Just got word from a friend this morning, that Mike Bamber, owner/driver of the "Silver Dollar" Willys Gasser Pickup, passed away December 16th. I was his neighbor for a few years, and spent many a happy hour with him reminiscing about the glory days of the Gasser Wars. Race in Peace, Mike, you'll be missed.
I remember ]when that Willys was sittinbg forlorn in a barn on North Broadway, in Escondido, CA. Mike was apparently building another blown Olds engine, when a young lady, learning how to drive, hit the gas instead of the brakes, went through the barn, hit the engine on the stand and knocked it over, cracking the blower case. Disheartened, Mike gave up on the project for many years. I even bought a few off-topic cars (56 and 57 VW Bugs) from him, when I spotted them one day at Bamber Electric. He was one of tyhose guys, that years could pass without seeing each other, and over a cup of coffee, you could just start talking like you had seen him yesterday..I miss you already, Mike.
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