Art & Inspiration Traditional images that need no explanation.

Around 1961 my Dad and I went to a place like this looking for an engine for the inboard ski boat he was building. His friend Ray was the service manager at Dolman Pontiac and he said that the place had good, guaranteed, late model used engines. He called ahead for us and a man showed us around in a room full of engines an 11 year old kid like me could scarcely imagine. Most were just regular engines, they did have some with 3x2s, dual quads, factory chrome accessories. We found a Pontiac with 3x2s and the guy gave my Dad the price, delivered. He thanked him and we left. I asked my Dad if we were getting the Pontiac and he said no, it’s way too expensive. Even with Ray’s dealer discount he just couldn’t afford it. We ended up getting a ‘55 287 from Brown’s Auto Wrecking for $25 and rebuilding it ourselves with a rebuild kit from Piston Supply Co. It was probably a better experience for me, but I’ll never forget that room full of engines.

 

Very stylish for it's time.

 

A group photo of Barris cars. I remember the Sam Barris Buick when Chris Carrier of West Hartford, Connecticut owned the Buick. IIRC, Chris bought the Buick from someone in the Worcester, Massachusetts area.

 

The 1961 Chevrolet has an ad-on special roof.

 

But what's with the two dash gnome? "I don't care if it rains or freezes...."

 

Try facing THAT on a hangover!

 

Sports racing back then…Gas Streamliner today..

 

The Highland Plating Special track roadster, it was later restored by Ron Weeks.

 

Let's not forget who built it, Dick Craft, the guy on the right.