[sdbob]

I'll have to get MCR and the model. Thanks.

[Dr. Eric M. Schiffer]

Here is the latest article on the 1968 Black Bird featured in "Muscle Car Review" February 2015.

A little more was revealed about the car...but not everything! LOL

Enjoy the article

[Dr. Eric M. Schiffer]

Released at the 2015 Detroit Autorama was a book giving a brief over view of Detroit's rod, customs, hot rod shops and street racing and cruising some of Detroit "other" areas besides Woodward Ave.

The Book: "HOT ROD DETROIT" "A Complete History Of Hot Rodding In The Motor City". By Bob Larivee, Sr.

Bob Larivee has produced the Detroit Autorama and World of Wheels through his company Larivee Promotions, Inc. and Championship Auto Shows, Inc. He helped organize the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA) and ran Motor City Dragway on it's behalf. He has been honored by being inducted into the Circle Of Champions, Hot Rod Magazine's Hall of Fame, International Championship's Founder's Award, NHRA Heritage Award SEMA Hall of Fame and the National Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. Just to name a few awards...

The 2015 Riddler Award was won by a 1965 Chevrolet on a Corvette chassis that Chip Foose did for a customer.

Oh, by the way I contributed to the book and am I'm listed in the acknowledgments They also have a captioned picture of me on page 272 in Chapter 10, DETROIT Cruising & Street Racing.

[Greg Reid]

Nice stuff Doc. I hardly even look at monthly paper publications any more but I think I'll have to pick that issue of MCR up. Looks like it contains a couple of other things of interest to me also.

[Dr. Eric M. Schiffer]

I see nothing new has been happen here. So lets add some news. I have been working with the diecast company ACME Trader inc. on another 1968 Firebird. The 1968 1/2 Ram Air 400 Firebird Royal Race car.

Here is a quote from ACME's announcement. I am having trouble transferring the pictures that go along with this print part.

IF THERE IS ONE PLACE IN AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY THAT DESERVES CREDIT FOR TESTING, DEVELOPING, AND SQUEEZING EVERY OUNCE OF HORSEPOWER OUT OF A FACTORY PONTIAC POWER PLANT, THAT PLACE IS ACE WILSON'S ROYAL PONTIAC DEALERSHIP. THE ROYAL PONTIAC DEALERSHIP NAME IS HALLOWED GROUND IN PONTIAC PERFORMANCE HISTORY. IN ADDITION TO THEIR FAMOUS "ROYAL BOBCAT " PONTIAC PERFORMANCE PACKAGES, PONTIAC HAD ROYAL TEST AND TWEAK THE MAJORITY OF THEIR PERFORMANCE CARS AND PARTS BEFORE SENDING THEM TO PRODUCTION.

ACME IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF ONE OF THOSE FAMOUS TEST CARS, ROYAL'S 1968 1/2 RAM AIR FIREBIRD! PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO READ THE VERY SUMMARIZED STORY BELOW ABOUT THE ROYAL DEALERSHIP AND THIS AMAZING FIREBIRD!

PLACE YOU PRE-ORDERS NOW AS THIS ONE WILL SELL OUT FAST!

The Firebird will be released late August early September



royal front royal back

[Dr. Eric M. Schiffer]

Great! ACME has put Ace Wilson's Royal Pontiac 1968 1/2 Ram Air Firebird on their site for orders. I still could not transfer the picture so use the link:

http://www.acmediecast.com/products/...%20Firebirds##




Product Details - 1968.5 Royal Pontiac Firebird Drag Car
1:18 Pontiac Firebirds
product photo - detail_A1805202_1.jpg
$134.95
Add to Cart


1968.5 Royal Pontiac Firebird Drag Car
Product ID:
2504
Part #:
A1805202
Color:
Red
Year:
0
Availability:
Pre Order
Ship Date:
August 2015
Background

There is not a more hallowed name and place in the history of Pontiac performance than Ace Wilson’s Royal Pontiac. Through the efforts of “Bunkie” Knudsen and Jim Wangers, the dealership and Pontiac came to an agreement that Royal would essentially serve as Pontiac’s test bed for testing their new high performance cars and parts. Pontiac was so impressed with Royal’s results that they started shipping Royal all of their performance parts for testing instead of testing them in-house. Royal’s experienced staff could install, test, tweak, and report the results quicker than Pontiac’s own staff could!

Eventually, Pontiac was sending so many parts and cars for testing that Wilson had to do something to separate the daily routine of the dealership from the high performance activities. So he created a division called the Royal Racing Team. Pontiac had what they called specialty program cars, like the famous 1965 and 1966 Geeto Tigers and the “Mystery Tiger” and this 1968 ½ Ram Air Firebird, all of which were built and maintained by Royal. They would be featured in the enthusiast magazines of the day, and be driven by some of Royal Pontiac’s best drivers to show the full potential of these cars.

Acme is thrilled to present a replica of the Royal built and tuned 1968 ½ Ram Air Firebird! Pontiac had Royal build this car to feature Pontiac’s new “round” port head package. This new “round” port head would arrive until late in 1968, and thus the car and head package was referred to as the 1968 ½ engine package. This late arrival also meant that there were very few 1968 Ram Air Firebird 400’s built. Only 110 are known to have been produced, 98 manual shifts and 12 automatics. One thing common on all Pontiacs prepped by Royal was the license plate frame and the embossed thin stock aluminum emblem calling out “Royal Bobcat”!

Features Include: Opening hood, trunk and doors Poseable steering Highly detailed 400 engine Detailed undercarriage Detailed interior Diecast metal body Serialized plate Polished drag wheels

[BAD2000TA]

Doc, it may have taken me several days to go through each page, but I finally got done! Excellent insight into one of the coolest cars to race the hollowed grounds around Detroit during those wonderful years. Thank you for all your research and attention to details. I learned a lot!!

I was not old enough to experience the street racing back then (born in '67). But, my dad had a '68 Roadrunner (383 auto) that Mom used to race around town (Dad was in the USAF and station in Korea in late '67 to early '69). When Dad got back, he traded the '68 for a new '69 Roadrunner - 383 4-speed with Air Grabber hood. That was our family car for 10 years (in Buffalo, NY!! not the greatest snow car, but these were "just" cars then!).

My uncle raced the streets in Buffalo in the late '60's and '70's. He worked at GM's Tonawanda engine plant, where they made big block 396, 427 and 454's. But, Uncle Pauly was a Mopar guy!! He had 3 Superbirds (would wreck one, then get another), had a Hemi Cuda, 340 Demon. The funniest story was hearing him talk about after work at Chevy, he and his crew would sit up on the Superbird's wing drinking beers!! Good times!!

Me, well, my first car was a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T - 383, auto. I was a Mopar guy, too. It was a cheap car - $375. But a real R/T. The 383 was gone, replaced with a 318. I found and rebuilt a 383 from a '68 Dart and drove that car for 4 years. Then some kid offered me $1000. WOW - I was rich!!! LOL.

After getting married, I realized a needed another car to drive to work, while keeping the mileage down on the wife's leased car. So, I found an ad for a 1980 Trans Am that needed "carb work" - $400. I go check out the car, talk the guy down to $350 and brought it home. The carb work it needed was directly related to the spark plugs wires not on the right cylinders!! Now I was a Pontiac guy!!! This Trans Am was black, with the red custom interior, 301 4bbl. I found a '73 455 block and #96 heads, had the block bored and cleaned, ordered a Wolverine cam and was in business!

When I moved to Houston in 2000, my daily ride was a 1986 Firebird that I installed a 305 Tuned Port Injected 305 and 5-speed. But, it didn't have air conditioning. So, I last two whole weeks before going to the local Pontiac dealer and buying a 2000 Pontiac Trans Am, with 6-speed. What a cool car! I was still a Pontiac guy!!

That car was stolen in 2006 and I found a low mile 2001 WS6 Trans Am 6-speed, black of course. I've since built a stroked LS6 motor for it. Lots-O-Fun!!

Anyways, I really enjoyed reading all about the history of the Black Bird and the associated stories. As a Mopar guy, I knew a lot about the legend of the Silver Bullet. Now I know the rest of the story!!! Thank you!

[Dr. Eric M. Schiffer]

Bad2000T/A,

Thank you for the complement. Most of the info was from having lived it! I'm glad you enjoy the information that has been posted.

Great stories about your family. Back than everyone got into the act. It was a fun time!

Wow, a Wolverine Cam. I haven't seen that name in years. I was making room in my garage where I had one of our old auto parts store counter catalog racks set up and filled with hipo books and price sheets. One of the old catalogs I throw out was an old Wolverine Blue Racer catalog and prices sheets. Funny I later found out the catalogs and price sheets I throw out where worth more then the rack I kept....Oh well!

Enjoy life!

[ANDYA]

Just got back from the Dream Cruise on Sunday. This time seven of us went up. Once again we had a fantastic time. Got to spend some time with Eric Schiffer and friends. (wish we could have had more time). Eric is great to talk with and has lots of interesting stories. Got to see the Blackbird as well as the Silver Bullet. If you have never been to the Dream Cruise you should try and get there as you won't be disappointed. The Michigan folks are great!

[Dr. Eric M. Schiffer]

Andy it was great having you guys here again this years. With Kenny looking like Richard Rollands from Velocity TV's Gas Monkey Garage was a "HOOT"!.
But you guys need to spend the week here to really see what goes on leading up the Saturday.

I included a couple of "REAL" Royal Bobcat 428 convertible GTO's along with the Black Bird lined up on Old Woodward Ave in Downtown Birmingham during the Dream Cruise.

The seminars with the heads of Chrysler Performance, GM Performance and Ford Performance together discussing their products and bringing pre-production products. Like the Corvette ZO6 C7R for the street, the Mustang GT350R and the Viper ACR.

I'll try to transfer the Duggan's morning brunch with these people and cars from my cell phone. ( I have a good story on the way to the Thursday morning brunch) I'll save it for later when I load the pictures.

For you MOPAR guys I took a picture of the "Little Red Wagon" being trailered around on Woodward during the Dream Cruise.

[Dr. Eric M. Schiffer]

Just delivered! ACME Trader is shipping the Limited Edition (852) Ace Wilson's Royal Pontiac's red 1968 1/2 Ram Air Firebird race car.

The original race car appeared on the cover of "SUPER STOCK and Drag Illustrated" magazine's May 1968 issue. The article was timed to introduce the newly released round port heads and computer designed cam shaft. Better known as the ram air II head. The car was prepared and it's engine assembled at Royal Pontiac. Than taken to Florida for testing and photos in January. In typical Jim Wangers' marketing fashion, this allowed time for the car to appear on the cover for the introduction.

A beautiful color picture of the car on the drag strip at sun down graces the center fold out of the 19681969 Ace Wilson's Royal Racing Team's "Royal Story and Parts Catalog".

I just received my 2 from ACME Trader diecast company. This was their payment to me for my assistance on this program. They gave me credit on the bottom of the box for my help.

Very nice detail to them. They are numbered. The number is located inside the trunks on the drivers side quarter panel. Unfortunately, mine numbers are not number 1 or 2. Instead they are random.

Eric

[Dr. Eric M. Schiffer]

While we haven't had much snow it is cold and the cars must be put away for the season.
Here is the Black Black Bird smoking its way to storage down Woodward.

Than into storage and one last look.

Hibernation until next year.

WHAT IF SOME ONE OFFERED ME SOMETHING TO SELL HER?

What would be the value? Any suggestions?

Have a great winter.

[Greg Reid]

Originally Posted by Dr. Eric M. Schiffer

WHAT IF SOME ONE OFFERED ME SOMETHING TO SELL HER?

What would be the value? Any suggestions?

Have a great winter.

Let ME play Doctor for a moment....Take two aspirin and lie down until you have regained your faculties.
What great car...I wouldn't even consider less than 6 figures. Beyond that, I don't know.

[Dr. Eric M. Schiffer]

Greg,

Thanks for RX.

I was thinking if a 1969 Firebird could go at BJ last year for around $460,000.00.

Ray Allen's 1970 Chevelle convert LS6 Briggs S/SA race car go for $1 Million then a few years later for $100,000.00. Than an Ebay asking price of $575,000.00 this year.

I believe the last two 1969 T/A convertibles that changed hands in private sales, both needing restoration brought around $750,000.00. (Adams car and the "Lost" T/A convertible)

These figures are tempting since I have most of the parts taken off the car from it's different stages of life and the two above had to be put back together with non original parts. The Black Bird may bring at least those figures. Or not.

Still a mystery as to what the Black Bird may bring with it's history and notoriety.

[brut4s]

Just because they have the money doesn't mean they should own it. If sold however buys it needs to be a worthy caretaker like you are. Two other cars that come to mind in this category are The '64 GTO that Tenney has and Keith's '65 GTO.

[Dr. Eric M. Schiffer]

Know both those cars well.

A few years ago a friend of mine, Larry Cohen, wasn't looking to sell the white black top and black interior 1965 GTO Convertible Motor Trend Hurst Give-A-Way car. It had the first set of Hurst wheels for the public on it.

A broker contacted him after seeing the car in a magazine article. The call got him thinking. He sold it at Auction to Colin Commer. At times he regrets it.

Around that same time Jerry Treleven sold the Hurst gold with black top 1965 GTO Hurst Give-A-Way car for the contest. The car also went to Colin Commer.

Another friend just sold a one of 8 Pontiac's, his is known as a "lost" one, that he has had for many years. That car is now being restored by Scott Tieman and should be out by next year for public view. He realized with all of his projects he'd never get to this one.

Colin and Dana Mecum both have a nice collection of rare Pontiacs.

Since I don't race it any more and only bring it out for rare occasions. (Woodward Dream Cruise week) I'm just not into garage art and car shows.

Just a thought. OK, I'll go lie down now. I'm sure I'll feel much better when I get up.

[Tenney]

Originally Posted by Dr. Eric M. Schiffer

What would be the value? Any suggestions?

Kinda tough to figure, Eric, as your car is a one-of-one - and not a "1 of 1 with green radio buttons" - with its provenance, there're no real comps, and so no "market" value. What would the Silver Bullet sell for today?

If serious about bailing, maybe go down the list of folks who've asked for a chance at it over the years and go best offer? Or try someone you think would be a good custodian. Ken Lingenfelter, perhaps, who'd appreciated the JW/Woodward history as he grew-up in the midst of it. Maybe he establishes a Woodward wing to his collection - and tracks-down the 'Bullet, too?!

Or try one of the auctions.

Would guess the real players for the Black Bird will be on hand for this one and will establish the market on that day, at that moment.

Cool car!!

[Dr. Eric M. Schiffer]

Tenny,
While Ken asked to display the Black Bird with his collection he doesn't like paying a lot. When Jim Wangers was selling his collection I told Ken to call Jim and discuss a package deal for the '69 T/A, '79 T/A, '89 T/A and the '99 T/A.

I even explained these where NOT just any T/A's. The '69 Had been used as a magazine test car and was the one used for the intro at Riverside. The '79 had only 32 Miles and later used in the Movie "Joe Dirt". The '89 Turbo T/A had been used at INDY as one of the Parade cars.

As you may have watched the cars went for the prices of an average T/A. Ken never called.

For now I'll just wait and see what comes down the pike.

[R68GTO]

This is one of the cooler Pontiac pictures I've seen!

[ANDYA]

Eric, the value of the Blackbird will be a hard one to figure out. In our hobby the valuable cars usually fall into two categories, completely restored # matching cars and factory sponsored/lettered race cars that ran at sanctioned tracks. The Blackbird is in a different category in that it was built privately as a street racing car that achieved legendary status because of who owned it and how well it did. The sale of these types of cars is rare so there is not much to go by. It's anyone's guess what it will actually be worth. The real answer is it's probably worth whatever it takes for you to part with it.

With that said, if I were you, I would never sell it. There are millions of people out there that own classic cars but very few that own a legendary one like the Blackbird. Unlike a regular car once you sell this one it will be difficult to get another like it. Jim Wangers gave you this car for a good reason and you should be it's caretaker for as long as possible. Besides, I would keep it for no other reason than to prowl Woodward even if on rare occasions and remain a thorn in the side of the Silver Bullet.

P.S. Kenny says your crazy for even suggesting selling it

Take care, Andy.