posted 03-10-2004 12:22 PM         

We delivered the car to Norm about a year and a half ago and with all classic vehicles, it takes time to find the parts, fabricate parts you can’t get and put the engine together and make it run. The 400 cid engine produces 541 hp at 6250 rpm and 515 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm on 93 octane pump gas.

Bob has been waiting a long time to get the “Rumbler” (as it was named) back. We missed last year’s Dream Cruise and we were anxiously awaiting its arrival just in time for Spring cruisin.

Well....................on Thursday of last week, Norm and I and a large group of people surprised Bob over at DC headquarters by delivering the car to him. He had no idea that the car was done. Norm contracted with Woodhouse to transport the Rumbler back to Michigan, since they were headed this way to pick up some Viper parts at Roush.

The Woodhouse rig pulled right up at the front entrance of DaimlerChrysler Headquarters. Not only were we hiding the Rumbler in the rig, but the former owner of the Rambler David Curis, Norm, my oldest son Paul and his family, and a group of the people that Bob works with on the Image Team and the Design team. Jerry Scholten and Dave Perrine of Chrysler asked him to come downstairs to see a really “trick” Viper that Woodhouse was delivering. Bob never hesitated and found another group of guys out front waiting to see this “Viper", too! Kevin Oefte from V8-TV Productions was there to film the surprise. He is planning on running the film on one of his tv shows.

On cue, David (the former owner) started the engine and he backed the car (with me also in the car with a camera waiting to catch Bob’s face) out of the rig. Bob was stunned and shocked and in awe!!! It’s not too often that anyone gets to put one over on him, but there were a lot of us out there that jumped at the chance!! He was grinning from ear to ear and said he had NO idea that it would have been his car in that rig. He got to drive it around CTC a bit and Kevin did an interview with Bob. We all went to a restaurant for dinner and talk and he ended up having to drive the Rumbler home in the rain. It’s now sitting in the garage waiting for Spring cruising and Woodward Dream Cruise. I’m trying to talk him into bringing it down to Texas so he can race it............you’ve got to hear this thing!!!! It sounds like a Funny Car!!! Right Mike???

Back in 1999, Bob surprised me at the headquarters when he presented me with my first Prowler..........the Black 99..............and I was finally able to return the surprise!! Thanks to all who was in on this effort ............it was awesome. A very special thanks to Marty Usher who made a totally awesome board with the engine article. He had a photo of Bob's Rumbler transposed onto the magazine cover of the issue done on Bob's motor. He sent it to Norm and all those who worked on the car signed it.

Here are a few pictures, but check out all the pictures on the great surprise in this scrapbook!!!

Surprise Surprise!!!

posted 03-10-2004 02:15 PM         

With all the help Bob has surprised others with, (me for sure) and including you too CJ, It is a really good deal indeed to have the tables turned around for at least one time.
Can't wait to see it, hear, watch it run. Very Very Cool

posted 03-10-2004 03:11 PM         

I wish I knew how to do a sound clip that I could put on here, but MikeK can attest to it since we started it up that night while Mike and Judy were on the phone and Ray Szull was in town last night on business and Bob started it up for him too..........the neighbors just love us!!

posted 03-10-2004 05:42 PM         

Have fun with your new toy!

posted 03-10-2004 06:03 PM         

Wow! Looks like a kid after walking into a candy store.

Congratulations CJ on being able to pull off a suprise like that on Bob. And nice job on the poster Marty.
Look forward to seeing it at Woodward.

posted 03-10-2004 10:28 PM         

How can I begin to thank my love of 37 years? Thanks Honey! You surprised me as no one ever has and evened up on paybacks, all in one swoop.

Mike and Judy, THANK YOU! Friends are absolutely priceless!

Marty Usher, the collage was great! Everyone involved in building the car signed it. It's headed to the framer to protect it. I didn't realize that my car actually made the cover. LOL

Norm and the crew at Westech, the proof is in Hot Rod. Great work! The car came out much better than I had any reason to hope for! I will display it proudly for all to see your craftsmanship.

Thanks to Rick and Nancy from Woodhouse for delivering the car and parts on an hour of sleep. Hope that you got some rest before heading home.

Oh, what I am I going on about? It seems that my dear wife, the crew at Westech and many of my friends conspired to surprise me and return my car. Well they succeeded in spades! After a particularly difficult week, getting my car back was the last thing on my mind. I didn't have a clue until they actually backed the car out of the transporter! I leaned over and ask Jerry Scholten, who got me out there, if that was my car.

What a shock! I can't begin to thank everyone involved nearly enough. This is a surprise that I'll never forget.

posted 03-11-2004 07:04 AM         

Bob, I'll need a driver for the 2005 Woodward cruise,,,,can I have first pick?

Glad to see your dreams came true! CONGRATS

AC

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Call 911 - there is a Prowler in my garage....
Y2K Silver Millennium Edition and '01 Orange Rolex Edition