While Bert Trubody makes a few adjustments on the front engine, Skeets Jones, Jay Eitel Ken Crowell and Tom Manning take a break from the action. The crew and the car were sent home after the unsuccessful qualifying attempt when Stein ran out of money. Photo: Tom Manning
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One Man’s Dream

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Al Stein’s Valvoline Twin Special

Hanging on the wall of an auto body repair shop in Berkeley, California, is an aluminum body panel, still with the original paint scheme and the words “Valvoline Twin Special” lettered on one side. It is all that remains of Al Stein’s dream car. Stein had a long-standing dream to build a car and race it at the Indianapolis 500. In the process of pursuing his dream, Stein would create a very personal experience for himself: The car was his own design; it was built in the garage at his home; the money for the project came from his own savings account; and he supplied a good deal of the labor to build the car. Unfortunately, his dream would not come true.

A S.T.A.R. IS BORN, A DREAM VISUALIZED

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Freelance writer of automotive topics. Historical Columnist, Archivist/Historian for San Francisco Region SCCA since 2004. Three time award winner for historical sports car magazine articles. Over 160 articles published for magazines, event programs and concours including those for The Quail, Pebble Beach Concours, Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion plus contributor to several books. Vintage racer for 16 years and an avid motorcyclist.
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