than a character on TV. We met at a meet and greet at a gallery opening in '90 and as a person that didn't grow up in the original LITB era, I was amazed at what an awesome person you were. You spoke with me for over an hour and it meant so much to have you describe your casting process to a kid like I was at the time. I've met quite a few TV and musical personalities over the years and I have to say you, Waylon Jennings and Randy Mantooth are some of the most normal people that have gone through the Hollywood machine and come out the same or better on the other side. People like you were few and far between, I hope you are doing well wherever you have gone to and bringing joy to others like you did to me. Thanks again, Tony.

[@joegarza7065]

Rose's are Red, Violet's are Blue, I'll always watch Beaver, and You. Icon

[@maxxcherry6955]

Good for him !

[@thetruthfornow6045]

Beaver. Gee wiz Wally you got your car back. Eddie. Shut up squirt. Wally lets take it for a cruise. Rest in peace.

[@donaldmurphy5026]

That baby boomers generation the best Tony was the perfect big brother I still watch the leave it to beaver reruns life was much simpler less of a rat race calm Bye Tony rest in peace bro

[@crystaldobbs3931]

Rip Tony 🙏

[@canuhandlethetruth6166]

Wally had a charmed life! Some folks got it some don't...

[@paulscountry456]

They will never create anything like Leave it to Beaver again.

[@patriciapink3745]

I had a corvair . I loved it It was a convertible maroon.

[@woxyroxme]

Just remember, Wally bought that junker for $25, then he sold off parts and made $37.50, after that he paid the junk man $10 to haul it away so he came out $2.50 ahead. Leave It To Beaver was my favorite show when I was a kid, TV shows were so much better back in those days

[@BMe-ck6fd]

The idea and the video were a swell idea

[@Mark-jc1bu]

Godbless well miss you

[@johnbiega5702]

My dad bought a corvoar was beautiful he sold it because of bad press l loved it .

[@hoosierdaddy8002]

RIP Tony.

[@robertgoldstein52]

RIP TD🙏

[@roberttelarket4934]

Can’t believe he died last Wednesday after Ken Osmond- Eddie Haskell 2 year ago.

[@fokkerd3red618]

R.I.P. Tony

[@prmayner]

When "THE BEAV" goes that'll be the end of the world as I knew it.

[@dahawk8574]

With those wheels, Tony coulda gotten more Beaver than he could handle.

[@ronaldredmond3308]

R. I. P. Wally Cleaver.

[@Ron71997]

I watched leave it to beaver in the late 80's in re runs...always thought Tony was great in the show and seemed like a great guy. The beauty of getting your first car back in that shape so many years later is so touching to see. RIP Tony.

[@waynetraube4853]

I had a 1962 Corvair automatic. The spiders were fast and they were four speeds

[@allcapitols1554]

I heard that he sold this & bought it back - A few times

[@achriscilley3965]

WOW. They do not make shows like this anymore. I grew up with the show. And still watch and even tape it if l am occupied with something else. I am not surprised to know he was the the same off screen. His soft gentle way still is still apart of him. In other wards he being himself Hollywood was not able to get it's over powering hold on him. That says quite a bit for his up bringing. His gift back was staying him. He is the type of friend that no matter how high the tide of life got, he stayed grounded. His wife seems to be just as grounded, and compassionate. Those individuals now are few and far between. Comfort is another way to describe it. While enjoying the show it separated our often hectic world, into a time of no worries. My final thought this earth was blessed to have someone like Tony in it. And our loss is Heavens gain. Jerry the passing of a loved one is sometimes unbearable, for that l sorry. Nothing or no one can take that from you, he is still with you just at a greater distance.

[@misigis]

That 1936 Ford Coupe looks like a pretty good deal today for $25. LOL

[@spiff8862]

Also would love to have Ward's 1961 4 door Plymouth Fury that was in that episode.

[@peterterry398]

Used to love Leave it to Beaver, always loved Wally and his friends....Tony Dow will be missed....R.I.P.Tony

[@imeanithonest5704]

Oh Wally!! What a dreamy car!!!====Mary Ellen Rogers.

[@toddbob55]

RIP SIR

[@earlgray7003]

"Okay Wally, but you're going to have to spend your weekday afternoon's and Saturdays helping around the office to pay for his car".

[@tonycoates3995]

Goodnight,my friend Tony see you again one day in Heaven love that 1962 Chevy Corviar😊❤😌⚘🕊

[@Mark-jc1bu]

Godbless you Wally

[@rickroberts1198]

RIP Wally.

[@DavidLS1]

One of America's first teen heartthrobs. RIP Wally.

[@chrismurnane6389]

Love those early Corvair Coupes 😊

[@michaelmartinez1345]

Rip Tony Dow, you left great memories!

[@mauricewascom658]

There could Never be too many positive statements made about this GENUINELY GOOD GUY. I didn't get to meet you at Bob's Big Boy, Tony, but here's to seeing you in MAYFIELD ❗👍🏼🛐🙏🏼😊

[@turkey0165]

Glad to see you got the drive your car again Tony RIP♥️

[@DavidLS1]

My first was a garnet red '69 Chevy Nova. I'd love to have it back...8-track player and all.

[@danr1920]

In 1962 a Corviar with a turbocharger was an awesome car and still is. This is what inspired the Mustang according to Lee Iacocca. Corvairs are widely collected and has a large national club.

[@voiceofraisin241]

Thanks Tony or should I say Mr. Dow.

[@montibarnett6740]

We missed you Tony Dal but one thing you had was a good personality and you stayed good looking all your life hot until the END end

[@treasure_hunters451]

Miss this guy!

[@yolandabyers-goodwin2349]

💙

[@JackBWatkins]

Gee, Beev! Maybe you ought to talk to dad. Thanks Tony for enriching my childhood and my life.