Well, it beens about 6 months since I've shared the latest updates on my
1966 CSP311 Silvia.
Since I purchased her (8/200), I have done quite a bit of work to the
mechanicals: new trans, new clutch, Oil Pan, sway bar, exhaust system. etc.
Bought new taillights & even picked up a set of bumpers from Australia (from
a mazda 1500).
By the time all this was done...I had completely spent all of my "Datsun"
funds. Pretty depressing...I have all the enthusism in the world to restore
her...but just have to wait till until I can make it happen. I have even
been considering selling....
Well, more and more information has surfaced about the origin and ownership
of this special car. The car was originally owned new by former race car
driver, Elroy Goto. Though he owned several nissans (including a 411 SSS)
and raced a 1500, 67 2000, and 1600....the Silvia was his pride and joy.
Last summer during the Nascar races in California, Elroy and his ex-pit crew
came down to my home to check out the old CSP311. He verified that it was
his old car & even pointed out where the old "1600 oil cooler" was
mounted... Also, as many already know, I found out this car also had a cameo
appearance in the movie Karate Kid 2.
Well, about 3 months ago I received a call from a prospective buyer (man
named Ed Heinz) who asked tons of questions....What is it worth, Is it worth
as much as a BMW 507?, As much as toyota GT 2000......Then, he tells me that
he has a link to the Silvia history...He was a designer, working in NYC for
Albrect Goertz (Father of the Silvia ,BMW 507..etc) design Studio in the
60's. He said that he designed the rear window of the Silvia!!
Thereafter, the conversation continued...I mentioned a really great vintage
photo of a Silvia I had seen being off-loaded off a PAN AM jet in NY for the
1965 auto show. To my surprise, he knew all about the 1965 show car....He
and Goertz picked it up at the airport togther, and he drove the car to the
show!! He mentioned that while driving, he received the STRANGEST looks from
folks going down the highway in the RHD Silvia!!!
I know this is long....but there are some more minor trivial news uncovered
about the car......Recently, I had contacted a company in Hollywood,
California that provides/rents cars for Hollywood movies. Spoke to the
owner, and asked him about whether they may need the Silvia for any upcoming
films?
Well, turns out his firm was the company that booked my Silvia for the
Karate Kid 2 movie! He even mentioned that his company's web site had a few
"back stage" photos taken during the filming of the movie. A photo of Ralph
Machio (sp)...but none of the Silvia. Small World.
http://communities.msn.com/BADROC/nissansilviacsp311.msnw
http://communities.msn.com/BADROC/silviacsp311.msnw
http://www.movievehicles.com/scenes/karate_kid.htm
http://www.movievehicles.com/scenes/karate_kid2.htm (this pic is for adults)
Dan Zubkoff
San Mateo, CA
1966 CSP311 Silvia
1966 SPL311
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