Brian B states- "Steve, I don't think Eric was misleading, not even unintentionally.... "
I was not implying he was.
However, for the average 'Joe' who sees Eric and Mikes car over all these years. They think it is Arnie Beswicks car. I wonder what the percentage of average spectators who see the Grocery Getter, and the future Boss Bird, actually know it is not owned, tuned, driven or paid for by Arnie Beswick? That is misleading. I do not see how it can be denied. Further, I am not being critical, just factual. If my facts are incorrect, please respond so everyone can get 'in the know'. Mike Garblik and Eric Larson are the 'stars' of the Grocery Getter, not Arnie Beswick. They are the ones who deserve recognition for their great success with this car. Yet, besides the Pontiac gear heads in the know....who else really knows this?
Brian B also states-
".... I merely posted what was directly told to me by Rob Bruce himself, that the body he has he got directly from Arnie in exchange for some work he did for Arnie, and that it was the old "Boss Bird" body. As to how or why Rob believed it was the original body, I can't say...I don't know...it certainly wouldn't be the first time anyone was misled as to the originality of a Pontiac body however...."
I understand. again, I am just trying to establish the actual facts.
".....Rob was instrumental in my finding out the history of my funny car as well. pointing me to the path of the original owner, Dick Rosberg."
Good for you!
Brian staes- "More info...I just learned that the Challenger pictured was wrecked and burned to the ground, with Arnie driving. Apparently Arnie got his hands burned up pretty bad in that one too (a little deja vu from his fire in the Tameless Tiger a few years ago...he obviously survived both, but man, those are some creepy odds)."
I will add....Arnie had at least 1 additional serious fire resulting in injuries. It was in '65 when a trans came apart in the '64 GTO. He was hospitalized and began wearing a fire suit afterwards.
John,
the Tyree '70 firebird is now owned by Larry Cooper in , MO. Here is a pic
To add further- correct me if I am wrong. Eric stated recently that the only car Beswick ran or runs with a chevy in it is his '64 GTO. This is not correct, the prior car, the 63 Tempest tiger car is also corporate nonsense powered. The cars he drives are corporate nonsense powered. Whether he owns them or not depends on who you ask. Everyone has a different answer This would extend to othe cars with his name on it.
Steve Barcak
www.pontiacheaven.org
"Real Pontiacs only...no corporate nonsense!"