Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Jimmy Fitzgerald, Linda Sharp: Are all tied to this Car | Barn Find Hunter
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ค. 2024
- Introducing SCCA royalty: a car that has more history and drama attached to it than most SCCA legends combined. This car has ties to Bob Sharp, Jim Fitzgerald, and Paul Newman, and was mainly driven by Linda Sharp, who later became an IMSA driver, a well-known journalist, radio broadcaster, and race announcer. Tom is here to buy it after hearing about it 25 years ago. Follow along as he pulls the car out and finds hundreds of Nissan Factory performance parts and irreplaceable memorabilia from its heyday.
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Tom and guest could talk about Tide laundry soap and I would be attentive. Thank you so much for all of the Hagerty videos....especially, Barn Find
This barn find is going to take some beating, cool race car, celebrity stories, a dash of scandal, beautiful emotions, NOS vintage parts, it’s got it all! 👍🏻
Yes!
An Epic barn find on many levels.
Fantastic episode! Thanks for taking us along for the ride.
this was by far my favorite Barn Find Hunter episode ever. As a fan of vintage racing I could listen to there stories all day long. Thank you all for sharing your stories.
I worked in SCCA pit crews in the late 1960's for a guy in Kansas City who wrenched & raced SCCA Mini-Cooper S and Porshe 911 sports car racing. I got the racing bug and modified my 1967 Corvette for Gym Khana timed racing on small tracks in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Also raced dirt track Ducati scrambler motorcycle for several years. Great stories.
Tom my wife Debbie and I raced a Datsun 1600 in GP back in in the early 80s when we bought it I was told it had a Bob Sharp engine it had fly cut heads with pop up heads we had so much fun with it this brings back memories thank for the video Mike
I was a spectator at Road Atlanta during the huge crash in the rain in 1984 when Fitzgerald was leading I saw the whole thing. Car after car hitting rain on slicks with no warning. Very fortunate that no one was killed. There is a video on TH-cam showing the crash.
A similar event happened during a SCCA race at Mid-Ohio, at the end of the long straight, where the line of rain was right at the braking point.( note to drivers: stay belted, and in your car, until you don't hear any more crashing noises!) Don't recall which event that was, but it might have been a Regional in 1991, or a National in 1982. It happened in the E prod/ GT2-3 Race. Also happened to me at Blackhawk Farms, in a Regional in 1980(?), in a FV race, when the sky opened up during the pace lap, with all of us on slicks, when I spun in the Carrousel, out of my 6th place starting spot, while trying to get my gas pedal foot more comfortable. Started last, and spun 3 more times during the race, but finished 6th, about 100 yards/meters back from the lead pack, and set the fast lap of the race, 3 laps from the end. I was shaking down a new car that my friend and I had just finished, and I had not raced in 3 years. I am currently helping a friend (a F600 racer, himself), restore a Datsun 2000 Roadster, ironically!
I'm one of the largest collectors of old Skyline parts and watching them find a freaking gold mine of rare oe n.o.s in the box Nissan parts being unboxed is rare gem of content.
I saw this car race a few times. I have great memories of the Bob Sharp team and Fitzy. Mom and I ran SCCA Regionals, mostly at Summit Point (knew Dave Coleman well back then) so we were spectators at the National events. Great memories, thanks for bringing them back.
Tom, I've been around cars and car shops, a Safety Marshall & Tech Inspector for SCCA for about 10 years, and with a lifetime messing about with 'em, this is the best Car Story I've ever encountered!! Please keep us posted with your experience with this little roadster as the story develops.
I worked in Datsun parts department back in the late 70s. Looking at those NOS parts boxes brings back memories. All the roadster customers would come in on Saturdays to try and order parts that were hens teeth.
Me too, in the Detroit suburbs, fortunately, I didn't have to work Saturdays, but had several Roadster customers. We sponsored one SRL2000 driver. Currently I am helping a friend restore a SRL2000, while his SPL1600 waits to be turned into a Mazda rotary powered rat rod.
Thank you, this is what racing is all about. Friendship and memories.
More like *mildew and cobwebs* ! 🙄
@@FourDollaRacing And also, about weird choices in relationships!.. I could never marry a gal who was my best friend's mistress! But I have given up, on trying to comprehend such relationships.
My Machinist Carl pass away in 2019, he had closed up his machine shop in 2017 said he was going to keep doing small engines tough, he raced a B210's late 70 into 80's, he said Datsun was always good to him when he went to buy parts with racer discounts, and comp parts etc. In the end he gave up the Datsun in favor of his favorites he had two Lotus BMC race cars, a Red TR4, and a Gray Morris he would occasional drive to the shop. Most of the time Carl commute to work was spent in that Red Ford Ranger, back then a commute to work around here was short, might have been 4-5 miles for him lol. RIP Lind Sharp, and to my favorite Machinist Carl Stirtz ...
This is an episode like no other. Now, Tom, you have your work cut out for you to bring this sportscar legend back, and just as important, figure out how to get yourself in it to drive once the new cage is installed! Excellent story and ride. Cheers 🇨🇦
Yeah right. Lame duck. No Quack...
Or, I will drive it for you, free of charge!
Why would any guy in his late 60s want to drive in racing competitions? By that time, your reflexes are no longer sharp, your eyes deceive you, and you are courting a nasty injury, or death! I would be happy to just drive that cool sports car as a daily driver.
Clearly, you have never driven a race car, or been 60 years old, I'm 73, and raced against a 70 year old when I was 23. His skills and reflexes were just fine. My reflexes are still as good as they always were, only thing that keeps me from racing now, is the expense. If your eyes still work, and you still have your reflexes, and you keep in shape, why not? Everybody's physical gifts are different. Some people never can do it ( you know, average people) but they keep trying it for decades without success. Those are the ones that are a danger, because they don't get better at it, and don't know why, they think they just need more horsepower. And once you drive a race car, it's very hard to quit wanting to do it. Especially if you are successful. Adrenaline is extremely addictive (Class A narcotic addictive!).
I found a Roadster stash in MA last year. I ended up purchasing a 1967.5 SRL Comp package roadster that was rebuilt with all NOS parts by the previous owner who passed. That is the closest to driving a roadster as I got. Parts are hard to find!
Usually overlooked is the NOS boxes and the gray haired expert. I just got chills remembering my dad and uncle's old shop. This just made this episode very personal to me.
Truly a benchmark, this is one of the absolute best Barn Finds! An epic part of the pre Nissan legacy, Linda Sharp was a phenomenonal racer and fan favorite. Looking forward to see the 2000 together ...
What a wonderful reality of classic
history to be part of & you are so time served in the industry that you totally deserve to own it. Respect & thank you for your service to us viewers 🙏👏💥
*RIP* dirty old man... 💀☠
My dad grew up in Wilton CT, son of IBM c-suite father, back in the 70s. Worked at a Shell station that Bob owned(?) and grew up around his race cars. Bob and Linda were at my parent’s wedding, I believe… our last name is Vennes! This video put a huge smile on my dad’s face!
Wow, what a story. I doubt there were many car people that didn’t have a tear in their eye, when he opened the trailer and she saw the car. What an amazing legacy that car has. Amazing
That dog is going absolutely ham in the background
I love dog's with all my heart. But that dog is extremely annoying with that barking.
Hopefully he doesn’t have any neighbors close by,that would be hell living next to a place like that.
A farm dog like that wouldn’t last too long
@@josephkelly4893right, because it would have a pack around to correct it.
I purchased my 1972 Datsun 510 from Bob sharp Motors in Wilton Connecticut. At the time there was a doc strike on the east and west coast. I had to wait about 9 months before I got the car. I put on some bigger tires and American Racing aluminum alloy wheels and Konis. Every time I took the car in for service it was like a pilgrimage to Mecca to be able to go to the Bob Sharp Datsun dealership.
Fond memories. Thank you for the video.
My first Runoffs was 1983 and I remember this Roadster but never knew the story behind Linda and the car till now. Tom, you’ll make a fine caretaker and hopefully our paths cross at a vintage race sometime. Just make sure to wave as you pass me in my H Production Bugeye!
The history some people have is just incredible 👍👍🇦🇺
When you started reading that vin it took me back to my old Datsun. My vin started SPL310. I had a 1965 1500cc Fairlady. It was an early 1965 car 12v positive ground and the pre 65 flat dash but post 65 2 seat interior (64 and before were 3 seaters).
Tom, what a wonderful video. Truly a “the way we were” story. The last part where you met with Linda’s friend NJ was so touching. I’ll bet there were some tears welling up 🥹 in many of us.
So much history with that Datsun, an absolute gem!
You got 2nd gen Fair Lady....I lusted after one when they first appeared in KC in the mid 60's.
Wonderful story and amazing piece of history!
Cars with stories really drive home the validity of the connection between mankind and machines.
Some serious Datsun history- RIP Linda and Fitz.
I love this old guy telling stories!!!
If my memory serves me correctly, my former girlfriend is Jim Fitzgerald's cousin. This memory goes back 44 years so I could be wrong. I do remember her talking about her cousin being Paul Newman's team mate in sports car racing. Ironically, the last I heard, she was living in the Winston-Salem area though back in the day, we were living in the Pittsburgh area. I bet that she and her brothers would enjoy seeing this look into the past.
No, your memory is 💩.
I also was at the fence between turn 5 and 6 at RA at that 84 Runoff when they started to go off and down in the small ravine. Another anecdote, I was racing at Road America in the summer of 1988 at a regional and Tom Cruise was there along with Bob Sharp Racing hauler. Everyone thought Tom Cruise was driving a Datsun 210 in either GT4 or 5. The car won it's race and everyone scurried over to impound to see "Tom Cruise". It really was Scott Sharp driving.
Woooow. Imagine listening to those hounds ALL DAAAAAY LONG. I would have to say it probably goes on all night as well. To each their own I guess...
tom should make more stories about automotive legends of the past...since he actually also involved back in the days...
because, not gona lie Tom, your generation is getting older and lots of history is gone with y'all when you passed away...
and a stories, legend must be told to newer generation so we can appreciate, learn and innovate in the future...
tons of history, knowledge and skills might loss because our elders from previous generation is gone completely....
Congratulations, Tom. A great car and a great history.
This is just WOW! Fantastic acquisition of an amazing piece of history! Knew a gentleman that used to race with/against Newman...had nothing but kind words. Beautiful story of the great people of the racing community! Well done. Cannot wait to see this beauty back on the circuit! Go Tom and friends, keep moving forward!
Love the car and it’s history, but man ! Drooling over the NOS parts and those Solex’s ! Roadster owners dream for sure !
Wow just wow,Tom! So much history in this car and video. Looking forward to your restoration of Linda's car!
Can't wait to see this car put back together Tom. Save the patina...
WoW Man Amazing😍😍😍
Congratulations Tom, that's an gem you've in your fleet now👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks for sharing Hagerty😍😍😍
Tom is living my dream. Driving around filming car stories is life goals. Love this series
What a fun episode! It really was enjoyable to watch differetnt generations of car nerds having fun and telling stories from the old times... 😁😎🤟
Had a 1970 SRL311 in about ('83?). U20B engine with the Solex side drafts (yes, I'm in Canada), 5 spd. Awesome car, never should have sold it.
I just wonder how many of us have said those very same words, "Awesome car, never should have sold it." I sold my last 240Z (of 5) after about a 20 year run. Time/work/family... the usual distractions that often have caused those changes. I finally settled into a BMW 330xi that is (relatively) fast, handles well, comfortable and is still running like a nearly new car at 215,000 miles. It'll have to do... for a while. 😏
Wow. What an interesting and connected history. During late 1970’s I lived about a mile from
Paul Newmans weekend stables near Brewster ny.
And everyone who knew sports cars and watched races at Lime Rock knew the entire cast of characters mentioned in this video. Incredible
*WHOOP DEE FRIGGIN' DOO*
Hey 4 cent racing, what’s your fucking problem?
@@MBenz1984 Thanks! I really enjoy how Tom manages to discover significant, lost pieces of Auto-history, the characters, the cars and make the connections.
No needs to be jealous . We are all just stewards of our time and are earthly possessions. Enjoy the moment of memories and friends. Nice closure to an amazing racing era.😊❤
Tom, I beg to differ with you. The Rambler Marlin was an exceptionally cool car
Tom is not and never was "cool" so you are correct...
Not so Cool when it came out, nor was my '63 Rambler American wagon, but both are Cooler now!
I have always wondered how many cars you must end up with. To have only bought 2 is insane delf control!!
Well. That made a feller a little misty. But those that dare to go fast, wear out quicker. Newman, McQueen, a whole lot of the best people of my generation. Thanks for telling that story.
One of your best productions. A great story.
Tom I wish you made more barn find videos, My favorite show to watch on TH-cam. Thanks.
Tom....I hope you do not get sued by Tom Cruise, who is, by all accounts, a very thin-skinned egomaniac! I am sure he thinks he is a fantastic driver.
My mother (Linda) also died unexpectedly on Dec 28 (1994). Great stories of her life. Cheers,ed
Superb episode, cannot get enough of the stories. They say legends never die and this is an amazing way to remember them
I have a sad feeling that this will be the same situation with our family 67 dana Camaro in the barn one day. 😢 it’s exciting for some but not easy for us who miss the ones who have passed on. Before we lost Don he would say “that’s racing “
In the early 70s, I had a 1966 1600. Previous owner had put a 3/4 race cam in it. I had a lot of fun in that thing.
I also had a 2000 roadster with every Datsun performance part. There is a an named Mike Kerr who lives in Placerville , California who has everything for Datsun roadsters, so if you need anything for your car get in contact with him and tell him that Perry sent you. Enjoy the ride. PerryEastham
This is by far your number ONE!!!!!!!
Sad story with a silver lining 😢. Having known Bob and Linda, i couldn't stop the tears while watching this. Road Atlanta, Sebring, and many other smaller events flashed thru my memory.
I had a Pro-Built '73 610 - I remember the Red, White and Blue Boxes !
Great fine and story. My race team did drivers school in 74 at Summit Point with Fitzy and Linda as our instructors. Had some background on them at the time but didn’t get what a great opportunity we had. The car was having engine issues and Jim passed us because of the team work we did trying to fix the problem. The car was a 1970 2000. This still is alive somewhere in Virginia. Keep us up to date on the rebuild.
Absolutely could not have gone to a better caretaker. Good job, Tom !
The original Nissan Fairlady. Before they added the Z. This is what became the Z. I love these.
A trip down memory lane. Was a mechanic at Bob Sharp Datsun in Wilton Ct back when I was young and built the trans and diffs in the race shop at night. Many stories about Paul Newman. If you want pictures , just let me know. Wonderful video. Thanks.
Excellent episode of my favorite barn finds from Hagerty.
*Dork*
@@FourDollaRacing ??? WT () is that for?
@@FourDollaRacing were you looking in the mirror when that comment was written?
love these stories of old cars
Tom; BEST EPPISODE. The real heart felt stuff.
Glad to see this race car found, I hope to see you on the track with this car soon. Nice to see Mike Unger with you. He is very fast in his roadster and knows a lot about these cars.
Great car and a great story! So awesome that they had all those NOS parts for it as well.
What an incredible episode! Thanks Hagerty and Tom for putting on such quality content!
Amazing buy. The history and stories this car brought. Priceless
Its never JUST about the car, & this ones got a lifetime of stories... Sure hope you will include more history, while showing us the new stories too! Thanx !
Thanks for helping out dogs Bob. You're a good man. 👍
It seems to me that Tom needs to get started on that book. Sounds like it could be a good movie too! I look forward to it Tom. 😉
Tom, that was your best episode ever!! Thanks for the great car history lesson. That was deep!!!
Tom, this was my favorite episode yet. I’ve seen them all great work. Can’t wait to see what you do with this car.
Man, that was a wonderful video, the best barn find thus far, all those fantastic memories, just fantastic ❤
Really cool to see these kinda stories. Hagerty keeps bringing a wide range of very cool content, keep it up.
What a gem. The stories, the personal memories, the emotions. So happy you have the car. The legend lives. 👏
THIS is why TH-cam Exists.
What a great story. Brought tears to my eyes when MJ saw the car.
People who don't race and haven't ever been around competitive drivers really just have no clue what the comradery is like, almost akin to warriors going to battle. The SCCA is a family I have been a part of since I was 16 in 2002 and I still remember all the great drivers I raced against back then and the cars and the people even to this day.
Sad, that that daughter of "Fitzy" had to somehow accept that her daddy had a mistress for all those years! He was great as a driver, lousy at being a husband and father. You tell me how that balances out!
Way to go Tom. I can’t wait to see you driving it on the track !
This story brings back many, many memories of good times in the ‘70 s. I’ve seen this car race many times in the Southeastern Division with Linda and Fitzy. Great story and keep the legacy going.
Tom, great episode! Totally fascinating.
Wow! Some incredible legendary characters and what a interweb of racing and "life" dynamics! The ending with the friend reminiscing about her great friend, triggered my allergies! Thank you for sharing! Wonderful story telling!
Jim Fitzgerald hold the record for most wins in SCCA history. He mentored Paul Newman and did a great job of blocking for him!😃
Seeing him pushing Newman out of the bus stop and down the hill at Watkins Glen in the big Nissan 300z with flames out the pipes as they feathered the throttle was a great sight. He stopped and chatted with us one night as we struggled to put a wrecked Sport Renault back together. He made us little guys feel great!!
Best one yet! Thanks for sharing.
What a great story. Thanks to all for sharing.
Wow, that was so good! I'm currently restoring an old Datsun 1200 SCCA C/Sedan with early race history so was really excited to watch this vid
You couldn’t ask for a better custodian than Tom 👌
Pretty much my favorite episode
I love stories and videos like this. So much automotive history.😊❤
My favorite Barn Find so far, what a great human/car story, love it!
Longest episode in ages! The stories were great. Please post the B Reel stuff. Love , Peace & VOLUME from Madrid
Loved this episode. Great to see a storied race car is getting a new life. When I worked for TurnerMotorsport on the pit crew, my teammate told me of when he raced in the same series as Paul Newman & Fitzy. Always appreciate the barn finds and just started reading your new book 😎
When will tom come to CT? Been commenting for like 3 years now come up here and check out some amazing cars!!!
Its a good thing Ray Evernham ran out of room in his museum. Good to see you’re taking over as caretaker of this history time capsule.
Nope. He ran out of money because museums are forgotten...🙄
Cool history
Thank You Tom
When I was 19 in 1975 I lucked into a summer job that paid union wages. After a few weeks I bought a 1969 Datsun 2000 for $1,600. Great times with that car!
My dad had a 1600 Roadster. He fought like hell to keep it from rusting to pieces. With little success
As a guy restoring a 2000, there are many, many places where the innumerable small panels, spot welded together, can trap moisture and dirt. Never worked on anything so Swiss cheesed, after the paint was stripped. I certainly can sympathize!
If ever there was proof of what truly makes this hobby great - that it's the *stories* associated with the cars as much as anything else - then this episode is surely it.
Further, I can't imagine a better *steward* for this car than Tom. I'm sure this isn't the last we'll see of it.
Well done, all associated with the show here.
- Ed on the Ridge
More than just a car, a historical witness.