In honor of the life and career of Dan Gurney, yesterday Raj Nair placed these decals on the 2018 Heritage Ford GT at the North American International Auto Show.
Today an additional touch was added.
Years ago, forum member SteveA took me out to Gurney's AAR for a tour. He had a previous relationship with AAR and the Gurneys, so we just popped in for a visit while I was in LA. It was a real highlight to have Dan himself nonchalantly show us around the shop, give us some history of his cars, bikes and racing exploits, and then take us out to lunch with the shop crew. You can't beat lunch with Dan Gurney. He could not have been a more accommodating host.
Even though he wasn't really signing stuff anymore, a few months ago Dan was willing to sign something for Steve's forthcoming new GT. Knowing it might be a while before the car is built, in November I popped off my carbon fiber engine intake manifold, and sent it out to AAR on his behalf with the intent that we would swap units when his car is produced. Cathy from AAR was beyond gracious to arrange the logistics and return shipment. A little nerve-wracking given that it's a $2100 part, but definitely willing to do it given that Steve got me the opportunity to spend some time with the legend, and knowing how much Dan meant to him personally over the years.
Now that Dan has passed, of course it belongs on his car at the show. Steve volunteered to have it on display, and Raj made it happen. I would assume this is the only thing Dan ever signed on a 2017 Ford GT. The car looks so damn amazing on the turn table on the show. It really is a perfect tribute to the 1967 winner. And now it is fittingly commemorated with the decals and just a little bit more of Dan's magic on it as well. Thanks Raj/Steve.
Today an additional touch was added.
Years ago, forum member SteveA took me out to Gurney's AAR for a tour. He had a previous relationship with AAR and the Gurneys, so we just popped in for a visit while I was in LA. It was a real highlight to have Dan himself nonchalantly show us around the shop, give us some history of his cars, bikes and racing exploits, and then take us out to lunch with the shop crew. You can't beat lunch with Dan Gurney. He could not have been a more accommodating host.
Even though he wasn't really signing stuff anymore, a few months ago Dan was willing to sign something for Steve's forthcoming new GT. Knowing it might be a while before the car is built, in November I popped off my carbon fiber engine intake manifold, and sent it out to AAR on his behalf with the intent that we would swap units when his car is produced. Cathy from AAR was beyond gracious to arrange the logistics and return shipment. A little nerve-wracking given that it's a $2100 part, but definitely willing to do it given that Steve got me the opportunity to spend some time with the legend, and knowing how much Dan meant to him personally over the years.
Now that Dan has passed, of course it belongs on his car at the show. Steve volunteered to have it on display, and Raj made it happen. I would assume this is the only thing Dan ever signed on a 2017 Ford GT. The car looks so damn amazing on the turn table on the show. It really is a perfect tribute to the 1967 winner. And now it is fittingly commemorated with the decals and just a little bit more of Dan's magic on it as well. Thanks Raj/Steve.
