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DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - THE EMERGENCE OF A WEST COAST FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH!
DANA CHEVROLET EMERGES ON THE SCENE August 1966 - Dana Chevrolet receives its franchise in August 1966 and purchases former Enoch Chevrolet facilities. The purchase of Enoch Chevrolet includes the main dealership and two used and fleet vehicle dealership facilities. •DANA CHEVROLET 8730 Long Beach Blvd. South Gate, CA •DANA CHEVROLET 8806 Long Beach Blvd. South Gate, CA – This location existed until January 1967. •DANA CHEVROLET 2955 E. Firestone Blvd. South Gate, CA - This location existed until January 1967. DANA CHEVROLET BECOMES A SPONSOR November 13, 1966 - Paul Dombroski, president of Dana Chevrolet, South Gate, announces firm will sponsor Chuck Parson's McLaren-Chevy for remaining races in Canadian-American Fall Series, indicating company's participation in future racing programs under direction of partner and vice president, Peyton Cramer. DANA CHEVROLET HI PERFORMANCE CENTER EMERGES ON THE SCENE January 1967 - An ad for Dana Chevrolet in the Motor Trend/Riverside 500 program has both addresses located on the program - DANA Chevrolet 8730 Long Beach Blvd. South Gate California and DANA Hi-Performance Center 9735 Long Beach Blvd. South Gate California. •DANA CHEVROLET HI-PERFORMANCE CENTER 9735 Long Beach Blvd. South Gate, CA FEBRUARY 1967 - Ex-Shelby American drag racer Don McCain, campaigns the 427 Camaro on the drag strips, acts as sales manager for the DANA Hi-Performance Center and becomes an integral part of the development of the DANA Camaro. March 14, 1967 - Veteran driver Dick Guldstrand heads up DANA Chevrolet's new Hi-Performance Center, a separate dealership for high performance products and service. DANA produces both a 427 and a Z28 version of the Camaro at the new facility. The Hi-Performance Center also modifies Novas, Impalas, Corvairs, Chevelles, and Corvettes. These cars receive small modifications up to full blown engine and performance package upgrades. It will also be the headquarters of the dealership's team effort consisting of two G/7 cars for Bob Bondurant and Peter Revson and the Z28 for Guldstrand. August 5, 1967 - Dick Guldstand's DANA #56 Z28 Camaro is for sale in the August 5, 1967 issue of Competition Press; Autoweek. October 28, 1967 - Dick Guldstrand and DANA Chevrolet Hi-Performance Center part ways. Guldstrand opens his own shop; Dick Guldstrand's American International Racing Corporation located in Culver City, CA. as published in the Competition Press; Autoweek. February 21, 1968 - Peyton Cramer sells his controlling interest of Dana Chevrolet and goes back to work for Carroll Shelby leaving Paul Dombroski with complete ownership as published in the National Speed Sport News. DANA CHEVROLET HI PERFORMANCE CENTER CLOSES June 1969 - DANA CHEVROLET HI-PERFORMANCE CENTER closes and hi-performance optioned cars, Corvettes, Chevelles, Camaros, Novas, Impalas, continued to be converted at DANA CHEVROLET 8730 Long Beach Blvd. South Gate, CA location. September 6, 1969 - Fleet vehicles and used car dealership continues to operate at the Firestone Blvd. location. •DANA CHEVROLET 3052 E. Firestone Blvd. South Gate, CA DANA CHEVROLET ERA COMES TO AN END Late 1971 – Due to continued EPA restrictions and pressures, Dana Chevrolet closes operations at DANA CHEVROLET 8730 Long Beach Blvd. South Gate, CA and at the DANA CHEVROLET 3052 E. Firestone Blvd. South Gate, CA location. •DANA CHEVROLET 8730 Long Beach Blvd. South Gate, CA •DANA CHEVROLET 3052 E. Firestone Blvd. South Gate, CA |
Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
The ads are from the Independent Press Telegram newspaper. -Dave https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...dfillion_1.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...dfillion_2.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...dfillion_3.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...dfillion_4.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...dfillion_5.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...dfillion_6.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...dfillion_7.jpg |
Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
Very nice..BKH
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Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
Thanks for posting. Great ads.
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Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
Thanks for posting that timeline. About ten yesrs ago I almost bought a 70 SS 396 Elco that was sold originally at Dana. If memory serves, it had a limited amount of Dana performance items including a specific air cleaner and other bolt on mods. It had been repainted a different color, I passed but wish I would have bought it. Never seen another one like it, a dealer in the Midwest was selling it maybe someone on here remembers the truck?
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Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
those are nice
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Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
I'm trying to find out who owns the rights to the Dana name - anyone know?
Can't find Peyton Cramer (RIP?) or his son, who seems to have been a resident of the Palm Springs area maybe 5 years ago. |
Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
Just some more info:
https://books.google.com/books?id=wH...na&f=false http://www.detroithorsepower.com/for...p?topic=4550.0 https://books.google.com/books?id=gl...na&f=false https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail/FL0...let-Neon-Sign/ Clipping below: Independent Press-Telegraph Nov 13, 1966 https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1469-image.jpg |
Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
DANA Hi-Performance Center advertisement from 1967....
-Dave https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...ement_1967.png |
Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
Although Peyton Cramer and Paul Dombroski continue to develop and campaign the DANA Camaro they continue to sell other high performance vehicles at the DANA Chevrolet HI-Performance Center.
DANA CHEVROLET Inc. located at 8730 Long Beach Blvd. South Gate, CA continues to receive Shelby GT-350 Mustangs from Shelby American, Inc. and offers the vehicles at the DANA CHEVROLET HI-PERFORMANCE CENTER located at 9735 Long Beach Blvd. South Gate, CA. -Dave https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pic...connection.jpg |
Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
These Dana Camaro listings are from the Press Telegram - 1967-12-29 - Pg 43 and the Independent Press Telegram – Sunday, January 14, 1968 - Pg 60.
Also note the ad for 65 Mustang -Dave https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pic...camaro_ad1.jpg Press Telegram - 1967-12-29 - Pg 43 https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pic...camaro_ad2.jpg <span style="font-weight: bold">Independent Press Telegram - 1968-01-14 - Pg 60</span> |
Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
The 1967 Bardahl and other Dana Camaros received the unique competition style fiberglass hood when they became available from Berry Plasti-Glass located in Pismo Beach, California. Not all Dana Camaros received the fiberglass hood. They were a customer requested option.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pic...asti_glass.jpg (photo originally posted under;CALLING ALL DANA; OTHER DEALER PICS; STORIES!!) |
Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
Original vintage article on a 1968 Camaro SS396 claimed to be an ex-Dana Chevrolet Super Stocker and Pro Stock car running an 427 L-88 engine built by Dale Armstrong. Does anyone know where this article was originally published? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...39-s_l1600.jpg |
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Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 68 DANA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The 1967 Bardahl and other Dana Camaros received the unique competition style fiberglass hood when they became available from Berry Plasti-Glass located in Pismo Beach, California. Not all Dana Camaros received the fiberglass hood. They were a customer requested option. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...asti_glass.jpg (photo originally posted under "CALLING ALL DANA & OTHER DEALER PICS & STORIES!!) </div></div> https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...l_nickey.1.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...ahl_nickey.jpg Based on my research over the years there is a lot of interesting Chevrolet History surrounding the Super Car Conversions. The Mr. Bardahl 1967 Camaro is believed to have been built as one of the First Three NicKey Camaros at the NicKey Chevrolet dealership, by Dick Harrell and helpers. The hood used on the Bardahl / NicKey Camaro was a hood Dick Harrell was credited for designing. It used the 1967 Corvette Stinger style hump without the Stinger / tail. This was also later seen on some of the Fred Gibb Camaros. GM and Hi-Performance parts Zar, Vince Piggens had a "back door" relationship with Bill Thomas. One of Bill's key directives was to help promote new Mark IV big block Chevy Engine and get it into the hands of as many enthusiasts and racers as possible. According to the late Bill Thomas and Bill Thomas Jr. It was Bill who lead the new Dana Chevrolet dealership into the Big Block conversion business as well as having referred the "Hood" by Berry Plasti-Glass to them in order to help differentiate their Conversion Cars. These hoods were also used on some of the Bill Thomas built NicKey Camaros. Bill Thomas designed a "Dealer Kit / Packet" for performance minded dealerships wanting to take advantage of the performance cars and parts boom. |
Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
A friend of mine owns an original 1968 Nickey/Bill Thomas camaro with the stage III option. It is my understanding that his Bill Thomas/Nickey equipped car came from Bill Thomas Racing in Anaheim California not directly through the Nickey Chevrolet Dealership. The car is equipped with the DANA signature hood with the Nickey emblems. A very unique combination. Apparently cars offered through Bill Thomas Racing could be equipped with same hood that DANA Chevrolet was using, manufactured by Berry Plasti-Glass. My friend was fortunate to confirm the hood combination with Bill Thomas senior in the late 80's before his passing.
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Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
Can we see pictures? I live in Anaheim literally right around the corner from where Bill Thomas race cars used to be.
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Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 68 DANA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
A friend of mine owns an original 1968 Nickey/Bill Thomas camaro with the stage III option. It is my understanding that his Bill Thomas/Nickey equipped car came from Bill Thomas Racing in Anaheim California not directly through the Nickey Chevrolet Dealership. The car is equipped with the DANA signature hood with the "Nickey" emblems. A very unique combination. Apparently cars offered through Bill Thomas Racing could be equipped with same hood that DANA Chevrolet was using, manufactured by Berry Plasti-Glass. My friend was fortunate to confirm the hood combination with Bill Thomas senior in the late 80's before his passing. </div></div> Is your friends car blue, by chance? |
Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
Yes, the car is blue. The car has been posted on this site under "68 Camaro with DANA Hood" and there are some pictures on the internet.
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Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 68 DANA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 1967 Bardahl and other Dana Camaros received the unique competition style fiberglass hood when they became available from Berry Plasti-Glass located in Pismo Beach, California. Not all Dana Camaros received the fiberglass hood. They were a customer requested option.</div></div>
Berry Plasti-Glass was located in Long Beach, not Pismo Beach. |
Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
'
Below pics from this thread... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthrea...lat/fpart/1/q/1 [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] ~ Pete - https://www.yenko.net/attachments/402051-68dana.jpg https://www.yenko.net/attachments/411...riptonHood.jpg [/quote] - |
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Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
That is a gorgeous 68 .. That hood is B/A
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Re: DANA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS - West Coast Connection
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...52438-dana.png
Today's view from Google street view. Not sure how recent this is but you can see a few features that still remain. |
DANA Chevrolet Hi-Performance Center was short lived but had a significant impact
Although there were 5 DANA Dealerships locations back in the day, the DANA Chevrolet Hi-Performance Center location was strategically conceived to establish a DANA sponsored Racing Team that was involved with the Lola T-70 and Trans-Am racing circuit campaign back in the day. This gave DANA wide exposure, instant credibility, and positioned them to dominate the local West Coast car scene. Unfortunately due to their differences, Peyton Cramer and Paul Dombroski parted ways with the decision to close the DANA Chevrolet Hi-Performance Center outlet in mid June 69. This resulted in the existing DANA Hi-Performance inventory being moved to DANA Chevrolet Inc. location at 8730 Long Beach Blvd. As a result some of the DANA Hi-Performance modified cars have paperwork listing the 8730 location not the 9735 location.
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Dave, thanks for the work, and time you have spent putting all this information together, I'm proud to be a DANA owner >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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I had the pleasure to meet several former DANA employees from back in the day during my visit to LA this past June. It must have been an exciting time. This was evident by their facial expressions and heightened excitement that could be heard in their voices as they reminisced about their youth. It was fascinating to hear their stories about the So Cal "Car Crazy" culture that filled the roads during the 60's.
To compliment my current research on the chronological events, I have been searching for the publication that originally featured this article/picture of DANA Chevrolet. Although the caption identifies Hot Rod Industry News, their publications during the 67 time frame do not have this article featured. Current research has lead me to believe that this picture and its corresponding article was not actually published? Does anyone recognize this picture from a 67 spring publication? Thanks! |
That shot is on page 90 from the Winter 2006 Hot Rod magazine special issue which was for the 40th anniversary of the Camaro.
Peyton Cramer left Dana Chevrolet in early 1968 which was well before the Hi-Performance Center location got closed in '69. |
Jon, thanks for the clarification on the photo and the date of publication. Much appreciated!
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Love the 2 Impalas on the end...
Rich |
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I have seen this DANA Chevrolet Inc 8730 Long Beach Blvd South Gate dealership advertisement in a 8x10 b/w photo. According to a former Dana Chevrolet employee, this was also in the form of a dealership postcard back in the day. Has anyone seen this postcard?
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