34 Gaz, if memory serves correct, that car was done by Limeworks over in L.A. for a customer about three or four years ago.
Heres the John Callies Simca (Simca used the Topo dies) with 303 Ponty power. Probably the most famous street "Topo" in the early 70s.
I am like 99% sure that the "I know nothing" car is a local car here in Phoenix, built by a friend of a friend about town. I do see it ( or an equally evil twin) frequently about town in the winter months.
If you learn anymore about that car, I would like to talk to the builder. I sure like the profile of that one, and have been trying to figure out what to do with mine, one of these days.
We did indeed finish the Fiat 500 for Gil Hasler , now in Arizona , he started it just before the Korean War, flew Sabre Jets during the war 201 missions ! we completed the car about 8 years ago , great little car .
Will do Marty. I might see the right people to ask about it this weekend. If I can figure it out I'll hook you guys up.
Marty, Do you remember the Topolino that Marsha Miller used to run back in the day with the 409 Chev in it? Loved that car! Don
Hey Marty, I haven't forgot your request. I have asked several friends who's car it is, but nobody seems to know. I see it at Cruise on Central here in Phoenix the two times a year that it happens, and the next is next weekend. I will put you two in touch when I do.
That Topolino used to be my project. I sold it rolling with no motor to a guy in Phoenix. Chassis is round tube with Ford 9", coilovers and struts up front. Crafted by Harry Hoffman Jr. in Hayward, CA. Body is all original steel in stock demensions and was wonderfully put together by Carry Buck in San Mateo, CA.
Bitman, Thank you for the pics and information, what a well built car. I have been pondering what front suspension to build/use, struts look like the ticket, along with a full round tube chassis. I was planning on a full roll cage for safety, but not for racing. The "car parts" gods have been good to me lately, I acquired a running 215 Buick with a 4 barrel, and a complete stick setup and a 5 speed came my way. It will be later this year before I can start on mine. Powerage, I do remember the Miller's Topolino. Thanks everybody !!!!!!!!
Funny this should come up today! I'm going out to our once a year get together tomorrow where I am almost guaranteed to see the Topolino. Do you still want to talk to the owner, or has Bitman got you set up?
Chip, I would like to talk to anyone that has had involvement with that car. An I will try to contact Bitman, to thank him personally. Have fun !!!!!
Marty--You could always build something like our old Bonneville Simca. It`s actually being rebuilt in West Linn as we speak. With a Triumph Motorcycle engine, even...
I sometimes wish I stll had mine. I went over the top in hiring out all the fab work to the best people I could find. Went through a ton of $ and slowly lost interest. Oh well. Mine was going to be a Ford small block with EFI and 5 speed just to be different. Hanging the pedals was a bitch in that small car. That and fab of front suspension and steering. Used a small circle track rack and pinion. Oil pan had to be shallow and wide with notch and custom pickup. The new owner got to deal with fitting the radiator and fan... You can see it in the last picture. Custom aluminum gas tank which I never quite figured out how to get a fill neck to it. Battery fit in a box behind the seat. I'll remember more and post later. I have more photos too. Need Louvers - if you see the car give it a pat on the hood for me. The guy I sold it to is Rick Sypes (sp?). Say hi for me and get contact info if you can. Would love to touch bases.
Bitman, I wonder if it was Rick Sipes the race car driver, if it was Rick, I believe he passed away in 2011. He was one hell of a race driver !!!!!
Yes. That's Rick. I just read about his passing in another thread. Very sad. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
This Fiat was built and owned by Tom Sobol from Washington state. He had the car for over twenty years. Him and his wife drove it across the country to the east coast and back twice towing the trailer. That's a big undertaking in an 80" wheelbase. Tom recently sold the Fiat to someone in Ohio.