History Help find lost Gasser, Panneton Christensen & Jones '56 Chevy

Many of you already know this story by now, so I'll try to keep it on the shorter side. From 1962-1967-68ish my dad Dick Panneton, and his buddies Dick Jones, and Chris Christensen campaigned this car in originally C/Gas, with a Rochester injected 327 & 4speed manual trans, and later in B/Gas with a 401" Jackson injected small block Chevy & 4speed manual trans. Their home track was San Fernando Raceway in So. California, and the car was also raced some at Lions, Fontana Drag City, and Old San Gabe. The car also competed in all if not most of the Smokers Fuel & Gas Championships (aka The March Meet) in Bakersfield during these same years. The team garnered a runner up finish to Fred Teixierra's B/Gas Willys at either the '66 or '67 event. After being lightened, and updated with a one piece glass nose, a straight axle, and unique rack & pinion steering from a Renault or some other import car, a then new '68 Camaro wreck was found, and it was decided by Chris Christensen to sell the '56, and carry on with the Camaro instead. Contrary to rumors that the '56 was sold to two Burbank Police officers, Christensen told me himself last Christmas, that the '56 was sold to Big Bill Bonelli, who at the time owned Saugus Speedway. Big Bill would have been in his late 60's (which didn't make sense), but we found out that Bills oldest son Robert (Bob) Bonelli would have been about 25 years old when the car was sold to Big Bill, and we assume it was purchased for Robert.., this would have been sometime in 1968-69. Not long after, Big Bill got in trouble with the government, and ran off to Mexico to hide out, and apparently died there in his early 70's, in the early 1970's. Some more searching for Robert, and we found out he died of a heart attack in his early 50's.., this would have been around 1993-94. Still more searching showed us that Big Bill had a younger son.., Benjamin Bonelli. We have found a Lake Havasu Ph.# for Benjamin, but he doesn't answer it. With this, we turn again to the trusty H.A.M.B. The car was 1957 Cadillac Cobalt Blue while it was raced, and when it was sold. If anyone out there has any photos, other than these posted, in any stories, any info to its whereabouts, or its demise, or have any friends or family with any knowledge, we would be most indebted to you. Thanks for taking the time to read this post, and for any effort put forth to find the ole '56, or inform us of its whereabouts/demise. Ric.

 

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So I take it that this car you are looking for is not the one I seen at the meltdown drags.

 

According to what I found, William Sr. had 3 sons but the source did not give their names. Also found these which indicates he was not related to the Frank G. Bonelli who the San Dimas Park was named after.
http://articles.latimes.com/2002/mar/03/local/me-then3/2

Edit: Appears sons were Robert, and Benjamin.
http://www.archives.com/1940-census/william-bonelli-ca-31854333
According to this in 1993, Ben lived in the Bay area and Robert in Scottsdale, AZ. http://articles.latimes.com/1993-09-14/business/fi-35205_1_saugus-speedway

Another edit: A Blake Bonelli, CPA in Scottsdale has a connection to a Robert Bonelli who would be 85.

 

That's great Carcruse, thanks for the help.

 

Did you catch my last edit above?

 

No it isn't. We bought "Yesterdays Child" believing we had finally found it, and also thought if it wasn't, it would be a great starting place to build a clone. Then we found Dennis Coker, the original owner/builder/driver, and later Bob Powers who put the current paint/lettering on it, and decided to leave the paint & lettering on for now. We'd still love to find our original car, but the trail goes cold after the Bonelli family

 

Yes, thanks much.

 

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I will give it a bump for the day crowd.

 

Thanks Saltflats. I don't mean to "wear everyone out" about this car, but I just know someone out there has more pics, info, etc, its just a matter of time, so thanks everyone for putting up with us.

 

No worries man. I lose a girlfriend once and my wife tells me I should stop looking for her.

 

Bumpity bump

 

Were you able to contact Blake?

 

Not yet, keep ya posted.

 

That's a cool 56. Hope that you find it.

 

Thanks Torkwrench, me too!

 

Friday bump

 

Rumpity bump

 

Bump for the Night Crews

 

Sunday bump for you Ric, keep looking for the old girl......

 

Thanks guys! I appreciate the help!!!

 

Ah-chooo !!!

 

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I love the tenacity , really hope you find it

 

Did you ever contact Blake or Doug Bonelli?
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-signal/20130422/281500748740326

 

Damn good looking ride!