Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I just heard that Vern Colvin has passed away, he lived here in Lebanon, Oregon not to far from my place. I've worked on a stroker engine that he built for a friend and other engines of his are still out there and should be for quite some time, I'm sorry to say I never met him but my thoughts are with him and his family. Bill Cole

I too heard the news today from the Scoville's about Vern's passing. Known to many as a mechanical genius, Vern was a huge part of Jack Scoville's Datsun racing success as he had nearly bullet-proof engines that had the "Vern touch..."

Here is part of my February 2000 interview with Jack Scoville (http://www.datsun.org/fairlady/JackScov ... erview.htm) about his crew chief:

Unlike BRE, who employed a team of eight or more, Jack's team comprised his wife Gloria, Vern Colvin, his mechanic, Bob Blue, his driver and his children, Jeff and Lisa.

JS- Vern had some interesting theories on porting that made meaningful improvements. He was very instrumental in engine building and was a marvellous fabricator in every sense, be it engines, frames or specing out a transmission. I can attribute a great deal of our success to Vern.

Rest in Peace...

Michael

I am saddended to hear this.

This is a wake up call for us. These guys were Mavericks in their day. I hate to hear this as we have lost a big piece of Datsun racing history.

Ron

Here is a link to Vern's obituary... Bill

http://www.democratherald.com/articles/ ... colvin.txt" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for posting the information. I've been digging into the history of my old racecar and just this past Tuesday I learned of Vern and his envolvement with Datsuns.

While having my blown engine looked at, it was mentioned that his craftsmanship is present in my car's engine. I'm not an engine builder, but even a car hack like me can recognize the artistry he created. He was obviously very talented mechanically, and I am diappointed I never got to meet him. Another reason to make the most of the time we have and not to forget those who came before. Thanks for going racing with me Vern!