1961 Balchowsky Ol' Yaller Mk VII
- Engine
- 5.3L (327 cu in) V8, competition-prepared, fuel-injected
- Colour
- pale yellow
The seventh of nine hand-built specials constructed by Max Balchowsky between 1957 and the early 1960s, this Ol' Yaller Mk VII was delivered new in 1961 fitted with a Devin body and prepared to accept a Chevrolet engine. Its first owner, Don Kirby of Rochester, installed a competition-prepared 327 cu in fuel-injected V-8 and campaigned the car actively through 1963–64, recording documented finishes at Virginia International Raceway and Road America. Believed to be the only surviving Chevrolet-engined Ol' Yaller originally built for racing, it also retains a rare Borg Warner aluminium T10 four-speed gearbox. A frame-up restoration was completed around 2009.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$307,500
- 1961 → 1964Factory deliveryDon Kirbypartial documentation
Kirby received the vehicle without an engine, then fitted a racing-prepared fuel-injected 327 V-8 and campaigned it during the 1963 and 1964 seasons. Information sourced partly from recorded interview with Kirby.
- 1964 →Private saleStan Kozlowskipartial documentation
First in a series of subsequent owners following the 1964 racing season; no further details about his tenure are provided.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJimmy Dobbspartial documentation
Acquired the car in the early 1990s and used it in vintage events including the 1991 Colorado Grand.
- Date unknownPrivate saleTom Deanpartial documentation
Began a restoration project and exhibited the car at the 2005 Monterey Historics; subsequently commissioned a full frame-up restoration completed around 2009, including an engine rebuild and new bodywork.
Competition
- 1963-10-01SCCASCCA Virginia International RacewayDriver: Don Kirby5th overall
- 1964-09-01Road America 500Driver: Don Kirby15th overall, 4th in class
- 19911991 Colorado Grand
Dobbs entered the car in this vintage rally along with other historic events during his ownership.
- 20052005 Monterey HistoricsDriver: Tom Dean
Car appeared at the event prior to undergoing a comprehensive frame-up restoration.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1961Modification
Owner fitted a competition-prepared 327 cu in fuel-injected Chevrolet V-8, the car having been delivered without an engine but specifically set up to accept a Chevrolet motor.
Work carried out by or for Don Kirby after delivery.
- 2009RestorationPalhegyi Design
Comprehensive frame-up rebuild covering a new fibreglass body, engine overhaul, and upgrades to the safety, cooling, and braking systems, plus fitting of Borrani wire wheels.
Engine rebuild element carried out by Watkins Engine Development. Commissioned by Tom Dean.
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