Some of you may remember my usual request to make announcing easier, but I will save that message for point #2. However, I have something else to ask from you guys and gals: 1. Guess what? I scored a book contract. Can you expect me to make The New York Times top 10 list? Unlikely. No nekked wimmin either (pardon the sexism, Pure Stock ladies!). However, it's gonna be about cars. The working title is "Selling Muscle" and it will be about how the different manufacturers sold high performance to the consumer. This goes well beyond your average magazine article, ad, or brochure, so I have my work cut out for me. That's why I'm going to spend the following week in Detroit hitting the likes of the Henry Ford library, the Detroit Public Library, the GM Heritage Center, the Sloan Museum, and maybe something else. But this book really isn't about me - it's about the era of high performance that we so love, which is why I'm recruiting you to help me make this book as 100% accurate as possible. Are you in-the-know when it comes to your favorite brand's marketing and literature? Did you buy one of these cars new? If so, please speak with me at the race. Since I'm somewhat snowblind in what I'm looking for - don't forget, I have a low-compression birthdate! - I've had to scour eBay to find interesting stuff. I also interviewed a hi-po salesman from Scuncio Chevrolet in Providence and a Mopar memorabilia collector (Tony D'Agostino, if you know him), so I'm starting to get up to speed. Also re-read Wangers' book to get the gist on Pontiac's marketing tactics (racing, GTO, Monkees, Royal, Kellogg's, Thom McAn, etc.) since Pontiac likely was the king of this back then. But there's more out there, like Plymouth's Supercar Clinics and Rapid Transit Caravan, Ford's Lawman race car (which toured Europe and Vietnam) . . . you can see, I have picked up a scent or two, but I could pick up a few more. Any ideas? Hit me up in MI or via Internet because the truth can't be published without you! (Bob Palma is on board already, so peer-pressure is in session!) 2. When filling out the info cards upon registration in Stanton, please write clearly so I can read your writing. I know how to pronounce "Heilela" (although possibly not spell it correctly...) but what about Clio, MI? CLEE-OH or CLIE-OH? These things matter to me because we don't like to hear our names butchered (imagine what's it like going through life as "Diego" and you'll understand). And I can never remember how to pronounce "Mino" even though I ask Jim every year, so I must be getting old (like you, haha!). Regarding your car, please give accurate info. Some Buick guy keeps on telling me his low-compression GS puts out 360 horsepower, but I know that ain't true. Do PS rules mean you can built a car to 1970 specs? Okay, that's cool, but please let me know so I can relay the correct info to the folks in the stands because otherwise the stuff in my brain and the stuff on the card will confuse me. And is it a clone? Tell me if you wish. I don't think it's a scarlet letter, but if it's a Trans Am convertible, I'd love to tell people it's 1 of 8 made; if it's a clone, I'd hate to misrepresent the car. This is your choice - I don't mean to get nit-picky. And, yes, Mr. Clary, I expect something smart-ass from you, so go nuts. See ya on Friday! Diego
OK since you asked, I can't resist.. T----IMmmmmm .. EL--eighty nine... 2 door ( 2 less than a 4 ) POST>> Can't wait to see you buddy :grin:
Being the only one to get the C-word in print it feels like the scarlet letter. Especially knowing just how many are "engine upgrades" I guess I hadn't figured out if asked.....evade. :laugh:
I wasn't involved with the article you speak of so I can't comment, but I think there's a difference between a 427 Marauder clone or a Chevelle 300 Deluxe SS 396 L78/L89, and a 400 GTO built to 455 HO specs. But like I said, it's up to you to keep things real, and I won't begrudge anything. I just want to be able to relate trivia for certain cars if there's trivia to tell.
CL I OH You need to talk to Dennis Manner, Ron Frakes, Gary Kantrud to name of few in Flint area, All were involved in the GSX adventure. #14 is #14 and will be there. You want to see the fisher body sheet we found in the A-pillar, what day will you be in Flint?? VAS I LOW
Sm all-- as in small, medium, large..... Just be glad you do not have to pronounce my hometown!!!!! Will have the beer on ice...
So, if a Marauder, ordered as and always been a Marauder, has an upgrade from it's original 390 FE series engine, to a 427 FE series engine it's a clone. But other cars that get an extra 55 to 104 cubes as apposed to 37.......or non original induction or manifolds......or engines not even of the same series......or possibly the same material........or not even the same number of cylinders.........are not clones. The article I'm referring to was written by you. http://www.examiner.com/article/pure-stock-musclecar-drag-race-the-best-musclecar-show-america And while I have appreciated the press, I've wondered why I'm the only one with the scarlet letter.
Well, Brian, I don't really consider it a scarlet letter. If you prefer me to remove the reference to a clone, I'm happy to do so. I never really imagined I was opening up a can of worms (as is usually the case with cans) but on my end I simply like numbers and tend to be interested in the rarity of cars, which is probably why I was chosen to announce - I am multi-lingual. If you wish to speak more about this, feel free to PM me or pull me aside with beer in hand this weekend.
