Winner of buried Belvedere determined, passed away in '79
click above image for a gallery of the buried Belvedere's unveiling
Don't know how we missed this, but apparently the winner of the 1957 Plymouth Belvedere that was buried with a time capsule in Tulsa, Oklahoma some 50 years ago has been determined. His name is Raymond E. Humbertson, and 50 years ago he guessed that the population of Tulsa would be 384,743 in 2007. He was off by 2,286 people, as the population of Tulsa stands today at 382,457. Nevertheless, Humbertson's guess was the closest, which makes him the winner.
Unfortunately, Humbertson died of cancer in 1979 and his wife also passed away in 1988. His closest living relatives are two sisters, who will take ownership of the prize – a completely rusted 1957 Plymouth Belvedere. The announcement of the winner was made on Friday, June 21st at the East Tulsa Dodge dealership where the car was on display after it had been exhumed from its watery tomb. It's since been moved to a storage building.
Perhaps it's tragically fitting that the man who has won the buried Belvedere is no longer with us, as Humbertson is likely cruising in the afterlife with his '57 Belvedere that's equally deceased.
Thanks for the tip, Tom!
[Source: buriedcar.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Don 7:17PM (7/06/2007)
Aw. That sucks. God Bless.
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l.i.dave 8:32PM (7/06/2007)
That car is cursed!
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Eric 9:30PM (7/06/2007)
"Don't know how we missed this, but apparently the winner of the 1957 Plymouth Belvedere that was buried with a time capsule in Tulsa, Oklahoma some 50 years ago has been determined."
Raymond E. Humbertson was buried in the time capsule 50 years ago?! Forget about how you missed it, how did THEY miss it? I don't know what's more amazing, that or the fact that he died in 1979. Let's see, 1979-1957 = 22 years of sustained living in an underground time capsule! They must of packed an aweful lot of SPAM, jerky, and Bazooka Joe bubble gum into that Plymouth.
Seriously though, may he be on board that great Belvedere in the sky.
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JC3 10:26PM (7/06/2007)
Rust and dust.
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mr.ed 10:36PM (7/06/2007)
This is a prize? What's its value for tax purposes? It looks like a liability, unless they can get a ton-o-bucks at auction. I'd guess it's worth about $12 as scrap. Basically, the only aluminum is some trim. It would be tough to get somebody to pick it up to take it to the yard. The guy took the easy way out- he died before he had to deal with this wreck.
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Dave 11:27PM (7/06/2007)
"Um.....thanks?"
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Bryan 12:36AM (7/07/2007)
Even though its rusted, I am sure it can be restored. Even if it could not, it would still be cool to own a piece of history, especially from a time that I was not around in. Too bad the guy did not get to see it in person, but I am sure he is up in Heaven looking down at the car that would have been his!
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shame 2:32PM (7/07/2007)
I don't think this car will be refurbed. Its only worth is sentimental.
In a recent Tulsa World article there was a quote from the event organizer lamenting the fact that the car has been crumbling to pieces since it has dried out. I saw the car the day after it was exhumed. There was not even a square inch of vinyl left in the interior! Who knew vinyl could compost like that?
Andy 1:48AM (7/07/2007)
Let us sacrifice it to out god, Zombor, by dropping into a Hawaiian volcano.
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JC3 9:10PM (7/07/2007)
Hail Zombor!...kerplunk.
TIMMAH! 2:42AM (7/07/2007)
Oh yeah, we can definitely buff that out...
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Jon 2:55PM (7/07/2007)
This story just keeps getting more and more depressing...
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iQuack 1:38AM (7/08/2007)
The winner and the Plymouth should R.I.P.
Would have been nice to award a shiny, new '57 Plymouth to a happy and healthy winner.
Too bad life doesn't always work out that way.
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