Comments on: Dick Smith 427 Cobra to Riverside Automotive Museum

By: Al Cadrobbis daughter

Al Cadrobbis daughter — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:24:58 +0000

My father raced with Mr. Smith and I am trying to contact family members because I have one of Dicks trophys from the 60 era…..Does anyone remember Al Cadrobbi???

By: T. G. Smith

T. G. Smith — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:13:04 +0000

Just saw the website. Wondered if hours, etc., are still valid. I was there opening day at Riverside, later when Penske won after he had a great time at Speed Week, Nausau. Was hooked on racing since I saw my first race in 1952 at Palm Springs airport. Saw all those great Miles/McAfee duels. What great days. Definately want to make it to the museum.

By: matthew reed

matthew reed — Tue, 18 May 2010 06:34:31 +0000

dick smith was my uncle i have a lot of memoreys in that car . im glad to here so many people love and respected my uncle for who he was and what he did in his racing career.last time knew the car was apraised in 1991 for 4.6 million . to know its in a museum is a great releif to me .i love and miss u uncle dick ….love matthew j reed.

By: Ron Wheeler

Ron Wheeler — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:04:44 +0000

Twenty-five +/- years ago, I built a Porsche Speedster kit car. Rick Titus, who was working for Kit CAr magazine at the time, noticed my car at the Northern California Kit Car Show at Knott’s Berry Farm. I later got a call from the magazine inviting me to bring my car to Sears Point for a an article on Porsche kit cars.

There were three kit Porsches there and due to track insurance policies, only licensed race car drivers could drive on the track. The licensed drivers were rick Titus, Dan(?) Day and Dick Smith.

What a thrill it was to sitting next to Dick as he drove my little Speedster around the track. The article which appeared in the magazine was very comprehensive and featured the three cars on the cover while going around the track. My red Speedster was the lead car in the picture.

I’ll never forget that experience, nor will I ever forget what a truly nice person Dick was.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:55:10 +0000

I met Dick Smith when I was about 9 years old. He gave me my first taste of beer (he had a tap in his kitchen!). He let me ride on a Yamaha 90 which I promptly drove into his porsche! Luckily, the fender was already dented. I was in awe of all of his trophies hanging on his walls.

When I ran into him (no pun intended) 20 years later at a Concours D’Elegance in Norther California, he remembered me. He was a truly classy guy and a great racer. I watched him drive #198 in historic races over the years as well. He will be missed. I’m glad his car is in a museum where lots of people can see the REAL 427 Cobra!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:47:06 +0000

Randy, Dad is doing good thx. No Shelby products anymore he is into old fat fendered hot rods. He lives in Grass Valley CA. Was your cobra white with blue stripes buy chance?
Cheers Dave Day

By: Randy Winter

Randy Winter — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:24:41 +0000

Hi Dave; My cobra was also in your garage that nite,…..How is your dad?

By: David Day

David Day — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:54:40 +0000

Dick Smith was a good friend of the family, we new him since late 70s. I remember my father had a big party before the PaloAlto Concours in which we stored this cobra as well as a GT40 mk 2 in our garage overnite. The next day after the show Dick and myself made a beer run in the cobra. He offered to let me drive but I foolishly declined. Great Guy.

Cheers Dve Day

By: Sports Car Digest

Sports Car Digest — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:13:15 +0000

Walt -

Great photo! Thanks for sharing.

SCD

By: Walt Boeninger

Walt Boeninger — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:25:27 +0000

I knew Dick Smith since the early 80s, a true gentleman and scholar. I’m glad his Cobra has a good home.

One of my favorite photos, riding shotgun at Sears Point:

http://www.norcal-saac.org/picoftheday/mn22-smith.jpg