Barrett-Jackson: Merlin update
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 1
From: "Too Low, Too Fast, Too Loud" TX
Merlin, wb bro..nice to hear from you again bro! Just put up a couple of pics of Merlin the other day..one of the guys was needing info on fender louvers..so of course ..I had some pics of Merlin and posted them for him. Man I have always admired that car..it is truely a fine piece of work and craftsmanship..nothing spared..the best of everything. I am sure you will have memories of this project forever..will always love and admire Merlin! Joe!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 7
From: Lawrenceville PA
I remember well following the buildup of Merlin back when I had a C3 and reading the threads with great interest. It was an amazing build and Steve's drive to finish the car was amazing as well. Steve impressed me as a down to earth guy with a vision of building the ultimate beast. I don't know why people knock him and question his motives. He was living his dream and nothing would get in his way. I wish I had that kind of single minded purpose and drive to follow through. Glad to hear from him and hope Merlin finds a good home. 
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,679
Likes: 6
From: Charles Town WV
I wish I had enough money to buy it. That car is so bad. Everyone always goes ape over the engine, but the part that always got me was the suspension and overall chassis on the car. If I were to replicate it, I would do it with a chrome bumper body, just personal preference. Probably a 71.
In any case, I will be watching speed tonight.
In any case, I will be watching speed tonight.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 11,840
Likes: 0
From: Galloway NJ
Originally Posted by TheWacoKid
Do you still have the vids? Any way of hosting them? I've been searching forever to find decent pics and the original videos. 
And Steve - You car is still the absolute best Vette I've ever "seen." Somebody having the dream of making a complete and utter beast of a car beyond the scope of reason and making that dream real....just wow. I applaud you in your efforts. Don't mind the bashers, they simply don't understand. What matters is that YOU BUILT IT. No other can make such a claim.
And Steve - You car is still the absolute best Vette I've ever "seen." Somebody having the dream of making a complete and utter beast of a car beyond the scope of reason and making that dream real....just wow. I applaud you in your efforts. Don't mind the bashers, they simply don't understand. What matters is that YOU BUILT IT. No other can make such a claim.
I'd love to get a hold of as many pics and videos as I can! Someday I'm going to build a monster of my own.i can host vids and stuff to, let me know.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Good hearing from you again, Merlin!!
Any chance you might still have those photos of the buildup you could share with us? I used to refer to them frequently and guessed that they would always be there - oops. There was a ton of research that went into every aspect and I bet a lot of folks would love seeing your buildup again - or even for the first time.
Any chance you might still have those photos of the buildup you could share with us? I used to refer to them frequently and guessed that they would always be there - oops. There was a ton of research that went into every aspect and I bet a lot of folks would love seeing your buildup again - or even for the first time.
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Steve, I was wondering, do you still have your buildup pics? I used to have all your pics stored on a hD but it crashed a long time ago and now I don't have them anymore, I was hoping to find the pics of your fuel tank & pump setup. From what I recall you were running (2??) an SX pump/filter setup also, also I'm interested ins eeing the alu tank, I'm planning on building one myself and could use some ideas. I want to drop the CG and lower the tank but maybe I can get some nice ideas from your one.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: College Station TX
This Merlin car was built before I came along too. I am normally not fond of heavily modified Vettes, but I also don't like telling people what to do with their cars. It's obvious, a lot of effort and craftsmanship was put into this car. Something this big usually makes a statement, but I'm not sure what that statement is. Maybe it's just, "Because I can"
Almost as fascinating as the car are the multitude of strong opinions on it, both supportive and critical.
Totally understandable.
If this car makes it a few more years, it might actually become a cherished work of art for collectors like a lot of other custom cars. From what I understand, it's not streetable or good for anything else. Right now it appears to also be trading at far less value than what has been put into it. The parts are worth more than the car. I'd hate to see it get scrapped.
Almost as fascinating as the car are the multitude of strong opinions on it, both supportive and critical.
Totally understandable.
If this car makes it a few more years, it might actually become a cherished work of art for collectors like a lot of other custom cars. From what I understand, it's not streetable or good for anything else. Right now it appears to also be trading at far less value than what has been put into it. The parts are worth more than the car. I'd hate to see it get scrapped.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
I was one of Steve's supporters, and still am. It's a fantastic car, and the fact it evokes such passion in people speaks to it's significance in the Corvette world. I think Steve's title:the car that wouldn't die" is right on. Joe
PS, I didn't build my house, but I did do the layout and visit the site almost every day. Does that make me a house poser?
PS, I didn't build my house, but I did do the layout and visit the site almost every day. Does that make me a house poser?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 1
From: East China MI
Steve,
Being new to all of this but having heard about it; I would like to thank you for sharing your history, both personal and car wise. You don't know me, but I know you because I have seen your creation. Very few have ever gotten as far as you have, Foose included! So to you. and let's give Albert the final word:
"Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly."
Being new to all of this but having heard about it; I would like to thank you for sharing your history, both personal and car wise. You don't know me, but I know you because I have seen your creation. Very few have ever gotten as far as you have, Foose included! So
to you. and let's give Albert the final word:"Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly."
Last edited by jpatrick636; Jan 28, 2005 at 06:10 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by jpatrick636
Steve,
Being new to all of this but having heard about it; I would like to thank you for sharing your history, both personal and car wise. You don't know me, but I know you because I have seen your creation. Very few have ever gotten as far as you have, Foose included! So to you. and let's give Albert the final word:
"Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly."
Being new to all of this but having heard about it; I would like to thank you for sharing your history, both personal and car wise. You don't know me, but I know you because I have seen your creation. Very few have ever gotten as far as you have, Foose included! So
to you. and let's give Albert the final word:"Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly."
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
Steve, as always its good to see you still lurking around here. Now get on a really fast plane and go buy that car back!!! 
I miss reading about it on here. I don't miss all the flaming it caused though.
I have a few videos here and there of it on a dyno and on the street from when you posted them back in the day... I'll never forget the part where you are on the street and accidentally blip the throttle... damn that thing had some serious power.
I miss reading about it on here. I don't miss all the flaming it caused though.
I have a few videos here and there of it on a dyno and on the street from when you posted them back in the day... I'll never forget the part where you are on the street and accidentally blip the throttle... damn that thing had some serious power.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Originally Posted by turtlevette
...its just a car with a big *** motor. not the Mona Lisa or the cure for cancer.
Actually, that would be just a stock C3 with a 632 dropped in.
Steve started with pix of an old wreck. Then went through the thought process of a complete workover including the first shots of custom wheels on his carpet, frame and suspension work, tank, fuel pumps and lines, brakes, body work, one supercharger - then two!, seats, interior, dashboard, problems with the engine & body shop folks, etc., etc. He researched almost every alternative on each part and generated tons of discussion. Every week was a new chapter and everyone had different opinions. It was fun and got us all away from the "How do I bleed my brakes" threads.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Originally Posted by turtlevette
Did i see right? Did some moron just pay 77 grand for a golf cart that looks like a 57 chevy???
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,847
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Here's a quick video of the new owner driving the car that "doesn't run" around his driveway. Notice how "unstreetable" it is as it cruises around the driveway. Make sure you crank up the sound so you can enjoy it "not running"! 
http://www.photo-chat.com/Merlin/1200hpvette.wmv
Thanks to Son for hosting it for me!!
http://www.photo-chat.com/Merlin/1200hpvette.wmv
Thanks to Son for hosting it for me!!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,847
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
P.S. Thank you all for the really nice replies, it really goes a long way. As I await the auction here in a few minutes, I feel like a proud papa & a parent that has lost their child all at the same time. I doubt it will go for that much but it will just be great to see it. I hope they start it & rev it up! That should get the crowd going.
Last edited by Merlin522; Jan 28, 2005 at 08:51 PM.
