Author Topic: 50th anniversary of the first Z-28 (Read 113008 times)

Jon Mello · « **on:** December 29, 2011, 11:38:52 PM »

According to a letter between Vince Piggins and Joe Pike in early January 1967, the first Z-28 rolled down the assembly line on December 29th, 1966.
Since today marks the 45th anniversary of that event, here are some photos of the car as it is undergoing restoration back to when it Trans-Am raced.

Photo by Jon Mello

wrongwayron · « **Reply #1 on:** December 30, 2011, 12:56:03 AM »

Happy Birthday AND Beautiful

OCTARD · « **Reply #2 on:** December 30, 2011, 04:04:49 AM »

The first Z/28 is looking great, Jon. Thanks for the photo update.

-Chad

Jon Mello · « **Reply #3 on:** December 30, 2011, 06:27:01 AM »

Thanks guys

mickeystoys69RSSS · « **Reply #4 on:** December 30, 2011, 03:33:09 PM »

Great photos. Thanks for sharing. Is that your car?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #5 on:** December 30, 2011, 04:33:54 PM »

Yes, it is.

mickeystoys69RSSS · « **Reply #6 on:** December 30, 2011, 05:44:18 PM »

Very nice! I can only imagine what it will look like when it is done.

cuda48 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 30, 2011, 06:02:09 PM »

Jon,
That Camaro is beautiful! I've always liked that color combo and the race trim. Can't wait to see it finished.

Camicia

TODD · « **Reply #8 on:** December 31, 2011, 03:18:30 PM »

Jon;
Interesting original safety cage configuration, are you going to vintage race the car or just restore to period correctness, tell us more about the build..pics..pics, Love to see the first Z come back to life!

Jon Mello · « **Reply #9 on:** December 31, 2011, 06:53:17 PM »

Thanks again. The original roll bar was a bolt-in affair. Obviously there is not one bolted in the car at the moment. More stuff will get posted in due time. This was just meant to show the current state of the car and be a quasi-celebration of its 45th "birthday".

MO · « **Reply #10 on:** January 01, 2012, 03:05:09 AM »

Very nice Jon; thanks for sharing. I'll have to remember to celebrate mine on June 12th.

JoeC · « **Reply #11 on:** January 01, 2012, 05:16:51 PM »

looks great

Happy 45th to the Z and Happy New Year to everyone

Jon Mello · « **Reply #12 on:** January 01, 2012, 06:15:57 PM »

Thanks Fred and Joe. Happy New Year to everyone!

MO · « **Reply #13 on:** June 13, 2012, 03:12:44 AM »

Not a T/A race car...but ordering it was inspired by them.

My 06B Birth Certificate.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #14 on:** June 13, 2012, 04:04:31 AM »

Happy birthday to your car, Fred!

MO · « **Reply #15 on:** June 14, 2012, 02:35:15 AM »

Thanks Jon!

firstgenaddict · « **Reply #16 on:** September 29, 2013, 11:13:04 PM »

Quote from: Jon Mello on December 29, 2011, 11:38:52 PM

Photo by Jon Mello

Is the Gold/blk Vroof 67 in front of your car a known car?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #17 on:** September 30, 2013, 04:06:12 AM »

James, the whereabouts of that car is unknown. It was owned by Fred Baker and driven by Charlie Kolb. The car did not
have a vinyl top, the roof was painted black. The stripe color changed to gold on the black roof. I would love to see this
car get found and accounted for but I'm not sure if it ever will be. The car had sponsorship by Hurst shifters and that has
something to do with the chosen color scheme.

Photo by Craig Fisher

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 01, 2014, 08:44:18 PM »

Hey Jon any recent pics of your car? (Happy new year!)

Jon Mello · « **Reply #19 on:** January 01, 2014, 11:52:46 PM »

Here you go.

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 02, 2014, 05:36:59 AM »

I assume the original 302 was long gone, but what other original components did you get with the car?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #21 on:** January 03, 2014, 12:45:02 AM »

The original drivetrain went into the yellow '68 that replaced this car on the track. I know the VIN of that car but have so far been unable to track it down.

Steve Holmes · « **Reply #22 on:** January 03, 2014, 03:15:12 AM »

Wow Jon, that is just beautiful, a real credit to you! And what a hugely significant car. I believe it was one of only 3 or 4 Camaros entered in the first Trans-Am race of the 1967 season?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #23 on:** January 03, 2014, 04:37:45 AM »

Thanks, Steve. Much appreciated. It was one of four Camaros at the first race of the '67 season. The others were driven by Mark Donohue, Craig Fisher, and Joie Chitwood.

Steve Holmes · « **Reply #24 on:** January 03, 2014, 05:46:05 AM »

Jon, what is the race history of this car? I see Johnny Moore ran selected Trans-Am rounds following Daytona and Sebring in 1967, and then he also entered Daytona and Sebring again in 1968 in a Camaro. Were the 1968 events in this car?

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #25 on:** January 03, 2014, 07:22:36 AM »

that is some good info I hope you are able to locate that other car and the motor. How many of the 4 survived?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #26 on:** January 04, 2014, 12:41:24 AM »

My car ran the Daytona 300 Trans-Am, Sebring 4-Hr Trans-Am, won the Cumberland SCCA A-Sedan event, ran the Mid-Ohio Trans-Am, the Paul Revere 250, the Bryar 250 Trans-Am, the Marlboro 300 Trans-Am and, as its finale, it ran in the '68 Daytona 24-hr. It was put back to a street car after that and the yellow '68 that the team purchased replaced my car on the track.

My car and the Craig Fisher car still exist. The Donohue car went to Europe and the trail goes cold after about 1970. No idea whether it survives or not. The Chitwood car may still survive. I still have some homework to do on that one.

MyRed67 · « **Reply #27 on:** January 10, 2014, 05:52:04 AM »

Congrats Jon! Doing a fine job with the car and history.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #28 on:** January 10, 2014, 05:25:40 PM »

Thanks for the compliment, Mike.

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 18, 2014, 03:28:24 AM »

Hey Jon,

Question I noticed your in your vintage pics your car has the spoiler and the gold hurst car did not. When did this option become available? if it was beneficial it seems like both cars would have run it right?

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 10, 2014, 08:12:50 PM »

Do you know the date that pic was taken?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #31 on:** March 11, 2014, 01:33:03 PM »

The picture was taken March 31, 1967. The spoiler was not really available in '67 but there may have been a few made by GM that were given to a few select racers. In some instances, some racers made their own. Bob Tucker, who built Joie Chitwood's Camaro, told me he was supplied with a blueprint for the spoiler prior to Daytona (late January '67) and he built it out of wood using the blueprint as a guide for the dimensions.

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #32 on:** March 11, 2014, 02:54:29 PM »

thats a cool story. So there might be a wood one out there somewhere still? I am somewhat surprised with all the custom work the hot rodders were doing back then that he wouldn't of choose fiberglass. So it sounds like a spoiler on a 67, in 67 isn't unheard of, it just wouldn't have left the factory with one?

ko-lek-tor · « **Reply #33 on:** March 11, 2014, 02:57:27 PM »

Jon, I have been wanting to ask, are you putting that 1/4 mounted gas cap back on? Looks like you are creating the "as raced" look.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #34 on:** March 12, 2014, 02:48:47 AM »

Correct, no factory installed spoilers in '67 on a regular production Camaro.

Yes, I plan on putting on the flip-top gas cap and it is being restored as it was when it raced.

1968RSZ28 · « **Reply #35 on:** March 26, 2014, 12:38:39 AM »

Jon, is this your car back in the day?

https://revslib.stanford.edu/catalog/wq271fn2727

https://revslib.stanford.edu/catalog/tr895wf7018

Paul

Jon Mello · « **Reply #36 on:** March 26, 2014, 01:43:26 AM »

Yes, it is! Thanks for posting those links.

1968RSZ28 · « **Reply #37 on:** March 26, 2014, 03:02:36 AM »

No problem, Jon. Take a look at that website when you get time, because there are a few more photos of your car...

https://revslib.stanford.edu/catalog/rd348sr8929

Paul

firstgenaddict · « **Reply #38 on:** March 28, 2014, 03:50:24 PM »

Here is a 67 Penkse car with a SS hood and 68 grille, is this one of the cars that went to Europe.

https://purl.stanford.edu/rq468vm2515

firstgenaddict · « **Reply #39 on:** March 28, 2014, 04:11:19 PM »

There are many cars in this collection I have not seen, or have not seen in the color configurations pictured.
Many 67 Camaro's some with 68 front ends.

https://revslib.stanford.edu/catalog/st220xw3375

https://revslib.stanford.edu/catalog/dr003qk0046

Jon Mello · « **Reply #40 on:** March 29, 2014, 03:10:54 PM »

Quote from: firstgenaddict on March 28, 2014, 03:50:24 PM

Here is a 67 Penkse car with a SS hood and 68 grille, is this one of the cars that went to Europe.

https://purl.stanford.edu/rq468vm2515

That is the car that Donohue drove in the race as #15 so the photo must be taken during a practice session. This car went to Terry Godsall's team in Canada after this.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #41 on:** July 04, 2014, 05:24:36 AM »

NCRS document showing the 12-29-66 production date and Aero Chevrolet. (Jon Mello Collection)

MO · « **Reply #42 on:** July 05, 2014, 03:16:32 AM »

Jon,

My official production date is 6/14/67. Doesn't exactly match my UOIT. No surprises otherwise.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #43 on:** July 05, 2014, 04:40:15 AM »

That's pretty interesting, Fred. Maybe on the UOIT it was when it was started and on the NCRS docs, it's when it was finished.

MO · « **Reply #44 on:** July 06, 2014, 05:43:12 PM »

Thant's what I was thinking.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #45 on:** December 29, 2014, 09:01:59 PM »

12-29-14 is the car's 48th anniversary of being built. I took a couple of pics earlier today.

Mike S · « **Reply #46 on:** December 29, 2014, 09:11:45 PM »

I like the gold and black stripe combo. Looks like a new paint job?

Mike

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #47 on:** December 29, 2014, 10:35:00 PM »

I really like your car Jon. Seeing as it was a race car, it really doesn't look that far from being done if you are going to return it to the race version it was back in the day. Have you had any more luck trying to locate any info on the original motor?

1109RWHP · « **Reply #48 on:** December 30, 2014, 12:44:14 AM »

Looks great. Are they the new Coker repro tires?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #49 on:** December 30, 2014, 01:55:42 AM »

Thanks. Yes, it is a new lacquer paint job. I tried years ago to locate the car that got my original engine but did have not have any luck. Yes, the tires are the new Cokers. Same style as it raced on back in the day.

MO · « **Reply #50 on:** December 30, 2014, 04:33:14 AM »

Looking great Jon!! Thanks for posting the anniversary pics!!

Jon Mello · « **Reply #51 on:** December 30, 2014, 05:06:26 AM »

Thanks, Fred. Glad you enjoyed the pics.

VINCE Z28 · « **Reply #52 on:** December 30, 2014, 02:27:59 PM »

Jon great looking car, are you keeping the rear spoiler on, looks like it's off in the last pictures.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #53 on:** December 30, 2014, 04:03:24 PM »

Thanks, Vince. I am basically restoring the car to as it last raced so it will have the spoiler on it, although I personally like a '67 without spoilers. I may paint up an extra trunk lid without one.

ta22 · « **Reply #54 on:** December 30, 2014, 04:07:58 PM »

Stunning car, Jon....cant wait to see it in person.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #55 on:** December 31, 2014, 04:06:46 AM »

Thanks, Gary!

70L34 · « **Reply #56 on:** December 31, 2014, 06:22:13 AM »

Very nice. What size TTs are those?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #57 on:** December 31, 2014, 04:07:41 PM »

Thanks, Tony. They're 15x7s.

Steve Holmes · « **Reply #58 on:** January 01, 2015, 12:12:08 AM »

Wow Jon, outstanding effort! That looks absolutely beautiful! I know its been a hard slog, but you're getting close now.

Don't those Firestone Indy tires just finish it off perfectly. I know they're a bit more pricey, but to my mind they really complete the look.

Its a bit of a shame Goodyear Bluestreaks don't have the small writing and blue stripe on them. They were a great look tire too.

6667ss138 · « **Reply #59 on:** January 01, 2015, 02:14:44 AM »

Very cool Jon, I love that car!

Jon Mello · « **Reply #60 on:** January 01, 2015, 06:59:35 AM »

Thanks, guys. I do really like the looks of the Firestones with the original style gold lettering and stripes. They compliment the rest of the car very nicely. While my car used the Goodyear Bluestreaks for its first few races, it did switch over to Firestones for the later part of '67 and early '68 and that's the timeframe that I'm restoring it to.

maroman · « **Reply #61 on:** January 01, 2015, 01:46:35 PM »

Any plans to show it in AACA race car class, Jon? Hershey would be a good place, hint hint.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #62 on:** January 01, 2015, 04:08:49 PM »

I haven't thought that far ahead, Doug.

firstgenaddict · « **Reply #63 on:** January 12, 2015, 03:29:47 PM »

Are you going to have it at the Monterey Historics this year? I am planning on attending this year.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #64 on:** January 13, 2015, 04:22:48 AM »

I plan on attending but doubt I will have the car there.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #65 on:** August 03, 2015, 09:53:18 PM »

I will have the car at the Monterey Historics this year, just on display, not going to race it. For those coming to the track, stop in and say hello.

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #66 on:** August 03, 2015, 10:41:59 PM »

So does that mean it is getting near completion?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #67 on:** August 04, 2015, 03:18:24 AM »

Yes, that's what it means.

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #68 on:** August 04, 2015, 04:21:54 AM »

Awesome, congrats Jon. I know it was a long time coming.

Hopefully you can take some pics at Monterey.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #69 on:** August 04, 2015, 01:33:06 PM »

Too long coming but it is what it is. Yes, I will post some pics from Monterey after the event.

MO · « **Reply #70 on:** August 05, 2015, 04:03:38 AM »

Congrats Jon. I know it was worth the wait!

cook_dw · « **Reply #71 on:** August 05, 2015, 12:50:31 PM »

Quote from: Jon Mello on August 04, 2015, 01:33:06 PM

Too long coming but it is what it is. Yes, I will post some pics from Monterey after the event.

Post LOTS of PICS!!!

Jon Mello · « **Reply #72 on:** August 05, 2015, 08:33:29 PM »

Thanks, Fred.

Don't worry, DW.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #73 on:** August 21, 2015, 02:59:33 AM »

Here are some pics of the (finally) completed car, most of which are from Laguna Seca last week.

Here's Johnny Moore's daughter Kelly. She was born in 1972 and never saw the car but heard stories about it from her dad. She and her siblings grew up with the pedal
car shown which was painted and lettered by the guy who did the car originally. Kelly was kind enough to let me borrow the pedal car for the week.

Yours truly in the catbird seat.

Here's Dennis Jones hand lettering the car. He did a great job.

Mike Joy and crew did a nice video on the car which will air on Fox on September 26th.

Many thanks to Matt Medina of Medina Motorsports for rolling out the red carpet for my daughter and me all week. That's Matt with the pedal car.

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #74 on:** August 21, 2015, 04:14:29 AM »

Very cool Jon. Congrats on staying the course and getting her to the event. I look forward to seeing you behind the wheel at a track in the future.

169INDY · « **Reply #75 on:** August 21, 2015, 04:35:29 AM »

Awesome! Z28 Gold!

Jim

cook_dw · « **Reply #76 on:** August 21, 2015, 10:53:12 AM »

Very cool.. Car looks great man.. Congrats!!

69pace · « **Reply #77 on:** August 21, 2015, 11:08:06 AM »

I love these types of postings. Congratulations!

PURESS · « **Reply #78 on:** August 21, 2015, 11:13:29 AM »

Thank you for preserving history...you should get an honorary doctorate for your work!

Scott

Jon Mello · « **Reply #79 on:** August 21, 2015, 01:25:27 PM »

Thanks, guys. I really appreciate the compliments. It was a long time getting to this point.

Trans Åm · « **Reply #80 on:** August 21, 2015, 10:05:56 PM »

Does on have to purchase some special VIP package to get back to where your car and the Alan Green car are sitting so you can see 'em up close? Love the simplicity of the interior and engine bay. Is the engine a DZ, or a destroked 350?

Steve Holmes · « **Reply #81 on:** August 21, 2015, 10:26:12 PM »

Wow, just outstanding Jon, great effort!

MO · « **Reply #82 on:** August 22, 2015, 02:34:50 AM »

Truly amazing Jon! What a great job you did!

ko-lek-tor · « **Reply #83 on:** August 22, 2015, 02:56:15 AM »

Jon, so glad you are the care taker of this truly historic and amazing car. I love the history and the research you have put into early Z's. I am left breathless after seeing the progress you have made. I cannot think of a better person to take care of this car. Kudos!

Jon Mello · « **Reply #84 on:** August 22, 2015, 05:46:31 AM »

Thanks again to all. As for seeing the cars at the races, I think you pay about $40/day for full access to all the race cars. The original MO block for my car went into the '68 Camaro that replaced it on the race track. I have an original MO block from one of the early Yenko Zs (Bud Gates' race car) but installed a dated 657 block that was decked (no numbers) instead.

cook_dw · « **Reply #85 on:** August 23, 2015, 12:07:49 AM »

Now for the big question.. You gonna eventually take that car around a track in the near future? If you need a driver.... Just sayin'...

maroman · « **Reply #86 on:** August 23, 2015, 12:14:27 AM »

Jon, you are late for Hershey registration this year. MAYBE next year?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #87 on:** August 23, 2015, 02:37:08 AM »

Darrell, I'm not going to race it in the near future. I want to show it while it still looks good but there are a lot of people who have told me they want to see it on the track.

I got a nice write-up in the local paper. Resident displaying first-ever Z-28.

http://lompocrecord.com/news/local/lompoc-resident-displaying-restored-first-ever-camaro-z/article_aadd4d53-5be0-5442-b9bd-c003049abf76.html

http://lompocrecord.com/news/local/gallery-chevy-s-first-z--camaro-restored-in-lompoc/collection_6a12de8f-2e40-5ee4-bf6e-fe198f0dced0.html#0

maroman · « **Reply #88 on:** August 23, 2015, 11:56:42 AM »

This car found the right owner! Congrats, Jon.

janobyte · « **Reply #89 on:** August 23, 2015, 12:38:23 PM »

nice article

Jon Mello · « **Reply #90 on:** August 23, 2015, 04:08:50 PM »

Thank you. Not sure if I will go to Hershey next year, Doug. I guess we'll see when the time comes.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #91 on:** August 23, 2015, 04:46:32 PM »

Jon,

I'm curious about a statement that occurred in both articles you linked... "The car was built in 1966 as a race car and sold to a VW dealer in Virginia." ... I don't understand the significance to a 'VW dealer in Virginia'... What time frame was that? Did you buy it from the VW dealer after it was traded in? OR was the original purchaser of the car a 'vw dealer'?? OR?

Gary

Trans Åm · « **Reply #92 on:** August 23, 2015, 05:43:39 PM »

Quote

“And it’s too loud to be driving around on the street,” he added with a laugh.

Nonsense, absolute nonsense.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #93 on:** August 23, 2015, 06:48:14 PM »

Gary,

The original purchaser was a VW/Porsche dealer from Arlington, VA and he ordered the car back in 1966. I never bought it from a VW dealer. Sorry if that got a little confusing.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #94 on:** August 23, 2015, 06:50:00 PM »

Quote from: Trans Åm on August 23, 2015, 05:43:39 PM

Quote
“And it’s too loud to be driving around on the street,” he added with a laugh.

Nonsense, absolute nonsense.

OK, you got me.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #95 on:** August 23, 2015, 07:46:39 PM »

Quote from: Jon Mello on August 23, 2015, 06:48:14 PM

Gary,

The original purchaser was a VW/Porsche dealer from Arlington, VA and he ordered the car back in 1966. I never bought it from a VW dealer. Sorry if that got a little confusing.

Thanks Jon...

Then is it more accurate to say the original purchaser was a Chevy/racer/Camaro fan 'who happened to own a VW/Porsche dealership'?? (since I can't imagine a VW dealership purchasing a new Chevrolet to sell on their lot!)..

Jon Mello · « **Reply #96 on:** August 23, 2015, 08:21:42 PM »

Yes Gary, that would be more accurate, which is not to suggest that he didn't like VWs or Porsches either. Mr Heishman also had a Butternut Yellow '67 Z-28 street car briefly which can be read about in this thread http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=8407.0

He also had a '69 race car that you will appreciate. A Hugger Orange Z/28 RS that he raced in the A/Sedan class and IMSA.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #97 on:** August 23, 2015, 09:42:36 PM »

Thanks Jon!~ that was an interesting read.. not sure how I missed that one in the past!

note: I also raced against another butternut yellow '67 Z28 in early 1970...

.. but it was at a drag strip on Dauphin Island (south of Mobile AL)... we both ran in the 'G/SS' class (strictly stock).. and I usually nipped him thru the quarter..

PS. Any idea what happened to his orange '69 Z28 racer (#74??)...

Jon Mello · « **Reply #98 on:** August 23, 2015, 10:11:17 PM »

Gary, I heard it was sold to somebody who put it back as a street car. Unfortunately it's not known what became of it after that.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #99 on:** September 02, 2016, 02:33:09 AM »

For those who may not have seen it elsewhere, they have made a model of my Camaro...

http://www.diecastsociety.com/acme-chevrolets-1st-ever-z28-camaro/

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #100 on:** September 02, 2016, 04:02:49 AM »

Extremely neat, Jon!!

but we need to correct the subject line... 50th Anniversary..

Jon Mello · « **Reply #101 on:** September 02, 2016, 04:07:31 AM »

Not quite there yet for this car but will be on 12-29-16.

X66 · « **Reply #102 on:** September 02, 2016, 04:54:20 AM »

Wow Jon what a thrill it must be for you to be bringing this car back to as raced condition. This is such a significant car for our Camaro hobby. I am amazed this car survived and am very happy to see it being brought back to life as a race car. I feel honored that you would share this restoration us. Please keep sending pictures and good luck.

maroman · « **Reply #103 on:** September 02, 2016, 11:08:37 AM »

The RIGHT guy owns it!

Jon Mello · « **Reply #104 on:** September 02, 2016, 01:08:14 PM »

Thanks guys!

wrongwayron · « **Reply #105 on:** September 02, 2016, 01:18:24 PM »

Jon: Congrates. Been a lot it on FaceBook recently. Ron

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #106 on:** September 02, 2016, 01:55:13 PM »

Very cool. Hope it is a good representation of the original. I have purchased different die cast over the years, and seems like it doesn't matter how much you pay from a lot to a little, the details can be way off.

wrongwayron · « **Reply #107 on:** September 03, 2016, 01:32:55 PM »

Not a real excuse for the model makers: but, 20 years ago it cost about $25,000, or more, to bring a single model to market, regardless of scale. At that price it is wonder they remember to put four wheels on anything, let alone represent details.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #108 on:** September 03, 2016, 02:15:01 PM »

I don't particularly care for how they have the rear spoiler mounted and there might be a couple of other things that I wish were different but they had to work with existing tooling and, overall, I would say I'm pleased with it.

I'm not a facebook guy, Ron. Is there a particular search you do to find stuff like that?

wrongwayron · « **Reply #109 on:** September 04, 2016, 10:41:30 AM »

You luck into a model marketing show and listen. Just part of the junk that floats around in my mind. Some escapes, some get lost, the rest just bounce around in there.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #110 on:** September 04, 2016, 04:24:42 PM »

Ron, the stuff that escapes probably feels lucky.

wrongwayron · « **Reply #111 on:** September 04, 2016, 06:21:47 PM »

firstgenaddict · « **Reply #112 on:** September 05, 2016, 09:28:29 PM »

Jon is the story about how you found it (IIRC you were inspecting car for someone else when they didn't want it, you had asked if they minded if you pursued the car) posted in this thread?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #113 on:** September 07, 2016, 01:38:36 PM »

James, the story is at the beginning of this link...

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/97117/1

firstgenaddict · « **Reply #114 on:** September 17, 2016, 06:20:19 PM »

My sense of time has really gotten crazy off since getting into my 40's...

WOW 12 years ago... STILL a great read!!!

janobyte · « **Reply #115 on:** September 18, 2016, 11:16:14 AM »

Quote from: firstgenaddict on September 17, 2016, 06:20:19 PM

My sense of time has really gotten crazy off since getting into my 40's...

WOW 12 years ago... STILL a great read!!!

Yup, I turn 50 this November. Noticed I'm starting to get a little slower while time passes by quicker.

It was a wonderful twist of fate such a significant car ended up in Mr. Mello's position.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #116 on:** September 18, 2016, 10:51:31 PM »

Quote from: firstgenaddict on September 17, 2016, 06:20:19 PM

WOW 12 years ago... STILL a great read!!!

Wow, I didn't remember it being that long ago and I wrote it.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #117 on:** September 28, 2016, 03:38:10 PM »

The car made it onto the MSN webpage today.

MSN article

It will be in the December issue of Muscle Car Review magazine.

Steve Holmes · « **Reply #118 on:** September 28, 2016, 08:10:11 PM »

Quote from: Jon Mello on September 28, 2016, 03:38:10 PM

The car made it onto the MSN webpage today.

MSN article

It will be in the December issue of Muscle Car Review magazine.

Wow, those photos are gorgeous Jon! Did they send you digital copies to keep?

Trans Åm · « **Reply #119 on:** September 28, 2016, 11:41:39 PM »

I agree, best photo's so far.

mdz · « **Reply #120 on:** September 29, 2016, 12:32:27 AM »

Great story Jon , and a lot of hard work,you should be very proud.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #121 on:** September 29, 2016, 03:07:33 AM »

Many thanks, guys. I do appreciate it.

It's on the HOTROD magazine website also.

JoeC · « **Reply #122 on:** September 29, 2016, 10:53:10 AM »

congratulations Jon Great Job on the car and the history

Ron C. · « **Reply #123 on:** September 29, 2016, 11:35:41 AM »

Yes congrats Jon the car looks great!! Very nice restoration on a piece of automotive history.

Jon check out this link > https://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2016/09/07/restored-1967-camaro-z28-rs-takes-best-in-show-at-musclepalooza-xxiv/comment-page-1/#comment-10071931

Jon Mello · « **Reply #124 on:** September 29, 2016, 02:29:38 PM »

Thanks to you both.

Ron, your red car looks great and it's nice to see it get some press. I'd like to see your cars in person someday. You always do a nice job on them.

Ron C. · « **Reply #125 on:** September 29, 2016, 09:01:43 PM »

Thanks Jon, Maybe I can get to MCACN next year.The only thing about that is its in November and there could be snow or ice on the road which makes me very nervous LOL.

VINCE Z28 · « **Reply #126 on:** September 29, 2016, 09:10:29 PM »

Jon great looking car, what are those chrome things on the doors?. Vince

Trans Åm · « **Reply #127 on:** September 30, 2016, 12:54:02 AM »

Quote from: VINCE Z28 on September 29, 2016, 09:10:29 PM

Jon great looking car, what are those chrome things on the doors?. Vince

Those are lights used to illuminate the number, fun idea considering it ran Paul Revere/Daytona.

Jon, I know it wouldn't be correct, but have you considered running Daisy's on it? Man that'd look awesome.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #128 on:** September 30, 2016, 04:16:20 AM »

The 200-S Daisy mags are nice but I'll stick with what it originally ran.

Ron, I'll drive your truck and trailer for you next year. Everything will be fine.

(yes, the chrome things are lights to illuminate the numbers for night racing)

kgu · « **Reply #129 on:** October 01, 2016, 12:17:04 AM »

Beautiful car Jon, congratulations on completing the restoration of an important piece of history. You make us all proud.
Ken

Jon Mello · « **Reply #130 on:** October 01, 2016, 02:36:12 AM »

Truly appreciated, Ken. Thank you very much.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #131 on:** December 14, 2016, 02:37:57 AM »

Got my model in the mail yesterday!

maroman · « **Reply #132 on:** December 14, 2016, 05:54:00 AM »

KILLER!!

camaroboy68ss · « **Reply #133 on:** December 14, 2016, 08:15:23 PM »

sweet die cast and loved reading the article in the Muscle Car Review. Awesome restoration. Really like the details the were used only on the endurance setups, like the light for the number, over a typical trans am setup.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #134 on:** December 29, 2016, 10:52:09 PM »

The 50th anniversary of my Z-28 is today. I'm sure glad I got it done in time.

My Yenko Z-28 engine from the Bud Gates Trans-Am car will turn 50 tomorrow. Well, actually the car would be 50 but the engine was built 12-20-66.

I sent the original owner, Hugh Heishman, one of these, which he really enjoyed.

maroman · « **Reply #135 on:** December 29, 2016, 11:42:17 PM »

I don't see room for your signature on the box!

Jon Mello · « **Reply #136 on:** November 23, 2017, 08:57:46 PM »

I took the car to the MCACN muscle car show in the Chicago area last week where it was on display with a large group of other '67 Z-28s that I rounded up for the show. We had a total of 12 show up, the largest gathering of these cars that I am aware of. It was a great time. I hope some of you were able to attend the show.

Lou Costabile took a video of me with the car at MCACN. There is a short part where you can't hear me very well but overall it turned out well. It may be the last show I do with the car as I would like to sell it and move on to other projects.

https://youtu.be/ACcDrakJbfo

1109RWHP · « **Reply #137 on:** November 24, 2017, 01:42:03 AM »

The white 67 with the lettering on the doors is my buddy's car. Was raced from new by the dealer. Mostly original paint.

MO · « **Reply #138 on:** November 24, 2017, 04:33:29 AM »

Great to see that many together. Nice job putting that showcase together Jon!

Jon Mello · « **Reply #139 on:** November 24, 2017, 04:57:21 AM »

Thanks, Fred. I wish we could have had your car there too.

Joe Buono has the white one. Great guy and lots of fun to be around.

Trans Åm · « **Reply #140 on:** November 24, 2017, 06:44:06 AM »

Jon that is a fantastic turnout of cars, I wish I were there because I know the pictures don't do the occasion justice, not to mention I missed out on all the great folks who keep 'em up.

I am genuinely surprised to hear you may sell her, I figured you'd own it forever! Will make someone very happy for sure. Wonderful piece of history, and thanks again for sharing.

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #141 on:** November 24, 2017, 05:46:58 PM »

A great car. Love the way you restored it back to its glory days. Hoping we will see it on the track/road in the future.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #142 on:** November 24, 2017, 07:01:28 PM »

Thanks, guys. Here's an article on the show as seen on the MSN webpage.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/highlights-from-the-muscle-car-and-corvette-nationals/ar-BBFyn5A?li=BBnb4R5

janobyte · « **Reply #143 on:** November 24, 2017, 11:16:11 PM »

Such a significant vehicle.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #144 on:** November 25, 2017, 04:21:16 AM »

Thanks. It has been a privilege to own it and to get it restored.

67 rss · « **Reply #145 on:** November 28, 2017, 11:04:38 PM »

Car looks good Jon...you have come a long way...I saw the collectible offered the other day in Cali car cover and was thinking about you...I enjoyed the video.

What to do with them once they are done is a challenge- mine gets out to a local Concours once a year, some years a bit more use.

Yours may be a bit noisy for that...congratulations!

Lane

Jon Mello · « **Reply #146 on:** November 29, 2017, 02:37:07 AM »

Thanks, Lane. I hear the model is in the Summit catalog, the Speedway Motors catalog and a few other places as well. The car itself is a real noise maker with the unmuffled side pipes. I made a second exhaust system with mufflers for it but prefer to show the car with the exhaust system it raced with.

Coverage of the MCACN show as seen on the MSN webpage. Pretty cool yet humbling that the first 8 pics are of my car. There were a ton of really awesome cars there.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/classic-cars/rarest-of-the-rare-muscle-cars-unite-under-one-roof/ar-BBG1GEs?li=BBnb7Kz

Trans Åm · « **Reply #147 on:** November 29, 2017, 03:48:27 AM »

Quote from: Jon Mello on November 29, 2017, 02:37:07 AM

.... but prefer to show the car with the exhaust system it raced with.

atta boy Jon.

Compromise/eardrums is for suckers, anyway.

firstgenaddict · « **Reply #148 on:** May 21, 2019, 01:35:23 AM »

Quote from: 69Z28-RS on August 23, 2015, 09:42:36 PM

Thanks Jon!~ that was an interesting read.. not sure how I missed that one in the past!

note: I also raced against another butternut yellow '67 Z28 in early 1970... .. but it was at a drag strip on Dauphin Island (south of Mobile AL)... we both ran in the 'G/SS' class (strictly stock).. and I usually nipped him thru the quarter..

PS. Any idea what happened to his orange '69 Z28 racer (#74??)...

Wow a drag strip on Dauphin Island? One of my customers used to live on Dauphin.

group/7 · « **Reply #149 on:** September 29, 2021, 04:22:58 PM »

A bit off topic

Jon, I believe this is your former car at the fall Classic at Mt. Tremblant, St. Jovite the weekend of Sept. 25th-26th 2021.

Mike

MO · « **Reply #150 on:** September 29, 2021, 09:43:03 PM »

Looks more like a tribute car.

group/7 · « **Reply #151 on:** September 30, 2021, 01:47:35 AM »

MO, looking at it again, I think you're right, no vent windows for starters.

Mike

crossboss · « **Reply #152 on:** October 01, 2021, 04:23:05 AM »

Two things I see 'wrong': the paint looks blotchy, and the wheels appear to be Bart oval track NASCAR versions. Those would NOT be on a T/A car. Jon, do you agree?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #153 on:** October 02, 2021, 08:19:21 PM »

Lots of details that aren't the same. Tribute car for sure and definitely not Trans-Am type wheels.

Trans Åm · « **Reply #154 on:** October 07, 2021, 12:17:07 AM »

I don't mean to be too negative but I'd be heartbroken to know somebody altered Jon's car in such a way. Jon you did a fantastic job on your car while you had it. Fantastic car for sure.

Jon Mello · « **Reply #155 on:** October 07, 2021, 12:52:29 AM »

Thanks, Nick. Before I bought and then eventually restored my gold Z, it was a car whose history was forgotten and not cared about. After I did it, some models got made, various articles were done, it made it into a few books, and now somebody has done kind of a clone or tribute car of it (with an obviously different number on it). I'm glad to see the car and its history get a little more attention.

Oldtimer · « **Reply #156 on:** October 07, 2021, 01:50:08 AM »

Quote from: Jon Mello on October 07, 2021, 12:52:29 AM

Thanks, Nick. Before I bought and then eventually restored my gold Z, it was a car whose history was forgotten and not cared about. After I did it, some models got made, various articles were done, it made it into a few books, and now somebody has done kind of a clone or tribute car of it (with an obviously different number on it). I'm glad to see the car and its history get a little more attention.

Can I respectfully ask how close this 1/18 scale diecast model got?

https://camarostoreonline.com/products/first-ever-1967-chevrolet-camaro-z-28-4-50th-anniversary-limited-edition-to-700pcs-1-18-die-cast-model-car-by-acme?gclid=CjwKCAjwkvWKBhB4EiwA-GHjFkl8XJdyohP3Zly4aAvgbBN9EoiRVtIQeLa4mv44sAW3GobD33o2fxoC51cQAvD_BwE

Jon Mello · « **Reply #157 on:** October 08, 2021, 12:28:00 PM »

How close it got to accuracy with the real car?

Oldtimer · « **Reply #158 on:** October 08, 2021, 05:54:05 PM »

Quote from: Jon Mello on October 08, 2021, 12:28:00 PM

How close it got to accuracy with the real car?

Yes.

Plus, did they consult with you when they were doing their design and pre-production versions?

Jon Mello · « **Reply #159 on:** October 10, 2021, 06:16:50 PM »

Yes, they did consult with me and I sent them pictures of a lot of details including the lettering. It's not too bad but the worst part of the car is the rear. The tail light protrude too much and the rear spoiler is not at the back of the deck lid like it should be. It's still nice enough looking and I have it on my desk at work.

News:

Author Topic: 50th anniversary of the first Z-28 (Read 113008 times)