My grandmother won a 1956 model (First year of the 3 speed manual transmission) from a local dealership (Charleston, W.Va.), through a promotion. My grandmother never drove a single time in her life, and my grandfather had lost his left leg in an industrial accident, some years before. As a result, he couldn't drive the Corvette, so the dealership struck a deal with my grandmother to accept a 1956 Two Ten and a 1956 Belaire, instead of the Corvette. I always heard the story as a kid, but wasn't sure if it was true, until... grandma and grandpa passed back in the 80's, mom in 07' and dad in 2014. While going through papers in the family safe, I came across the original paperwork with all of the details of the contest and the transaction. The contest was a Columbus Day giveaway (Oct. of 1955, new models came out in Sept, back in the day), with the slogan, "Discover the U.S.A. in the all new, redesigned, 1956 Corvette" and the drawing was held at the dealership on... Columbus Day. BTW, my grandmother only put one entry for the contest in the drawing box. The Two Ten and the Belaire are long gone as are most of my family (I'm 66), but the memories are still cherished. I just thought that it was a nice story to share.

@MikeD-gv4rr

4 ай бұрын

That’s a great story

Only 1,117 Corvettes have achieved the NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence Award. He’s restored five to that level. Thank you for your service to the classic car community as well.

@lordcantiismyname

2 жыл бұрын

Does he have the most of any one man? I don't want to downplay his amazing work if he doesn't but im curious

@mattsullivan3751

2 жыл бұрын

@@lordcantiismyname no idea. If this one took three years and the others took two (4x2)+3 he’s has 11 years invested across five cars. Hell of a commitment. Not to mention the others he has restored and his humility in teaching the NCRS judges about originality.

@JDashRider

2 жыл бұрын

@@mattsullivan3751 Maybe that is the reason he is breathing so hard. He’s inhaled a lot of fiberglass.

@WarriorsPhoto

2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Talk about a true enthusiast. Thank you for sharing this info with us. (:

@tommurphy4307

2 жыл бұрын

...and for pointing up those plastic heaps

“My knees are getting old” Jay - “ok, let’s open up the trunk then”

@richardbaumgart2454

2 жыл бұрын

😄

@barnabyjones5161

2 жыл бұрын

"Hop to it, pappy"

@uzivatel56

2 жыл бұрын

a Woodhouse moment

@4Kandlez

2 жыл бұрын

😁

@neilvetter662

2 жыл бұрын

get down there and stop complaining

Huge amount of respect to Mike when Jay said "We have a real hero here" and he shakes his head no. He like so many other great American Veteran's just believe they were doing what was needed to be done and don't ask any special attention for it. People like this are the best of us. Does nice work also.

@jlwilliams

2 жыл бұрын

Just flying an F-4 Phantom off of and onto a carrier (which I would guess he did if he was in the Navy) qualifies as pretty heroic in itself!

@Sir.VicSmasher

2 жыл бұрын

Lots of conflicting emotions on his face there. I'm guessing its hard to be called a hero when you've dropped as much ordnance as he has.

@henryfung6789

2 жыл бұрын

The guy is a war criminal

@serz1885

2 жыл бұрын

funny enought that USA never fighting on there lands since 1700s so if they would stay in America they wont be any veterans

@natelav534

2 жыл бұрын

@@jlwilliams especially a pig of a plane like the phantom

"no one has driven it except me" - it's good to be Jay...

@biketech60

2 жыл бұрын

This is what respect looks like . Kindred spirits .

@MarinCipollina

2 жыл бұрын

Letting Jay drive is the price of admission.

@neilvetter662

2 жыл бұрын

jay has drove them all

@kmslegal7808

2 жыл бұрын

I will guess that being on the show got him an extra 50-100K for the car. Great free advertising

@orwellknew9112

2 жыл бұрын

It’s funny because Jay is usually all over the road. He rarely manages to stay inside the lines of whatever lane he’s driving in - or attempting to drive in. Even though most of his guests must know that, they all let Jay drive their cars. Many times Jay is the only other person to have ever driven their cars. That’s called respect for what Jay means to the car community. Everyone knows that when Jay is gone he will be sorely missed and never replaced. He’s one of a kind and already a legend.

I can appreciate watching these two getting in that beauty. At 71, they look like me getting in my 350Z. We're not old, we were just born before you :)

@jamesengland7461

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!

@orionwarren4244

2 жыл бұрын

I'm 65 and I have to 'fall into and then climb out of' my stepson's 350Z. Because I'm the schlep that has to work on it. Not really a fan of it! 🤣

@peterf4552

2 жыл бұрын

I have an F350, and my 86 year old father struggles a bit to climb into it. I probably need to pack a stepstool.

@stevethomas760

2 жыл бұрын

"Not old compared to a Redwood", is what I tell um. Hey, I'm not exactly smooth getting out of my NSX, gravity assist getting in. Thank goodness for the pad on the door sill

@stevethomas760

2 жыл бұрын

@@peterf4552 Bought a '20 F150 RC/SB, lowered it 2" in the front 4" in the rear. I'm 73, felt like I was having to jump to get in. It's almost 5" higher at the back bumper than my '04 Silverado

Mike: “My parents worked for the federal government when the war broke out.” Jay: “That was the civil war?” Always manages to sneak that quick wit, snarky humor in somewhere. A comic through & through👌🏻

@catinthehat5140

2 жыл бұрын

He didn't even expect the insult

@eoinoconnell185

2 жыл бұрын

You almost forget Jay's comedy chops when he's hosting a show like this ... until he comes out with such lines 😂

@tommurphy4307

2 жыл бұрын

those idiots at NBC

@scottslotterbeck3796

Жыл бұрын

Not a nice comment, really. Mr. Leno is not a young man himself. This gentleman answered the call, as many do not.

@stino42

Жыл бұрын

Jay is always a stand up first 😆

A beautiful restoration, done by a man who truly cares about what he is doing, and how he does it. Bravo.

@garryferrington811

2 жыл бұрын

It's for sale!

@tommurphy4307

2 жыл бұрын

he showed up those guys on the line- they built the thing in 3 hours.

Great to see Mike on the show again! He really is the Corvette guru!

I love the sound of the engine. I miss the old straight six engines. They were so simple to work on, they started even if half the cylinders weren't firing, they needed only basic maintenance, and you could reach everything under the hood without moving other stuff around. I had a 1980 Ford Fairmont with a straight six. I loved that car. My wife totaled it. I still have her.

@bobjohnson1587

2 жыл бұрын

I feel your pain! Lol

@kirkkirkland7244

2 жыл бұрын

My first ride was a old 66 Dodge pickup with a slant six and I was a nut case driver! I peeled out at every stop and even jumped my truck! The starter always seemed to be out so me and my friends push started it everywhere and I could do it myself!!! It ran so good and it never quit and had amazing torque!! If I ever see another one I'll buy it in a heartbeat because it was the best truck I ever had!

@algrayson8965

2 жыл бұрын

Rolls-Royce used IL6s for decades.

@kevinburns9717

2 жыл бұрын

Wife or car ? Lol

@badbiker666

2 жыл бұрын

@@kevinburns9717 The wife and I have been married for 36 years. She totaled my car some time during the first three years. So it's been a long time.

I got to meet Jay this past weekend and all I can say as it was an amazing bucket list item that I never would have even considered putting on my bucket list because it would have been pure fantasy. He spent quite a bit of time working on my 1960 corvette, repairing the sunroof, getting her started, and offering great tips. He is an amazing person who listens when you speak, and after just ten minutes I felt like I had been friends with him my entire life. He even signed the car under the hood. I will cherish the car forever.

I tune in to Jay's Garage to see and experience various vehicles, but he spoils me w/ guests of such rare caliber. It is a true joy to watch these videos! Thank You Jay!

Wow! Restoring a Corvette to this level and flying a F4!

@curbozerboomer1773

2 жыл бұрын

Back in 1970, I was an enlisted Navy Yeoman, and I hob-knobbed with a few jet jockeys from that era--A4 guys...they were a pretty wild bunch...they liked to party, but were very good at their job...One of those dudes wanted me to buy his 1964 E-type Jaguar...for $2,400 dollars!..But on an enlisted man's wages, I could not afford it...too bad for me!

@amsterob

2 жыл бұрын

an F4.

@tonysteppan8495

2 жыл бұрын

@@amsterob A4s and F4s both flew off the deck at that time. Mr. McCluskey was an F4 They both faced the same fate when flying missions. Thanks Yeoman for your duty. It takes a team.

@stacase

2 жыл бұрын

@@curbozerboomer1773 Same here, VF-33 aboard USS America CVA 66 actually until 1969 got orders for shore duty. Got out of the Navy in October 1970 as YN5 Oh, VF33 flew F4J Phantoms .

LOVE this segment...I can relate..two old guys trying to gracefully enter a car too low and small for them. ( I'm 83 and I might get in but it would take crane to get me out) These type of segments are hands down the best....I think

@theonlymadmac4771

2 жыл бұрын

@Mck Idyl since a lady separated me from my Harley leading to 7 operations I know that feeling😁

I remember seeing a 54 corvette at the 1976 Long beach Grand Prix parking lot and I could not believe that the straight six was running! It was absolutely still, but the fan spinning gave away that it was truly running. Maazingly smooth engine.

@tommurphy4307

2 жыл бұрын

your valium just happened to kick in right at that time..... they shake just like a 235 straight-six.

I've never been a fan of the Corvette, but, there's no denying that this is one beautiful machine.

@eloyg696

2 жыл бұрын

Never say never ...

@tommurphy4307

2 жыл бұрын

$40 horse; $100 saddle

@badcornflakes6374

2 жыл бұрын

All American

Can't believe he drives right where I live and haven't been able to catch him once. I'm going to have to call off work for a week and maybe catch him driving a car. We get to service his camera crew vehicle. Thanks again Mr. Leno on another great video.

@bobjohnson1587

2 жыл бұрын

I bumped into him one Sunday morning while visiting L.A. four years ago. He was driving a black Ferrari that day. The girlfriend got photos of him. It's still a great memory of our trip to SoCal!

@jcvinaja5542

2 жыл бұрын

@@bobjohnson1587 thats cool man. My brother bump into him on a red light in burbank. I believe he was driving a steam car. Jay looked at my brother and said "hey how you doing" then drove away. Pretty cool.

Men like Mike get my utmost respect every minute of every day. A true gentleman and the work he’s put into this beautiful car is mind blowing. Great video.

Nice to see 'the real deal" instead of a resto mod. These old timers are imho, national treasures.

Thanks, Jay, for another great video. I worked as a Corvette tech at a Chevy dealer in late 60's early 70's and occasionally some 54-55's came in for repair. I also did transmissions, and recall the old style cast iron Powerglide, which was as heavy as Mike said. To rebuild them, there was a special fixture that allowed the case halves to slide apart and maintain alignment. I recall a small wedding ring looking sleeve that could not be damaged. They also had a rear pump in the extension housing that enabled the car to be kick started at a certain speed, something the later automatics couldn't do. I wish I still had any of the early Vettes I owned back then. In the early 1970's nobody wanted them.

Thank you for you're service Mike. Amazing work you do.

This is one channel I can close my eyes and choose a video and be thoroughly entertained every damn time

Gotta love this guy. Went the full distance with his corvette and respectfully shares this with the rest of us regular folk. Thank you sir very much.

THOSE EARLY CORVETTES ARE ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE OF DRIVING AND EXPERIENCING THE EVOLUTION OF THE CORVETTE . GREAT EPISODE JAY .👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Wow, a 99 point car. Great work on preserving history

@tommurphy4307

2 жыл бұрын

that car would be on the road today even if it wasn't restored by this guy. so how is it 'great work on preserving history'?? how about 'great work wasting time and money'?

@jama211

Жыл бұрын

@@tommurphy4307 What jumped up your butt this morning? Sheesh! How rude.

Stunning automobile. Such pure clean lines. Truly amazing!

No surprise that we absolutely love this video! Thank you Mike and Jay!

Incredible restoration work.

In its best color and most suiting wheels, just what a beautiful and superb car.

It's so beautiful from behind, wow.. thanks Jay & Mike!

Fantastic video. I learned a lot on the fabled early corvette. The restoration is incredible one talented man! Thanks!

Outstanding restoration on a beautiful car

That's just a beautiful shape, a car that will make any bystander smile just as much as the driver when it cruises down the road. Can't even imagine how much effort and knowledge went into such an exacting restoration. Mike is right, Jay should be the one who gets it!

@pinballdan

2 жыл бұрын

I'm surprised Jay didn't seem to want it !!

@sharksport01

2 жыл бұрын

@@pinballdan Act disinterested when you are. 😉

@scotth6814

2 жыл бұрын

@@pinballdan I think Jay is a bargain-hunter. Never pays the price of a fully-restored car.

@stacase

2 жыл бұрын

@@sharksport01 Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Good one (-:

Jay, thank you for sharing a national treasure with us. The car was cool too. Mike, thank you for your service!

Appreciate mention of Special Interest Autos mag - the much better predecessor to Hemmings Classic Car. When I discovered it, I went on a hunt and eventually bought all 201 issues. Collectively, the most enjoyable addition to my car lit collection bar none.

@stephendavidbailey2743

2 жыл бұрын

I agree that SIA is better. Hemmings Classic Car has nice pictures. Don't have all 201, but do have around 180. I also have a hard bound collection of Road & Track from first issue in 1947 to December, 1969.

Thanks Jay. Greatly appreciate your love and dedication to automobiles. Our neighbor had a '55. Vette for a couple of years. (this was the mid-50's).The young kids in the neighborhood (Woburn, MA ) checked odometers in our dad's cars after work (not sure why). The 150mph speedo gave the Vette owner's kid, top bragging rights. Thanks again.

@stephendavidbailey2743

2 жыл бұрын

When I lived in Germany in the mid 50's, on Furstenfeldbruck Air Force Base, I recall seeing a Thunderbird with a metric speedo, that showed 240 kmh. My nine year old self thought it was MPH, and that I was looking at the fastest car in the world.

@scotth6814

2 жыл бұрын

150 mph speedometer but only a 5000 rpm tach! And it may not have actually exceeded 4200 rpm. Top speed maybe 100 mph. Today any grocery-getter would leave it in the dust, but it's a cool piece of automotive history.

@Stressless2023

2 жыл бұрын

Me and a friend of mine used to do that with cars in the late 90's when we were kids, we'd catch a cab and walk through the cluster of dealership parking lots and just bet on which one was "faster", I even had a notebook with every car we peeked in the window of with the speedometer number written down. I remember to this day at 39 that the '97 Corvette had the highest number. We'd probably be shot or arrested for doing that as kids today sadly.

Thanks a lot Mr. Leno! I don’t miss an episode, greetings from spain.

@-Barracuda-426

2 жыл бұрын

Hola amigos, soi espanoles para mi!! Mi carro es un Marbella, tu que carro tienes? Saludes de Puercodio España

Perfect early timing for an episode on a great car. Awesome 😎

Thanks Jay! I have always loved the first Corvettes.

Outstanding video, beautiful car and excellent presentation.

I'd never heard one of these C1 Corvettes before. They definitely have a vintage car sound whenever Jay's not flooring it.

Cheers! So much fun!

Glad the old format is back, ❤this show Jay!!🎉

Just excellent craftsmanship and detail. Beautiful car. One for the ages.

I bought a book in the early 60's on Fiberglass Auto Body construction and it shows the actual tooling for the wet lay up method and showed the weak point on the body and methods to repair splits caused by minor impact.

This is the baby Corvette. It quickly matured from this beautiful beginning into a competitive sports car. It's the longest- running car model on earth; the 70th anniversary is this year!

@StephenLoosli1

2 жыл бұрын

Almost the longest. The Chevy Suburban (+18) , Ford F Series (+6), VW Transporter (+3), and Toyota Land Cruiser (+2) are a bit longer.

@sharksport01

2 жыл бұрын

@@StephenLoosli1 He said CAR model.

@StephenLoosli1

2 жыл бұрын

@@sharksport01 Well, there it is. 100% Corvette on car model. My apologies. 😁

Jay is the best. So much knowledge and what a memory!

Thank you for continuing to make a great car channel. Top notch production everytime.

Really nice! Love the Blue Flame 6. I agree with Jay's analogy regarding driving older cars. It's not just about high horsepower and technical advances. Beautiful car!

@rtflone

Жыл бұрын

Jay's comment that the car was a two seat Bel Air was crack on the mark. The Corvette was conceived to compete with MG, Triumph, Austin, etc. Simple little sports cars a guy could work on himself, and enjoy driving on weekends. Imho, GM never knew just how well they'd done for a first effort. GM's biggest blunder was only offering the car with that stupid two speed automatic instead of a 3 speed or 4 speed manual transmission..

Beautiful car. Thank you Sir. Not only for your service to our Nation. But to our hobby. A wonderful Corvette for sure. A real treasure.

Fascinating video narrated by a delightful man! That car is so stunning I can’t stop looking at it. Perfect color combination with the most beautiful lines. USA!!!

I'd like to say thank you for your service, Mr McCloskey, my Cousin James McCloskey was a Helicopter pilot in Vietnam, all the family are very proud of him too.

Wow, simply stunning. What a beauty!

what a gorgeous automobile!

Had a friend who had one in High School in early 60s. Rode in it 1 time, and never forgot it. Wonderful.

Just the sound of it running. Wow. Classic.

15:56 Once a Pilot, always a Pilot- Hats off Sir. F4 will always be a favorite!

It's gotta be a great car to get Jay's attention! Great video!

I love Corvettes!!!! I have a restored 1967 L79 Coupe. It’s a 3-time NCRS top flight car. It’s my baby.

An old boss of mine had one of these cars, I had the privilege of rebuilding the three carbs while on his time. I grew up in the valley and worked near the Burbank airport for many years and recognize everywhere that you are driving. I rode the Metrolink train up San Fernando Road for awhile and used to see Mr. Leno enjoying his cars. Thanks for a great nostalgia trip.

@rtflone

Жыл бұрын

Jay has done well for himself to say the least. At last count his collection runs to 286 cars and around half as many motorcycles. As none of Jay's cars/bikes are ordinary I can only imagine what his collection must be worth. Jay is a genuine mensch. I can't think of anyone who deserves his success more than Jay..

@genehart261

Жыл бұрын

@@rtflone As far as I know he's still a pretty normal guy, never let success go to his head.

@rtflone

Жыл бұрын

@@genehart261 Thanks for taking the time to share .. 👍

I find it so interesting in the world before computers we had cars that we're only made for a few years. The C1 and C2 runs lasted less than the c3 run. I was watching a show where they were working on a 58 Continental. Several cars made in the 50s and 60s were only made for one year. We don't see that today with all the technology we have today

@mexicanspec

2 жыл бұрын

All cars in the '50s and '60s were one year runs. They changed things every year.

@thisguy2720

2 жыл бұрын

If I had to guess I would say partly do to government regulations with safety and emissions. Or if somethings selling why change it

@bighands69

2 жыл бұрын

The auto industry was booming back then and had only marginal interference from regulations. Today everything is being regulated to the point of complication and higher costs. Many manufacturers are not involved in innovation because they simply do not have the headroom to do so.

I love this because my good friend Chris. His grandfather worked for GM in those days. His truck broke down on the way to work. Walking to the plant he was picked up by a boss. During the drive he was asked if he wanted to go to a new plant. It was going to be called corvette. I believe he was 20 years old. By the time he retired he was part of the design teem.

I was just watching lots of videos about GM cars, this is great

Thank you Mike, from a Marine NCO from the DaNang area. Jay, your questions are spot on.

I've never really liked this model, I appreciated it as the first but it didn't do much for me until now! To see it in motion and hear it and to see Jay enjoying it made a difference to me. It truly would be an honor to own and show this beautiful example! Thanks guys It was pleasure to see and hear!

@marcob1729

2 жыл бұрын

Still doesn’t do anything for me. There’s a car for every opinion though!

@vladtheimpala5532

2 жыл бұрын

I didn’t used to like the style of it but it grew on me. I really like it now. I like the copper color they had in 55. I’d love to have a car that looks like a 53-55 Corvette except with modern running gear, perfect fit and finish and a few subtle changes. I don’t care about originality. It could even be a reproduction body. (If I had a real one I’d keep it original of course.) I know that Kindig-it makes one but it’s a little out of reach for me. I saw an original white one in Portland, Oregon in the mid seventies that was pretty rough and it had $2500 spray painted on the side of it. I wish I could have bought it.

@erso3302

2 жыл бұрын

They're beautiful when put in the context of 1953/54. But they didn't really really get interesting until '58. IMO.

@charlie1832

2 жыл бұрын

@@vladtheimpala5532 west coast customs made one for the guy in the black eyed peas I can’t think of his name , but the car they made for him is one of the ugliest cars made

@tylernewton7217

2 жыл бұрын

@@erso3302 Just curious, what is it about the 58 that makes it interesting to you specifically? The styling changes? I would say 56 is when it got “real" for me.

Such a beautiful car! One of the best convertibles out there.

@tommurphy4307

2 жыл бұрын

the ragtop stingrays were awesome

@sergeantmasson3669

2 жыл бұрын

Ryan Thompson, early Corvettes were horrible quality cars as well as slow turds. They leaked badly in the rain. Engines leaked/burned oil and the carbs often leaked.

@sergeantmasson3669

2 жыл бұрын

@@tommurphy4307 Stingray Corvettes had serious frame flaws. I changed several of them over many years. '68 Corvette roadster, the frame was different than all the other years.

Jay/Mike - thanks again for sharing. lovely car.

This guy IS the master. Wow.. So much respect for you, sir. Your work is unquestionable. That is so rare these days.

This is a very impressive restoration and a real piece of Americona, well done.

Back in high school my friend's mom had a 1960 Corvair with the two speed Powerglide and with the two mufflers it had it sounded pretty similar to that 54 Vette.

Was my first car model, 1954 Corvett. Straight 6 cylinder by Revell, loved it.

I do love these and that engine bay is among my favorites.

On a serious note,the car is beautiful and the owner obviously is talented and ANY veteran is a hero to me.

@tommurphy4307

2 жыл бұрын

adolf hitler was a veteran in the german infantry- still your hero??

Great episode. I've always loved these very first generation Corvettes. To my eye the front end looks very Italian.

@ianfindlay865

2 жыл бұрын

Ah yes Styled by Carozzeria Ciechi.

Awesome my dad ( dad met Jay at a taping of his show, a big thing for a Mn logger) loved Jay Leno and would have loved to tinker on all this classic cars. Thank you Jay for sharing. Hello from Iowa

Thanks for taking time to explain details about the car.

Outstanding Corvette - thank you both for sharing this with us. And thank you for your service sir!

A vintage car with a 99% score is a perfect car. 👍

Great guy, awesome chat. The bit about power Steering by armstrong was nice, he said it twice. Great content Jay

Beautiful car. Always like the chrome around the windshield and then across the doors then down between the seats. A true piece of Americana.

I remember a scene in "The Right Stuff" where one of the original Astronauts goes out and buys a Corvette and within the week they all had them. The one thing about the F-4 Phantom was proof that with enough thrust you could get a manhole to fly. They had a squadron over in Clark. Loved them.

@ToyKingWonder

2 жыл бұрын

I flew a lot of "3D" foam RC planes, proof of your statement. The thrust of the engine is what flies those, and the big flappy control surfaces just change direction, like adjustable fins on a rocket. Fun for a bit, but tiring having to "control" things every microsecond and not just let the model fly. I can imagine an element of that with the F-4, or especially the Lockheed Starfire.

@mikeharman9114

2 жыл бұрын

GM offered a one year lease on a Corvette to every astronaut for $1.

@JayKayKay7

2 жыл бұрын

@@mikeharman9114 It was definitely cool to be an Astronaut. I guess it was John Glenn that stepped up and took command to tell them the usual fighter jock BS wasn't go to wash and they had to come to Jesus and walk the narrow path.

Jay has excellent taste. He loves Corvettes, McLarens, and denim.

@amg863

2 жыл бұрын

I wonder why he didn't want this one. Does he already have a C1? He said himself it's probably America's first sports car. Quite a piece of automotive history even though it seemed underwhelming to drive

@NoName-cn3cp

2 жыл бұрын

@@amg863 hmm I would think he has one, but then I imagine he would review his own if that's the case?

@jimcarso7541

2 жыл бұрын

Seat belts in1955 really

timeless piece of art

Thanks Mike and Jay!

Love the early Corvettes, always thought them the most attractive. Lots of folks balk at the 6 cylinder engine, but remember that in that day the faster production sports cars all had 'em - Aston Martin & Jaguar for instance. It was considered an up grade from all the 4 cylinder models. Being much like a lot of tractor engines, they had massive stump -pulling torque for their size - great for driving twisty roads. Also cheaper & easier to fix than an eight (I really miss the gobs of room I had in the engine bays of the straight six's I owned in the past, especially w/arthritis now). It's a shame that this car got such a crappy trannie to go w/the engine. If Chevy had a bigger six w/ a good 4-speed, they would've sold a lot more of them. Worked for the larger, heavier Hudson Hornet - which beat out some eights back in the day.

@seed_drill7135

2 жыл бұрын

I like the look, but dreamworld, I'd have a '55. V8, stick shift + the original body.

@chrisnurczyk8239

2 жыл бұрын

@Harrison Ashley just about anything would've improved on the 2 speed unit

@tommurphy4307

2 жыл бұрын

the british-made six-cylinders were BEASTS compared to the chevy 'blue-flame' six (thats right-the name was faster than the motor itself)- a really lame comparison. you can't put some carter sidedraft carbs on a pushrod six cylinder and call it 'blue-flame' and everything is hunky-dory. people are gonna laugh at you and they did. the other cars didn't 'all had 'em' the 55 ford t-bird had a V8 in it- as much of a 'sports car' as the corvette- and ford spent a lot less money doing it. then they went and blew the $$ on the edsel. tractor engines didn't have any more torque than car engines- they were designed to make that torque with longer strokes and valve-overlap. a lot of tractors had four-cylinder motors, too. ford also made tractors with V8's as well. also straight-sixes won't fit in my 510 which is why it has a V6.

There's a certain "glow" of a high point resto. The paint really has a perfect period look to it. The low rear stance threw me at first, but then it grew on me. You can imagine a wealthy young collage man cruising with that back in the day. Talk about making an impression when around you were big black '40's sedans! That is super cool about the "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, World" provenance! I absolutely recall seeing the car in the chase scenes. My all-time favorite movie.

@UberLummox

2 жыл бұрын

Yep totally cool. I'd KILL to have Sgt. Culpepper's black '62 Dodge!!!!

@josephconsoli4128

2 жыл бұрын

@@UberLummox Yes! I always liked the solid look of the car with it's black wall tires and dog-dishes. It killed me when it gets smashed up in that parking lot!

@stephendavidbailey2743

2 жыл бұрын

"We're in the Imperial, and we're LAST???

@alexbrown1995

2 жыл бұрын

The way he went 'sailing' out there!!!

Thanks Jay! I've been grinning the entire length of the video. Now my face actually hurts a bit.

Thank you Mike and Jay

I envy the guys that have enough garage space to do this. I'd love to get my 66 big block worked on.

@PU8698

2 жыл бұрын

@@mommymilestones I do

@generalpatton8468

2 жыл бұрын

@@mommymilestones Obviously you cared since it bothered you enough to comment.

Jay, You need this car... no one would ever be a better person to have this...if you pass on this one I will forever look at you differently... it's the American automotive dream.. please for the love of God buy this one.....PLEASE..

@bradboustead1682

2 жыл бұрын

Jay likes original unrestored.

That the paint protected the fiberglass is awesome!

Thank you for your service

This car is magnificent! I really love classic american cars, but they on a unicorn level rarity in my country. Wish there were more, but soviet past just not allowing this to happen.

@tommurphy4307

2 жыл бұрын

thats because your fuel prices are a rip-off, and because GM didn't care about getting your country the cars the people wanted.

@badcornflakes6374

2 жыл бұрын

The 50s were a glorious time when you look at the cars and art and architecture, at least in America

what a beautiful car, the Corvette sure has come a long way. also makes me wonder what the Ford Thunderbird could have became if Ford kept it as a 2 seater sports car to compete with the Corvette....

@manuelhernandez2017

2 жыл бұрын

They need to bring it back

@Loulovesspeed

Жыл бұрын

@@manuelhernandez2017 - It's too late now. They tried it in 2002 and it was a poor seller. The only plus the T-Bird had over the Corvette was it sold 3 to 1 over the Vette, which made Ford a much, much larger profit that the Corvette ever did!

I love the attention for detail. Beautiful car. It seems like the colors change when cameras switch

Wow! This is the first first version of the corvette. Everyone remembers the later sharper looking V8 version. At least I do.

@seadog686

2 жыл бұрын

I remember how disappointed I was when I was "up close and personal" to one - only a six; 2-speed automatic - what a disappointment! The Thunderbird at least had a V-8!

@DylanL69

2 жыл бұрын

@@seadog686 that's why thunderbird out sold corvette the first 2 years

@dougroberts5302

2 жыл бұрын

@@seadog686 The Thunderbird didn't come out until 1955, and by 1955 the Corvette had a V-8 as well.

@sidefx996

2 жыл бұрын

@@seadog686 A T-Bird in 1954 huh? Must've been the only one...

I remember that car, when it came out. I went to Lustine Chevrolet to see it, in person. Next to Washinton,D.C., that made me about 11 years old. I almost bought one in a basket, in 1959, but decided not to do that much work. I still think it was most desired car. At 78, I would have preferred it over my DeLorean, to this day.

@cobracharmer6178

2 жыл бұрын

That's a great story. I lived on Kennedy St. right behind Lustine Chevrolet in Hyattsville, Md. There was also a Buick, Olds and Bob Banning Dodge dealers on Rt.1. I'm 64. Me and my pals would jump on our bikes and go to the dealers to check out the cars. The real treat was visiting Malcolm Durhams shop.

Great Car ! , thanks for Sharing Jay , Sounds like an old Farm All Tractor Working in the Fields LOVE IT !

Great man and great restoration.

lol I like when Jay says, "we got a real hero here" and Mike just shakes his head saying "nope"

@curbozerboomer1773

2 жыл бұрын

He was heroic...but his efforts were for a very misguided cause...lotsa vets do not like to think back to that era.