A 1961 Chevy Impala has made its way back to America after an incredible 63-year journey around the world.
This iconic car, once owned by Dan Gurney, has a fascinating history connected to races, road trips, and even a stint as a tow car.
For those unknown, Dan Gurney was a racing legend who won four Formula 1 Grands Prix across 11 seasons.
No wonder this iconic classic gem has got car enthusiasts talking about it over the years.
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Racing driver’s 1961 Chevy Impala is back in America
This story began in Van Nuys, California, where the Impala was built.
Dan Gurney received the car and later lent it to a friend for a honeymoon road trip from Los Angeles to New York.
In 1961, Gurney shipped the Impala to England to compete in a saloon car race at Silverstone.
Powered by a 409-cubic-inch engine with 360 horsepower and 410lb-ft of torque, the Impala led 10 laps against legends like Bruce McLaren and Graham Hill.
Unfortunately, a wheel failure forced Gurney to retire the car just two laps before the finish.
The car now rests in a musuem alongside other cars owned by Dan Gurney
Gurney Dan was later banned from the races, so he sold the Impala to Australian Laurie O’Neill, who replaced the powerful engine and used the car as a tow vehicle.
Classic cars sometimes have fascinating stories behind them, like Gurney’s Chevy Impala or Richard Petty’s long-lost Plymouth Superbird.
Over the years, the Impala passed through various owners in Australia before being restored to its original form with a new 409 engine.
But now, the 1961 Chevy Impala is back in America, preserved in a special museum alongside Dan Gurney’s other cars which tell about his legacy.
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