Ron Butera, '66 Crown Corsa - Rochester, New York
Bill Mitchell built the car in 1969. This is not the same Bill Mitchell of GM fame, but he also worked for GM at their Milford GM Proving Grounds in the early 60's. Bill tested cars for GM. He is now 72.
Mitchell bought the car from original owner in 1969 and completed the conversion. Bill sold his 'rather special' Crown car to Ron Butera in 2007. Car was originally a '66 red Corsa coupe but came off the line w/ Monza door panels, as Bill explains. Car is a Corsa and it all checks out on the frame. Engine: 1963 Corvette 365 HP, 327 cu in V8 with solid lifters, aluminum intake, 2.02 heads w/ Holly carbs and was dyno tested at 408 HP at the time. After the testing was done, the engine was returned to the rack where engines were stored. Bill asked his boss if he could have one of the 327's and his request was honored. The engine was later installed in Bill's Corvair Conversion that Ron purchased. Ron indicated that Bill calls him periodically to ask about his old car. Ron thinks he misses it and wants it back, but hasn't asked.
After purchasing Bill's Crown Conversion, Ron replaced the solid lifters with hydraulic lifters and reduced the compression to 10.5:1 . Now it barely runs on premium fuel. Car has a 4-speed transmission, 3.89 gears, Crown seats, Crown headers and original Corvette oil pan.
Mitchell bought the car from original owner in 1969 and completed the conversion. Bill sold his 'rather special' Crown car to Ron Butera in 2007. Car was originally a '66 red Corsa coupe but came off the line w/ Monza door panels, as Bill explains. Car is a Corsa and it all checks out on the frame. Engine: 1963 Corvette 365 HP, 327 cu in V8 with solid lifters, aluminum intake, 2.02 heads w/ Holly carbs and was dyno tested at 408 HP at the time. After the testing was done, the engine was returned to the rack where engines were stored. Bill asked his boss if he could have one of the 327's and his request was honored. The engine was later installed in Bill's Corvair Conversion that Ron purchased. Ron indicated that Bill calls him periodically to ask about his old car. Ron thinks he misses it and wants it back, but hasn't asked.
After purchasing Bill's Crown Conversion, Ron replaced the solid lifters with hydraulic lifters and reduced the compression to 10.5:1 . Now it barely runs on premium fuel. Car has a 4-speed transmission, 3.89 gears, Crown seats, Crown headers and original Corvette oil pan.