[PureSD]

Just saw this post. Very sad news. Mike was a super nice guy and I feel very fortunate to own one of his prized SD's. Mike was very reluctant to sell me his '73 Bucaneer Red SD and I really appreciate the opportunity he gave me to own a piece of his and Pontiac history. Rest in peace Mike and thanks for what you did for the Pontiac enthusiasts world.

[Larry Navarro]

^^^^.....you got a nice one. I believe Mike bought that car in '79.

[PureSD]

Originally Posted by Larry Navarro

^^^^.....you got a nice one. I believe Mike bought that car in '79.

Thanks Larry. It really is an incredible survivor car. Mike bought it on July 25th '78. The previous owner before Mike bought it in '76 from the owner of the dealer. Really sad about Mike. Does anyone know what happened?

[Streetking]

Very very sad news, Mike was a great guy. I knew him in the late 70's early 80's when I had my blk '76 4speed. He was always there to help me whenever I had questions. My condolences to his family, he will be missed.

SW

[W72-Bandit]

http://www.galvestondailynews.com/fr...a4bcf6878.html

There is talk of some guys bringing their T/As to his funeral.

[Larry Navarro]

Mike set the bar for restored trans ams when he rebuilt the brewster green car.
That SD was a work of art.
He traveled the ISCA circuit in '89 with the car and earned the class championship awards back then.
I tapped into his broad knowledge of SD's back when I bought mine.

[sdbob]

Prays sent here. I seemed to have spoken with him can't remember when. thanks for the post.

[bird72]

Mike's SD's were in early articles that were a huge factor in getting me turned on to the 70-73 cars. I read them, almost memorized them, and cut them out and saved them until the paper turned yellow.

Reading "between the lines" in that news article, it sounds like a sad end, and I hope he was still in the hobby to the end. Did he have a 70-73 still? Or any bird? It seems sad he didn't keep either of his cars, like the hobby moved on past him......

at any rate, none of my biz, and it goes to show how people can touch other peoples lives, and they probably did not even know it themselves.

RIP Poncho Brother.

[The Boss]

Originally Posted by W72-Bandit

There is talk of some guys bringing their T/As to his funeral.

That would be a really nice tribute! I hope they do.

[Ramair1]

I didn't know how far my brothers name was known across the country in the Trans Am community until I helped judge at the TA Nats 09 when I was paired up with another judge and when I announced my name he turned and asked if I was any kin to a Mike Pergande. I was humbled and proud to say the least and merly said "why yes, thats my brother". I had always idolized my brother growing up wanting to be just like him. I loved hanging out with him whenever I was able to and tag along with the GCTAC events, it was a blast that I will treasure forever. He has tought me so much of the hobby. I had worked on a number of his cars (75 TA 400, both 73 SD's, and most recently his 2000 WS6) helping clean and detail those prized treasures growing up. I want to thank all those for the heart felt prayers and condolances to the family, they are very much appreciated and felt. Thank you also to all the GCTAC members for attending the viewing and funeral services, you've made the family so happy and proud of your presence. God bless you all.
Sincerly,
Shawn Pergande

[falcon4]

Hi Shawn, Sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Jon

[Alvin]

Gone but not forgotten. RIP Mike.

[Larry Navarro]

Originally Posted by W72-Bandit

There is talk of some guys bringing their T/As to his funeral.

No T/A's at the funeral but a few of the guys had their GCTAC attire.

[W72-Bandit]

Glad to hear that Larry. I saw on FB that Bob, Bruce, Lloyd and a few others were able to make the viewing. I couldn't make it myself.
Really sucks, Mike was such a good guy and supporter of GCTAC and T/As in general.
I hope they still have another reunion, I'll be there!

Thanks Mike!!

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Originally Posted by Lee

a t-shirt that had the front view of a '73 T/A and said something like "Mess with the best, Lose like the rest" - I loved wearing that shirt!

i still have one of those t-shirts - not sure if it was a Mike shirt or not
Mess with the Best on front - with front of car.
Lose like the Rest on back - with rear of car.
An old girlfriend ordered it from somewhere.

Anybody who was much involved with these cars back in the 80's would recognize Mike's name from seeing it printed somewhere before.

All of us guys here there and everywhere who love these cars - we're all the same in a lot of ways. Its an unspoken brotherhood.

Big respect to the guys who could be at the services.
We'll see you in 70-73 Heaven someday Mike ... save us all a good spot

[Alvin]

Found these today, saved previously on a hard drive, from the Super Duty 200+ page thread and/or a Lloyd PY thread.

Respectfully, I’m posting these here for Shawn and others who may not have seen them before. I remember drooling over the Brewster SD at Houston Autorama...

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Alvin

Found these today, saved previously on a hard drive, from the Super Duty 200+ page thread and/or a Lloyd PY thread.

Respectfully, I’m posting these here for Shawn and others who may not have seen them before. I remember drooling over the Brewster SD at Houston Autorama...

More..

[Alvin]

More...

[muscle_collector]

whats the deal on the wreck? is that the way it was before he restored it?

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by muscle_collector

whats the deal on the wreck? is that the way it was before he restored it?

I don't recall, although certainly others here know the story. Check these related links out.

http://www.motortopia.com/Ramair1/car-blogs

http://picasaweb.google.com/10791762...AGCTACPICTURES

Edit: More
https://www.facebook.com/groups/140956845930511/

Mike @ the reunion http://pontiacsonline.com/GCTAC%20REUNION.htm