The Honeybear E-116 is currently owned by Ralph Finley of Vallejo,
CA.
It is being restored by Terry Baron of Napa, CA.
The 280 cubic inch class hydroplane hull is a Rich Hallet design, but
built by Jerry Gasper,
we believe, now living in 29 Palms, CA. The plans are to restore it
back to the look the boat had when it won the 280 cu. in. hydroplane National
Championship in San Diego in 1961.
This hydro was the 1961 National Champion and was 5th overall in the
1961 National High Points Championship. The driver was Alan Ford.
Right now we have the hull turned over and a prepping for bottom work.
The owner is the man in the black watch cap.
This hydroplane came with 99% of the parts intact.
Motor is a 1955 Chevrolet 265 CID.
Original dashboard is black lino with gold flakes.
Finding this number on the sponson started the search for this race
boats history.
With the E-116 number and some photos, we located one of the
previous drivers and
we are searching for the original builder.
Further lifting of the paint revealed the "Honeybear" logo.
The gas tank has a cutout on the bottom is where a steering shaft
would protude.
We believe this is from a sprint car. However, in the boat the tank
is forward of the engine.
The original driver, Alan Ford, is going to share lots of documentation
that he has kept through all these years.
If you know of any historical facts on this hydroplane, please contact
us. © Terry Baron |
