Playing Tag With the Neil Young Eagle

[beltguy]

First of all, if you are not familiar with the Neil Young Eagle, you need to spend some time looking at some of the details.  Here are a couple of websites:

First Neil Young Eagle

Current Neil Young Eagle

When I first saw the second bus on various websites, I kind of thought it was a bastardization of an Eagle (some people still do).  However, the more I read about the bus, the more I appreciated the approach.  When you read the description in the second link you will see that the bus was modified with several early (40's and 50's) Buick parts.  Since one of my projects is a 47 Buick, I really began to relate to the concept.

My research suggests he still own the bus.

Now for my story. In mid-August of 2021 I did my annual journey to Bonneville Speed Week.  On my way back, I always stop at the Tooele exit on I80 to fuel up and grab a couple of Tacos at Del Taco.  As I was pulling out of the fuel stop I saw the Neil Young Eagle heading out towards east bound I80.  I quickly pulled out and began my chase.  I caught up with it a few miles down the road and began a game of tag for over 200 miles (until I pulled into Rock Springs for the night).

I really wanted to take a picture of the bus.  I would pass it and get a mile or two ahead and pull off on an exit and try to get a picture.  That was a challenge since the bus was traveling well over 70 MPH on the flat.  I probably exited 5 or more times before I got the picture below.

After each exit, I would have to drive well over the speed limit to catch up with them.  I could not find details on the engine in the bus, but the gearing was pretty tall, as they were doing a fair amount over 75 on the flats.  It would slow a bit on some of the hills.

Jim

 

[DoubleEagle]

Jim,
I'm sure the thrill of the chase was worth the effort and it kept you alert and awake, but I have to say that is not the prettiest Eagle to go down the road. Aesthetically, it is not that pleasing. Maybe the interior compensates for the exterior, but it is extravagant, for sure. I still like Crosby, Stills, and Nash, but not Young so much. :D

[rusty]

Dan Lentz know a lot about that bus. I know he is trying to get Neil to bring it to Hersey PA in the spring.
Wayne

[Eagle obsessed]

Wow sounds like a good time jim!  Definitely a unique eagle, not sure how to feel about the style. I'm slightly liking it. Im really wondering what engine it has. :? must be different gearing from my bus because my bus doesnt shy away from 80 mph on the interstate:D In fact im pushing right over 1500 rpm in 6th gear at 80