Few would call American racing hero Dan Gurney subtle. His 1961 Chevrolet Impala, entered into the British Saloon Car Championship at Silverstone, was a testament to that. This slightly modified stock car, racing against smaller displacement vehicles, was a bold move. Now, 63 years later, under the rightful ownership of his son Justin Gurney, this original Impala will be driven by Justin as the pace car for the aptly named Dan Gurney Saloon Car Trophy race at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
“My dad loved this car and always talked about it,” explained Justin Gurney, president and CEO of the famed All American Racers. “There’s a photo of him driving it in our office’s hallway and a large mural in the shop.”
However, the Impala’s racing career was short-lived. After leading in its debut race, a wheel broke on the second-to-last lap. This led to a ban before the next race. “Dad wasn’t very happy with the ban prior to the second race and tried to argue his case, but in the end realized he couldn’t fight city hall and sold it on the spot.”
Justin is thrilled to return to Laguna Seca and bring this historic Impala to life. “I’m not going to race the car, but to participate as the pace car in the Dan Gurney Saloon Car Trophy races is going to be both exciting and sentimental,” he explained. “When unmuffled like it will be, the deep guttural 409 big block engine should turn quite a few heads to say the least.”
The Impala’s restoration presented a challenge: the original 409 engine was missing. A replacement 409 was installed. But when the owner expressed interest in selling the car to Justin, a stroke of luck intervened. The original 409, with matching numbers, was found…as the power plant inside a boat!
Several weeks ago, after a long journey through Scotland, Europe, the Panama Canal, and Canada, the container carrying the Impala finally arrived at the Port of Los Angeles. Justin anxiously awaited its arrival, tracking its movement every step of the way. When he finally opened the container door, he was greeted by the sight of the Impala, complete with its original 409 engine.
“It was an emotional experience to sit on the bench seat and take hold of the steering wheel. It even has the original AM radio that dad kept intact, although this car is so loud there is no way you could hear music!”
“We are thrilled to invite Justin to the Rolex Reunion and have him bring this historic Impala that meant so much to his dad,” said Bruce Canepa, chair of the Rolex Reunion Advisory Council and vice president of Friends of Laguna Seca. “Everyone will enjoy seeing and hearing this long-lost car fittingly serve as the pace car for the Saloon car race. Making memories like this are what the Rolex Reunion is all about.”
Justin was eager to share this moment with his mother, Evi. He gave her a ride around town in the restored Impala. And according to Canepa, he’s pressing Justin to take her out as a passenger during the pace laps at the Rolex Reunion. “I can’t think of a better tribute to Dan than to have Evi riding shotgun with Justin in one of Dan’s favorite cars at one of his favorite race courses,” Canepa said.
To experience the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, witness over 400 historic race cars compete, celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Formula 1®, and see the return of the IROC race series with legendary drivers, start planning your visit now. Individual and multi-day tickets, VIP hospitality packages, and camping options are available online at WeatherTechRaceway.com or by calling the tickets and accommodations specialists at 831-242-8200.
Summary
Dan Gurney’s iconic 1961 Chevrolet Impala, a legendary race car with a storied past, will return to the track as the pace car for the Dan Gurney Saloon Car Trophy race at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. After a long journey and a remarkable reunion with its original engine, this historic vehicle will be driven by Justin Gurney, Dan’s son, offering a poignant tribute to his father’s racing legacy.
Source: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
