Vulture 1969 - 1971

John Lewis Owner / Driver

Vulture Victorian Speed Boat Club VS111 with John Lewis at the wheell

~ The First Vulture ~

John Lewis wanted to Race Speed Boats, but it had to be competitive. All or Nothing, was how John operated. Firstly, he went to see a local boat builder in Croydon, Dave Gill for the hull. He also approached a bloke by the name of John Peet, a motor mechanic who lived in the same block of flats. John Peet said he knew nothing about boats, but Dad did not see this as a problem… a plan became reality.

Vulture Motor
Engine: *Steel Crank, 4 Bolt Steel Main Caps, Jahns Pistons, Warren Smith Steel Con-Rods. Balanced by Duggan, Isky Roller Cam+Kit. Fuel Injection Heads Ponted & Polished by John Peet. Joe Hunt Vertex Magnito. Hilborn Fuel Injection System with Inlet Manifold & Tuned. Exhaust by G. Facey. Dyno-Tuned at Ken Countneys, "Engine Dyno"
John Peet Vulture's Mechanic
John Peet working on Vulture's Fuel Injection System
Vulture Full Chrome for Melbourne Boat Show
Boat Show 1970: While your reporter (Prop Rider) is somewhat VSBC biased, I still have no hesitation in stating that our stand was as good as any stand in the show, both club stand and trade stands included. The boats were very well prepared and in fact Vulture was sporting chrome platting, put on especially for the show at a cost rumoured to be over $100
Vulture in the Pits with Geoff & John Lewis
In the Pits: Vulture just been out for a run, back in the pits with younger brother Geoff on left and John on right (top).
Vulture Motor at Boronia Workshop
John Lewis got a ‘Fuel Injection Specialist’ in the workshop for a week for installation & fast track the craft to the team.
Geoff Lewis working on Vulture's Motor
Geoff Lewis always out in the Workshop, & he would soon get his own boats.
John Lewis kids helping out
Heckle & Jeckle we where called 🙂 My sister and I hanging off Dad's Boat, giving him a helping hand in back yard of Boronia
John Peet, John Lewis & Geoff Lewis Boronia Workshop
Vulture at Boronia Workshop, from left: John Peet, John Lewis & Geoff Lewis. With trophies on the deck. The white wooden fence in background is Boronia Train Station.
Vulture at Albert Park Lake with John Lewis at the wheel and John Peet as jockey
Albert Park Lake with John Peet as Jockey hanging on!
Johnny & Geoff Lewis Proprider VSBC
Vultures Clipper Flxible Coach Bus - getting decked out at the back of 'Lewis Bros' Plumbing & Gas Fitters, Burwood Highway, Knoxfield, Victoria

To see more about the Vulture Bus – Flxible Clipper #AF 122 – Click Here

Vulture in Colour

Allen Brown in Hydrophobia, the other two are Trevor Matthews in Assassin Too, and John Lewis in Vulture. Handicap race at Albert Park Lake – Allen Brown/Hydrophobia won this race! David Gill worked on all three of these boats.
Hydrophobia – Allen Brown (AKA Brownie), Assassin Too – Trevor Matthews & Vulture – John Lewis Albert Park Lake 1970’s. Handicap Race: Winner Hydrophobia (Dave Gill worked on all three boats)
Vulture & John Lewis
We are incredibly fortunate to have received color photographs of Vulture, graciously donated by dedicated Speedboat Fans from their personal collections. Thank you 🙂

Click HERE to read more about Brownie and Hydrophobia

Vulture at Yarrawonga 1971
Vulture at Hazelwood Pondage
Vulture Displacement
Vulture at Lake Eppalock
Vulture and Flea in the Pits

David Gill, the founder of Gilflite, has played a significant role in the boat-building industry. He constructed both versions of the Vulture hulls, starting with a wooden model followed by a fiberglass hydro. Gilflite continues to operate successfully, with David still at the helm in 2024. The company has earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovation in boat design, ensuring they remain a key player in the market.

GILFLITE a style of Life !
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