My '65 Dodge experience, now in 1:18

[SuperJim]

So I'm on the Hot Rod Power Tour for 2011 and it ends in Detroit, MI. I park my car, start to walk around in the light rain, looking at all the cars, as there are still a BUNCH to look at. After a quick hamburger under a tent, I again venture out, as the rain seems to have stopped. I head over toward the big vendor area with all the semi's and displays, and see a Sox & Martin '63 Impala, then a Thunderboldt (can't remember who's) and then I heard this very loud "open headers" sound, of something fairly powerfull coming my way. Then from around the back of a semi comes an altered wheelbase 1965 Dodge Coronet. Oh ya! The Red & White Bud Faubel "The Honker" in person! I scurry over there as can't wait to take a closer look. I remember overhearing my business partner (Scott Dahlberg) talking on the phone to a Jim Kramer, asking him some questions about this car. So I walk over to the drivers side of the car just as Jim is getting out, and introduce myself. We do some small talk then he asks if I would help him take the hood off. Who am I to say no? We lift it off, set it carefully on the roof, then Jim pulls out some "poles" and we set the hood back on the front of the car "raised" a bit. See photo below.



I then decide to ask Jim K a favor, as I had just helped him, right? I asked if it was possible for me to "sit" in the car... and my request was granted! Scott and I had been talking about AWB-AFX cars at work a lot lately, and I had wished for an opportunity like this. And here it was right in front of me. I handed my camera to a friend, and climbed in.



I looked to see if the key was in the ignition, but decided against it. I did sit there a few moments thinking it was 1965... and I was all smiles.

This was a special moment for me, as working (half owner) at Supercar Collectibles, we work with muclecars and drag cars in miniature (1:18 scale) for a living. But to sit in a real one, this rare of a factory race car, was for me over the top.

We did just get word the 1:18 versions we have been working on (1965 Dodges) are headed our way now. We are also doing a Mr Norm car, and 2 Dick Landy cars. I know when the "The Honker" arrives, it will have a special place on my shelf, and a special memory to go with it. Many thanks to Jim K.



http://www.supercar1.com/index.php
LINK to the four 1965 Dodges we are doing in 1:18.

Thanks for the read.

[SuperJim]

Took a few more photo's of the miniature one...

[Magnumcharger]

Very interesting story Jim.
I can appreciate your enthusiasm for the 1965 Dodge Race cars!

I'm a hardcore fanatic for the A990 1965 Dodge Coronets, and in particular, the one raced by John Petrie from 1965-67.
It was known as "Argyles Canadian Highlander", and wasn't an altered wheelbase car, but was a terrific exhibition wheelstander towards the end of Petrie's ownership.
I've been waiting patiently for ANY 1965 Dodge Coronet models to become avaliable, so I could construct a 1/18 scale replica!

It appears that finally the time has come!

[billssuperbird]

jim helped me a  lot with my car. very nice man.

[aussiemuscle]

I asked if it was possible for me to "sit" in the car... and my request was granted!

sitting in a car is cool photo op. i got to 'sit' in this


it's a good thing to visit someone who owns their own Mad Max Interceptor. when he started it up, the whole garage rattled! (460)

[nvrbdn]

cool story. this is another i will have to add to the collection along with that dmcl car.