Where are the SR2's
09-23-2005, 08:30 AM
#1
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Where are the SR2's
In 1957, Chevrolet made a few SR2s for racing. These were racing-only cars with a big fin that was an extension of the driver's head rest. Some of these cars still exist and show up at the Monterrey race and other places. Does anyone know where these cars are kept or displayed? I'm thinking about building a SR2 replica from an aftermarket '57 body, a GM crate engine, 5-speed, and a tube frame.
09-25-2005, 08:32 PM
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I do know of one of the SR2's. It is located near Reno, Nevada. You might contact the Reno Corvettes. Someone there will know who the owner is and may help you contact him. I don't know how private he is.
09-25-2005, 09:45 PM
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There were FOUR SR2s, but, it was generally believed and accepted that there were only 3. Not so, there were 4. AND ALL 4 ARE ALIVE AND WELL TODAY!!!
The first was built specifically for Jerry Earl who was the son of Harley Earl, Head of GM styling. It was built as a low fin SR2 (in the center of the trunk lid) and later modified with a high fin behind the driver. It was built from a production 56 Corvette, #2522. It is owned today by Rich Mason who lives in Arizona. He does some vintage racing with it ocassionally and it has (or did have) a 350 with a DUAL AIR METER, early (57 style) Rochester fuel injection unit.
The second SR2 was built specifically for Bill Mitchell, Harley Earl's styling assistant and it was built from 56 Vette #2532. It was built as a high fin SR2. If I remember correctly, it is owned by Bill tower. Is that right guys?
The third SR2 was built specifically for Harlow Curtis, President of GM, from 56 Vette #2636, as a low fin (in the center) version. It is (or was) owned by Richard Fortier who owns Paragon Reproductions. I believe it has a 283 with FI today.
And now, for the 4th SR2. This car was kind of a put together SR2 by one of the engineers. It has the high fin, extended nose and unique dash that is typical of the SR2s. All four SR2s have this unique dash, but yet, each one has a different gauge configuration. The 4th SR2 is owned by John Neas (a dear friend of mine) in Tulsa. It has an ALL ALUMINUM 350 (Chev engine block, not aftermarket) with a somewhat modified, early (finned top) FI unit that was built by yours truly.
So, now you know!
The first was built specifically for Jerry Earl who was the son of Harley Earl, Head of GM styling. It was built as a low fin SR2 (in the center of the trunk lid) and later modified with a high fin behind the driver. It was built from a production 56 Corvette, #2522. It is owned today by Rich Mason who lives in Arizona. He does some vintage racing with it ocassionally and it has (or did have) a 350 with a DUAL AIR METER, early (57 style) Rochester fuel injection unit.
The second SR2 was built specifically for Bill Mitchell, Harley Earl's styling assistant and it was built from 56 Vette #2532. It was built as a high fin SR2. If I remember correctly, it is owned by Bill tower. Is that right guys?
The third SR2 was built specifically for Harlow Curtis, President of GM, from 56 Vette #2636, as a low fin (in the center) version. It is (or was) owned by Richard Fortier who owns Paragon Reproductions. I believe it has a 283 with FI today.
And now, for the 4th SR2. This car was kind of a put together SR2 by one of the engineers. It has the high fin, extended nose and unique dash that is typical of the SR2s. All four SR2s have this unique dash, but yet, each one has a different gauge configuration. The 4th SR2 is owned by John Neas (a dear friend of mine) in Tulsa. It has an ALL ALUMINUM 350 (Chev engine block, not aftermarket) with a somewhat modified, early (finned top) FI unit that was built by yours truly.
So, now you know!
Last edited by DZAUTO; 09-25-2005 at 09:50 PM.
09-25-2005, 09:59 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by DZAUTO
There were FOUR SR2s, but, it was generally believed and accepted that there were only 3. Not so, there were 4. AND ALL 4 ARE ALIVE AND WELL TODAY!!!
The first was built specifically for Jerry Earl who was the son of Harley Earl, Head of GM styling. It was built as a low fin SR2 (in the center of the trunk lid) and later modified with a high fin behind the driver. It was built from a production 56 Corvette, #2522. It is owned today by Rich Mason who lives in Arizona. He does some vintage racing with it ocassionally and it has (or did have) a 350 with a DUAL AIR METER, early (57 style) Rochester fuel injection unit.
The second SR2 was built specifically for Bill Mitchell, Harley Earl's styling assistant and it was built from 56 Vette #2532. It was built as a high fin SR2. If I remember correctly, it is owned by Bill tower. Is that right guys?
The third SR2 was built specifically for Harlow Curtis, President of GM, from 56 Vette #2636, as a low fin (in the center) version. It is (or was) owned by Richard Fortier who owns Paragon Reproductions. I believe it has a 283 with FI today.
And now, for the 4th SR2. This car was kind of a put together SR2 by one of the engineers. It has the high fin, extended nose and unique dash that is typical of the SR2s. All four SR2s have this unique dash, but yet, each one has a different gauge configuration. The 4th SR2 is owned by John Neas (a dear friend of mine) in Tulsa. It has an ALL ALUMINUM 350 (Chev engine block, not aftermarket) with a somewhat modified, early (finned top) FI unit that was built by yours truly.
So, now you know!
The first was built specifically for Jerry Earl who was the son of Harley Earl, Head of GM styling. It was built as a low fin SR2 (in the center of the trunk lid) and later modified with a high fin behind the driver. It was built from a production 56 Corvette, #2522. It is owned today by Rich Mason who lives in Arizona. He does some vintage racing with it ocassionally and it has (or did have) a 350 with a DUAL AIR METER, early (57 style) Rochester fuel injection unit.
The second SR2 was built specifically for Bill Mitchell, Harley Earl's styling assistant and it was built from 56 Vette #2532. It was built as a high fin SR2. If I remember correctly, it is owned by Bill tower. Is that right guys?
The third SR2 was built specifically for Harlow Curtis, President of GM, from 56 Vette #2636, as a low fin (in the center) version. It is (or was) owned by Richard Fortier who owns Paragon Reproductions. I believe it has a 283 with FI today.
And now, for the 4th SR2. This car was kind of a put together SR2 by one of the engineers. It has the high fin, extended nose and unique dash that is typical of the SR2s. All four SR2s have this unique dash, but yet, each one has a different gauge configuration. The 4th SR2 is owned by John Neas (a dear friend of mine) in Tulsa. It has an ALL ALUMINUM 350 (Chev engine block, not aftermarket) with a somewhat modified, early (finned top) FI unit that was built by yours truly.
So, now you know!
09-26-2005, 12:30 AM
#5
Live Free or Die
Originally Posted by GS0872
In 1957, Chevrolet made a few SR2s for racing. These were racing-only cars with a big fin that was an extension of the driver's head rest. Some of these cars still exist and show up at the Monterrey race and other places. Does anyone know where these cars are kept or displayed? I'm thinking about building a SR2 replica from an aftermarket '57 body, a GM crate engine, 5-speed, and a tube frame.
If I had the jing thats what I would have built.
09-26-2005, 01:46 PM
#7
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Here's SR-2 #2 (I think) at Sebring in March, 1957:
And here's Richard Fortier's Styling SR-2 (WAY back in the corner):
And here's Richard Fortier's Styling SR-2 (WAY back in the corner):
09-26-2005, 03:02 PM
#9
Le Mans Master
There was a blue with silver coves SR-2 at Carlisle two years ago, and I took a series of photographs. Both front, side, rear, and close up views. If you need them let me know, I will email them to you.
09-26-2005, 05:01 PM
#10
Team Owner
Originally Posted by EBVette
There was a blue with silver coves SR-2 at Carlisle two years ago, and I took a series of photographs. Both front, side, rear, and close up views. If you need them let me know, I will email them to you.
09-27-2005, 02:06 AM
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Does anyone have GOOD pictures of the rear brake cooling ducts that went through the doors on one of the SR2s? Yes, that's what I said, rear brake cooling air was ducted through the rear of the cove in the side of the door, through the door, and into a duct in the side of the body between the door opening and the rear wheel opening. Anyone have good pictures of this one of a kind air duct? (I'm thinking this is on Rich Mason's SR2, the first one, might also be on Bill Tower's SR2)
Last edited by DZAUTO; 09-27-2005 at 02:08 AM.
09-27-2005, 11:42 AM
#13
Safety Car
Originally Posted by DZAUTO
There were FOUR SR2s, but, it was generally believed and accepted that there were only 3. Not so, there were 4. AND ALL 4 ARE ALIVE AND WELL TODAY!!!
The first was built specifically for Jerry Earl who was the son of Harley Earl, Head of GM styling. It was built as a low fin SR2 (in the center of the trunk lid) and later modified with a high fin behind the driver. It was built from a production 56 Corvette, #2522. It is owned today by Rich Mason who lives in Arizona. He does some vintage racing with it ocassionally and it has (or did have) a 350 with a DUAL AIR METER, early (57 style) Rochester fuel injection unit.
The second SR2 was built specifically for Bill Mitchell, Harley Earl's styling assistant and it was built from 56 Vette #2532. It was built as a high fin SR2. If I remember correctly, it is owned by Bill tower. Is that right guys?
The third SR2 was built specifically for Harlow Curtis, President of GM, from 56 Vette #2636, as a low fin (in the center) version. It is (or was) owned by Richard Fortier who owns Paragon Reproductions. I believe it has a 283 with FI today.
And now, for the 4th SR2. This car was kind of a put together SR2 by one of the engineers. It has the high fin, extended nose and unique dash that is typical of the SR2s. All four SR2s have this unique dash, but yet, each one has a different gauge configuration. The 4th SR2 is owned by John Neas (a dear friend of mine) in Tulsa. It has an ALL ALUMINUM 350 (Chev engine block, not aftermarket) with a somewhat modified, early (finned top) FI unit that was built by yours truly.
So, now you know!
The first was built specifically for Jerry Earl who was the son of Harley Earl, Head of GM styling. It was built as a low fin SR2 (in the center of the trunk lid) and later modified with a high fin behind the driver. It was built from a production 56 Corvette, #2522. It is owned today by Rich Mason who lives in Arizona. He does some vintage racing with it ocassionally and it has (or did have) a 350 with a DUAL AIR METER, early (57 style) Rochester fuel injection unit.
The second SR2 was built specifically for Bill Mitchell, Harley Earl's styling assistant and it was built from 56 Vette #2532. It was built as a high fin SR2. If I remember correctly, it is owned by Bill tower. Is that right guys?
The third SR2 was built specifically for Harlow Curtis, President of GM, from 56 Vette #2636, as a low fin (in the center) version. It is (or was) owned by Richard Fortier who owns Paragon Reproductions. I believe it has a 283 with FI today.
And now, for the 4th SR2. This car was kind of a put together SR2 by one of the engineers. It has the high fin, extended nose and unique dash that is typical of the SR2s. All four SR2s have this unique dash, but yet, each one has a different gauge configuration. The 4th SR2 is owned by John Neas (a dear friend of mine) in Tulsa. It has an ALL ALUMINUM 350 (Chev engine block, not aftermarket) with a somewhat modified, early (finned top) FI unit that was built by yours truly.
So, now you know!
Bill Tower lives in Florida and has the Bill Mitchell red Sr-2 and yes, Richard Fourtier owns the low fin car. He sold Paragon and is retired. I have all three of the above gentleman's contacts as well as John Neas. They are all super Corvette hobby people and love talking about their cars
Dick Robinson in Pennsylvania is a great resourse for info on these cars.
09-27-2005, 03:00 PM
#14
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Jim,
DUUUUUUUUUUH, why did I say Arizona????????????? I know better than that! Yes, he lives in Nevada, especially since I have his home address!
I am leaving in a couple of hours to go to John's house in Tulsa to meet/greet the SACC members who are traveling Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica. I will be joining with them to drive across Okla tomorrow.
DUUUUUUUUUUH, why did I say Arizona????????????? I know better than that! Yes, he lives in Nevada, especially since I have his home address!
I am leaving in a couple of hours to go to John's house in Tulsa to meet/greet the SACC members who are traveling Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica. I will be joining with them to drive across Okla tomorrow.
09-27-2005, 04:12 PM
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Arrive:
Elk City, OK-Tomorrow night ( Wed 28)-Holiday Inn-580-225-6637
Arrive:
Tucumcari, NM-Thur 29-Holiday Inn-505-461-3780
Arrive:
Gallup, NM-Fri 30- El Rancho-505-863-9311
Arrive:
Williams, AZ-Sat Oct 1 (stay til Sun)-Holidayu Inn-928-635-4114
Arrive:
Needles, CA-Mon 3-Best Western-760-326-4552
Arrive:
Barstow, CA-Tue 4-Holiday Inn-760-256-1300
Arrive:
Santa Monica pier Wed-Oct 5.
There ya go!
Elk City, OK-Tomorrow night ( Wed 28)-Holiday Inn-580-225-6637
Arrive:
Tucumcari, NM-Thur 29-Holiday Inn-505-461-3780
Arrive:
Gallup, NM-Fri 30- El Rancho-505-863-9311
Arrive:
Williams, AZ-Sat Oct 1 (stay til Sun)-Holidayu Inn-928-635-4114
Arrive:
Needles, CA-Mon 3-Best Western-760-326-4552
Arrive:
Barstow, CA-Tue 4-Holiday Inn-760-256-1300
Arrive:
Santa Monica pier Wed-Oct 5.
There ya go!
09-27-2005, 04:52 PM
#19
Safety Car
#1 is at Monterey Historic, 1990 Rich Mason, Carson City, Nevada
enjoying the afternoon. Rich is one of the best friends and people in the hobby. He has gone over backwards to share this and his other cars with all.
#2 is the car at tech in June 1956 at Road America at the June Sprints where the car first raced. Jerry Earl, Harley's son owned and raced Ferraris. GM said it was a bad image to Harley, so the SR-2 was created. Fred Warner from GM was in charge of the tech procedure when the car raced.
#3 is the car as it appeared in Sebring in March 1958 after racer Jim Jeffords purchased it from Harley Earl.
Jim raced the car and then met the Stephani Brothers who owned Nickey Chevrolet. He told them "If you sponsor me I will give you a SCCA Championship or I WILL PAY ALL THE COST
" Well Jim did just that in 1958-59 SCCA National Champ B/P Corvette. This picture shows the first of four "PURPLE PEOPLE EATER" Corvettes ( the SR-2, two 58's both still MIA and the Miller Family 59)
Jim's back is to us, and his good buddy and co-driver Auggie Pabst is on the right rear fender.
I am a very lucky guy to personally know all these people.
enjoying the afternoon. Rich is one of the best friends and people in the hobby. He has gone over backwards to share this and his other cars with all.
#2 is the car at tech in June 1956 at Road America at the June Sprints where the car first raced. Jerry Earl, Harley's son owned and raced Ferraris. GM said it was a bad image to Harley, so the SR-2 was created. Fred Warner from GM was in charge of the tech procedure when the car raced.
#3 is the car as it appeared in Sebring in March 1958 after racer Jim Jeffords purchased it from Harley Earl.
Jim raced the car and then met the Stephani Brothers who owned Nickey Chevrolet. He told them "If you sponsor me I will give you a SCCA Championship or I WILL PAY ALL THE COST
" Well Jim did just that in 1958-59 SCCA National Champ B/P Corvette. This picture shows the first of four "PURPLE PEOPLE EATER" Corvettes ( the SR-2, two 58's both still MIA and the Miller Family 59)Jim's back is to us, and his good buddy and co-driver Auggie Pabst is on the right rear fender.
I am a very lucky guy to personally know all these people.
09-27-2005, 10:04 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by jimgessner
#1 is at Monterey Historic, 1990 Rich Mason, Carson City, Nevada
enjoying the afternoon. Rich is one of the best friends and people in the hobby. He has gone over backwards to share this and his other cars with all.
#2 is the car at tech in June 1956 at Road America at the June Sprints where the car first raced. Jerry Earl, Harley's son owned and raced Ferraris. GM said it was a bad image to Harley, so the SR-2 was created. Fred Warner from GM was in charge of the tech procedure when the car raced.
#3 is the car as it appeared in Sebring in March 1958 after racer Jim Jeffords purchased it from Harley Earl.
Jim raced the car and then met the Stephani Brothers who owned Nickey Chevrolet. He told them "If you sponsor me I will give you a SCCA Championship or I WILL PAY ALL THE COST " Well Jim did just that in 1958-59 SCCA National Champ B/P Corvette. This picture shows the first of four "PURPLE PEOPLE EATER" Corvettes ( the SR-2, two 58's both still MIA and the Miller Family 59)
Jim's back is to us, and his good buddy and co-driver Auggie Pabst is on the right rear fender.
I am a very lucky guy to personally know all these people.
enjoying the afternoon. Rich is one of the best friends and people in the hobby. He has gone over backwards to share this and his other cars with all.
#2 is the car at tech in June 1956 at Road America at the June Sprints where the car first raced. Jerry Earl, Harley's son owned and raced Ferraris. GM said it was a bad image to Harley, so the SR-2 was created. Fred Warner from GM was in charge of the tech procedure when the car raced.
#3 is the car as it appeared in Sebring in March 1958 after racer Jim Jeffords purchased it from Harley Earl.
Jim raced the car and then met the Stephani Brothers who owned Nickey Chevrolet. He told them "If you sponsor me I will give you a SCCA Championship or I WILL PAY ALL THE COST
" Well Jim did just that in 1958-59 SCCA National Champ B/P Corvette. This picture shows the first of four "PURPLE PEOPLE EATER" Corvettes ( the SR-2, two 58's both still MIA and the Miller Family 59)Jim's back is to us, and his good buddy and co-driver Auggie Pabst is on the right rear fender.
I am a very lucky guy to personally know all these people.
All of those pics are of the 1st SR-2. (Rich Mason's) There has never been an emblem (other than painted on) on the front of that car. The side cove has always had the Chevy crest with horizontal "wings".
The 2nd SR-2 (Bill Tower's) had/has a 58 style front emblem and has always had FI script in the cove. Bill has owned the SR-2 since the late 70's-early 80s (shortly after he bought GS #5 in 79 - that's when I met him).