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After I regrettably sold my 70E. My search for the perfect longhood finally came to an end. I had a long list of criteria & my patience finally paid off. Light Ivory lifetime California car with numbers matching engine + gearbox & it had to be a dogleg year.
I used to take long drives to Monterey & along PCH with my family. My 70E was never a garage queen & the 71T will be a driver too.
I knew I was destined for this car when I saw the Moffett Field Naval Air Station stickers on the windshield dating back to 1979. My Grandfather Edward Summers was stationed there from 1978-1982!
After having some conversations about the car with my GP who was a C130 Crew Chief with the 129th ARRG (Air Rescue Recovery Group) Air National Guard Moffett NAS (Naval Air Station). He asked me if I had anything detailing the original owner & I did! The original owner was Philip Henry. He proceeds to tell me, “I know Phil, he was my pilot”. Long story short, my GP had his contact info & gave him a call. They chatted & confirmed his ownership of the car that he had owned from 1974-2019 (first three years of cars life was on lease). They were able to catch up on their glory years & plan a visit. Turned out Phil only lived an hour away from us & we were able to plan a visit with the car. It’s been a truly remarkable story & the connection this car has to my family has been very special for us.
To make a small world even smaller. The second owner Ray Enos owned the car from 2019-2023. He also owned the downtown Sacramento Ford dealership & was friends with some of my friends. Including one who used to work at his dealership & has close ties.
My car is going to be showcased at my families winery in Murphy’s for the Ironstone Concours this September. Both Philip & Ray plan to come to the event. It will be a very cool moment for us to have all the owners together.
Now with the sentimental details uncovered. I’ve been able to really learn the deep details of the cars history through Phil & Ray.
Phil purchased the car off a lease around 25k miles in 1974 for $7,000. The car has never been in an accident & showcases its original paint to this day. He said there was only one scuff on the rear quarter panel from a parking lot incident that was noted. It buffed out but left a small dent. It was a semi-daily for him as he commuted to Moffett Field NAS, but later turned into a weekend driver.
One story he told me. His son was born just one year after he purchased the car in 1975 & it became a family car like I use it today. In 1992, his son wanted to take the car to prom. The brakes had failed on his way back to the house. Phil met up with his son & he was able to drive the car home using the hand brake. It was not long after, the car was prepped for long term storage. It would stay tucked away for the next 20 years.
He mentioned that there were a few times during the storage period that he had received quotes to have the engine overhauled. Some in the $15k+ to $20k range which ultimately kept the car on the sidelines.
It wasn’t until 2012 that he decided to get the car road worthy without committing to an expensive engine overhaul.
3/5/2012 - 71,615
1/30/2017 - 72,048
He was able to enjoy the car several more years before it was sold at the Monterey Mecum auctions to Ray for $42k on 8/16/2019 - 72,200
Not long after his purchase & with only around 72k original miles. Ray had the engine rebuilt to 2.4L. Blueprint rebuild inspired by Jay Leno’s 71T build.
Immediately after picking up the car. I added Koni shocks & front inserts, replaced the control arm bushings, changed out the oil, & replaced the ignition wire set to period correct style.
Added some date matched 10/70 Fuchs wheels acquired from Chris @ European Collectibles.
Acquired a period correct orange rod badge to replace the late style that was on the car.
Replaced my fuel sender gasket yesterday
& just finished replacing the oil sender gasket + cleaning the oil potentiometer.
Already 3,000+ miles on the car & now that the engine is broke-in. I have a tuneup scheduled with my shop next month.
In the meantime, we’re enjoying the car!
First wash!
IPB!
Scenic drives
Finally home
Trip to Ironstone
PCA Monterey Bay C&C weekend
You’ll see this one in the May 2024 issue of Panorama ‘From the Regions’.
Family trip to last weekends IMSA race @ Laguna Seca
Parade lap!
It has been a blessing to be the next caretaker & preserve this incredible car. A lifetime family car I plan countless smiles in & the one I’ll be buried in.
Now that the engine is broken in. Noted that valve #3 was loose & none of the valves were tight. #1 & #5 idle circuits were plugged. Replaced ignition contacts, fuel filter & spark plugs.
05-18-2024, 11:56 PM
New to me 71T
