"Turbo Bob" Hemphill's car

[Sam K]

I know it may not be Cal-look in the purest sense, but I have always had a lot of respect for that car and of course it's owner. It's a pretty casual looking bug considering how quick it is. I had the chance to speak with Bob in Phoenix a few years ago and he told me that he drives it on the street regularly and drives it to the track whenever possible. I've never seen a magazine feature on it. Does anybody have any more info or stories they would like to share?

[Gary Justus]

Bob is A great guy...car is (and has been) a "real" and "hard" runner. He's also an inspiration>

[Mike Lawless]

I think in the spring of "04, we were on our way to our first Super Gas race at Phoenix. For us, it's a 12 hour tow. On this occasion to avoid southern california traffic, we decided to over the Tehachapi Mountains to the east of Bakersfield, then go through Victorville, then east on I-10. As we passed through Victorville, I said to Cindy "Hey! Bob Hemphill lives here!"

I kid you not, not two minutes later, he comes zipping around us driving his red 69, full of tires and tools, with all the numbers on the windows, smiles and waves, and head for phoenix. Seems his truck was in the shop or something and didn't want to miss the race.

He drives to Phoenix, some 350 miles, races, drives home. Gods honest truth. If you see him, ask him about it

That my friends, is one bad ass street car!

[Donny B.]

Was that the time you allowed me to baby sit your Ghia Mike?  I remember Bob dropped by my barbecue the day after the show and sure enough he had the slicks parked where the passenger seat would normally be.  He is a really neat guy.  Pretty cool driving that car all the way to Phoenix to race then driving it home.

[Hotrodvw]

Ha ha...........that's awesome.  So, where are the pics of this so-called car anyway??   

[Sam K]

I have a ton of pictures of it but they were taken before I had a digital camera, so here is the only picture that I have on my computer. I believe it's from Vegas '06. I need to get one of those scanner thingies.

[Zach Gomulka]

He is a cool guy, too! The first race I took my '67 to when I was 18 years old I raced against Bob. Back then he had the 2165 n/a motor, and he waxed me good in the semi finals I don't believe he dirives it on the street as much as he used to since he had to install the spool, but I'm sure it still sees a few street miles. Wicked cool car for sure, and he is always willing to chat and answer questions. I took this at Vegas in '06 as well.

[Vince W.]

There is some info here http://www.turbobobefi.com/ but it is pretty dated.

[Hotrodvw]

That's a sweet lookin' car.  All business!   

[Zach Gomulka]

That's a sweet lookin' car.  All business!   

And "well thought out" is about the biggest understatement you can make!

[Dave Galassi]

I can spin a yarn or two on that car..........

Berg Rally, mid 80's (can't remember the exact year) and Ray Walker and I meet up with his friend "Bob" to run the rally.  He pulls up in that car, and I think to myself, "why didn't we take my car or Ray's oval instead of this run of the mill late model?"  Nice guy, though................

We pull away from Berg's and Bob presses the go pedal (remember there are three of us in the car) and signs his tread pattern on the pavement.  O.K!  He jumped on that thing all through the rally and it never skipped a beat.  Now, at that time it was carbed, not turbo injected, and even then it was evident that Bob was meticulous about how he kept the car in tune.

Fast forward to 1999, and I am looking for some DCNF's.  Ray says, "hey, call Bob, you remember him, right?"  How could I forget?  I end up driving to his house in the high desert and buy the carbs.  He goes on to tell me he is getting rid of all his carburetors and parts...................

Now, remember, Bob lives in the high desert, and drove that thing DAILY to work, down the Cajon Pass and to Cable Airport in Upland.  45 miles each way, and a big time hill going home.  He used to post some interesting stories of things that would happen on his commute, in particular a couple of freeway altercations with "fast" cars.  Sleeper.

I find it also interesting that it is blowing through a factory FI center section (or at least it was).  Like breathing through a straw!

A lot like Allen Wiess (and many other racers for that matter).  Lots of tune time to run that well and with the consistency.  Gentleman racers.

[speedwell]

other picture 

[speedwell]

this car is very similar , but i suppose that'snt turbo bob there's the chrome trim on this car

[Zach Gomulka]

Similar, but very different

[speedwell]

Similar, but very different

ok zach 

[Mike Lawless]

Was that the time you allowed me to baby sit your Ghia Mike?  I remember Bob dropped by my barbecue the day after the show and sure enough he had the slicks parked where the passenger seat would normally be.  He is a really neat guy.  Pretty cool driving that car all the way to Phoenix to race then driving it home.

Yep Donny. That was the time. Good times!

[Brian Silva]

I have seen Bobs car race in person and that car is truly amazing. Tuned to perfection and driven to the track.

[Rennsurfer]

[ESH]

Cool car, these are from Sac...