What do a 1961 bubbletop Impala and a 1967 Belvedere II have in common? They share a love for drag racing, have a flawless stance, are in splendid condition, and have been owned by the same person for a long time. Although they belong to different owners, both cars are stored together in a secure location during the winter months, thanks to a car enthusiast who kindly offers storage space for fellow gearheads’ classic cars.
The Chevy and the Plymouth are well-known vehicles – the Impala is a famous nameplate in the history of American carmaking after World War II. In 1961, the SS performance badge was introduced, but the featured Impala in this article is not one of the rare 142 examples produced that year. Instead, it is one of the 177,969 Sport Coupe models, known as the bubbletop, that were manufactured in 1961.
What makes this Impala special is what lies beneath its attractive hardtop body: a three deuces setup, a four-speed transmission, and a 348-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) engine. Admittedly, this comparison may not be entirely accurate or period-correct, as the lyrics mentioned in the article refer to the ’64 GTO from Pontiac, a sister division of Chevrolet. Nevertheless, the Super Turbo-Thrust V8 engine in this Impala is not the standard 348-cubic-inch motor that produced 280 hp (284 PS). Instead, it is the high-performance version that delivers 350 hp (355 PS) for “special uses.” This was Chevrolet’s way of promoting the muscle option for the Impala, which had not yet become a muscle car.
The featured Impala now has a four-speed transmission, but it originally came with a three-speed manual, which was the standard transmission at that time. Interestingly, this car has been used for drag racing since its early days, which explains the 25,000 miles on its odometer. The story is slightly different for the ’67 Belvedere II, as its original engine is currently not in the car and is instead kept on a stand.
The owner mentions a 360 engine, but this would not be accurate if the factory-fitted V8 engine is considered. In 1967, a Belvedere II would come with either a 318-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) or a 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) engine. Moreover, Mopar did not produce a 360 V8 engine, but rather a 361-cubic-inch (5.9-liter) engine that was discontinued at the end of 1966. The other V8 engine option in ’67 would have made this car extremely rare: the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Street HEMI.
However, the current engine in the Belvedere II does have hemispherical heads and displaces the same 426 cubic inches as the famous second-generation HEMI engines from the 1960s. Thanks to Ray Burton Racing Engines, the modern dual-quad HEMI engine in this car produces approximately 650 hp (659 PS), and the Plymouth enjoys monthly sessions of quarter-mile drag racing.
Another stunning Chrysler in the collection is a pre-war Special Deluxe woody from 1941. The owner acquired this car in the 1980s, and it now serves as a wedding limousine for couples. The barn where all these remarkable vehicles rest during the winters in Maine is also home to two Fords – a 1932 truck and a 1965 Shelby Mustang GT 350.
The lineup begins with a Rocket 88 Oldsmobile and a ’53 Cadillac equipped with a 331 cubic-inch V8 (5.4-liter) engine that reached 30,000 miles (48,000 kilometers) at the time of filming, still sporting its original paint. Another highlight is the second-generation Barracuda featuring a 318 V8 (5.2-liter) engine, which is a favorite among the curator for its drag racing capabilities.
The curator has a habit of storing these classic cars during the rusty season to ensure their preservation, allowing their owners to fully enjoy them during the summer months. This is the primary reason why they are kept in the barn, enabling maximum enjoyment.
Possibly the most remarkable discovery in this small town is an incredibly rare 1934 Harley-Davidson VFD Solo, one of only five ever produced. The story behind it is equally fascinating. During World War II, the owner of this Harley went to Europe to fight, leaving his Knucklehead in the care of his teenage brother. Upon returning home, the veteran encouraged his younger brother to acquire a motorcycle and spare the old Harley.
In 1944, the young enthusiast, still in his teens, found and purchased this exceptional motorcycle from its original owner. He held onto it until 2016 when his widow sold it to the individual seen smiling next to it in the video. As demonstrated, the 1,200-CC V-twin engine starts effortlessly. Although this historic piece is a burgundy-white Harley, it underwent a repaint in the 2000s. In 1934, the American brand introduced two-color liveries, and this incredibly rare model serves as solid evidence.
The new models introduced several other innovations, including the debut of a stylized fuel tank and a transition from rounded fenders to slightly flattened shapes for the VFD models. Twin headlamps were replaced with Cycleray curved lens units. The total motor oil loss system also made its final appearance that year.
Astoundingly, one of these incredibly rare motorcycles is located in this small coastal town in Maine. Another was discovered in Melbourne, Australia, and was auctioned off in 2021 for $56,000. It had been sitting untouched for fifty years in a suburban home. Another example is reportedly in Finland, where it has spent its entire 90-year existence in Scandinavia. However, this information should be approached with caution, as it is based on a viewer’s claim in the video.
The young proprietor of a restoration shop in Boothbay, Maine also happens to own a 1981 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, which he acquired for a mere $350. Surprisingly, this purchase occurred just a few years ago, not back in ’84. The mystery surrounding this luxury British vehicle is unraveled when Philip Reinhardt, the youthful owner, shares the full story of the car.
At one point, the car suffered extensive damage in a fire that completely destroyed the engine. The 6.75-liter V8 engine is paired with a Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 three-speed automatic transmission, which was the standard option for this extravagantly priced English luxury car in the early 80s.
In a tabloid-style format, the following text has been rewritten using different words and organized into multiple separate paragraphs:
Headline: Owner Plans to Revive V8 with GM Transmission
In an attempt to bring a V8 with a GM transmission back to life, the owner has a bold plan. The intention is to replace the existing engine with another GM V8. It is uncertain whether a small-block Chevy would meet the motoring standards set by Rolls-Royce. However, the same can be said for the 350-dollar aluminum-bodied lemon, adorned with the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy radiator grille ornament.
Paragraph 1:
The owner of a troubled V8 with a GM transmission is determined to restore its former glory. Their strategy involves swapping out the current engine for a different GM V8. While it remains unclear if a small-block Chevy is capable of meeting the high motoring standards associated with Rolls-Royce, it is worth considering. On the other hand, the existing vehicle, priced at a mere 350 dollars, is an aluminum-bodied lemon. It proudly displays the Spirit of Ecstasy radiator grille ornament, but its overall quality may not match the luxury brand’s expectations.
Paragraph 2:
In an ambitious endeavor, the owner plans to resurrect the V8 with the help of a GM transmission. The proposed solution involves replacing the current engine with another GM V8. However, doubts arise regarding the suitability of a small-block Chevy for meeting the esteemed motoring standards upheld by Rolls-Royce. Furthermore, the existing vehicle, purchased for a paltry sum of 350 dollars, is a lemon with an aluminum body. Adorned with the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy radiator grille ornament, its appearance may deceive, as its performance may not live up to the luxury brand’s reputation.