[1stGenFan]

Here is the article, the most comprehensive written back in the day on the Gibb #1 ZL1, and some on the #15 Harrell/Leatherman ZL1. Notice the unique hood initially used on the #1 ZL1. This hood has not been reproduced on the car at this time, which is currently a modified cowl induction hood, with plexiglass scoop. The #15 car has a white scoop on a standard flat hood. On the #1 car, The hood was changed in 1971 to what appears to be a cowl induction hood with a "grump lump" style hood.

By the time this was published, the difficult 1970 season was half over, and the secrets were well known by most serious competitors.

It is my understanding, during the 1971 season, an iron block was used instead of the aluminum block, prepared by Diamond Racing Engines. I may be wrong, but I was under the impression the aluminum block was found not as competitive as needed. I may be wrong on this, but the 1971 season was run with a Diamond Prepared engine, not a Dick Harrell prepared engine.

As a side note, when I discussed with Helen Gibb events of the #1 car and #15 car, she said her and Fred where quite disappointed when they saw the #15 car show up on the scene. They did not expect Dick to be a sponsor of a competitor at the tracks. Dick placed the Fred Gibb name on the fender of the Leatherman car to help the issue? I think the #15 car was also used to match race and ran GT classes in AHRA? Maybe the Leatherman's are still around and can fill in some blanks.

Jim Hayter was hired to drive the car during the 1971 season, replacing Ray Sullins, who replaced Herb Fox in 1969. Ray was a mechanic, and Herb a salesman and great driver, but a mechanic was needed at the races to help prep and then drive the car. There was another driver during the 1970 season, but his name has slipped from my memory. I believe Dick also drove the car at some events, but have no specific information as to which events. My memory may be starting to fade, however, I am recalling this from discussions with Jim Hayter, Ray Sullins, and Herb Fox, who all drove the #1 ZL1.

Anyway, a good read about how to set up a ZL1 to race!

Ken Boje