Every CV tells a story. Some have racing pedigree. This particular CV #2236 was driven by Lyn St. James back in the late 70's. Unfortunately, the history of the car was uncovered after the car was recently parted out. But, none the less, the story of this car has been revealed. I first learned of Lyn St. James driving a CV during the San Francisco, CA Roundup a few years back. Bryan Pridmore had actually been at the Blackhawk Museum when Lyn St. James spoke to a group and one of the slides was a Cosworth she had driven. (imagine his shock!) the only real info that was available was that the car was a 76', Black Exterior, with a White interior. I've been curious where the car ended up, but no one had any real info.

Fast forward to two months ago when Tim Coughlin in LA bought a parts car out of the Dallas, TX area. The car was in bad shape, and in evidence he fround while parting the car out, he noticed it was raced, maybe even semi professionally. the Hot Texas Sun baked into the faded paint the #48, and a few other stickers from the car's past. Also, while pating it out, he found some "Cheater" options on the car, roll cage was once installed, the bumper leaf srpings had been trimmed from 3 leafs to just 1. The cam sprockets had been machined to adjust the timing of the cams.

Tim told me about the car, mentioned it may have had a woman driver at time from what the previous owner told him. So Tim contacted Clark Kirby who lives in the Dallas area, a CVOA Hall Of Fame Member and former Regional Director of the CVOA from the early 80's. Unfortunately, Clark did not have any information on the car, or the remember the name of a former owner. So the fate of the car was apparently sealed, and the car was cut up and scrapped, Tim saving a few useable parts for himself.

Tim then sold the dash plaque on ebay, and a former CVOA Member Barry Connally bought the dash plaque. He got in contact with Tim, asked about the car, any details etc. Well, it turns out Barry's dad was in the Dallas area in the late 70's and ran in the same circles with Lyn St. James! Barry remembered the car was #48, and the #48 was burned into the Hatch! Barry asked if there were any other distinguishing marks, and Tim told him about tthe Autodyne on the back panel, the Goodyear stickers on the bumpers, etc. Through the auto archeology, it is confirmed, this car, #2236, was in fact the car Lyn St. James drove! You can even make a faint "Lyn" on the door burned into the paint!

What a discovery! CVs were known to have some success in local and regional SCCA Club racing in the late 70's and early 80's (even into the 90's autocrossing) It just goes to show, some CVs are still out there, waiting to have their story told! And, with the CVOA resources, historians, and some lucky conversations, a car's history can still be uncovered! Who knows what CV will turn up next!

(I just thought you would all enjoy this story!)

thanks,

John J. Cowall