X-51 spotted at Pleasanton (pics)

couple of shots, it's still in excellent condition.




A

 

Okay, I admit it... I have no idea what I'm looking at.

It's purdy, but what the hell is it?

 

This...



Mutt

 

Hell yes I remember it. I loved it in the little pages. I dreamed all my life of going to southern California where all the hot rods were.(I was there in the service but never saw any hot rods) I finally flew out for the L.A. Roadster show about 6 years ago. As I was pulling into the fairgrounds the X-51 came around the corner the other way. I almost ran off the road. I had never seen it since it's magazine days. Maybe 40 years but I knew exactly what it was. To me it is a milestone car.

 

=Gotcha... cool

 

one more pic, front view.

 

Hey Mike, Thanks for posting the great pics!
I remember when it was in the magazines. It was a pretty radical custom then. In my opinion, the fins are still a little bit much for me but on the other hand, they were putting the big fins on lots of stuff then. It really had a great section job done on it. I don't remember who built it. I agree, it sure is a milestone custom!

 

hey its originally from mcminville oregon, right up the street from me. however I was not even bornn when the car was around here. I wonder who built it? Kinda looks like a Bill Hines job doesnt it.

 

Neat car. Considering how radical its style is, it has held up well over the years.

 

Car was built by Ron Courtney in the Portland, OR area and restored by Bob Page from the Sacramento area years ago. In 1990 when I started the Sisters, OR Custom Car run Bob brought the X-51 up. Man! What a surprise. An added note.........when he finished the restoration, Bob drove the car to Courney's house and gave him the keys and told him to take a spin.
Mike

 

Used to see that coupe on Portland streets as it was built in the late 50s. Had deeply tunneled tailites before the FINS. Went from mild to wild!! First set of narrow white wall tires I ever saw!!......OLDBEET

 

I thought Bill Hines had some involvement in that car?

The hunch back, cigar chomping, lead master.

 

No cigar smoke around the X-51. I would bet that your thinkin' of 'Lil Bat, Bill's 51 Ford that was black with gold scallops.
Mike

 

I saw it at Americruise in Lincoln, NE about 10 (or more) years ago. I remember being amazed that it was still around.

VERY cool !

 

There is a little feature in Rod & Custom - December 1997 called “Trophy Taker.” Says Page restored the X-51 and added a 75 Camaro front clip and a 350/350 set-up. When it was built the section was 5” and the fins were completely hand-fabed.

 

not a fan of the car, but that dash is way cool.