Donzi Racer
09-26-2008, 11:01 PM
Well here we go with a wonderful opportunity to twist an antique boat key & VROOM sounds the early 289 Holman Moody motor & take off in a 40 year old original Classic Donzi Barrel Back 18 foot beauty. Amazing is a word we hear often describing this classic Muscle Boat. Been around these early Donzi's for many many years and I have just not seen original unmolested examples like this one. The original components include almost everything that you see on this one. The gel, steering, guages, motor, outdrive, and hardware all look to be the original 40 year old goodies. The motor sings like a sewing machine. It also has a lot of the original Holman Moody components still attached. The outdrive is a smooth running Volvo and driving this dream machine is almost like driving one right out of the factory 40 years ago. The condition of the entire boat is not show room, but is so sweet considering the age. When I close my eyes, I can imagine it sitting in a 2009 Donzi Show Room as a main topic of conversation. ((( Yes sir, this is a very good indication of how these little classics hold up over decades of use, so you can rest assured that you will have very many years of enjoyment with your 2009 Donzi purchase!))) Anyone need any commercials written? ha ha
This one is ready to enjoy, has the original cockpit cover and a newer one with the zipper that un-does just the drivers seat for enjoying some cooler runs. There is a very nice trailer included that is ready to go. We have fresh teleflex guages that come with it, the interior could be updated although we do have good useable buckets and the rear seat is still workable also. This boat is definitely OLD SCHOOL, power tilt but not trim, original cable steering, early series deep V hull. The exhaust have been customized to keep it quite at idle with the exhaust going into the water until the Classic comes out of the water and then you hear the most wonderful purr of the Holman Moody 289 cu in motor just cruising along at which you will be smiling ear to ear. We also include the original exhaust pipes that come straight out instead of angle down for the muffled noise at idle. Comes with an original volvo prop but we also have a very rare volvo stainless Ultra prop for better performance. As far as speed, we will be able to be a little more accurate after some more testing with the ultra prop, but she feels like around 50-60 mph depending on prop, outdrive angle, and of course water condition.
The gel coat on this one is 40 years old and we have been working on cleaning & buffing it up for a nice looking finish but there are the usual stress lines that you will find in the old gels. There is also bottom hull paint that was done very well and keeps the bad stuff off the hull. It could be removed but the color is not bad and it does not bother me so I left it. The entire hull still looks wonderful and definitely not 40 to 41 years old. This classic was completed between November to December 1967. The hull # is 18-197 which I am told is the 197th 18 Classic made. There is still the label showing that in the transom. We have also been running the boat and getting the motor running smooth and clear. We believe we have it just about right. She is very impressive.
The reason we are listing this beauty now, instead of later ,is we are wanted to show it as we are finishing the final touches. Finishing touches we want to update are the metal trim around the side could use replacing, some of the gauges need to be replaced but we are doing those with teleflex original style ones, & some updating on the interior. Remember it is over 40 years old but seems to completely surprise everyone that sees it, when we tell them the age.
Finally after having 2 other Donzi Barrel Backs in this age range in the last few years, they were very modified and lots of fun, but WOW, this original one is a absolute BLAST to operate, & really a trip back into boating history. It is so hard to believe this was available like this so long ago. I definitely understand how I am always hearing so many Donzi enthusiast saying they use to admire them as they roared past when they were youngsters. Well, here is your opportunity to reach in your pocket and instantly bring back your YOUTH!
Completely finished & in the Spring, we were planning on offering this example for $15,000 to $16,000. As we are finishing the ole girl, we are offering a SALE Price of $12,500 which of course I feel is an absolute bargain for such a memorable muscle boat classic. Although we wanted to bring the boat down for the Donzi Homecoming event Oct. 3rd to 5th 2008, we are not able to get it down from Knoxville, Tenn. but it will be coming to Florida soon for anyone that wants to take a look or drive.
Thanks for looking and if there are any questions or anyone needs info about arangements to see it, email me at mishunaire@aol.com. TOM -Just a Racin
This one is ready to enjoy, has the original cockpit cover and a newer one with the zipper that un-does just the drivers seat for enjoying some cooler runs. There is a very nice trailer included that is ready to go. We have fresh teleflex guages that come with it, the interior could be updated although we do have good useable buckets and the rear seat is still workable also. This boat is definitely OLD SCHOOL, power tilt but not trim, original cable steering, early series deep V hull. The exhaust have been customized to keep it quite at idle with the exhaust going into the water until the Classic comes out of the water and then you hear the most wonderful purr of the Holman Moody 289 cu in motor just cruising along at which you will be smiling ear to ear. We also include the original exhaust pipes that come straight out instead of angle down for the muffled noise at idle. Comes with an original volvo prop but we also have a very rare volvo stainless Ultra prop for better performance. As far as speed, we will be able to be a little more accurate after some more testing with the ultra prop, but she feels like around 50-60 mph depending on prop, outdrive angle, and of course water condition.
The gel coat on this one is 40 years old and we have been working on cleaning & buffing it up for a nice looking finish but there are the usual stress lines that you will find in the old gels. There is also bottom hull paint that was done very well and keeps the bad stuff off the hull. It could be removed but the color is not bad and it does not bother me so I left it. The entire hull still looks wonderful and definitely not 40 to 41 years old. This classic was completed between November to December 1967. The hull # is 18-197 which I am told is the 197th 18 Classic made. There is still the label showing that in the transom. We have also been running the boat and getting the motor running smooth and clear. We believe we have it just about right. She is very impressive.
The reason we are listing this beauty now, instead of later ,is we are wanted to show it as we are finishing the final touches. Finishing touches we want to update are the metal trim around the side could use replacing, some of the gauges need to be replaced but we are doing those with teleflex original style ones, & some updating on the interior. Remember it is over 40 years old but seems to completely surprise everyone that sees it, when we tell them the age.
Finally after having 2 other Donzi Barrel Backs in this age range in the last few years, they were very modified and lots of fun, but WOW, this original one is a absolute BLAST to operate, & really a trip back into boating history. It is so hard to believe this was available like this so long ago. I definitely understand how I am always hearing so many Donzi enthusiast saying they use to admire them as they roared past when they were youngsters. Well, here is your opportunity to reach in your pocket and instantly bring back your YOUTH!
Completely finished & in the Spring, we were planning on offering this example for $15,000 to $16,000. As we are finishing the ole girl, we are offering a SALE Price of $12,500 which of course I feel is an absolute bargain for such a memorable muscle boat classic. Although we wanted to bring the boat down for the Donzi Homecoming event Oct. 3rd to 5th 2008, we are not able to get it down from Knoxville, Tenn. but it will be coming to Florida soon for anyone that wants to take a look or drive.
Thanks for looking and if there are any questions or anyone needs info about arangements to see it, email me at mishunaire@aol.com. TOM -Just a Racin