Art & Inspiration <<< Valentines Friday Art Show 2/12/21 >>>

Hello,

I certainly like hot 1937 Chevy coupes from back in the 1960’s Gas Coupe and Sedan Class era of So Cal. There were plenty of them on the street and at the local dragstrip. What a good way to highlight one of the nicest builds from that hectic So Cal era timeline.

Don Nowell is/was a well-respected hot rod/drag race builder. His exploits were pretty close to our own So Cal history. Although his overlaps with each episode. Drag racing in the Gas Coupe/Sedan Class, desert motorcycle racing with similar bikes near El Mirage, come to mind. He left us too soon, but his history is well documented. Here is a drawing to commemorate his cool blue 1937 Chevy Coupe that he ran in the Gas Coupe/Sedan Class in So Cal, during the mid 60s.

By the time his blue 37 Chevy coupe was up and running, the Gas Coupe/Sedan Class had made some changes from the original rulings from the late 50’s. But, the Chevy coupe still retained the classic level stance and only showed the front end high up on powerful acceleration runs.


Jnaki

The fun thing would have been our continued drag racing in the Gas Coupe and Sedan Classes. So, by this time period of 63-65, Don would have been in the same or at least similar classes. As the Gas Coupe/Sedan Classes evolved, so did the rules to be less restrictive. Don’s 37 does not have stock running boards. So, if he were to have built the 37 Chevy in 1959 or 60, it would have been in the Altered Coupe Class racing against the Reath Automotive Sedan and others with full 25% set back motors vs. his 10% set back set up.

His continued efforts outside of hot rods and drag racing involved desert motorcycle racing. From one hour long, 5-10 miles courses in European Scramble events to 40-50 mile legs of a two leg, Hare and Hound Races in all sorts of terrain. There were several Hare and Hound Races that covered the Southern portion and middle area of El Mirage Dry Lake. If the desert motorcycle was geared for the sand and dirt, it was not made for all out throttle runs across the dry lake. But, it sure seemed like we were going really fast in the open spaces.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/don-nowell-rodders-journal-feature-rip-don.1079788/page-2#post-12251301

Don’s original “Blooie pipe” motorcycle was a Greeves Scrambler, similar to our 1962-63 versions. But, by the time 65-66 season rolled around, I bought a full-on 1966 Greeves Challenger with an extended swing arm for those scrambles and longer races. We converted the more powerful motor to accept twin spark plugs for longevity in the dusty environments. It was geared for the dry lakes and it flew like a bat. I would have been in the same class as Don and that would have been a lot of fun. Bring on the dry lake bed races… the new motor was a lot faster.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/simple-speed-tricks.1207710/page-2#post-13770837

 

...good show this week,...Jnaki,...thanks for the info on Don,...I got nuthin this week....except some old stuff

 

Fifty shades of gray... marker that is. Something i sketched up this week. Nice FAS everybody!

 

Sam, (Rusty1) your stuff never gets old to me. Love it! Ed. Here’s an oldie for you.


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Some fun artwork I painted a few years back!

 

...Hey...isn't that box on a Model A Pickup now...

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The Poncho piece probably isn't PC these days, but I like it anyway!

 

Jelly Bean 39 Merc for your Valentines Day candy.

 

- in case you haven't noticed - we like old stuff here - Ha!

 

Tater loves those Fords!

 

Been busy painting.

 

Got some more.

 

Artwork done by Mark Ervin "Jigger" a couple of years ago showing my Valentine, Mrs. Avater and a few of of our present and former rides.

 

A few more. One shot rules. Gary

 

My wife was looking over my shoulder and said she wouldn't want to cut into that, looks so nice. Looks delicious though.

 

You did a nice job on her, she moved t to Az.

 

First shape I ever made freehand with a plasma cutter was welded on, painted and given Mrs Avater.

 

Ok I’m in , I made this snow shovel for my wife about 8 years ago, she loves it and shovels all the time ! Getting her a snow blower this year !

 

Bob, I was getting nervous, I always look forward to your posts.
In honor of Valentines Day, "I love ya man".

 

I should have thought of that!

 

my Valentine being me a coffee and donut at LARS

 

^^^ Lucky that she likes you, since everyone else in picture didn't seem too interested in you

 

this roadster was just driving past

 

^^^ OK , if you say so

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As I said in a previous post, your wife has good taste.


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zazzle sticker

 

Good lord Gary, how the hell do you do THAT much fine detail on a 4 inch lense? You are truly a "brushmaster"!!!!!!
Your Mr. Natural really made me smile. Reminds me of a certain period in my life...that I just sorta vaguely remember

 

Way cool ................

 

Sorry for this late submission. I got sidetracked with a couple of issues this week.
Anyhow, here's a Vonzemo Valentine to all you cool cats with hot rod hearts.
Have a good one and don't forget your sweety!