This great forum has seen my 1973 Camaro that I have built from an abondoned Camaro to the car that is has now become. I documented the build from my very beginning. The Camaro was a dream of mine since I was a young kid. After my Dad owned a 1974 Camaro and then a 1972 Z28, he purchased a 1965 Corvette that had already experienced a long history of automotive enjoyment. I was 14 years old when he sold the 72 Z28 and purchased the Corvette. That was 30 years ago.
The 1965 Corvette my Dad purchased made him the fourth owner of this amazing car. The original owner special ordered this orginal 1965 Fuel Injected coupe with two other friends that also purchased fuelie Corvettes. Ron, the original owner, picked up the car at the doc and as soon as he got it home, cut the fenders to allow for larger rubber. The original intention for the purchase of this Corvette was to autocross it and enjoy it. Not long after cutting the fenders, flares emerged on the car. The front flares have not changed since the 1960's. The car was also made into a beautiful show car and won many awards, including an award and the famous Oakland Roadster show. Many of the features that made it a show winner are no longer on the car, including the original Fuel Injection (in the garage on the shelf), cad plated suspension (worn off now), and chrome trim. A lot of interior trim and the entire Fuel Injection system were coated in type writer black wrinkle finish. After the original owner enjoyed the car for over 5 years, the second owner continued to autocross the car for another few years. He then sold it to a legend in the Corvette world, Larry Park.
This was one of the first Corvettes he ever owned. This was the very beginning of Park Performance Corvettes. Larry and his wife Pati autocrossed the Corvette very successfully for another handful of years while he grew the Corvette business. Larry also enlarged the rear flares as tire technology allowed for larger rear tires. 15 x 10 fronts with 25.5" x 12" wide Goodyears and 15 x 10 rears with 27" x 12" Goodyears. This combo was run from the late 70's until the present day.
In 1983, my Dad purchased the Corvette with the intention of running a brand new SCCA class called B Street Prepared. This new class was for muscle cars and allowed unlimited sized street tires on a street legal car. Basically, no internal engine mod could be done, suspension must remain stock except for shocks, springs, and sway bars. Flares and governed spoilers could be added. The only thing else open was intake and exhaust. In my opinion, this was the real beginning of Pro-Touring. This is 1983!
In 1984, I was 15 years old, I began driving the car in parking lots. I quickly learned how to drive a clutch and get the car moving. My entire youth was sitting in the passenger seat of all my Dads previous cars and this one, learning how to autocross. I had been at autocrosses since I was 6 years old. Four days after getting my drivers license, I started autocrossing. I have not stopped for 28 years.
Later, I will post some older photos of the car.
This winter, after SEMA and OUSCI, I spent the spare time repainting the car and de-chroming the car. I wanted to give the car a fresh look. It had been 25 years since it has seen fresh paint. I finished the car just about one week prior to RTTC 4. I have only driven the car twice in two years. My Dad ran it a few times at some local autocrosses. I put a fresh coat of red paint, blacked out the trim, and added some custom 18" black wheels.
RTTC 4 was a really fun event and the car performed great. We had a brake caliper - stock - develope and leak. That was replaced on Sunday morning, with the help of James Fields, located one at the local auto parts store. My Dad replaced it at the site and I was able to complete the event and win all of the events. It felt really good to get back in the car after a couple years off and to be able to do it with the help of my Dad. Without him, I would not even be there.
It is because of this Corvette, and the history before it with his two Camaro's, I am where I am today. He is the one that took me to the autocrosses when I was six. He took me for rides when I could not even see over the dash. Autocrossing has kept us together as Father/Son and best friends until this day. It has been the best bonding fun you could ever ask for. This car has been that for the past 30 years and it will continue for a long time.
Here are some photos from this past RTTC 4 and video. Later, I will show older photos and more history of the car.
Brian
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Brian Hobaugh
1965 Corvette
1973 Camaro
2003 Z06
Last edited by 73CPCAMARO; 02-26-2013 at 12:38 AM.
Brian, thanks for sharing your story with us on this site. It was great watching you fly through the cones at Run to the Coast.
I wanted to see a a rear 3/4 shot of the car before the event and I remember you joking that all I'd see was the back of the car during the weekend. We got to go head to head on the autocross elimination, and I just wanted to say, I noticed your two left tail lights are out.
It is because of this Corvette, and the history before it with his two Camaro's, I am where I am today. He is the one that took me to the autocrosses when I was six. He took me for rides when I could not even see over the dash. Autocrossing has kept us together as Father/Son and best friends until this day. It has been the best bonding fun you could ever ask for. This car has been that for the past 30 years and it will continue for a long time.
Respectfully and appreciatively well said Brian.
Two cars and one driver that are iconic in my world, and father and son relationship to envy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt.A
and I just wanted to say, I noticed your two left tail lights are out.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
1965 Corvette - Father / Son Autocross car
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