This circa 1959 Silver Arrow was Chris Craft's first attempt to fiberglass a wooden boat. Design-wise, it mirrors the 1959 Buick, especially the fender flares. The steering wheel is from a 1954 Plymouth and the dashboard is made from aluminum used by Frigidaire to make it's refrigerators. Only 92 of these were made and about 30 can now be accounted for.
Ralph and Bonnie Wallen bought the boat (#86 of just 92) in January of 2004 and spent the next 7 months researching how best to restore it. He spent another year doing the restoration work himself, save the upholstery, mechanics and paint. The boat is spruce, with gelcoat to the waterline and a 3/4inch mahogany bottom. The engine is a 283 hp Chevy engine. The color is original. Mr. Wallen went on to win Best Chris Craft in the August Lake Tahoe Wooden Boat Show. He also won the Best Chris Craft at the recent Coeur d'Alene International Antique and Classic Boat Show. Chris Craft's national owner's club is featuring Mr and Mrs Wallen and 'Quiver' in its next edition.
The skis you see in the photo are of the period, The boat was designed as a ski boat. The flag is in the spot where the ski tackle would go.
The Silver Arrow will be on display on Concours Day, May 3, 2009 as part of our Boat Display, which showcases other forms of transportation that have beautiful lines and design integrity.
I have one of these boats and have had running several times. It now needs paint and interior. The motor sets on my shop floor totally restored and ready to go back in. I have #88, Joel Boyd, 2209 sam noble prky., Ardmore, Okla. 73401 and cel # 918-706-9589
ReplyDeleteI have a Silver Arrow that I would like to sell. She needs total restoration, but everything is there and in pretty good condition. Its hull # 45 and I'm asking
ReplyDelete$10,000. If interested please email me at highlandsalarm@mchsi.com