Manhattan Speed Shop '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

The Mystery LO23 Hemi Dart from New York.

Here it is at the 1968 Super Stock Magazine Nationals @ New York National Speedway.

http://img8.uploadhouse.com/fileuplo...4b2a3f0ce2.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Manhattan Speed Shop

http://www.doverdragstrip.com/phpBB3...le.php?id=5744

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

no workee

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

You don't see it?

http://img8.uploadhouse.com/fileuplo...4b2a3f0ce2.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

The Manhattan Speed Parts LO 23 Dart.

Made it to the Sunday Super/Stock Eliminations at the 1968 Super Stock Magazine Nationals at
New York National Speedway. {July 19, 20 and 21}

That Dart also competed at the WCS All-Star Points Series at Englishtown, New Jersey in October 1968.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

tHad to use another computer o get those pictures to load. Hmmm, can't fiqure that one.

So, it's been rumoured the Manhattan Dart was a stick. May I ask how we might know this for sure???

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Because,

One of the guys from Linder Oldsmobile in the Bronx, New York knew
the Hemi Dart.

http://www.doverdragstrip.com/phpBB3...le.php?id=8582

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Pics are not working for me either.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Paul,it had to be 1968 as you can see the muffler hanging down under the cars. racers were starting to remove them around 69 or 70, before they fell off.I removed ours late 69 and got no argument from NHRA.
Stupid Ruel!!!

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93...psae5aed2f.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93...ps3c69a234.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

are there any other pictures of this car?

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Chronological Order;

This LO23 Dart {Automatic} was 'not' truly sponsored by
Manhattan Speed Shop located at 232 West Broadway in
Lower Manhattan, New York.

It was only lettered 'later',

Mainly, because Pete had purchased so many parts from this Speed Shop and Parts Store, that he lettered the Dart with >
'Manhattan Speed Shop' on the front fender as a courtesy and appreciation.

This LO23 'original' Factory Hemi Dart was an 'Automatic'.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Though this photo was published in Speed and Supercar {December 1968}

This photo {below} was from much earlier in 1968.

The Dart is 'not' lettered, and is 'not' brandishing any Decals.

Track > West Hampton Drag Strip {Suffolk County} Long Island, New York.




http://109.imagebam.com/download/gg0...Speed_Dart.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

i believe you are correct on the timespan on the decalling Paul. I'd love to see those pics. of it with the Manhattan Speed on front fenders
Now ...........Pete who????????

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

This photo is from June 1968

Location > West Hampton Drag Strip {Eastern Long Island}, New York.

Billy Mitchell's 1968 Camaro {427} was running off the
A/MP National Record, which was he set @ 10.98.

The Dart {labeled as a 4-Speed} was actually an Automatic running on an 11.10 {SS/BA Index}.

Yes, this was the 'so-called' Manhattan Speed Shop 'Dart'.


http://109.imagebam.com/download/gg0...Speed_Dart.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

June 1968

Match Race @ West Hampton Drag Strip

Featuring the Motion Performance 1968 Camaro, the 'new' NHRA A/MP National Record Holder.


http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u...c0786e06d0.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

1968 Super Stock Magazine Nationals {July 19, 20 and 21}

Confirming that Pete's {Manhattan Speed Shop} LO23 Dart
was an SS/BA automatic.

Look at the passenger door side window. The SS/BA Index of
11.10 is 'shoe-polished' on the window.


http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/...psbdf939f2.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

I bow to your greatness!


That is some great research.
That, combined with the bodywork we know is evident puts enough together that someone would have to prove that Daryl's LO23 is NOT this car.
I believe you have a winner!!!!!!


Now to find it's history.
Who else had it and where has it been?

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

X2 C

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Another 'Peek-A-Boo'


If you look closely,


You can still see the 'Hot Sheet' on the Windshield of the LO23 Dart.


Along with 'both' windshield wipers.


More details to follow.


http://109.imagebam.com/download/gg0...Speed_Dart.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Was the Dart from bay ridge?
Have been inquiring from a friend who tells me of all the hemi cars the were around wayyy back in time. A multi color dart from Flatbush was very feared he said. It was a different one than the mutt bros aka sk speed dart.
I can't wait till we know true history of Daryl Dart.
There were many cars in Brooklyn at that time I've heard

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Could this of been a publicity race / magazine shoot for the Bill Mitchell Camaro camp?


Liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Daryl,


'Speed and Supercar Magazine'

They did a lot of articles with Motion Performance.

Primarily test runs at West Hampton Drag Strip {Suffolk County Raceway} where they had a good relationship with the Track Owner > Earl Grandell.

This photo shoot was in the December 1968 issue of
'Speed and Supercar', but usually the photo's were taken about
4 months before the publication date.

http://109.imagebam.com/download/gg0...Speed_Dart.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Paul
What track is that photo from? West Hampton?

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Daryl,

There were '3' Drag Strips out on Long Island back then.
__________________________________________________

New York National Speedway {AHRA}
Center Moriches, Long Island, New York

New York National had '4-Lanes', and yellow-gold painted
guard rails on each side of the track.

The bleachers {on each side of the track} were also painted
with yellow-gold seat benches.

New York National Speedway was famous for their big red 'Announcer/Timing Tower'.

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...evy/syc018.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...y/syc016-1.jpg






-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Westhampton Drag Strip {NHRA}
Old Country Road
Westhampton, Long Island, New York

Note; Changed name to Suffolk County Raceway {1969 thru 1973}

Most of the 'Test Racing' was done on Saturday @ 12.00 Noon.

A large water tower sat off to the right side of the drag strip.

The guard rails {on each side of the track {were painted white}
but the surface was worn and dirty.

The Telephone Poles were along the left side of the Track,
and had speakers and lights on them.

The Starter-Box at the Line was a white.

A white concession stand was to the left of the starting line,
of course outside the fenced area.


http://digital.quaysidepub.com/motor...air-iv-231.jpg




http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORNeD86KOA...9+at+track.jpg


http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/r...ld/file002.jpg

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Islip Speedway {1/8 Mile Track}
Islip, New York

Islip Speedway had both a Circle Track and short 1/8 Mile
Dragstrip.

The Dragstrip was located adjacent to the Circle Track.

When you went down the Drag Strip, you went past the back
of the large Circle Track Grandstands which were along the
right side lane and the concession stands that were along the left
side lane.

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...ily/Clip_7.gif


Starting Line




http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...5/img033-1.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Part I
The Manhattan, New York {LO23} Hemi Dart

As per Al Ripolla,

Pete M***** was a Mopar Street Racer from North Manhattan,
New York in 1966 and 1967.

He had a 1966 Dodge Charger {Dark Blue} with a 426 Street Hemi, that he bought new from the Dodge Dealership off West Fordham Road in the Bronx, New York.

Pete and Al were part of the Manhattan Street Racers club, that had several cars.

They had bought Speed Parts from;
* Bronx Speed Shop
* Flip's Speed Parts
* Manhattan Speed Parts

In 1966, Pete raced the 'street driven' Charger in 'A/Stock' at New York National Speedway, and out at Westhampton Drag Strip.

Al said it ran around 13.20's with;
* Hooker Headers
* 4.10 Gears
* A long-arm handle Hurst Shifter
* 7" Slicks.

Al said that Pete won about {8 to 10} Class Trophies
while running in A/Stock in 1966.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As per Al Ripolla,

In 1967, Pete only ran the Charger occassionally at the Drag Strip, as it was not that competitive {because it was too heavy} for Class.

* New York National Speedway {AHRA} > Formula 1 - A/Stock
* Westhampton Drag Strip {NHRA} > Super Stock - SS/C

Pete didn't want to make it a Track-only car, as he liked to
drive the Charger on the street.

In December 1967, Pete M***** was looking to swap {trade-in} the heavy 1966 Charger for a lighter and new model year
1968 B-Body '426 Steet Hemi'.

But he wanted to wait for the New York Auto Show {March 30
thru April 7} before making a deal.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Part II

The Manhattan, New York - LO23 Dart

As per Al Ripolla,

Pete M***** was planning on attending the New York Auto Show
held at the New York Coliseum {March 30 thru April 7}.

He was planning on buying a new 1968 Dodge Super Bee with
a 426 Street Hemi.

A Super Bee {426 Street Hemi} was supposed to be on display
in the Dodge booth.

It was part of the 'Scat Pack Display', and Pete M***** had put
a pre-order in to get the Display Car from the New York Auto Show.

http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/asset...on/1968_15.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Paul

You have my full attention here. .............................................

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Paul,

First of all, great detective work; Sherlock Holmes would be proud of you. :) I like the way you are keeping everyone in suspense by giving us the whole story in stages vs. one shot via a generic: "Hey Liteweight, I've finally found the name of the owner of the Manhattan Speed Parts Dart!", or something similarly unexciting (although that in itself would be cause for great excitement).

And the plot thickens... :)

Pete

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

PETE!!!!! Welcome back from your hiatous. I echo your comments on Paul's detective work. Without him being there in the midst of the "action" & without his vast knowledge (And memory base), I'm sure I'd still be at the point of only knowing I got a similar dent on my car compared to a picture. And let's not forget his DESIRE to take the vast amount of time to do this.
Like you & MANY others I am patiently awaiting the outcome of this. BUT, NO ONE is more anticipated than me on this one. And it is killing me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think that now is the time to say, that my quest to find the COMPLETE ownership trail of this car WILL NOT end, even after we find out who this mysterious Pete M**** is. There is still alot of unaccounted for owners between that time period & the first KNOWN owner Lou Vignona that needs to be known. Above all is the Charlie Castaldo relationship. I just can't fiqure why this particular car just kinda fell off the planet for that time period.

liteweight

ps..... Hey Pete........... Are YOU that mysterious Pete M***** ????????...Jus askin'

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Part III

The Manhattan - LO23 Dart

According to Al Ripolla,

At the 1968 New York Auto Show {March 30 thru April 7} at the
New York Coliseum.

Pete M***** was upset about the 'new' 1968 Super Bee 426 Street Hemi on dislay, because he was told that he wasn't going to get it,
because it had been promised to some other 'preferred customer'.

Al said Pete flipped out, because he was under the impression that
he would get the Super Bee after the Show.

Pete didn't want to wait for another car.

Somebody at Dodge and a Chrysler Representative, approached Pete to calm him down.

Al said it was Bernie Mullins, the Public Relations Manager for Dodge,
and some other 'high honcho' called Crawford.

This is where Pete M***** was offered the opportunity to check
out a 'new' Super Stock Dodge Dart.

As per Al Ripolla >

At first, Pete wasn't really all that interested in a Hemi Dart, because he wanted the Super Bee.

But the Dodge Rep told Pete that they had a 'new' Super Stock Dart 'under wraps' at the Chrysler Service Center Garage on West 57th Street.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Is this the Hemi Dart that showed up for some street competition in the NY area?

JimR

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

No, Pete M***** never raced his LO23 on the street.


The Mutt Brothers {Ronald and John Lyles} who bought the
S & K Speed Shop Dart 'The Avenger' did race the Dart 4-Speed on the street in 1969.


http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...cyk191/x88.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Part IV

The Manhattan - LO23 Dart

What Al Ripolla remembers,

Is that Pete M***** was taken to the Chrysler Fleet Service Garage
on 57th Street, and was shown the Super Stock Hemi Dart.

The car came to New York with the other 1968 Dodge cars that were to be showcased on display at the New York Auto Show.

The guess here, is that the LO23 Dart left Detroit in mid-late March with
the other 'Display Cars' from the Chicago Auto Show, which had
ended on March 4, 1968.

So the 'time frame' is accurate, as the LO23 Dart that was shipped to
Manhattan, New York City was from the 1st LO23 Production run of
cars.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

The Manahattan - LO23 Dart

I forgot to mention that Pete M***** was an original member of
the 'Motion Supercar Club' in 1967/1968.

Al Ripolla said that,

Pete was offered the LO23 Dart {Automatic} that was 'under-wraps' at the Chrysler Fleet Service Garage.

The reason that the Dart was there, is because it was supposed to be part of a Photo Shoot with either 'Speed and Supercar' or 'Hi Performance Cars' magazine.

Al said Pete paid for and picked up the Hemi Super Stock Dart sometime in April 1968, but Al couldn't remember the exact date.

Al said he wasn't sure of the exact Purchase Price, but it was somewhere around $4500, and the Dart was definitely an Automatic.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

A little confused on the deal with a guy that owned a Hemi Charger in 1966, but was a member of the Motion SuperCar Club????? Did he also own some Bowtie's???

So, maybe my "shot in the dark comment" a few posts back on that one photo being a photo shoot for the Motion boys, may not have been too far off the mark then huh??

If this was in fact a photo shoot rather than a random picture, there's gonna be more pics. out there somewhere with someone.

How's that Mr. Holmes.

liteweight

ps good to get confirmation that this car was an Automatic

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Daryl,


The Motion Supercar Club wasn't only restricted to 'Chevy Guys' in
1967 and 1968.

Jimmy Boyd who ran a 1968 Barracuda 340 was a 'charter member'.

As was Larry Fiorello, who ran a 1964 Plymouth 426 Max-Wedge
4-Speed.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Think I just watched a video that had this car in it.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Link to said video...please......

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

I've been checking in just haven't had much to contribute.

LOL. If it were me, I would've let you know a long time ago! This Pete was still in 4th grade in early 1968 when the Hemi Darts and Barracudas were unleashed upon the world.

Happy New Year!

Pete

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

I saw part of that video on facebook today, couldn't watch all of it at the time & I didn't get to the part with The Mutt Bros. hemi Dart. Now I can't find it 2 hours later. ....... time for a Rum anyway

Happy New Year to all

liteweight