It was great finally meeting Robert Hamke Jr We met for breakfast along with Tom (the guy I bought it from) and Robert Hamke's friend fron Cinn Oh ,Mike Belmont ( who owns a Ardun powered 32 Ford) I had visited Joe,and ask him if he wanted to attend the breakfast,but he refused (the guy that wrecked the car into a house) He's still mad at Tom We had a great time sharing pictures and stories about the car I did get a picture from Joe ,of the car before he wrecked it (Notice the rope throttle) He had a new "hydraulic" throttle ordered but didn't arrive Let's see............ A Blower motor.....a rope......... and a couple of beers............. DISASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After breakfast, we all went to see the car It was the first time Robert had seen the car in over 50 years All though lots of parts were missing, he was amazed on how much of the car was still there We watched ,as he looked over the car, and would mention, about a part his Dad had crafted Yep...........Very "Special" moment for us all Here's more Pics Former Owner Tom (Yellow Jacket) and Robert Hamke Robert Hamke and the car The Hamke car being loaded (Check out the "Orb") We went back to my house to get the extra parts When we got there I asked Robert Hamke for a favor "Could you sign a picture for me?" WE all smiled as he "Glowed" I don't think he really knows how "famous" his Dads car is He plans on having the car done for "Bonneville 2011" ,so he can drive it on the 60th anniversary I asked him, after he does the "restoration", if he was going to just drive it slow down the "Flats" for the Anniversary "Nope" he said "It ain't in my blood" here's what his Bio says (www.hamkeracecars.com) “It gets kind of hard racing against your customers,” said Hamke. “I ain’t ever quit racing yet though. I just haven’t raced for awhile. I am pretty much done, but I can still go fast.” He plans to repeat his Dads time or beat it I was invited to go along.............AWSOME!!!!! I asked him to Join H.A.M.B and let us know the progress Now for the Last "GHOSTLY" picture of the "Hamke Car" going home from Left to right the last 3 owners of the car Robert Hamke,Tom Dill and myself but.............What is the Fog or Orb around Robert Hamke in the picture? My only Guess is..........................Robert Sr. The "Hamke" Car Going Home More to follow later
seriously, you have completed this cars trip, it was an amazing story, great reading and made my eyes leak a bit. (I know, I know, I'm a puss) but this thread and follow up really affected me, I even was talking about it the other night at dinner with my club brothers. Job well done sir. Your reward is coming soon I am sure.
Robert What a great story. I'll stop by Mooresville next time I'm in the area and check it out. Bill Carroll
If you look at the picture of Robert standing next to the car in the building you can see the orb to the left of him.I hope he sends updated pics of the car as he goes along with the resto.
So as your chapter closes, another one opens...or would it be a continuation of an earlier one. to bad the other owner has remained so bitter. this was a chance for him to be part of something historical and good, but his choice. As I have stated earlier you are a better man than I, I told my wife this story and she thinks I would have done the same thing, I would like to think so but... I still think this needs to be another HRM feature story and even a movie, could be the next great car movie we would be taking about 10 years from now. Well Mr. Trichop I am going to go drink a beer in your honor... oh wait it's the middle of the night, make that warm milk... Posted on the original thread..
Thanks for the update Trichop. I truly hope you are rewarded with another find unencumbered with this much history. You deserve it.
I'm looking for another car I looked at this one Sun 1932 Ford 5 window It was to "rough" for the price notice the "Cowl" was cut off no sub rails,floor,rear pan, rockers, bottom 4 inches of both inner and outer doors were gone, rear decklid drip rail cut off to much work for me price was $4500 http://bloomington.craigslist.org/cto/1276080583.html
Great pictures and better story with a good ending. Thanks for posting the pictures and information. I hope to see a follow up in the future.
Really great story! Heart warming to say the least. But It would have been hard for me to let that one go.
Great story!! Trichop, class act!! I will be looking for more stories on this car, that is TOO cool!! Ax
hard to let it go in the end, but your use of the HAMB and your working calling around to find more info paid off. It will be on the salt again! At least it is still not sitting in that garage wasting away. Awesome story, great work.
Great story!!! That 5 window for a second made me think that it was the one I just bought. Except yours is missing a firewall and my quarters are screwed. I guess all 5 windows look the same when it's just the body.
Trichop.....excellent story and you did the right thing....as hard as it was, I know, but it was the right thing and what "goes around comes around"....you will be rewarded....alas..... you should do the 5 window.......... but I'm prejudiced...
Robert Hamke called me at work today He already has the body off the Frame! He has a "Flame" started ,that probably hasn't been around for a while It makes me feel great ,when he calls me, and is so Excited about the car I'm glad I sold it to him I'm glad he's including me in the progress I only wished I lived closer, I'd help him for Free He called a couple of days ago ,to tell me he found the car in a "Triumph Motorcycle" ad "Hot Rod" Mag 1959 Jan or Feb? I forgot I have to work on getting him on H.A.M.B ,so we can see the progress Wow.............This all happened in about 5 weeks! Because of all the help from H.A.M.B members I want to Thank you all!!! with all your help,another historic car will be "saved" Drink one for me and you!!! ........................More to come with the restoration
What goes around , comes around...your blessing is on the way! Good luck on a new find....I bet it will be special too!
Wow-what a story. What a selfless act. I commend you on your morals and convictions. While it would be cool to have a piece of history like that-you probably wouldnt have been able to enjoy it much anyway(beside's look at it-mmmmm real hotrod mmmm),as i would be worrying about it 24/7. If there is karma may you recieve your just deserts. Clint
The "ORB" looks like a smudge on your lens, its in the same spot in both pictures. but it fun to imagine
I wish my race car find could have this kind of ending...... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=370586
Both of the threads on this has been an enjoyable read. This is truely what hot rodding is all about.........the people.............the cars just play a supporting role. Add my name to those who feel you did the right thing returning it to the family of the origional builder. Looks like it will actually be better than it was with the talent that Bob Jr. has. I'll look forward to the continuing coverage as this car gets a new lease on life. Frank
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