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View Full Version : Skip Roberts #62 Watson Roadster Replica


superstroke
05-29-2009, 05:49 PM
Here are some shots of Skip Roberts beautiful replica of the 1961 Watson Roadster that was owned by Denvers Ozzie Osborne. Skip just completed his masterpiece last month. I have a lot of information on this car, and I will share it soon.

Rick Losh

In the first photo, the Watson is being photographed at Denvers Civic Center. Myron "Ozzie" Osborne and his driver, Chuck Arnold pose for this 1960's shot.

The next photo shows (from left to right) Skip Roberts, Mike Wells, Frank Faliano and Rick Losh. Skip, built from scratch, many of this cars parts and pieces. Mike Wells is a very talented machinest. He machined the parts that Skip could not replicate. Frank Faliano, custom formulated the awesome purple two stage paint for this project. And finally, Rick Losh applied the gold leaf numbers and lettering. The car was originally painted by midget legend Bob Olds.

The next picture was shot inside Skip's garage. Skip had Mike, Frank and Rick and their Wives over for dinner to celebrate the completion of his beautiful roadster. This is not any ordinary garage, but more like a museum which houses Skip's wonderful collection of open wheel cars and other collectibles.

Skip opted to use an Alfa Romero engine. The cost of an Offenhauser....need I say anymore! Skip has a keen eye for details, and the engine compartment was not overlooked.

Finally, Bob Olds, Foster Campbell and Chuck Arnolds Son, signed the underside of the Watsons hood. Chuck Arnold had passed on some years ago and Foster Campbell passed soon after the signing of this hood. Mr. Campbell was the Crew Chief for the 1961 Indianapolis attempt.

lakeside #29
05-29-2009, 06:15 PM
Man Rick, What a beautiful car. The craftsmanship is just amazing. Your work on this machine are equally amazing. God bless gold leaf. This car really rates big WOW!

Chris Ertler

superstroke
06-01-2009, 09:04 AM
Here are more shots of Skip Roberts Watson Roadster. Enjoy.

superstroke
06-01-2009, 10:22 AM
Skip Roberts took the time to research this Watson Roadsters history, so here we go:

superstroke
06-01-2009, 10:24 AM
a little more history:

superstroke
06-01-2009, 10:40 AM
The tires on this car were manufactured only after Skip convinced the Indianapolis Museum to see if there would have been enough interest in the availibility of them. Finally, enough people were indeed looking for them and the tire was materialized. The wheels were cast especially for Skips creation as well. After hours and hours of work, I would say that it most certainly paid off, because this is a stunning re-creation of a timeless automobile.

Mitch G.
06-01-2009, 11:35 AM
Watson roadsters are my favorite of all race cars, I've got tons of books and roadster stuff all over my house. What gets me about this recreation is how accurate it is. There are dozens of Watson recreation's out there, some real nice, some just don't look right. This one is remarkably accurate, it's hard to nit pick this one no matter how critical one may be in looking it over. Who is responsible for the construction and fabrication of this car? Are there future plans for an Offy? It is truly a beautiful car.

superstroke
06-01-2009, 12:19 PM
Mitch, Skip did almost the whole car himself. He has the drawings and built all the body panels by hand. He fiberglassed the tail section himself. All of the chassis parts were built by Skip or Mike Wells. Skip is a well rounded craftsman. He can hand letter and if and when you visit his museum, you will see the hand lettered logos that he has painted on his garage doors. He built his own Chris-Craft boat. He also built and flies his own aircraft. He and his wifes home was built mostly by Skip. The guy can do just about anything....difference is he does everything better than most do!! If you have ever visited the Hot Times...Kool Cars Auto Show, Skip was one of the founding members. Skip is retired from the Denver Fire Department where he finished his career as a Division Chief. I have known Skip for many years and I have been fortunate to have been selected to work on some of his projects. I have to say though, that this project was one of his finest.

Bobbyjr
06-01-2009, 01:00 PM
Skip has done some tremendous flame jobs on some of Luke Icke's midgets as well. I had the pleasure of watching this man work one night. simply amazing to see... Like always Skip's work on this #62 is just plain AWESOME !

Mitch G.
06-01-2009, 02:23 PM
Wow, the guy is talented. I've heard a lot about him, didn't realize he had that kind of fabrication background, one dedicated dude.