Owners of Jim Rathmann delivered cars used for astronaut program, U-Rent-It

[Bill C.]

Has anyone been able to document any records or any data pertaining to Corvettes delivered to Jim Rathmann Chevrolet in Melbourne, Florida and used for the "U-Rent-it" program designed to rent cars to the astronauts? Can anyone point me to any surveys or other info that may be helpful in documenting a car and potentially learning who owned it? Or how many were used? Any others done any research that could be shared? I am currently restoring a 65 coupe documented to have been delivered there and the title was marked U-Rent-It Program on it. Would love to learn more!

Thanks!

[Nicholas L.]

Re: Owners of Jim Rathmann delivered cars used for astronaut program, U-Rent-It

Bill, here is an intersting article on the astronauts and Corvettes.

http://www.corvetteonline.com/features/editorials-opinions/astronauts-and-corvettes-just-like-mom-apple-pie-and-rock-roll/

[Bill C.]

Re: Owners of Jim Rathmann delivered cars used for astronaut program, U-Rent-It

Bill, here is an intersting article on the astronauts and Corvettes.

http://www.corvetteonline.com/features/editorials-opinions/astronauts-and-corvettes-just-like-mom-apple-pie-and-rock-roll/

Nick,
Great hearing from ya! Thanks, I was aware of and had read this but lost it, now I have it copied to your link.

Thanks for your help
Bill

[Jack B.]

Re: Owners of Jim Rathmann delivered cars used for astronaut program, U-Rent-It

Iam wondering if anyone might know what the Zone and Dealer #,s Are for Jim Rathmann,s Dealership?
Thanks, Jack

[Ralph S.]

Re: Owners of Jim Rathmann delivered cars used for astronaut program, U-Rent-It

Zone 26 Dealer 390

[Tom P.]

Re: Owners of Jim Rathmann delivered cars used for astronaut program, U-Rent-It

[William G.]

Re: Owners of Jim Rathmann delivered cars used for astronaut program, U-Rent-It

Jim Rathman passed on a while ago. In the course of my AutoAncestry business I have had several requests to search history of Rathman cars, mainly to determine if a particular car was an astronaut driven car. I first contacted a friend of Jim Rathman and finally I was able to speak with Jim directly. I was never able to get any specific info from Jim but I do know that he kept a file with information about the astronaut cars. Anyone ambitious enough to contact his family might be lucky enough to get that information. A good argument can be made to have the paperwork donated to the NCM or some such organization.

[Mike E.]

Re: Owners of Jim Rathmann delivered cars used for astronaut program, U-Rent-It

There is a high resolution image of Alan Shepard's '68 Convertible on Jim Rathmann's wiki page. The caption says it's on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Rathmann

Not only did Rathmann win Indy in 1960 he also drove the '78 pace car.


Mike

[Neal K.]

Re: Owners of Jim Rathmann delivered cars used for astronaut program, U-Rent-It

My 67 L79 was delivered to Jim Rathman Chevrolet on September 6, 1966. I have tried to track down more information regarding its ownership without success. I purchased the car from the 2nd owner in September of 1969 but he did not have any information because his dad purchased the car for him from a used car lot as a high school graduation gift about 18 months earlier. If someone knows how to contact the Rathman family I'd be more than eager to write them and inquire as to what records they have. My curiosity has been peaked as to whether my car could have an astronaut connection however I am doubtful since its a small block.
Neal

[Marc W.]

Re: Owners of Jim Rathmann delivered cars used for astronaut program, U-Rent-It

Hey Guys, Let me see if I can add anything of interest to the conversation. I have what I am 99% sure is one of the astronaut lease corvettes (1965 coupe). I have been doing research for the past 14 years and even had an opportunity to sit down with Mr. Rathmann at his dealership and talk astronauts and Corvettes back in 2000. At the time he did indeed have a file folder of astronaut car order forms. Some of the astronauts actually ordered something other than Corvettes. Several Chevelles, and Camaros in the bunch. I kick myself for not asking to make copies. Sadly Mr. Rathmann suffered a stroke and as a result passed away in November of 2011. His dealership is now under the name of Rosner Chevrolet at last check. I have tried everything except contacting his son who was running the dealership (s) when they had their troubles. I can tell you from what I have been able to gather, that it appears most of the cars in the program were built fairly early in each model year. If anyone want to discuss it let me know, and the astronaut's name who supposedly leased my car was written on a strip of masking tape attached to the cars original radio. Marc

[Neal K.]

Re: Owners of Jim Rathmann delivered cars used for astronaut program, U-Rent-It

Hey Guys, Let me see if I can add anything of interest to the conversation. I have what I am 99% sure is one of the astronaut lease corvettes (1965 coupe). I have been doing research for the past 14 years and even had an opportunity to sit down with Mr. Rathmann at his dealership and talk astronauts and Corvettes back in 2000. At the time he did indeed have a file folder of astronaut car order forms. Some of the astronauts actually ordered something other than Corvettes. Several Chevelles, and Camaros in the bunch. I kick myself for not asking to make copies. Sadly Mr. Rathmann suffered a stroke and as a result passed away in November of 2011. His dealership is now under the name of Rosner Chevrolet at last check. I have tried everything except contacting his son who was running the dealership (s) when they had their troubles. I can tell you from what I have been able to gather, that it appears most of the cars in the program were built fairly early in each model year. If anyone want to discuss it let me know, and the astronaut's name who supposedly leased my car was written on a strip of masking tape attached to the cars original radio. Marc

Marc
Do you have contact information for either Mr. Rathman's widow or son? If you do I would appreciate it if you would pass it along.
Is your 65 a big or small block and was it an early model year car?
if you have time to chat I can be reached at 954-684-0652. I would value any additional information you might have which would help me trace the ownership history of my 67 back to its delivery to Rathman Chevrolet in September of 1966.
Thanks
Neal