Saw the Chaparral exhibit this weekend!!

Brian Hamilton · 06-26-07, 06:47 PM

I live in Texas and was visiting some friends in West Texas (Odessa/Midland area) and happened to be driving when we were getting into town. I saw the sign for the Petroleum Museum & Chaparral Exhibit and slammed on the brakes & whipped the Expedition down the offramp. My girlfriend & her daughter were wondering what the hell I was doing, so I had to explain. They understand that I'm a car guy and just let me have my fun. It's great. Anyways, I thought I'd put up some pictures for you guys...

First the daughter, Kelcie, wanted to sit in the replica 2E they had there, it's pretty cramped and meant for little kids so you can see her knees in the pictures. Hahaha

Next is the 2H

Now the 2E, the real one

Now the 2D

Now my FAVORITE!! The 2F!!!

Here's my ugly mug with the 2F...

I'm 6'2", that's a little car man!! Hahaha The 2J wasn't there, but you can see the picture of it there behind me. Anyway, it was a great trip and I figured you guys would all enjoy seeing these.

Laters,

Brian

Gary Kadrmas · 06-26-07, 06:58 PM

Brian,

The pictures are great. Thanks for doing a Bat Turn and getting those pictures posted here.

The closest I ever got to a Chaparral was the slot car I had when I was 12 years old. I have never seen a real one. Must of been great to experience seeing the whole bunch on them at one time.

Lucky guy!

Brian Hamilton · 06-26-07, 07:02 PM

Thanks Gary, it was great. The cars have a proximity alarm and the guard kept coming over to make sure we weren't messing with them because I was getting sooooo close. Haha I was showing Kelcie, "This is the carburetors, this is the exhaust. See the scoops? They go to the radiator and rear brakes. Blah blah blah." It was so fun. I would have loved to see them run though, what a thrill!!

John Killgore · 06-26-07, 08:50 PM

RETURN OF HISTORY: Seems the Chapparral, LOLA MIIIb Coupe, Cheetah and "others" from the 60s are ALL returning as "continuation"
series and Kit-fashion versions. Most appear to be "engine Minus" series..
Awaiting more info in coming months..........See added Pics of "LOLA Continuation Series"...

Tod · 06-27-07, 11:29 AM

About 6 years ago I was in the Midland-Odessa area for a business trip and I remember seeing signs for the Petroleum Museum and thinking to myself "Nice place to try and get to, but I don't think I'll have time."

It was about 6 months later that I discovered what I missed. Talk about a lost opportunity!!!