We Lost Another Original
02-07-2003, 10:44 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
We Lost Another Original
Bel Currier died this week. He was the original owner of my 66 Big Block California Coupe. I am privileged to have known him. He was a Lockheed Engineer with a passion for the Corvette and one of the originals who experienced the early Corvette glory days at Laguna Seca. We bonded over the past three years through the common focus of this great car and the past and present lives it entangled in its history. His wife told me this week that I was a breath of fresh air in his life when his Corvette reappeared 25 years after he sold it. Bel is an inspiration for me to preserve his 66 just as it was in 66 when he ran it at Laguna. When I visited him on the West coast he gave me his original 1966 SCCA racing jacket with original Corvette patch because he said it belonged to the car. I should have known he was not long to stay.
Some of you may have read about the car and the man in the April 2002 Corvette Fever “ Legacy – This 66 Big Block Coupe units it's glorious past and present”. I share this with you both as a way of recognizing a fine man and his machine, but also as a reminder to those fortunate enough to have found a connection with original owners, to appreciate the stories they tell and the rich history they have to offer. Time is not on our side so try to find them if you can – it can be a rewarding and wonderful part of the Corvette experience.
Bel – I truly miss you. (picture is Bel and his wife of 45 years seeing their original Corvette paperwork again – the orange 1966 SCCA racing jacket is visible as well.
[Modified by 66BBCoupe, 3:48 AM 2/8/2003]
[Modified by 66BBCoupe, 3:50 AM 2/8/2003]
Some of you may have read about the car and the man in the April 2002 Corvette Fever “ Legacy – This 66 Big Block Coupe units it's glorious past and present”. I share this with you both as a way of recognizing a fine man and his machine, but also as a reminder to those fortunate enough to have found a connection with original owners, to appreciate the stories they tell and the rich history they have to offer. Time is not on our side so try to find them if you can – it can be a rewarding and wonderful part of the Corvette experience.
Bel – I truly miss you. (picture is Bel and his wife of 45 years seeing their original Corvette paperwork again – the orange 1966 SCCA racing jacket is visible as well.
[Modified by 66BBCoupe, 3:48 AM 2/8/2003]
[Modified by 66BBCoupe, 3:50 AM 2/8/2003]
02-07-2003, 10:51 PM
#2
Re: We Lost Another Original (66BBCoupe)
Thanks for the story. Sorry that he's gone :blueangel: , but at least he was happy to learn what you're doing to keep the 66's legacy alive. :thumbs:
02-07-2003, 11:51 PM
#3
Live Free or Die
Re: We Lost Another Original (67HEAVEN)
Sounds like a cool guy. Sorry for your loss.
Hopefully he is racing his car all day long now. :blueangel:
Hopefully he is racing his car all day long now. :blueangel:
02-08-2003, 12:13 PM
#5
Race Director
Member Since: Jan 2002
Location: Close to DC
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C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Re: We Lost Another Original (Cruzmeisters)
It's up to us enthuasists to keep the wheels turning for those who preceeded us.
02-09-2003, 09:36 PM
#9
Melting Slicks
Re: We Lost Another Original (66BBCoupe)
Sounds like he was a great quy. Thanks for the post, the torch has offically been past on to you.... :yesnod: :flag
