(Callaway) Corvette Owner, Otis Chandler dies, 78.

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Callaway Corvette collector, Otis Chandler passes.

Mr. Chandler owned more than a couple Callaway Corvettes over the years and in recent times, the Callaways were the only "late model" cars in his expansive museum of cars.

Mr. Chandler purchased the first (Green) Speedster after the L.A. Auto Show and later, bought another (B2K) Speedster, followed by a C12, or two...


http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-chandler-obit,0,7195252.story

L.A. Icon Otis Chandler Dies at 78

By David Shaw and Mitchell Landsberg, Times Staff Writers
11:58 AM PST,February 27 2006

Otis Chandler, whose vision and determination as publisher of the Los Angeles Times from 1960 to 1980 catapulted the paper from mediocrity into the front ranks of American journalism, died today of a degenerative illness called Lewy body disease. He was 78.

Chandler died at his home in Ojai about 4 a.m., according to Tom Johnson, a former publisher of The Times who was acting as a spokesman for the family. Chandler's wife, Bettina, was with him. Other family members had gathered at the Chandler home.
"Otis Chandler will go down as one of the most important figures in newspaper history," said Dean Baquet, editor of the Los Angeles Times. "He built a newspaper that was as great as the city it covers. He set his sights on a goal — making The Times one of the two or three great American papers — and he pulled it off."

Lewy body disease is a brain disorder combining some of the most debilitating characteristics of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Victims suffer from severe dementia, as well as the stiffness, tremors and impaired movements characteristic of Parkinson's.

Retired Times publisher Otis Chandler's car collection included a 1931 Duesenberg LeBaron Special Phaeton.
(Spencer Weiner / LAT)

 

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In addition to a rare 1969 ZL1 Corvette that Mr. Chandler once owned, here is a nice story about some of the other cars he owned over time, and a bit of insight into his accomplishments :cool

 

[Jeroenvgfn]

May he rest in peace,

condoleances to the family and friends.

 

[MagicDragon]

drum rollllllllllll, and the winner is Otis Chandler! I salute him.

 

[turbocat]

drum rollllllllllll, and the winner is Otis Chandler! I salute him.

I didn't know that this was supposed to be funny--Oh well. A few years ago My wife and I stopped by Otis's museum, knocked on the closed door and guess who answered the door- Otis Chandler. Here was a multimillionaire who took over an hour to show my wife and I every car,motorcycle, and big game trophy in the place even though he had never met us before. His kindness and generosity will be remembered the rest of my life.

 

[*89x2*]

Very nice story Turbo Cat

...this was Otis' latest Callaway in his collection :cool

Amazing Collection - Amazing Life Story :cool

Henry Fuchs in Otis Chandler’s 1999 Callaway C12 Roadster
(Dlugolecki) © 2005 Art Center College of Design

Henry Fuchs driving Otis Chandler’s 1999 Callaway C12 Roadster
(Izabela Berengut) © 2005 Art Center College of Design

 

[XLR8]

May he rest in peace.

An interesting man and one has to appreciate his love of fine automobiles.

Nice story Turbocat.

My condolences to his family and friends.

 

[MagicDragon]

drum rollllllllllll, and the winner is Otis Chandler! I salute him.

I didn't know that this was supposed to be funny--Oh well.

OH turbocat, I'm more than sorry YOU thought that was funny. And it just goes to show how hard it is to tell someones emotions over a forum. There was no joke in my post, instead a great compliment celebrating a man's wonderful life- He is a WINNER. And I pray I will accomplish a fraction of what he did in my lifetime. Your story is something great to remember and I understand your loss. I apoligize for offending you.

 

[C-4 Now]

Have enjoyed reading about this collection for many years even before it was about muscle and exotic cars. Truely a man who enjoyed the automobile and many other interesting pursuits. One of a few places I have hoped to visit on a trip to CA. Condolences to family and friends. Ike

 

[*89x2*]

Have enjoyed reading about this collection for many years even before it was about muscle and exotic cars. Truely a man who enjoyed the automobile and many other interesting pursuits. One of a few places I have hoped to visit on a trip to CA. Condolences to family and friends. Ike

While I have yet to visit his collection of cars, here are some pics from the Santa Clarita Corvette Club trip there - Enjoy! :cool

Part 1: http://www.santaclaritacorvetteclub.com/photosChandler05.html


Part 2: http://www.santaclaritacorvetteclub.com/photosChandler05p2.html

 

[Brangeta]

A man who had great taste to say the least.

 

[*89x2*]

Folks, I read today that Otis Chandler's museum has no plans to close - Open one day per month, you can also take a virtual tour here: http://www.chandlerwheels.com/

...just thought I would share

 

[Mako1969]

Guess I'm a little late on this one, but even though I never met the man, I am still somewhat saddened. Back in 1979 as part of a 9th grade economics project, we had to pick five stocks to track for three months. One of my companies was Times Mirror and, researching the company, I first learned about Otis Chandler.

May our thoughts and prayers be with his family.