6 replies to this topic

[Basic GPa]

I am researching the road racing Pontiac Tempests/LeMans of the early 60’s. In this effort I have come across a 1963 Tempest that enjoyed considerable success at places like Portland, Westwood, Arlington, Deer Park and Delta Park in 1963 and 1964 competing under #232. The car was driven by Mike Scriabin and sponsored by Bowell McLean Motor Co, both of Vancouver, BC.

Initial research indicates that Scriabin is deceased and the Bowell Mclean is out of business, although their neon sign endures as a historic landmark in Vancouver.

The car competed in the 1964 Rose Cup in Portland, OR. According to Competition Press, the race was run under ICNSCC sanction. I am interested in learning more about the car, its competitive life and how it was prepared. Any information such as pictures, results sheets, tech sheets, entry lists, event programs, documentation, Homologation Papers, magazine/newspaper clippings, anecdotes, recollections, etc. would be very helpful. Short of that, I would appreciate any additional leads and contact information you may have.

There is a reference in the information gathered to date to the car's mechanic, Robbie McInnis. Is this name familiar to anyone? There is another reference that says "Maintained By The Service Dept. Of Bowell McLean Motor Co.". Is it possible McInnis and/or Scriabin worked there? Does anyone know any of their alumni who may be able to direct me to more information or maybe to McInnis himself?

There is an entry for a Tempest in the 1963 Sebring 12 Hour with a driver by the name of Jeff (Geoffrey?)Houghton, but the car is listed as "Did Not Appear". The entry was for Meisterbrau Racing out of the Chicago area and Harry Heuer is listed as the co-driver with Houghton. Heuer does not remember Houghton or the entry. Does this name sound familiar?

Thanks,

Mike Matune

[275 GTB-4]

Resurrecting this one to see if Mike got any responses...

[Ray Bell]

I don't see any...

This car, by the way, used the same brake shoes/linings as the S4.

[raceannouncer2003]

 

Scriabin, Tempest, July 14, 1963, Westwood

 

Photo by Ted Langton-Adams, copyright Eric Faulks

 

Also found this:

 

http://littleindians...ing-tempest.php

 

Vince H.

Edited by raceannouncer2003, 09 March 2015 - 06:20.

[275 GTB-4]

 
Scriabin, Tempest, July 14, 1963, Westwood
 
Photo by Ted Langton-Adams, copyright Eric Faulks
 
Also found this:
 
Vince H.

with what looks like an Austin A55 that has failed to proceed in the background

Edited by 275 GTB-4, 09 March 2015 - 07:57.

[Ray Bell]

Riley 1.5 or Wolseley 1500, I'd say...

[raceannouncer2003]

Peter Heaster's Riley 1.5

 

I found a Rob McInnis in Langley, BC.  He said:

 

"...Hey that was my grandfather, his wife is still with us, he was a member of the bow mac racing team correct his son is my father john mcinnis...will try and get a hold of my grandmother…"

 

Rob told me that his grandfather, Robbie McInnis, was the head shop mechanic at Bowell McLean.  He passed way six years ago.

 

Vince H.