The throttle was returned to its original steering column location. The engine was rebuilt consistent with period Cadillac engines and the racing modifications retained. The side planks and deck were restored and hardware re-chromed. A failing fiberglass bottom was replaced by a no soak membrane bottom. The Gar Wood was placed in storage in a Stockton warehouse and unused from the 60’s to August of 2011 when the current seller purchased the boat from Balcao.įrom 2011 to the fall of 2012, the current seller invested over $187,000 in a complete restoration done by Sierra Boat Company. In the 1960’s, Santos sold his share of the Gar Wood to Balcao for $600. Subsequent to the Balcao/Santos purchase, the engine was highly modified by Joseph Bianchini of Bianchini Engines in Stockton, CA where he bored the engine to 365 cubic inches, balanced the crankshaft, installed “Detroit Racing” intake manifold with dual carburetors and chrome deck intake, a racing camshaft with roller rockers, a second remote oil pump and cooler, high compression pistons, dual exhausts, and a electric fuel pump. In the early 1950’s, Joe Balcao and Eddie Santo purchased the boat for $1,800 primarily because it was considered the fastest of its time. The original owner was unknown, but he upgraded the powerplant with a 1951 Cadillac 331 engine.
Hull 9016 was one of the very last Gar Wood 19’6’’ runabouts built. In April of 1947 the boat division of Gar Wood Industries was permanently closed. Only 84 of the 19′ 6″ Commodores were ever produced and only a few are still around today. This very rare 1947 Gar Wood 19’6″ Deluxe Runabout Commodore is hull number 9016. The new designs were superb and worthy of the great Gar Wood tradition. In 1945 as World War II wound down to its final campaigns the new management of Gar Wood Industries decides to restyle their boat line with a completely new look. The Commodore was regarded as one of the most beautiful double cockpit runabouts of its time, and arguably of all time. 1947 Gar Wood 19’6’’ Deluxe Runabout “Commodore”