Car Camera Story: Sunshine Baby Milestone And Hemmings Motor News Letter

Before I get into the latest milestone about Sunshine Baby, the 'Baby' recently received mention in Hemmings Motor News. Earlier this year said magazine featured an article on Hemi powered cars and in it they asked readers to submit a story about their favorite 'Hemi'. I replied to the editor and our team was pleased to see that Hemmings printed the reply in the July issue. Take a look at what I wrote:

As for the latest development, we have been searching to find the right engine builder for the Sunshine Baby. Project manager Jim Aid and his technical consultant Wally Osinga interviewed a few engine builders familiar with old Hemi engines in the St. Petersburg/ Pinellas Park area. After all factors were considered, the decision was made to go back to Don Garlit's shop in Ocala, FL to do the work if they were willing to take on the job. Jim was thrilled a few weeks ago when word came that they could work the project into their schedule without a several month wait to do the rebuild.

Garlits built the original motor so we are all very comfortable with the decision. It also properly cements a full circle of evolution from it's original build to it's restoration! Jim Aid, our core team of technical guys Norm Cameron, and Wally Osinga along with me as resident photographer are excited the motor is there and work is about to begin. We also want to thank Hayden Harris, the boat's current owner for empowering Jim and the team to handle the restoration. Hayden has been great to work with and all are in agreement this is an excellent next step to getting the Sunshine Baby back on the water.

So to summarize in pictures, here's photos pulling the motor:

Pulling the motor was handled at Wally's shop. Thank you Wally for having a ceiling high enough to get the engine up and out of the boat.

Jim Aid and Norm Cameron study the best way to lift the engine.

Wally Osinga guides the motor onto the cradle

As soon as we got the green light from Garlit's shop, Jim and Wally loaded up the motor in Wally's Denali pick up for the two hour trip to Ocala to deliver it. Unfortunately I was out of town and unable to take the photos as I would have loved to have seen the smile on Don's face as the motor was unloaded off Wally's truck. Credit to Wally for taking a few pictures while there. Here's the delivery as Don came out to greet them.

NOTE- Check the brass plaque on the original engine stand/ parts rack that Don still has! How special is that after 65 years! Inscription says " Presented To Don Garlits From Ray Gassner 1959"

Historical note- Ray Gassner had the boat constructed by famous hydroplane builder Henry Lauterbach. Ray received the completed hull in late 1959 and proceeded to hire Don Garlits to outfit the boat with a 392 Chrysler Hemi and a Potvin blower cranking out 1200 HP! Check out Lauterbach Boats for a complete history in the link below:

Click Below to see the story of Lauterbach boats.

Lauterbach Boats

And now to the day of delivery of the motor- November 15th.