Jim Palmer in saloons

[Shoreboy57]

Jim Palmer was obviously one of the leading local single-seater drivers through the 60s. Multiple national champion and regular first resident in the Tasman races.

But he also has a number of saloon achievements, sharing the Mustang with Paul Fahey and in his own XUI. Around 1970 he fronted the saloon series with a beautiful red 911 (there's a greta pic under the Mike Feist thread). I believe this car was ex-Australia (Foley?). Did the car return to Australia?. Would be keen to know more about this car and also more of Jim's tin-top exploits

[John McKechnie]

First up-he won the 1979 Glenvale 100 in a Ht 350 Monaro.
He also was a leading driver in his HK327 and the HT350 in Production racing
.He is also the first kiwi to have a podium at Bathurst- came second in 1969 driving HK327.
Drove 2 rounds of BNSW champs in Spinner Blacks Team Cambridge Camaro in 1969 before Rod Coppins took it over.
Good start here on this new thread.
Porsche went back to Aus and has been restored .

[Steve Holmes]

Around 1970 he fronted the saloon series with a beautiful red 911 (there's a greta pic under the Mike Feist thread). I believe this car was ex-Australia (Foley?). Did the car return to Australia?.

Yep, the 911 was the same car raced by Brian Foley in Australia in 1970. Jim raced it in NZ in the 4.2 class, and it was protested pretty much form the moment it arrived on NZ soil. Some considered it not to be a saloon car, even though 911s raced in the Australian Touring Car Championship and the US Trans-Am. It was usually the most dominant car in the 4.2 class, although Palmer didn't contest all the rounds. But I think he may have won an NZSCC race outright with it, so it was plenty fast.

It returned to Aus after its single NZ season, and as John said, has recently been restored. There are actually recent restored photos of it on another thread here. I don't know if Palmer had bought the car off Foley or was just leasing it, but Foley raced an Alfa GTA in Aus in 1971 instead of the Porsche.

[Shoreboy57]

Many thanks John and Steve. While the 911 may not have been to everyone's liking at the time it reminds of two of the great things of the 60s / 70s - Firstly the variety of cars which ran, which today's standardised classes simply don't provide (and one of the reason's it is so great to see the XA out there in HMC John). And secondly the rumour and anticipation which built pre-season of who and what might front. Sure I'm looking thru "rose-tinted glasses" but so be it.

[Rod Grimwood]

1971

[kiwi285]

It was a great looking car and one of the first Porsche race cars I had seen in action. Pity it only lasted one year.

[Allan]

I remember seeing this car at Baypark in it's time here and as I recall it was absolutely beautiful.

[John McKechnie]

At the time I felt that it was a sports car not a saloon car, and have felt that all my life since.
The rear compartment may be suitable for children or Hammond.
An Escort, Mini, Viva ,Imp had real rear seating to qualify it as a saloon-but thats me.
I spoke to Jim 2 weeks ago, he bought the car, later sold it.

[seaqnmac27]

Dad used to have an audio recording of the GP meet with the Porsche standing out clearly