Thanks Again JimmyB I owe you Big time! I found a picture of Robert Hamke's 32 Ford Roadster, he owns Look at the workmanship! Like his Dad............He runs a "Flathead" A "Chip off the old Block" I'm sure he'll do a great job with the Restoration!
Wow, what a tale..... Awesome find Trichop, great research and HAMB participation. But by far the most righteous part of the story is your decision to help fulfill someone elses dream. You sir are to be commended. And I doubt that you will regret your decision. Howard
IMO, a guy who builds a car like this deserves to have his late father's car. (That is to say, he's worthy of the sacrifice you're making.)
When I talked to Robert ,the other night, he told me when his Dad ran at "Bonneville" (1951)He was trying to break 160 mph He was going to make 3 runs. One on "Gas",one on "Alcohol" and one on "Nitro" He made the first run on Gas at 149.253 mph They got the car ready for the run on "Alcohol", and was waiting, while the 666 car made it's run Someone forgot to turn the Fuel switch off When they started the car ,it bent the rods His father stayed up all night using 2 blown motors to make 1 good one but didn't get done in time to make another run Just a little more history
He's comming up this weekend I'll keep everyone posted on the site! It should be a cool Reunion I'm taking pictures Later
Sometimes when you have a full time job and a responsibility to the people that you are building cars for, you don't have the time to look for a part of a family history such as the Bonneville car. But later in life when memories become an effective part of your life, it is then that you find the time to bring back and look for your family history, such as vintage racecars. Such is the case with the Bonneville car and also the Super Modified 119. Both found, but I will say that it was not easy as I also looked for the Bonneville car and it was not until recently that mention of it was availabable or posted on the Internet. So, those that critique Robert's method or timing, need to step back and rethink there angst. Just my opinion, but when you accomplish what Robert and Bob Sr. have for the racing industry, then you critque. But I am biased as I am kin to both.
So as your chapter closes, another one opens...or would it be a continuation of an earlier one. to bad the other owner has remained so bitter. this was a chance for him to be part of something historical and good, but his choice. As I have stated earlier you are a better man than I, I told my wife this story and she thinks I would have done the same thing, I would like to think so but... I still think this needs to be another HRM feature story and even a movie, could be the next great car movie we would be taking about 10 years from now. Well Mr. Trichop I am going to go drink a beer in your honor... oh wait it's the middle of the night, make that warm milk...
Trichop, My hat is off to you. Very tough call but I believe you made a good choice. I was 5 years old in 1974 when my dad took me for my first ride on his motorcycle. It was a custom drag bike. I was hooked on motorcycles and cars after that ride down the block. He sold that bike a couple years later. It was bought by an old friend of my dads kid. The same guy who bought it still has it. It starting running rough after a few years of purchase,he parked it, and has sat in his garage ever since. I am 37 years old now and I have tried to buy it from him for years. Same story every time I see him, "dont want to sell it". I want to to restore and keep the first bike I ever rode on real bad! Sorry for the rambling, but there are people out here that hope for good stories like yours.
Thanks CustomCory !!! I'm not restoring it Robert Hamke is (Your neck of the woods in Mooresville NC) www.hamkeracecars.com That's to Cool! I'll forward it to Robert
yes i know what it is like wanting some thing witch ower father,s had made biult aor raced and doing the right thing is the anser but make him promice to restore it the original hot rod cover car then u will have made both of your father,s proud 1 from him to his dad and for u it wood have been what your father wood have done wow what a find and what a new begining of a great story hope to hear more on this story in the future
Ranfor Please read part 2 "The Hamke Car Goes Home" http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=381580 This thread was so long I started another Robert Hamke is "Restoring" the car He plans to make Bonneville in 2011 and run it on the 60th anniversary of when his father ran in 1951 He wants to repeat his fathers time of 149 mph ,or beat it Thanks for your imput
I just got some more pictures of the car from Robert Hamke today I just thought I would "Post" them Triumph Motorcycle ad from 1959 Car Show Drag Strip 1952 Indy Car show program
Good thing you posted this, it jogged my memory. Ryan posted these, they are from the Bob Roddick Collection
Yes, you can see the Hamke ""H" nerf Bar in all pictures Looks like they took the Nerf bar off to make the "Run" I just got another picture this morning
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