Bonneville Race Car Lost For Nearly 50 years | Barn Find Discovery

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  • čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
  • In this video, Justin Arias recounts the extraordinary story of how he rediscovered his grandfather's record-setting yellow '37 Chevy race car with the help of his friend Christian and the automotive community. The car was built in tribute to their late high school buddy Kenny Bigelow, who was killed in a wreck in his '37 Chevy at El Mirage on October 21, 1951. The car was sold in 1957 and sat in a backyard in Long Beach, CA, for over 50 years. It was rediscovered by Justin Arias in 2023 and is now in the process of being restored.
    The video follows Justin Arias as he buys the car and relocates it to his garage. Along the way, he learns more about his grandfather's racing history and the significance of the car. The documentary is a fascinating look at the history of hot rodding and the importance of family history.
    0:00 Picking up the car
    7:43 Christian's story
    10:16 Justin's story
    15:40 Story of car
    20:07 Checking out the car
    29:46 Old Photos
    30:57 More Inspecting
    42:24 Is it the actual car?
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Komentáře • 339

  • @justinariasdrummer
    @justinariasdrummer Před rokem +59

    You've done it again, Ben! Massive thanks to you and your pop for all the help. Maybe the next video on this ol' girl will be its trip to Bonneville so we can recreate some of those photos! 😎

    • @FourSpeedFilms
      @FourSpeedFilms  Před rokem +6

      Thanks Justin! Congrats and that would be amazing

    • @shortysgarage3502
      @shortysgarage3502 Před rokem +5

      Amazing story, thanks for sharing it with us.

    • @Ecosse57
      @Ecosse57 Před rokem +4

      i'm so happy for you and your family. a great story and a special car. please keep us updated!

    • @andylewis7360
      @andylewis7360 Před rokem +3

      Hey Justin. Really looking forward to seeing the old girl back on the salt. Hopefully we’ll be able to join you on your journey in the meantime. 😊👍🏻

  • @peaceloveandnitrogirl
    @peaceloveandnitrogirl Před rokem +54

    So proud of my son ♥️

  • @jonathangehman4005
    @jonathangehman4005 Před rokem +54

    Great story, great work documenting it, great car, and great people. Nick Arias, Alex Xydias, Stu Hilborn, Phil Remington, and Barney Navarro and the rest of those guys, were heroes. I never get tired of hearing about that period of HotRodding history

  • @georgeemcclainjr1595
    @georgeemcclainjr1595 Před rokem +27

    wow thanks for sharing what a family treasure coming back home please keep us posted on the restoration

  • @brianwaskow5910
    @brianwaskow5910 Před 11 měsíci +1

    This is a fantastic story. I hope that someone is this interested in my 67 mustang 50 years from now.

  • @mypl510
    @mypl510 Před rokem +27

    This is just so cool! Congrats on this incredible recovery, and big thanks to Christian for being so cool about it. Can't wait to see it in person someday, hopefully running!

  • @lilorbielilorbie2496
    @lilorbielilorbie2496 Před rokem +16

    It's kinda spooky how much he looks like his Grand Father.

  • @YippeeKiYayMrFalcon
    @YippeeKiYayMrFalcon Před rokem +11

    This is hands down my favorite episode that you've done so far, Ben! Documenting this type of rich hot rodding history, and a car of this caliber finally coming home is totally sick. Well done man. 👏🏻

  • @tombrewsaugh1399
    @tombrewsaugh1399 Před 11 měsíci +2

    Being an old race fan I really enjoy these types of stories. For a member of the family finding their grandfather's race car that has been in hiding for over 50 years and bringing it back into the daylight is great. I hope someday this young man gets to take his son for a ride in this car.

  • @quagmiredavis4117
    @quagmiredavis4117 Před rokem +3

    303 GMC engine? Awesome rescue definitely keep the 6 as raced 😅😊
    Awesome documentary about early days of racing and innovations on racing equipment

  • @WillyMcCoy50
    @WillyMcCoy50 Před rokem +4

    If you could find the Wayne crossflow head.... well, that would be heaven! Maybe have Arias & Co. make one! Great video!

  • @adamhoffman3687
    @adamhoffman3687 Před rokem +3

    Just put a water pump on a 302 gmc yesterday. Great job guys

  • @archstanton9206
    @archstanton9206 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Amazing story, and what a blessing to get that car back to the heirs of the man who ran it. I grew up in Long Beach, my father was a old school El Mirage racer and told some great stories. I have the last hot rod Flat head he built. He passed in 1983, My son and I are going to build a roadster in the tradition of my Dad's times to put the engine in.
    I am looking for another car that is very special to me, and this gives me hope that I still may find it one day.

  • @troy-from-cjrc
    @troy-from-cjrc Před rokem +37

    What an awesome story, keep us posted moving forward, I'd love to see this restored back to as raced condition.
    And excellent job on the video, audio, editing, everything, it's on point young man. Keep up the good work!

  • @jeffalessi
    @jeffalessi Před rokem +3

    All I Can Say Is "Tears Of Joy"

  • @nzsaltflatsracer8054
    @nzsaltflatsracer8054 Před rokem +4

    Nick snr would be happy to see it back in the family.😎👍

  • @adolfocortes9121
    @adolfocortes9121 Před rokem +5

    Please never stop these types of videos as a SoCal kid myself seeing that hot rodding and muscle cars are still going strong here makes me so happy. Amazing to see that these cars are still out there! Keep up the dope work!

  • @CabinTimeOregon
    @CabinTimeOregon Před rokem +4

    Love it that you proved it was his Grandpas Car, Awesome Video, Great Story...

  • @halffasthenry
    @halffasthenry Před rokem +4

    What an awesome history, so fortunate to be able to bring it home!

  • @jonnieters2306
    @jonnieters2306 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Thats awesome that you found your grandpas car are able to fix it as a tribute to him

  • @timobrien4971
    @timobrien4971 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Best car find story ever guys, provinonce is everything to this car, oh the love for the automobile!!!

  • @lindaoneal9487
    @lindaoneal9487 Před rokem +2

    This makes my heart smile. Seeing tata and my dad was so cool. Justin, in listening to you speak you sound so much like your dad

  • @ericenloe5102
    @ericenloe5102 Před rokem +6

    Best car story to come out in a long time!!!!!!! Can't wait to see more about the car getting resurrected.

  • @Jdizzle5900
    @Jdizzle5900 Před rokem +3

    Can’t wait to see it put together again. What a car

    • @FourSpeedFilms
      @FourSpeedFilms  Před rokem

      He’s already cleaned the paint and it looks so different

  • @Mart77
    @Mart77 Před rokem +1

    I love how all of this was filmed. I have really started to hate all those selfie-vlog videos about everything.

  • @jamesmoon8947
    @jamesmoon8947 Před rokem +2

    What a beautiful story ,it made an old man happy 😊 brought a tear to my eyes.👋💯

  • @CasaDin30
    @CasaDin30 Před rokem +1

    Aftery you start watching for a couples minutes, you understand what passion really is.

    • @peaceloveandnitrogirl
      @peaceloveandnitrogirl Před rokem

      My son’s knowledge and passion never ceases to amaze me. Proud mama moment 💝

  • @rickfazzini22
    @rickfazzini22 Před rokem +2

    Christian is a good friend no doubt, please keep up with the progress on this story. Thanks for posting.

  • @fredseay9924
    @fredseay9924 Před rokem +2

    Justin This is so cool, I'm hoping you are going to keep all of us updated. So cool.

  • @jakobdavis93
    @jakobdavis93 Před rokem +8

    Man I loved this video. Makes me feel lucky to have my grandpas 1956 Dodge truck. Hope we get to see the restoration.

  • @MrChevyLover1
    @MrChevyLover1 Před rokem +3

    Another great video. 👍

  • @Ecosse57
    @Ecosse57 Před rokem +3

    words fail me. an incredible car and an incredible, special, story. I'm so happy for justin and the family... got me kinda emotional. thank god for good friends like christian too. please... follow this story and document progress as you can and thanks!

  • @Telephony954
    @Telephony954 Před rokem +1

    Way cool. Christian you are the man. to do this for all of us. way cool. way cool. I really hope everyone gets to see this. way cool.

  • @onetwentyeight
    @onetwentyeight Před rokem +2

    epic. great story, well shot, well edited. nice work. commenting to feed the algorithm.

  • @toddclark332
    @toddclark332 Před rokem +3

    Really cool thanks guys for sharing the video and the story have a great and blessed wensday

  • @bbrut3332
    @bbrut3332 Před rokem +3

    A great story of some of the great California hot rodders and a special 37/8 Chevy Coupe. So glad it has returned to this gentleman's family. Hopefully, a rear end matching its glory days will be found and the car be refinished to a running and driving condition of it's racing heritage.

  • @07glide5
    @07glide5 Před rokem +3

    this is so awesome to know that stuff is still hiding out there !! great for him to have that heirloom back in the family !!

  • @justinkeller9187
    @justinkeller9187 Před 10 měsíci +1

    What a fantastic video and an amazing story. History comes home and hopefully rebuilt. Never let it go.

  • @red_fox_flareside
    @red_fox_flareside Před rokem +3

    What an amazing story. And being able to prove without a doubt it’s the car. This is fantastic news! Congratulations Justin.

  • @simplysimon9868
    @simplysimon9868 Před 11 měsíci +1

    What a cool history and chevy! So good it's come full circle back to the family.

  • @53Peterbilt
    @53Peterbilt Před 11 měsíci +1

    WOW!!!
    Outstanding story!!
    ...and Christian, not only were you an ace for connecting this car back with her original family, but Holy Smoke, you sure know your stuff when it comes to all those vintage speed parts!!
    Well done Sir!

  • @YippeeKiYayMrFalcon
    @YippeeKiYayMrFalcon Před rokem +10

    It definitely looks like Nick Arias' fingerprints are all over that car. What an incredible story and I can't wait to see Justin bring it back to life and eventually bring it back to Bonneville! I'd love to be there when he does and see it run.

    • @FourSpeedFilms
      @FourSpeedFilms  Před rokem +4

      Bonneville would be so cool

    • @xbear7473
      @xbear7473 Před rokem +1

      i wonder if they could find his literal finger prints on the car

  • @ElwoodBlues68
    @ElwoodBlues68 Před rokem +3

    Fantastic work with this documentary! Just amazing!

  • @kyleforeman4543
    @kyleforeman4543 Před rokem +2

    Wow what a history story on a lost survivor racer,so much Documentation.tks u Ben an all that was involved in this video.hope u do a update sometime..tks

  • @peterspicer3740
    @peterspicer3740 Před 11 měsíci +1

    That's a fantastic story. So great that the car is still so intact and so many parts were still with it. Real hot rod history.

  • @studebrazil2276
    @studebrazil2276 Před rokem +2

    The end brought tears into my eyes. Only who loves family and cars, would understand. Keep his legacy!

  • @jamesruiz1776
    @jamesruiz1776 Před rokem +2

    Awsome history on this ol racer ..loved the story ..I own a 40 chevy coupe

  • @robjudge181
    @robjudge181 Před rokem +2

    Unbelievable, I don't believe in coincidence when so many events line up so clearly. And props to you for putting it out for everyone to see. 👍🏼

  • @uppastdawn7627
    @uppastdawn7627 Před rokem +2

    Awesome story.

  • @losthubcap
    @losthubcap Před rokem +2

    Awesome !

  • @johnk4959
    @johnk4959 Před rokem +1

    Fantastic video! Love the Long duration. Keep up the good work.

  • @kred3208
    @kred3208 Před rokem +2

    great story

  • @ronfast703
    @ronfast703 Před 11 měsíci

    This is a great story. Had it on in the garage while working on my roadster. Problem is I’d have to rewind the video over and over because I kept missing details. New plan is to watch tonight in the house and relax with a cold beer 🍺. With your family connections you could do many more videos like this. Thanks for the great content.
    👍👍

  • @jamessturrock6802
    @jamessturrock6802 Před 10 měsíci +1

    That is the most incredible story. Well done and thank you for sharing. I feel minor parallels but no where near the same story of such a great rediscovery. I hope you get to record the restoration of that legend.

  • @pinchus34
    @pinchus34 Před rokem +1

    Always great content but this is extra special…thanks.

  • @danielcarroll5667
    @danielcarroll5667 Před 11 měsíci +2

    Thank you for sharing this amazing story , keep us up to date .

  • @stevelong2108
    @stevelong2108 Před rokem +3

    Unbelievable story! The car is so cool, plus having a lot of the original race parts .

  • @user-bc8dr7cm7c
    @user-bc8dr7cm7c Před 10 měsíci +1

    Awesome story and a great job documenting. Well done, Ben!. So proud of my son ️.

  • @almostthere2024
    @almostthere2024 Před 11 měsíci

    Epic story of automotive history and family connection.
    Can't wait for the build up to running the road again. Get 'er rollin, brother.

  • @racebanning6390
    @racebanning6390 Před 11 měsíci

    HOW AWESOME!!!!! SO EPIC, JUST LEGENDARY. I LOVE HISTORIC RACE CAR HISTORY AND WHEN THEY ARE FOUND AND BACK IN SAFE HANDS. GOD BLESS , LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING GET RESTORED AND BACK ON THE ROAD!!🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁👍👍

  • @KevinTanaka
    @KevinTanaka Před rokem +4

    Long video, but what a great documentary. I couldn't stop watching it. I glad I didn't, because (spoiler alert) it has a happy ending.

    • @FourSpeedFilms
      @FourSpeedFilms  Před rokem +1

      Thanks Kevin! It was my longest video haha. Lots of editing. See you soon

  • @jeffchecchio5026
    @jeffchecchio5026 Před rokem +2

    Ben this is an awesome video. Great job great story

  • @DansAm76
    @DansAm76 Před rokem +1

    Amazing story. Can't wait to see it back on the road.

  • @HansenSpeedShop
    @HansenSpeedShop Před rokem +2

    awesome video man an amazing find / story to it!

  • @TillrockART
    @TillrockART Před 8 měsíci

    This is so amazing! I could not stop watching it! Well done. So very happy for Justin.

  • @polatroyed8677
    @polatroyed8677 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Wow thank you for sharing this historical travel back in time 🙏 fantastic story, so greatful to see that its back in the family bringing a treasured piece home for everyone to reminisce over

  • @davevan8864
    @davevan8864 Před rokem +1

    A very very cool story!!!! And your work as always was perfect. Many thanks!!!!

  • @nickmeoli6903
    @nickmeoli6903 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Great story! Thanks for sharing! Hopefully you can continue as he restores it.

  • @ubercaulking3656
    @ubercaulking3656 Před 11 měsíci

    Vids like this one remind me why I luv cars and this story brought me to applauding when the call from Justin came in at the end. Justin is a natural story teller who, I'm guessing, was much like his granddad. It's the car! That declaration was great. I was actually clapping at the end.
    It was put together well...good job.

  • @musclecarczarig4003
    @musclecarczarig4003 Před rokem +2

    That is awesome the car has come full circle!

  • @michaelguinn5736
    @michaelguinn5736 Před rokem +1

    Wow!! Killer story!! You're very fortunate you found your Grandfather's car! I'm sure the car will stay in the Arias family! Thank you for sharing your awesome story!!

  • @JDWorkshop-wn9tt
    @JDWorkshop-wn9tt Před rokem +2

    Ben, this is by far the greatest car story I’ve ever seen! Just amazing! I’ll have to watch it over again. So great that it somehow survived and found it’s way back to the right home. Thank you for making and, sharing this super documentary! I’m sure the story will continue. 👍👍👍

  • @johngrepo9976
    @johngrepo9976 Před rokem +2

    Congratulations! You have the car that started it all!

  • @MartinCzoka
    @MartinCzoka Před rokem +1

    Love this type of longer video!

  • @aaronkahan6188
    @aaronkahan6188 Před rokem +2

    Man what a story! Love how you pieces it together leaving all the details in. Glad I got to be there on the sidelines first hand. I’m still amazed that the car was found about 20 minutes from where Justin currently lives. Great detective work Christian and Justin!

  • @chrisbailey5301
    @chrisbailey5301 Před rokem +1

    Best Video Yet !!! Super Cool !!!

  • @nickrupp2336
    @nickrupp2336 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Thanks for sharing this with us. It is truly an amazing opportunity for you to own your grandfather's car.❤

  • @409adamc9
    @409adamc9 Před rokem +1

    Awesome find and great video. Wow what a lucky guy to find his grandfathers race car and have it so complete.

  • @JustAlanJohn
    @JustAlanJohn Před 11 měsíci

    Really looking forwards to following the rebuild and your grandfather spirit has away of showing itself.

  • @PiwiWiwiCampers
    @PiwiWiwiCampers Před rokem +7

    Amazing story and so cool to watch and just shows you what is still out there lying around. Really hope to see more of this on your channel ?? Please !!!

  • @gkanderson92
    @gkanderson92 Před rokem +1

    What a great captivating story. Very happy this beloved car is back with the family.

  • @classactkirk
    @classactkirk Před rokem +2

    Amazing story,stuff like this is a once in a life time type of thing,almost magical. And looks like Justin made a new solid friend in Christian. All I can say is unbeleviable

  • @rickbonifas5985
    @rickbonifas5985 Před rokem +1

    WOW! That is a great story. Hope you can follow the restoration.

  • @martinsechrist1393
    @martinsechrist1393 Před 11 měsíci

    This was a great story to be allowed to share in. I was born in 1949, went to Lions a few times, and from the pages of Hot Rod Magazine I worshiped the names Hilborn, Iskenderian, Arias, and Carrillo. I had a $600.00 pickup in 1966 and went to a paint shop in Lynwood to see about getting it painted. I was dumbfounded that the owner told me it would be $2,000 to get my name on the waiting list! Years later I figured out that was Juniors House of Color. I have never owned a great car, but I have stood on the sidelines and seen so many great things. Thanks for this great video.

  • @bajalarry8738
    @bajalarry8738 Před rokem +2

    What an amazing story the ending was awesome 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

  • @briankinnard654
    @briankinnard654 Před rokem

    That is a amazing story. Gramps was a Hot Rodder. So cool to sit here and watch it.😊

  • @tommitchell9102
    @tommitchell9102 Před 11 měsíci

    Thank you for the story brings back memories of the 70s Lyons and old friends !!!

  • @chevelleranch7481
    @chevelleranch7481 Před rokem +2

    What an absolutely killer story! Congrats to Justin and thanks to everyone involved in bringing it back home!

  • @THROTTLEPOWER
    @THROTTLEPOWER Před rokem +1

    😍Very cool!!!!!!!!!👍👍

  • @noverguy
    @noverguy Před měsícem

    Love the story and love the SO CAL only Converse lacing. Super bad ass. Thanks for posting this fantastic story. You guys are the BEST.

  • @tompreciado863
    @tompreciado863 Před rokem +2

    That’s a really cool story! I’m sure that his grandpa is smiling down from heaven and is happy to see him own this car. Great video Ben!

  • @deanplant1500
    @deanplant1500 Před rokem +1

    When you put love and soul and passion into something somethings got to stick all that energy and emotion can’t go know where !!! Just a thought

  • @2-old-Forthischet
    @2-old-Forthischet Před rokem +2

    Not a car story, but I once saw a really nice aluminum boat (welded Gregor) on a trailer in the backyard of a guy whose family ran a nursery. I kept bugging him to sell it to me as it was just sitting there in the weeds. Several years later, he finally sold it to me for an amazing price. I went through the whole thing, top to bottom and a new motor. I then sold it years later to get a larger boat.

  • @32road
    @32road Před rokem +1

    Just awesome!!

  • @ricknorris6943corvair
    @ricknorris6943corvair Před 11 měsíci

    Best damn ghost car/barn find/real history story I have ever seen. Bought a few seta of Arias custom pistons for my Corvair race car and talked with Nick Jr. Cool Beans!

  • @williamdundon9770
    @williamdundon9770 Před 11 měsíci

    Wow what a great story it’s so fun that I had tears in my eyes hearing this. Can’t wait to see the car restored or what ever your going to do with it. What dream to find your grandpas car. Good luck with it Justin

  • @dannymac5623
    @dannymac5623 Před 11 měsíci

    WOW! What a story. Someday I want to see it in person. Oh my gosh…

  • @christianclausen9434
    @christianclausen9434 Před rokem +1

    I had chill bumps watching this episode. Well done, Ben.

  • @philo_beddoe4367
    @philo_beddoe4367 Před 11 měsíci

    Cars sitting in barns or out of the way in the backyard for 50 years is one thing. This one you have to practically trip over to get in the house and around the driveway. How it didn't get moved is unbelievable.

  • @johnsarian_cu
    @johnsarian_cu Před rokem +3

    Cool how cars were cobbled together long before Summit Racing stores. Parts from all car makers in those builds almost. Very cool story on this one. And extremely cool detective work. Feel like I just watched an episode of Columbo LOL. Christian even gives off that vibe.