I just heard that Bill Akin has passed away. For those who didn't know him, here's a little info. Indy car restorer and Offy expert. He owned three (maybe four?) restored, notable Indy cars, which were invited to and won class at Pebble Beach and Amelia Island, plus an original, USAC dirt car.. Offy engines and parts filled his home basement machine shop. Owner of some great hot rods: the Stroker McGurk 32 roadster, a 40 Coupe with BBC and Webers, a 29 roadster with DOHC Indy Ford engine, a 65 Dodge Dart with Weslake head SBMopar, a neat, original Grandpa Chevy pickup with al headed BBC. Oh yeah, The Dart and the pickup sported real knock-off Indy Halibrands. Bill made the hub adapters. A chain smoking curmudgeon, if he liked you, there was cordial conversation. If not, there was NO hesitation to deliver a barrage of profanity in your direction. I found out in February at the Nashville Swap Meet that he was in the hospital with pneumonia Wish that I could have seen him one more time. A talented automotive genius that left his mark. Rest in peace, Sir! Here are a few pics, some from his friends on here, 32STUPRES (Joe Klinkhardt) and Josh Shaw, both who were fortunate enough to chauffeur those beautiful cars.
That 40 was really nice!!! One of my favorites. Sad news. Condolences to the family RIP Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
While posting this, I remembered one time I had gone by his house while in Nashville...... I went in to the basement and he was there, at his mill, cigarette dangling from his mouth, and sporting an old shirt that had deep black grease and oil stains, all in the same place on the front...…. from repeatedly wiping his hand in that one spot. When I told him that my wife was outside in the car, he actually blushed and stammered "I'll be right back" and dashed up the stairs. In a few minutes he was back, with a clean shirt on and hair combed! This crusty, hardass character, had instantly changed into the polite gentleman! It was unforgettable!
I've heard his name plenty of times, certainly read about the Bardahl Special, never got to meet the man. Hope he's turning wrenches somewhere nice. RIP
Condolences to the Akin family and friends on the passing of Bill...a Hands on Hotrod/Race Guy who lived large it seems... Thank for sharing this tribute and goodbye to Bill with us @hotrodA
Knew of him for the great 40 and the orange roadster, did not know the rest. Sounds like a lot of folks will miss him. R.I.P. Bill.
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