November 30, 2009
Blog Editor Change
My deepest apologies to our faithful readers! We are undergoing the need for a new blog editor as I have started a new job and we sold our GTO! Someone will step forward and be trained soon to pick up and carry the ball on this! I will try to do updates when I can until that happens. And the guys are faithfully updating members with emails. If you are interested in being involved, this is a great time to become a member! - Betsy Fladung
November 29, 2009
Elysian Foundation
The Indy GTO Association made a contribution to the Elysian Foundation on November 7, 2009
October 10, 2009
Drive-N-Dine
Ron & Sheri put together a grrrrrreat cruise for the herd, starting at Ron & Sheri's place in McCordsville and concluding, via back roads, at Birds Smokehouse BBQ in Daleville.
We had an excellent turnout for our first event of this kind... the Sanders, the Fitz's, the Lentz's, the Robertsons, Pat Siler & Sharon, Bruce Troyer, the George's, the Slaughter's, and of course, Ron and Sheri.
For those who missed it, you missed great company, great BBQ, great weather, and really fun afternoon.
Thanks, Ron and Sheri... ya done GOOD and we gotta do this again soon!!!
Submitted by David Fitzpatrick
We had an excellent turnout for our first event of this kind... the Sanders, the Fitz's, the Lentz's, the Robertsons, Pat Siler & Sharon, Bruce Troyer, the George's, the Slaughter's, and of course, Ron and Sheri.
For those who missed it, you missed great company, great BBQ, great weather, and really fun afternoon.
Thanks, Ron and Sheri... ya done GOOD and we gotta do this again soon!!!
Submitted by David Fitzpatrick
September 20, 2009
Back to the Fifties Festival Car Show
Report from John Jump V. P. Indy GTO Association
Saturday, Sept. 19 both Pat Siler and The Lentz's won trophies in Lebanon, In. Both were well deserved wins. We went to the ACE Hardware cruise-in afterwards www.thecar-ruptables.org in Brownsburg. One of the photos shows Pat Siler standing next to the Best Of Show 1932 Pontiac (out of 163 cars).
Saturday, Sept. 19 both Pat Siler and The Lentz's won trophies in Lebanon, In. Both were well deserved wins. We went to the ACE Hardware cruise-in afterwards www.thecar-ruptables.org in Brownsburg. One of the photos shows Pat Siler standing next to the Best Of Show 1932 Pontiac (out of 163 cars).
September 15, 2009
Next Meeting Oct. 15 at Dooley O'Toole's
Our next scheduled IGTOA meeting is Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 pm at Dooley O'Toole's. Dooley O'Toole's is at 160 E. Carmel Drive in Carmel. Hope to see you there.
September 13, 2009
September 6, 2009
Photos from Pat Siler
Pat Siler sent me some photos in August that I finally got posted to the blog! Thanks Pat! Enjoy!
Betsy, These are pictures from:
- the Gilmore Museum trip that me and fellow member Bruce Troyer went on Aug 1st. This place was fantastic and think the club should try to make trip up there in the futrue..
- the tri-power nationals up in Norwalk. There were several members in attendance...Chuck McDaniel, Carl Cruz, Kenny and Deb Lentz, Craig George, Paul Taylor, Sean Matingly, myself and others. Was a great show even though it rained Sat. Lots of very nice cars.
- POCI Show at Grissom AFB. In attendance was Kenny and Jennifer Mowery, Kenny and Deb Lentz and myself. Pictures include the award winning Kenny and Deb Lentz LeMans, what a good looking car, Mowerys awesome 70 GTO, and my triple black clunker......Pat Siler
Betsy, These are pictures from:
- the Gilmore Museum trip that me and fellow member Bruce Troyer went on Aug 1st. This place was fantastic and think the club should try to make trip up there in the futrue..
- the tri-power nationals up in Norwalk. There were several members in attendance...Chuck McDaniel, Carl Cruz, Kenny and Deb Lentz, Craig George, Paul Taylor, Sean Matingly, myself and others. Was a great show even though it rained Sat. Lots of very nice cars.
- POCI Show at Grissom AFB. In attendance was Kenny and Jennifer Mowery, Kenny and Deb Lentz and myself. Pictures include the award winning Kenny and Deb Lentz LeMans, what a good looking car, Mowerys awesome 70 GTO, and my triple black clunker......Pat Siler
Wedding Escort Sat. Sept 5
A few convertible owners provided a wedding escort on Saturday, Sept 5 (including Bill Sanders, Fitz, Kevin Reading, Chuck McDanell, Tom Triol, and Mike Norman - Bill's neighbor w/a clean '65 Chevelle) in trade for a donation to the Elysians. This guys clean up pretty well, don't you think?
August 29, 2009
Sat., Aug. 29
Metropolis Classic Car Show
Noon - 2pm
4th Annual Automotive Heritage Festival Weekend
All Day Event - CANCELED:
Weekend includes car shows, cruise-ins and Chrysler PQI Car Show. For more information, call Gary Loveless, 765-614-2886 or visit http://www.acc-indiana.org.
Noon - 2pm
4th Annual Automotive Heritage Festival Weekend
All Day Event - CANCELED:
Weekend includes car shows, cruise-ins and Chrysler PQI Car Show. For more information, call Gary Loveless, 765-614-2886 or visit http://www.acc-indiana.org.
July 21, 2009
Great Meeting at Dooley O'Toole's
The Indy GTO Association met Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at Dooley O'Toole's 162 E Carmel Dr Carmel, IN. Beautiful setting - beautiful evening! Great host, great waiter, great food, great meeting.
And just for fun, here are a couple of videos:
First... we appreciate other cars, too!
This is Gary Jump's '71 Cuda:
Gotta' love the sight and sound of Pat's sweet GTO!
And just for fun, here are a couple of videos:
First... we appreciate other cars, too!
This is Gary Jump's '71 Cuda:
Gotta' love the sight and sound of Pat's sweet GTO!
July 18, 2009
July 18 Show and Hog Roast at Champion
Several members and friends attended this open show Saturday, July 18 at Champion Chrysler Jeep Dodge 4505 W. 96th St. Indy. We met up at McDonalds and cruised in together so we could park in the same area and break out the lawn chairs. Registration was only $5 and that included free beverages and a dinner of roasted ears dipped in butter and BBQ pulled pork. Yummmm! One of our members won the 50/50 and one of our friends won Best Engine. Fitz didn't win for the car he didn't have there this time! The sky threatened rain but there there was no downpour! A good time was had by all! Enjoy the slide show below. Click on the slideshow to enlarge photos and be able to read the few captions.
July 12, 2009
GTO Nationals
Some of our members (Bill Sanders, Ken Mowery, Kevin Reading, John Jump, Dave Fitzpatrick, Doug Reno, Brian Ray and others) spent a few days in Dayton, Ohio at the 2009 GTOAA - POCI International Convention, July 7-11, 2009.
Story to follow soon....(I hope.) The montage of photos below includes the convention at the Nutter Center and also their trip to the America's Packard Museum also in Dayton, Ohio. www.americaspackardmuseum.org
An additional entry! Thank you to Mark:
"Hey Betsy – I think the club blog is great! BTW, I was in Dayton too on Friday 7/10 & Saturday 7/11. Now I know we don’t have a GTO but our ’69 Grand Prix SJ 428 4-speed placed 1st in the FF 1969 Grand Prix category “Pop” vote on Saturday. And besides, I got a good chance to test the new window seals during the deluge on Saturday (and they worked too).
Just an FYI,
Mark Henderson
Indy GTO Club Member & Poncho Supporter!!"
Story to follow soon....(I hope.) The montage of photos below includes the convention at the Nutter Center and also their trip to the America's Packard Museum also in Dayton, Ohio. www.americaspackardmuseum.org
An additional entry! Thank you to Mark:
"Hey Betsy – I think the club blog is great! BTW, I was in Dayton too on Friday 7/10 & Saturday 7/11. Now I know we don’t have a GTO but our ’69 Grand Prix SJ 428 4-speed placed 1st in the FF 1969 Grand Prix category “Pop” vote on Saturday. And besides, I got a good chance to test the new window seals during the deluge on Saturday (and they worked too).
Just an FYI,
Mark Henderson
Indy GTO Club Member & Poncho Supporter!!"
"Glory Days" North County Times Article
Former Pontiac Marketer recounts "Glory Days"
North County Times Californian July 5, 2009
OCEANSIDE -- General Motors is killing the Pontiac line, cars with 102 years of history. But in a garage just off North Avenue, the past is washed, waxed and ready to roar back at the turn of a key.... Click link to read entire article: http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/07/05/business/z6add302aaf8712cb882575e00076233c.txt
North County Times Californian July 5, 2009
OCEANSIDE -- General Motors is killing the Pontiac line, cars with 102 years of history. But in a garage just off North Avenue, the past is washed, waxed and ready to roar back at the turn of a key.... Click link to read entire article: http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/07/05/business/z6add302aaf8712cb882575e00076233c.txt
July 1, 2009
"Indiana's Largest Pontiac Dealer"...gone.
Conkle Pontiac in Kokomo was, in 2007, Indiana's largest Pontiac dealership by volume.
Today it is history. A combination of mismanagment and the high gas prices of the summer of 2008 did the deed. A family owned business since the 1940's they moved from cramped downtown Kokomo facilities to this nice new state of the art dealership a few years ago.
Nothing left now, just a kodak moment for my 1966 GTO convertible.
Prez Bill
Today it is history. A combination of mismanagment and the high gas prices of the summer of 2008 did the deed. A family owned business since the 1940's they moved from cramped downtown Kokomo facilities to this nice new state of the art dealership a few years ago.
Nothing left now, just a kodak moment for my 1966 GTO convertible.
Prez Bill
Mystery Cruz Report June 27, 2009
Here's what we did:
8am - Breakfast at Elegance in Brownsburg. It was great!!
9am - Traveled US 136 west to St Rd 32 east to the Ropkey Armor Museum (www.ropkeyarmormuseum.com) just outside Crawfordsville. Pretty awesome collection of TANKS! This is the largest private collection of armored tanks in the country.
12 noon - Traveled St Rd 32 west to US 63 to the big town of Eugene. We dined at the world famous Covered Bridge Restaurant. (Don't bring a credit card cuz, they only take cash!)
2:30pm - Headed to Newport to climb the world famous hill used in the annual Newport Hill Climb and then to the small sleepy town of Dana and the Ernie Pyle State Museum.
Finally - Last stop was Mike Harding's house to look at his "man cave" and check out his '70 Orbit orange GTO Judge, '71 GTO HT, '66 GTO convertible and Buick Gran National.
Great weather, great food and great company!
Cheers,
Prez Bill
8am - Breakfast at Elegance in Brownsburg. It was great!!
9am - Traveled US 136 west to St Rd 32 east to the Ropkey Armor Museum (www.ropkeyarmormuseum.com) just outside Crawfordsville. Pretty awesome collection of TANKS! This is the largest private collection of armored tanks in the country.
12 noon - Traveled St Rd 32 west to US 63 to the big town of Eugene. We dined at the world famous Covered Bridge Restaurant. (Don't bring a credit card cuz, they only take cash!)
2:30pm - Headed to Newport to climb the world famous hill used in the annual Newport Hill Climb and then to the small sleepy town of Dana and the Ernie Pyle State Museum.
Finally - Last stop was Mike Harding's house to look at his "man cave" and check out his '70 Orbit orange GTO Judge, '71 GTO HT, '66 GTO convertible and Buick Gran National.
Great weather, great food and great company!
Cheers,
Prez Bill
June 29, 2009
ABR-The Ultimate Driving Challenge
Prez Bill passed along this info:
Do you or any of your club members like racing? My name is Mitzy Timmins, Marketing Director for Auto Barrel Racing. We are launching a new reality show "ABR-The Ultimate Driving Challenge" on Versus premiering Oct. 18, 2009 @ 1pm PST and currently looking for contestants. Would you be willing to post the attached flyer: (Click on image to enlarge)
on your club website or newsletter to give your members a chance to sign up. We are looking for every type of vehicle and driver. That's why we're contacting you. Checkout the website www.autobarrelracing.com If you have any questions call me @ 360-772-1740 or email Mitzy@autobarrelracing.com Thank you for your time. I hope to see you and your club members out there.
Sincerely,
Mitzy Timmins
Auto Barrel Racing
ABR-The Ultimate Driving Challenge
360-772-1740
Mitzy@autobarrelracing.com
www.autobarrelracing.com
Do you or any of your club members like racing? My name is Mitzy Timmins, Marketing Director for Auto Barrel Racing. We are launching a new reality show "ABR-The Ultimate Driving Challenge" on Versus premiering Oct. 18, 2009 @ 1pm PST and currently looking for contestants. Would you be willing to post the attached flyer: (Click on image to enlarge)
on your club website or newsletter to give your members a chance to sign up. We are looking for every type of vehicle and driver. That's why we're contacting you. Checkout the website www.autobarrelracing.com If you have any questions call me @ 360-772-1740 or email Mitzy@autobarrelracing.com Thank you for your time. I hope to see you and your club members out there.
Sincerely,
Mitzy Timmins
Auto Barrel Racing
ABR-The Ultimate Driving Challenge
360-772-1740
Mitzy@autobarrelracing.com
www.autobarrelracing.com
June 19, 2009
Rush Power Systems: GTO Parts Source
- An email from Mike Harding
In my constant endeavors to find GTO parts, I have come across a vendor in Utah that has been over the top in terms of knowledge, assistance and attention to detail. His company is Rush Power Systems and the owner’s name is Darren Flint . They specialize in replacement alternators and other electronic items. I was looking for a new, higher amp alternator and came across this guy on the web. He is prompt in his responses and knowledgeable about his products – everything is custom built to order, thoroughly tested and priced competitively. After looking for a new alternator for my 1971 GTO for over two months (and going thru everything the local guys – O’Reilly, AutoZone etc have to offer), I had yet to find anything that would work that would give me more than the 63amps I was getting. Darren came through and created a system that really delivered. For a few more dollars than the local guys, I had a 150amp powerhouse that fit in the same spot as the old one. I am bringing this to the club’s attention for several reasons – good vendors are getting harder to come by, and he will give club members a 10% discount if we put a link on our web site to his. If you order more than one unit, he’ll give a 15% discount. Rush Power Systems web site: http://high-amp.com
June 16, 2009
June 20 Meeting at Retro Tech
Saturday, June 20 Mike Haluska hosted our June meeting at Retro Tech in Avon, IN. Retro-Tech's new web site is: www.retro-tech.net About ten of us got to see the crew at Retro Tech separate the body from the frame on a '73 Pontiac Tempest project car that promises to be a real collector car. There were also many other project cars to see. Mike also provided pizza and drinks for the group. A good time was had by all! John Jump chaired a short business meeting, stepping in for Prez Bill Sanders who was graduating today with his Masters Degree! Congratulations Bill! Photos below taken by Phil Fladung:
June 15, 2009
June 21 Father's Day Car Show Noblesville
GoatNutz,
Don't forget the Annual Father's Day show this weekend on Sunday in Noblesville, IN. Remember, this show is done by the Central Indiana Vintage Vehicles (CIVV) (web site: http://www.civv.freeservers.com) who also support with 100% of the car show proceeds going to the Elysian Foundation. If ya can't go, send 'em a check if ya can! Its a great show in a nice shady park and the Indiana Transportation (train) Museum (web site: http://www.itm.org) is to be open as well. Where is it? St Rd 32 to St Rd 19, go north on State Rd 19, the park entrance is just past the train tressel - on the left. (Click on flyer below to enlarge.)
Cheers,
Prez Bill
Don't forget the Annual Father's Day show this weekend on Sunday in Noblesville, IN. Remember, this show is done by the Central Indiana Vintage Vehicles (CIVV) (web site: http://www.civv.freeservers.com) who also support with 100% of the car show proceeds going to the Elysian Foundation. If ya can't go, send 'em a check if ya can! Its a great show in a nice shady park and the Indiana Transportation (train) Museum (web site: http://www.itm.org) is to be open as well. Where is it? St Rd 32 to St Rd 19, go north on State Rd 19, the park entrance is just past the train tressel - on the left. (Click on flyer below to enlarge.)
Cheers,
Prez Bill
June 13, 2009
June 13 Indy Pontiac-Buick-Olds Car Show
Our Indy Firebird friend, Scott Andrews said, "We need 50 Goats of every description to show up!" for the Indy Firebird Club 24th Indy ALL Pontiac-Buick-Oldsmobile Car Show Saturday, June 13, 2009 at Reeves Buick/Pontiac U.S 31 just south of Greenwood... because Reeve's needed more Pontiacs on their lot (before GM takes them away...) plus we wanted to raise a ton of $$$ for the Little Red Door Cancer Agency in memory of IFC member Chuck Leavell. Phil Fidler ('66 GTO); Bill Sanders ('66 GTO); Kevin Reading ('69 GTO); Leonard Swope ('67 GTO); the Family of Carole Ray ('69 GTO Convertible); John Jump ('68 GTO Convertible); Phil Fladung ('05 GTO); and Steve Herring ('04 GTO) participated in spite of a threat of rain. And we had several Top 20 winners! David Fitzgerald was called up to accept the Dealer's Choice award! The problem was that, although Fitz had registered, his GTO was not there! A special congratulations to Phil Fidler whose '66 GTO won Best of Show.
May 18, 2009
Meeting May 20 Dooley O'Toole's Carmel
The club met for dinner at 6pm at Dooley O'Toole's Restaurant at 162 W Carmel Dr in Carmel (317) 843-9900. On Wednesday nights, Dooley's is a gathering place for classic cars. I HOPE someone took pictures for the blog!
May 14, 2009
Pick up a Shelby Cobra at Mecum May 15
We know... you're bummed that our Mystery Cruise was postponed... if you need a boost to spice up your weekend you could pick up a sweet Shelby Cobra up for auction at Mecum at the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds Friday evening, May 15th:
When this Crown Jewel of American Racing powers across the auction block, Mecum anticipates the championship race car to garner the highest bid ever paid at public auction for an American automobile - eight figures and counting... possibly 10 to 15 million. The Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe will be sold on live national TV Friday, May 15, 2009, at 8pm during the company's series, "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More," on Discovery Communications' popular HD Theater. (22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction, Indianapolis TV Schedule: Thursday, May 14, 7-11 PM ET; Friday, May 15, 7-11 PM ET; Saturday, May 16, 2-6 PM ET)
We wouldn't object to adding it to our line up on our next cruise. It would be in good company:
When this Crown Jewel of American Racing powers across the auction block, Mecum anticipates the championship race car to garner the highest bid ever paid at public auction for an American automobile - eight figures and counting... possibly 10 to 15 million. The Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe will be sold on live national TV Friday, May 15, 2009, at 8pm during the company's series, "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More," on Discovery Communications' popular HD Theater. (22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction, Indianapolis TV Schedule: Thursday, May 14, 7-11 PM ET; Friday, May 15, 7-11 PM ET; Saturday, May 16, 2-6 PM ET)
We wouldn't object to adding it to our line up on our next cruise. It would be in good company:
May 11, 2009
Abe Barnett's blog post: Paramount Theatre
Abe Barnett, of Hagerty Insurance, is blogging about his experiences as he travels Indiana getting acquainted with car club groups and their members.Check out his blog post on the day at the Paramount Theatre in Anderson at: http://hagertyabe.blogspot.com/
May 5, 2009
Happy Birthday Victor!
May 5th several club members had the opportunity to surprise a young GTO fan on his birthday. Seven GTOs rolled over the hill bringing gifts and good wishes to Victor. (See Victor's story at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/corinnewatters)
(Pictured left to right) Phil Fidler drives a maroon '66 GTO hard top; Debbie and Kenny Lentz drive a red '67 GTO hard top; Keith Rossell (father of twin boys, Owen and Elliot) drives a '70 GTO hard top; Betsy and Phil Fladung drive a phantom black metallic '05 GTO coupe; David Fitzpatrick drives a yellow '72 LeMans convertible (car not at the party); John Jump drives a verdoro green '68 GTO convertible w/hidden headlights; Prez Bill Sanders drives a deep blue '66 GTO convertible; Marvin Daughtery drives a red '65 GTO convertible
The first slide show below features photos taken by our host for the party, David Maurer. Thank you David! (Click on any picture to go to web album.)
The second slide show below features others' photos from the evening. (Click on any picture to go to web album.)
Below are some short video clips. Click on arrow to play.
Victor chose to take his first cruise with Prez Bill:
He REALLY enjoyed it!
Next he rode with Phil in the '05
Kids don't try this at home!
Before we left we sang Happy Birthday to Victor!
(Pictured left to right) Phil Fidler drives a maroon '66 GTO hard top; Debbie and Kenny Lentz drive a red '67 GTO hard top; Keith Rossell (father of twin boys, Owen and Elliot) drives a '70 GTO hard top; Betsy and Phil Fladung drive a phantom black metallic '05 GTO coupe; David Fitzpatrick drives a yellow '72 LeMans convertible (car not at the party); John Jump drives a verdoro green '68 GTO convertible w/hidden headlights; Prez Bill Sanders drives a deep blue '66 GTO convertible; Marvin Daughtery drives a red '65 GTO convertible
The first slide show below features photos taken by our host for the party, David Maurer. Thank you David! (Click on any picture to go to web album.)
The second slide show below features others' photos from the evening. (Click on any picture to go to web album.)
Below are some short video clips. Click on arrow to play.
Victor chose to take his first cruise with Prez Bill:
He REALLY enjoyed it!
Next he rode with Phil in the '05
Kids don't try this at home!
Before we left we sang Happy Birthday to Victor!
May 3, 2009
Vietnam Veteran's Car Show Pics 5/2009
Watch slide show or click on any picture to go to album.
Prez Bill Makes the News May 3, 2009!
Taped from the news...not perfect but here it is!
Click on arrow to watch the video I taped.
Click this link www.theindychannel.com to check out web site.
For a better link to the original online video: CLICK HERE.
Prez Bill also had a photo and story in the Sunday Indy Star.
Check it out - click this link to go to www.indystar.com article.
That's our Prez Bill: "Cruz'em if ya Got'em"
Prez Bill Makes the News May 3, 2009!
Taped from the news...not perfect but here it is!
Click on arrow to watch the video I taped.
Click this link www.theindychannel.com to check out web site.
For a better link to the original online video: CLICK HERE.
Prez Bill also had a photo and story in the Sunday Indy Star.
Check it out - click this link to go to www.indystar.com article.
That's our Prez Bill: "Cruz'em if ya Got'em"
May 2, 2009
Vietnam Vets Car Show Sunday, May 3rd
Several of our members will be up bright and early Sunday morning, May 3rd to assist with parking for the Vietnam Vets "Endless Summer" car show. Here are some readily accessible details for those of you who are checking the blog before you head out the door! Registration: 8am-3pm 50/50 Drawing: noon-4pm Awards: 4pm Location: Lawrence Community Park, enter off of Franklin. Web site: http://www.vva295.org/ (Parking volunteers need to meet for a dry run Sat. 6pm Click here to review Fitz' recent post about that! Then hit your web browser's "back" arrow to return to the main blog.)
Reminder:
Don't forget your 2 lb. ABC Type, Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher!
Prez Bill recommends that everyone have a fire extinguisher (definitely) under the front seat and also in the trunk of your GTO when participating in club events. I called the Fire Department and they recommended a 2 lb. ABC type dry chemical fire extinguisher.
Click on map below to enlarge:
(Hit back arrow to return to blog.)
Click on flyer below to enlarge:
(Hit back arrow to return to blog.)
Reminder:Don't forget your 2 lb. ABC Type, Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher!
Prez Bill recommends that everyone have a fire extinguisher (definitely) under the front seat and also in the trunk of your GTO when participating in club events. I called the Fire Department and they recommended a 2 lb. ABC type dry chemical fire extinguisher.
Click on map below to enlarge:
(Hit back arrow to return to blog.)
Click on flyer below to enlarge:
(Hit back arrow to return to blog.)
April 29, 2009
WIBC News Article Quotes Sanders and Belk
Car Clubs Bid Sad Farewell To Pontiac
GTO Was First "Muscle Car"
Article by Stan Lehr posted online April 28, 2009 at:
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1087556
Your father's Pontiac is history. GM is dropping the nameplate born in 1926 and the car clubs are in mourning.
Bill Sanders of Noblesville, President of the Indy GTO Association, says he and his members are "not surprised but our Pontiac flags are flying at half mast." Sanders points to the design of the new GTO introduced in 1994 as an example of what went wrong at Pontiac. He says the car was "less than enthusiastically embraced" when it was unveiled to a meeting of the National GTO Association in Denver.
Pontiac was once a solid entry in the "muscle car" market. Others like Ford have forged a comeback, but Pontiac continued to struggle. Sanders says Ford "had a better idea" with the retro-look Mustang.
Bill Belk of Culver, Indiana, says he hates to see Pontiac die but he understands the decision to eliminate a brand that was not as profitable as some of the other GM nameplates like Buick or Cadillac. Belk, the owner of eight Pontiacs including five Fieros from the 1980s, says the price of automobiles--at $25 to $30 thousand dollars--makes profit margins harder to maintain. He recalls, "You used to buy a house for that kind of money."
Sanders and Belk say GM's decision could add value to their classic Pontiacs. But both say that's not an issue for them or their club members. Sanders says, "We drive our GTO's. Most of them aren't museum pieces."
GTO Was First "Muscle Car"
Article by Stan Lehr posted online April 28, 2009 at:
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1087556
Your father's Pontiac is history. GM is dropping the nameplate born in 1926 and the car clubs are in mourning.
Bill Sanders of Noblesville, President of the Indy GTO Association, says he and his members are "not surprised but our Pontiac flags are flying at half mast." Sanders points to the design of the new GTO introduced in 1994 as an example of what went wrong at Pontiac. He says the car was "less than enthusiastically embraced" when it was unveiled to a meeting of the National GTO Association in Denver.
Pontiac was once a solid entry in the "muscle car" market. Others like Ford have forged a comeback, but Pontiac continued to struggle. Sanders says Ford "had a better idea" with the retro-look Mustang.
Bill Belk of Culver, Indiana, says he hates to see Pontiac die but he understands the decision to eliminate a brand that was not as profitable as some of the other GM nameplates like Buick or Cadillac. Belk, the owner of eight Pontiacs including five Fieros from the 1980s, says the price of automobiles--at $25 to $30 thousand dollars--makes profit margins harder to maintain. He recalls, "You used to buy a house for that kind of money."
Sanders and Belk say GM's decision could add value to their classic Pontiacs. But both say that's not an issue for them or their club members. Sanders says, "We drive our GTO's. Most of them aren't museum pieces."
April 26, 2009
Bad news about Pontiac Motor Division
The Detroit News - Saturday, April 25, 2009
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090425/AUTO01/904250359
The Wall Street Journal - Saturday, April 25, 2009
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124060030328753755.html
Pontiacs We Will Never Forget - from AOL April 29, 2009
http://autos.aol.com/gallery/pontiac-all-time
Pontiac's GTO could very well be the most famous Pontiac of all and we're sure to never forget it. The 1970 GTO stands out in our mind for a few reasons: it was General Manager John Z. De Lorean's pet project and it also featured Ram Air, the sophisticated air induction system that creates more air pressure the faster the vehicle moves. "The Judge" trim line might look a bit comedic now, but GTO fans (and TV and movies of the time) found it to be all business.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090425/AUTO01/904250359
The Wall Street Journal - Saturday, April 25, 2009
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124060030328753755.html
Pontiacs We Will Never Forget - from AOL April 29, 2009
http://autos.aol.com/gallery/pontiac-all-time
Pontiac's GTO could very well be the most famous Pontiac of all and we're sure to never forget it. The 1970 GTO stands out in our mind for a few reasons: it was General Manager John Z. De Lorean's pet project and it also featured Ram Air, the sophisticated air induction system that creates more air pressure the faster the vehicle moves. "The Judge" trim line might look a bit comedic now, but GTO fans (and TV and movies of the time) found it to be all business.
Chrome Carnival
John Jump and Prez Bill represented the club at the Indiana Freedom Cruisers' "Chrome Carnival" on Saturday, April 25 in Noblesville. The start of the festivities featured a live rendition of the National Anthem sung by a local young lady in combination with a vintage plane flyover. Very well done! Below is Bill's car.....
....and John's car.
Also included (below) is Bill's neighbor's street rod ('cuz Bill thinks its "waaay kool.") Its got a Ford 406cid w/3-duces and a 4-spd tranny.
What the ???? a low rat rod ... not for the timid ...
They had a record crowd this year of over 130 cars.
Thanks to Prez Bill for the article and pix!!!
And thanks to John Jump for this additional shot of the Sanders:
....and John's car.
Also included (below) is Bill's neighbor's street rod ('cuz Bill thinks its "waaay kool.") Its got a Ford 406cid w/3-duces and a 4-spd tranny.
What the ???? a low rat rod ... not for the timid ...
They had a record crowd this year of over 130 cars.
Thanks to Prez Bill for the article and pix!!!
And thanks to John Jump for this additional shot of the Sanders:
April 21, 2009
April Meeting at MCL Supported Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Great meeting! Thirty gathered for the April 20th meeting at MCL. Prez Bill brought us up to speed (sorry, I couldn't resist) on upcoming events: GTOAA Nationals in Dayton July 7-11, Save the Paramount Theater Cruise-In May 9, Vietnam Veterans Endless Summer Car Show May 3 (see Fitz' post below for details!!!), Mystery Cruise May 16, Indy Firebird Show June 13, Indy GTO Show Sept. 19, Chrome Carnival April 24-25, Edinburgh Fundraiser April 25, Summer Place Car Show May 23, Piston Poppers Cruise-In July 18...Thanks Bill for compiling information about car club events throughout the area. And thanks to members who volunteered for parking duties at several events that we are helping other car clubs with this year. (Click on images to enlarge then hit back arrow to return to blog.)
Member, Shelley Triol, (below) presented an opportunity for us to support her in a fundraising effort for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Hearing about adults and children affected by leukemia and seeing this drawing (below) by the young boy Shelley is sponsoring was more than enough encouragement for us to support the cause!
The 50/50 drawing was a great success.
And we received this very nice Thank You from Shelley:
Member, Shelley Triol, (below) presented an opportunity for us to support her in a fundraising effort for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Hearing about adults and children affected by leukemia and seeing this drawing (below) by the young boy Shelley is sponsoring was more than enough encouragement for us to support the cause!
The 50/50 drawing was a great success.
And we received this very nice Thank You from Shelley:
Dear Goatsters,
Many, many heartfelt thanks for your support of my Woman of the Year fundraising campaign for the Indiana chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)!
I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for the donation by way of Monday night’s 50/50 raffle and the club match. It was truly overwhelming.
Your belief in the cause enforces what we hope will be true – that some day, we will use words like “easily curable” and “eradicated” when we mention blood cancers.
You are the best – and on behalf of the LLS and all those whose lives are touched by leukemia and lymphoma, we thank you!!
Shelley Triol
www.in.llsevent.org/shelley
striol@seasegerig.com
Second note from Shelley May 8th:
Hi Betsy!
Please convey to the Indy GTO Club my heartfelt thanks for their involvement in this year’s Woman of the Year fundraising campaign for the Indiana Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)! My grassroots campaign - through which dozens of individuals and groups graciously participated - raised $5,235! That is extraordinary! The Club’s belief in our organization’s efforts to find cures for blood cancers helped this year's total fundraising campaign collectively raise $145,200! What makes this particularly poignant is this fact - despite our challenging economy, that sum is nearly 20% higher than the chapter's fundraising goal for this year's campaign, and I certainly have each of you to thank for making it such a success! Again, I offer to each of you my most heartfelt gratitude for your participation and support!
Shelley Triol
Update on the Vietnam Vet's May 3rd Car Show
We would like to see a Grrrrrreat "Gathering of the Goats" for this one, so please try to get your Goat dusted off and be at Lawrence Park on Sunday, May 3, 2009.
Since this is an "open" show, tell your friends with Fords, Mopars, Harleys, or whatever... the Vets need our support!
As we noted in the previous posting on the VVA Show, the Vietnam Vets have generously offered to donate a portion of their proceeds to our charity, the Elysian Foundation, so your participation is especially important.
The correct flyer for the show, including registration form, will be emailed to everyone. Due to a technical error, the "Vendor" form was previously published. Please note that the $15.00 pre-registration (with event t-shirt) ends on April 24. Day of show cost will be $20.00. Registration will be from 8:00 to Noon. Since time is short, please send in your pre-registration as soon as possible.
For more information, see the VVA website at www.vva295.org
At last night's IGTOA meeting at the MCL we got nine volunteers to help with show duties on May 3rd... THANKS y'all !!! There will be a "dry run" (for volunteer coordination purposes) Saturday evening, May 2nd, at 6:00 p.m. If possible, it would be helpful to have our volunteers present to be sure our 'ducks are properly aligned'. This should be a fairly short meeting with, in all likelihood, a brewski and a sandwich to follow. The assembly point will be at the back of Lawrence Park. Enter off Franklin Road and follow your nose or give Fitz a call at 753-6310 if you get lost.
Click on image to enlarge and print:
Since this is an "open" show, tell your friends with Fords, Mopars, Harleys, or whatever... the Vets need our support!
As we noted in the previous posting on the VVA Show, the Vietnam Vets have generously offered to donate a portion of their proceeds to our charity, the Elysian Foundation, so your participation is especially important.
The correct flyer for the show, including registration form, will be emailed to everyone. Due to a technical error, the "Vendor" form was previously published. Please note that the $15.00 pre-registration (with event t-shirt) ends on April 24. Day of show cost will be $20.00. Registration will be from 8:00 to Noon. Since time is short, please send in your pre-registration as soon as possible.
For more information, see the VVA website at www.vva295.org
At last night's IGTOA meeting at the MCL we got nine volunteers to help with show duties on May 3rd... THANKS y'all !!! There will be a "dry run" (for volunteer coordination purposes) Saturday evening, May 2nd, at 6:00 p.m. If possible, it would be helpful to have our volunteers present to be sure our 'ducks are properly aligned'. This should be a fairly short meeting with, in all likelihood, a brewski and a sandwich to follow. The assembly point will be at the back of Lawrence Park. Enter off Franklin Road and follow your nose or give Fitz a call at 753-6310 if you get lost.
Click on image to enlarge and print:
April 19, 2009
Spring Cruise April 18, 2009
It was a wonderful day! Lots of fun! Put over 300 miles on the Goat w/the top down. About 8:30 am we headed to Rockville, IN. We buzzed the courthouse then headed south to Bridgeton and the old grist mill. Next to the mill is the new restored covered bridge. (The original was burned down back in 2005). The restoration is really well done. From there we headed south to Stohl's Lakeview Restaurant at Boggs Lake on US231 for a great fried chicken buffet lunch. Next we cruised south to The French Lick winery. After wine tasting we buzzed over to the beautifully restored West Baden Springs Resort. The place is awesome! From there we headed back north to Grey Bros Cafeteria in Mooresville. Since we were not that hungry, and John Jump had just called me to let me know he and Pat Siler were at the Suds in Greenwood, we did a drive by at Grey Bros, got some fuel nearby and headed to Greenwood for the Suds. The place was really hopping when we arrived about 6:30 pm. Pat Siler was there with his newly restored triple black '70 GTO HT. It is a very nice car.
Cruz'em if ya Got'em
Prez Bill
About 15-20 cars assembled to make the trip.
It just not a cruz if you don't get lost at least twice and somebody gets stuck turning around :)
Restored covered bridge
Bridgeton Mill
Carl's '68 at the grist mill
Cruz'n with friends on a sunny day - wonderful therapy. Zipp'n down the highway in a '66 GTO convertible at 70mph - exhilarating. Having your wife steer from the passenger seat while you take a picture of the action in the rear view mirror - PRICELESS !!!
Jennifer Mowery in the Mowery's beautiful "arrest me" red Firebird T/A Convertible
One of the Brandywine gang topping off the tank... just in case!
No indoor plumb'n at the grist mill
Covered bridge
No, I wasn't standing up in the drivers seat while Rita drove from the passenger side ... but the thought did cross my mind :) Rita took this one.
Cruz'em if ya Got'em
Prez Bill
About 15-20 cars assembled to make the trip.
It just not a cruz if you don't get lost at least twice and somebody gets stuck turning around :)
Restored covered bridge
Bridgeton Mill
Carl's '68 at the grist mill
Cruz'n with friends on a sunny day - wonderful therapy. Zipp'n down the highway in a '66 GTO convertible at 70mph - exhilarating. Having your wife steer from the passenger seat while you take a picture of the action in the rear view mirror - PRICELESS !!!
Jennifer Mowery in the Mowery's beautiful "arrest me" red Firebird T/A Convertible
One of the Brandywine gang topping off the tank... just in case!
No indoor plumb'n at the grist mill
Covered bridge
No, I wasn't standing up in the drivers seat while Rita drove from the passenger side ... but the thought did cross my mind :) Rita took this one.
April 16, 2009
April 20th Meeting 6pm Castleton MCL
The Indy GTO Association April Meeting will be held Monday, April 20th at 6:00 pm in the banquet room at the Castleton MCL Cafeteria 5520 Castleton Corner Lane, Indianapolis 317-845-5717. www.mclhomemade.com We could use a good turn out as we are planning our May calendar - lots going on there! Additionally, we need to make some decisions on our cruise-in for Sept. The club's portion of our 50/50 that night will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Our guest speaker, Shelley Triol, has been nominated as a candidate for the Indianapolis Man & Woman of the Year campaign benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Winners are chosen based on their success in generating funds in honor of local blood cancer survivors, Josiah Nelson & Alyssa Lewandowski, the Boy & Girl of the Year. Shelley will fill us in on what the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society does for folks in our area. Shelley Triol is currently a Vice President at Sease, Gerig & Associates; past Executive Producer; Assignments & Ops Mgr. at WTHR-TV and Managing Editor, Producer, Assignments at WXIN-TV. (Click here for Shelley's Leukemia & Lymphoma Society page.)See you Monday night!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
