Johns Path to the Vultures
John Lewis’s journey into speed began after completing his Plumbing and Gas Fitter Apprenticeship, with his first machine being a classic 1950-53 MG TD, followed by racing a two-door 1964 Commander Studebaker with a Chevy 283 Corvette Engine in hill climbs and quarter-mile events, although he wasn’t fond of working under cars.
He had another interest beyond automobiles; he was also an avid water skier, often attending Moomba as a spectator and skiing himself mainly at Caribbean Gardens. His ski boat was a 1962 Mercury Merc 1000 (100 H.P.) which he towed with a 1960 Ford Fairlane 500, called the Tank.
John’s first bold leap towards speedboating was “Fireball,” an ancient, heavy clinker fitted with a multiple-carburated 313 cubic inch VS Chrysler, it was not competitive at all. This spurred him to get a Speedboat built, seeking out Dave Gill for an upgraded hull and John Peet as a mechanic. He continued to pursue his fast-paced dreams.
After Vultures
What did John Lewis get up to after retiring from Boat Racing (and wound up Lewis Bros Plumbing Business)?…
Out of the blue, with no warning (that I can remember), Dad arrived home and announced to the family, “I have sold the House and purchased a Beef Farm – start packing!” Turns out, we had the best time living up in the hills, working off the land.
Of course Dad invest in Stud Stock for the farm, go big or go home was the only way 🙂
1977. ‘Stud stock gross $8450’, Stock and Land – Thurs., 15th Mar., p., 15.
