Hoss' Corvette to feature at GVC American collection

 

According to Lyndsay McKenzie of Churchill, he's got the best Corvette going around - and that's before you consider its impressive Hollywood connections.

 

Mr McKenzie's 1963 'split window' Corvette will be a highlight of the Gippsland Vehicle Collection's (GVC) American Display Day on Sunday, July 12.

 

The split window 'Vette is a rare enough beast in itself, as that distinctive rear window feature was only offered in '63, but this car is even more unusual, as it was specially built by General Motors for much-loved actor Dan Blocker, best known for his role as Hoss in the long running television show Bonanza.

 

"[Blocker] had it built to do Daytona racing; it was a pace car for the first two years of its life," Mr McKenzie explained.

 

"It was driven mainly by actor and racing driver Paul Newman."

 

Mr McKenzie's brother imported the vehicle to Australia in 1967 and put a lot of kilometres on it as his everyday vehicle, before a fairly serious accident left the car a wreck.

 

"I bought it off him in 1986 and restored it, brought it back up to scratch," Mr McKenzie explained, adding that it was restored to the spec and appearance it was delivered to Blocker in.

 

"As you see it there now, at the GVC, it's still a totally original vehicle. There have been no replacement parts put in it at all; it's totally original, every nut and bolt.

 

"It's had a good life. For anyone who loves Corvettes, the '63 split window is the one to have - it's a real collector's item."

 

McKenzie's Corvette will join a strong roll-call for the American Vehicles display day, including a 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator - the only one of its kind in Australia, plus a 1928 Model BB vertical 8 Stutz, and a Dodge Viper that's powered by an 8-litre V10 capable of 450hp (360kW) and 160kph in 8.6 seconds.

 

It's not just cars, either. On the motorcycle front, enthusiasts will be excited to see a 1918 Excelsior Model 18 on show. Reflective of its period, the Model 18 has all mechanical (no cable) controls, and a rear brake only. This particular bike is used regularly in club events.

 

Owners of special vehicles are invited to bring them along and show them in the grounds of the Gippsland Vehicle Collection - at 1A Sale Rd, Maffra - on Sunday July 12, for the opening day of the American Vehicle display (arrivals welcome from 8am). Drivers of display vehicles will receive free admission to the GVC Motor Museum, with spectators asked to make a charity gold coin donation for admission to the grounds. For spectators, there's also a "special for the day" GVC entry price of only $8 (normally $10). Kids are free and refreshments are available.

 

All funds raised through the gold coin donations will go to the Maffra Hospital Auxiliary.

 

The GVC is open Friday to Monday (10:00AM - 4:00PM) and every day during the school holidays.