Dick Smith's 198

[Jeff Kleiner]

So, it's a not so well kept secret that our dear friend 65 Cobra Dude Henry is building a tribute to the legendary Dick Smith and his equally legendary #198 CSX 3035. While doing a bit of research on the lettering and number fonts last night I came across this video from when Dick's widow Heather (who sadly has also left us) brought the car to the London Cobra Show back in 2011. Good buddy Mark Dougherty who was serving as caretaker of the car for Heather gave her the first ride down Main Street as the show opened up. I've posted this before but it's just too good to not share again!


https://youtu.be/Rsr8XBSYCws

The first time I stood beside this car I found myself getting chills and a felt lump welling up in my throat. The legacy and aura that surrounds the car and presence of Dick's spirit is that powerful.

If you don't know of Dick and his #198 you need to---you can't really consider yourself a Cobra enthusiast if you dont:

http://wasaac.org/dsmith/dsmith.html

And some words and thoughts from Dave Smith:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?650-Dick-Smith-198

There's lots more if you care to look.

Enjoy,
Jeff

[Jim1855]

Jeff,
Thanks for posting.
It's funny how the great ones provide the chills.
Jim

[Scott Meyer]

Thanks for sharing Jeff! This is one video I will not delete from my YouTube channel, where Liam also got a ride at the hotel from Mark in #198:

https://youtu.be/OBrvu7Q-Zuc

[Jeff Kleiner]

Scott,
I remember that and recognize the guy wearing the shirt with the big “5” on the back! Ironically I am wearing that shirt right now :p

Jeff

[cobrajj]

Here's some photos of Dick Smiths # 198, when it was displayed in 2009 at the Riverside International Auto Museum ( now closed).
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[i.e.427]

That's Andy Salvaggio's Red Corvette racecar next to Dick's Cobra. Boy I miss Andy.

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[edwardb]

I was there when Mark blasted 198 down the street in London. One of my very first London experiences. After all the buildup about it being an original, how much it was worth, etc., I was surprised how aggressively he went down the street. Very cool though.

[Jeff Kleiner]

…After all the buildup about it being an original, how much it was worth, etc., I was surprised how aggressively he went down the street…

I think Dick would have told Mark to quit being a kitty-cat (but he wouldn’t have said kitty-cat) ;)

Jeff

[Gordon Levy]

I have a multitude of stories I could tell about Dick and the adventures we had traveling around racing that car in the 80's and 90's.

[rich grsc]

I think Dick would have told Mark to quit being a kitty-cat (but he wouldn’t have said kitty-cat) ;)

Jeff
Sounds like my kinda guy. Wish I could have had the privilege. I think these cars are built to be driven.

[capt1black]

Jeff, I am glad my inquiry last night brought back some memories and thanks for sharing this. Another reason I want to get lettering correct for Henry.

[GoDadGo]

Amen Sir Jeffski, Amen!

[65 Cobra Dude]

Still sends shivers Jeff. You felt that car in your chest and that’s my plan for my tribute car. Dick and Heather weee great people and I’m honored to create this tribute. Thanks Mark Daugherty for the 198 turkey pan. It’ll be right up front on my car. I had first start this past weekend and plan on go-carting this weekend.

Henry

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[R. Button]

Back at the 2003 FFR's event at Las Vegas, I got to meet Dick. Then days later, after I was home, I had mentioned to Roger Stein that I had wished while I was talking to Dick that I should have had Dick sign my dash. Roger tells me that he was going to Dick's wedding and IF I sent my glovebox door, Roger would have Dick sign it. I said, to Roger, "At his wedding?" Kind of surprised that Dick would be bothered signing something at his wedding! After Roger insisted that Dick would sign it I mailed it to Roger. And sure enough a few days later the glove box door arrived signed by Dick!

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This winter I'll get it mounted in my carbon fiber dash! For now it rests on my library shelf along side a copy of a thank you note that I sent to Roger Stein.

[Big Blocker]

Like Ralph, I too met Dick at the 2003 Vegas gathering ( I live in Vegas ). What a GREAT! guy to talk to . . . I've carried his 198 sticker on my windshield for all the years I've owned a F5 Roadster and proud to tell people about that when they ask.

Thanks Jeff for bringing this around again.

Doc

[J R Jones]

Back in the factory racing days, Dave Macdonald was usually the driver of #198, and occasionally #98.
jim

[Jeff Kleiner]

Back in the factory racing days, Dave Macdonald was usually the driver of #198, and occasionally #98.
jim

:rolleyes:

You’re referring to a different car. MacDonald ran CSX 2026, a 260/289 car, with both #98 and #198. Dick Smith’s CSX 3035, a 427 car, didn’t wear the 198 number until after he was clocked at 198 MPH at Daytona.

Jeff

[Derald Rice]

I always thought that 198 was the metric length of the crotch strap in his harness.

Now I see that 198 had a secondary meaning.

[pelzerd]

That was a fun year at LCS! I’m sorry to hear Heather has also passed. She was very nice and had a lot of great stories about Dick at the show. The raffle car that year was also a paint scheme replica to honor Dick Smith. Mark helped the club build it also. Hopefully CSX 3035 will be seen in public again soon.

[Sdonnel]

Wow, what a memory. My Zach was in middle between Liam and Mark.

Scott

[pelzerd]

Looking forward to seeing Henry’s build!

[NiceGuyEddie]

Don't forget the Moment of Thunders! (Plural of Moment of Thunder)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLTMYimmRgU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GEUzwftefE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6OrDetGbj0

[Big Blocker]

Eddie, GREAT to see you are still around with us F5 guys. You and a few more are one of the originals . . . Hope you are doing well.

I miss those "Moment(s) of Thunder", those gatherings were always a high point of my ownership privilege's, going to the shows at Huntington Beach.

Doc