Hendrick Impala SS (show your photos and give comments)

Originally posted by Gerry:
Gang,

I talked with Kiwi yesterday and he has been reading your comments here. He and his boss are graciously accepting your comments and are enjoying them.... especially the ones talking about how tastefully the car is done. That was the goal from the start, and your comments are helping cement the success of their efforts. They want to hear more.

Gerry-

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As one of 2 people that got to sit in AND get a ride in the beaSSt , the interior is done BEAUTIFULLY! The leather was super soft and tastefully done. I love the way the trim pieces were covered and stitched in leather, especially the dash and armrests. I know that wasnt an easy project. I loved it because it was subtle and not in your face flashy BUT yet you know it wasn't stock either.

My only gripe (very minor): the bolts that hold the top of the radiator shroud. It looks like they reused the stock bolts/washers. Why? . It would look better with some socket cap screws and machined aluminum caps like the pic below:



Just my 2 cents....

Noel... still cleaning the mess in my pants after the 'spirited' ride around the parking lot!

Originally posted by DARKWAV:
I'm interested in the background of this car. Why is there a Hendrick Impala SS? Does it sit in a Museum? Is it used for promotions?

It is certainly very cool!

Yet another reason for me to continue cheering the Hendrick teams.

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There is a Hendrick SS ( HMS SS ) because Rick Hendrick drove the Jon Moss 502 Impala back in 2000 or so, and wanted one. So Kiwi was given the task to make it happen, make it nicer and that is what Kiwi did. It took almost 4 years to pull it all together, and what you see is the result.

The car does not get out for public viewing at all. The ISSCA Nationals was its grand opening for public display. ( although it was at the Roanoke, VA 2006 Power Tour stop for a few hours... ) The car will sit at Hendrick Motor Sports complex in one of several LARGE climate controlled secure storage areas. This is where Mr. Hendrick keeps his personal cars, and there are about 80 of them. He keeps a few at his house in Charlotte, and Kiwi says the Impala might just become one of those.

Kiwi has given several private tours to Impala folks in the last few months, and I am sure he is up to another one. There will be a 'crew' of Impala folks at the Lowes Motor Speedway Fall Auto Fair coming up Sept 14-17 LOWES PAGE

I know the CARISSMA folks who got the Kiwi Tour back in the spring loved it. Anyone who has never been to the Fair, its HUGE!!!!!!!11

I will be there this fall with the CARISSMA gang again so if you are interested let me know. I would not want to over use our welcome at Hendrick or Kiwi's generosity.... so if this happens it will be because Kiwi is in town, can set it up convenient to any HMS events/requirements, AND we keep the number of people to well under 20.

I will interface with Kiwi on this, he has told me several times just let him know.... These are great folks and I'm thrilled Mr. Hendrick lets Kiwi do this for the Impala community.

Gerry-

[ 08-08-2006, 07:59 PM: Message edited by: Gerry ]