When you spend as much time on the road as I do, you never know what you’ll see at your next destination. Take, for instance, my recent visit to Palm Springs, Calif.
Located in the heart of Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is a quaint desert city known for its relaxing accommodations and its many celebrities. Heck, Sonny Bono was the Mayor of the city from 1988 to 1992.
It’s also the home of Cheeta the Chimp who's said to have starred in many films including the classic Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan films. As such, you can imagine my surprise when I spotted this Hollywood primate behind the wheel of a 1966 Ford Mustang GT Convertible.
It must have been 110 degrees outside when I first spotted the classic 1966 convertible in the window of Exotic Motor Cars on East Ramon Road. The Mustang guy in me decided to stop and check it out. The human in me was hoping they had air conditioning inside.
As I approached the dealer’s glass doors, I noticed something strange inside. It looked like a monkey with a straw hat was piloting the ride. My first thought was the heat must be playing tricks with my mind. I took a second glance. Sure enough the monkey was still at the wheel.
Dan Westfall, Cheeta’s handler, and filmmaker Matthew Devlen greeted me as I made my way inside. Westfall has been Cheeta’s handler and best friend since the 1980s. He adopted the chimp from his Uncle, Tony Gentry, after Gentry became terminally ill. Since then Cheeta and Westfall have become inseparable. The two are often spotted driving around town in Westfall’s car. Devlen is a veteran of 19 Feature Films and 4 Gumball Rallies and drove with Johnny Weissmuller, Jr. himself in 2006 from Vegas to Hugh Hefner’s mansion in Beverly Hills. Since 2002, He’s been the primate behind the primate trying to secure a star for Cheeta on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On this particular day, Westfall told me Cheeta was shopping around for a Gumball Rally car. He too, had seen the Mustang in the dealer’s window and ventured inside for a closer look. For those of you unfamiliar with the Gumball Rally, it’s an annual 3000 mile international rally which takes place on public roads around the world. Cheeta will have his own vehicle in the 2009 Rally.
As I entered the “air conditioned” show room, I spotted Cheeta behind the wheel of Ford’s classic pony car. One thing led to another. Before I knew it I had secured an interview with the hairy fellow. What follows is my interview with Cheeta the Chimp.
Q&A With Cheeta the Chimp
Jonathan: Cheeta, what brought you to Exotic Motor Cars today?Cheeta the Chimp: These guys have been a big supporter of my comeback. Marc Yskamp let me borrow his dune buggy back in May for my music video “Convoy.” They got some great vintage cars there. I’m still not sure what car to drive in next year’s Gumball, so I’m shopping around. Everyone thinks I belong in a jeep. Well, I like convertibles.
Jonathan: I see you were checking out a 1966 Ford Mustang. What did you think of the car?
Cheeta the Chimp: The car is great and I love red. If the owner hadn’t been watching, I would have taken it for a joy ride, but everyone was watching me like a hawk.
Jonathan: Here’s the question everyone wants to know. Chevy Camaro or Ford Mustang? What’s your choice and why?
Cheeta the Chimp: I’m doing an interview with About.com Mustangs…..Ford Mustang
Jonathan: If Ford were to ever create a special Cheeta Edition Mustang, what features would you like to see in the car?
Cheeta the Chimp: The bucket seats could be adapted for a primate derriere (more scoop) and I’d like to see a banana on the hood.
Jonathan: Tell me more about the upcoming Gumball 3000 Rally and how you’ll be involved.
Cheeta the Chimp: Maximillion Cooper is a big supporter and has invited me to be in next year’s rally which starts on Hollywood Blvd. and ends in Miami Beach. What better way to wrap up my campaign for a Star then in front of the offices of the “Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.” Paul Newman was one of my heroes and he was into racing so I’m following in his footsteps. Being in the Gumball will open lots of new doors and also help focus attention on the plight of my brethren who are facing extinction in Africa. Devlen is putting together the same team who drove with him in 2005 from London to Monaco (via Bosnia) in an ice cream van. Kimberly Green, Gary Lutke, Michelango Bendandi and Ash Rana are already on board as Grease Monkeys. Rana’s making some cool t-shirts for the pit crew with my mug on them. You’ll be able to follow their exploits at www.rallyfever.com.
