This 1970 Oldsmobile 442 was a pre-production prototype car given to James Garner to be built into the Goodyear Grabber Olds at Vic Hickeys legendary Ventura race shop. No stranger to off-road racing in Baja, it became known at the time as the "Goodyear Grabber" (despite the large BF Goodrich tires the car is currently wearing) because of a sponsorship agreement with Goodyear to promote their Grabber off road tires.
Garner competed the 1969 NORRA Mexican 1000 behind the wheel
of this 442. Garner was an hour ahead of his class when a sharp rock put him on the sidelines for a tire change. Unable to cope with a developing oil leak because all the spare oil cans where damaged due to a loose spare tire, Garner lost precious time and finished in 2nd place. After five more races the "Goodyear Grabber" passed out of Garner's hands and was sidelined a few years later after a crash caused severe damage.
Then it vanished. For 34 years it was the 'mystery car' until Ron Johnson of Tacoma, Washington advertised for a car with a Vic Hickey rollcage. Once back at his shop he realized he'd found the lost Jim Garner '70 Goodyear Grabber 442 and the restoration work began.
Fast forward to today. Now on Ebay with an unlisted reserve, it has garnered plenty of interest in seeing how high the bids will end up going. Add it to your watch list here and view all the great photos supplied by the seller.
Read more about the restoration process at Hod Rod.
Garner competed the 1969 NORRA Mexican 1000 behind the wheel
of this 442. Garner was an hour ahead of his class when a sharp rock put him on the sidelines for a tire change. Unable to cope with a developing oil leak because all the spare oil cans where damaged due to a loose spare tire, Garner lost precious time and finished in 2nd place. After five more races the "Goodyear Grabber" passed out of Garner's hands and was sidelined a few years later after a crash caused severe damage.
Then it vanished. For 34 years it was the 'mystery car' until Ron Johnson of Tacoma, Washington advertised for a car with a Vic Hickey rollcage. Once back at his shop he realized he'd found the lost Jim Garner '70 Goodyear Grabber 442 and the restoration work began.
Fast forward to today. Now on Ebay with an unlisted reserve, it has garnered plenty of interest in seeing how high the bids will end up going. Add it to your watch list here and view all the great photos supplied by the seller.
Read more about the restoration process at Hod Rod.
