1961 Chevrolet Impala: Dan Gurney’s American Export

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SavePetroliciousPublished on Apr 9, 2019The words “Chevy Impala" don’t tend to have motorsport connotations for most people, but that didn’t stop Dan Gurney from ordering one from the factory in police specification with an aim to take it racing in England. He’d been watching Jaguars dominate the British saloon car series and thought he could put the big Chevy above them on the podiums, so after rebuilding the motor to his liking Mr. Gurney sent his Impala across the Atlantic and proceeded to whoop the competition… for almost one full race. The Impala was leading in its debut before a wheel failure, and upon its return to the grid in the next race was banned from the series. It’s a lesser-known project from a man who earned a laundry list of racing success, but thanks to its current owner Ed Foster, its brief but inspiring underdog story is still being shared today. See the photoshoot and read more here: https://petro.li/GurneyImpalaGallery

 

#GoodwoodRevival

Dan Gurney’s Chevrolet Impala: The Car's Return (1/4)

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SaveGoodwood Road & RacingPublished on Sep 6, 2018A stunning Chevrolet Impala raced by Dan Gurney in 1961 has been restored and is returning to Goodwood for the first time. Hear about its journey. #GoodwoodRevival

 

Dan Gurney’s Chevrolet Impala: The Restoration (2/4)

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Goodwood Road & RacingPublished on Sep 13, 2018Join the restoration of the Chevrolet Impala Dan Gurney raced, bringing American power to British saloon car racing. #GoodwoodRevival

 

Dan Gurney’s Chevrolet Impala: Road to Silverstone (3/4)

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Goodwood Road & RacingPublished on Sep 20, 2018Watch the journey Dan Gurney's classic Chevrolet Impala took from restoration to the legendary Silverstone race track, where it returned to complete its final two laps.

 

Dan Gurney’s Chevrolet Impala: The Goodwood Revival (4/4)

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Goodwood Road & RacingPublished on Sep 28, 2018Get a unique look at Revival weekend along with the Impala Dan Gurney brought to take on the British saloon cars of the '60s.

 

Dean Ossiander I met Dan Gurney an Skip Hudson about 1997 at a motorcycle event I was working .. at first I was speechless because I recognized him immediately .. I never thought I would ever see him or talk to him .. very polite and unassuming .. a real American hero considering all that he accomplished .. I saw him again a few years ago and he was in a wheelchair .. he looked and acted the same gentleman ..... ciao

 

D Ward Gurney made a one-race comeback in a 1980 NASCAR event at Riverside, CA. He was running near the front when his transmission failed. Now I'm wondering whether that car still exists! Cheers, Ed!

 

Dario Franchitti drives '60s Chevrolet Impala raced by Dan Gurney

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Goodwood Road & RacingPublished on Sep 11, 2018Watch as Dan Gurney's legendary Chevrolet Impala takes to the Goodwood circuit, driven by Dario Franchitti no less!

 

velocitŕ If you are not a gear head (petrol head) then all of this is lost on you. The car is nearly 60 years old now with ancient technology, but we gear heads are immediately transported back in time in these old race cars. Kudos to all the great Brit mechanics who restored her and for bringing her home to Silverstone. As the gent said at the end the Brits just love to see a good race....amen!

 

Yes I'm aware that the engine size in the Chevy was huge...a bit of advantage.
But Dan Gurney did not make the rules, he was just a racer.
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These days, the organizers would make you carry enough weight
that the Jaguars would always win.... lo