Just back from the 'States

[bobjeffreson]

Guys,
Just back in Sydney yesterday, after a couple of fantastic weeks in your country. Took in some midget and sprintcar racing.
The highlight though, was driving across to Chicago from Knoxville Iowa to meet Gary Conley, the man behind the best working 1/4 scale V8s in the world. Spent hours going through his shop, in the basement of his house.
These are just some of the truly amazing sights in his Aladdin's cave.....

Some of the 1/4 scale blown V8s @ $7,500 each......there were more than 40 of these little beauties...worth in excess of $300,000...all waiting to be shipped to clients. And he's backed up with orders till 2013......
Now that's a business!!!!
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g181/bobjeffreson/DSCN0135.jpg

A 20 year old hand made Pacesetter V8 sprinter.....It's for sale at $20,000 and he has a serious buyer looking.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g181/bobjeffreson/DSCN0125.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g181/bobjeffreson/DSCN0123.jpg

A "one off" hand made hot rod with a Conley V8 in the front...This has $17,500 on it. It will sell!
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g181/bobjeffreson/DSCN0134.jpg

The diff, built by Gary, in the rod....
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g181/bobjeffreson/DSCN0144.jpg

[black vette 59]

UNREAL ........SOOOOO COOL....I bet you were in heaven Bob!

[bobjeffreson]

Paul,
If I'd died and gone to heaven, it may have run a close second to meeting, sitting down and talking to Gary and Jan. Exploring their shops was a BUZZ. They were just the 2 best days.

[bobjeffreson]

We went across to Belleville Kansas for the Midget Nationals. Probably will not go back to this show. Only 27 cars and 10 races in 2 nights. Saturday night we sat around for an hour and a half, while they padded out the programme...otherwise we would have been back in our Motel at 9:00pm. I think this race is dead. Shame.
Anyway we visited the High Banks Museum in Belleville. They had this car...built by one of the Weld brothers...my brain has gone completely numb on the details of this car!!!!
This has to be one of the best cars I've ever seen. Don't know why I fell in love with it. It was just magnificent. I think it may have won Knoxville.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g181/bobjeffreson/DSCN0031.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g181/bobjeffreson/DSCN0030.jpg

Can anyone refresh my memory on the details?

[bobjeffreson]

Here is some video I shot at Gary Conley's shop....

Gary Conley's Shop - YouTube