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THE LOBBY A gathering place. Introductions, sports, showin' off your ride, birthday-anniversary-milestone, achievements, family oriented humor. |
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#21
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I knew Jim Wangers, Tom Nell, Herb Adams, Dudley "Skip" McCully, and a few other people like Jack "Hurst Shifty Doctor" Watson, among others.
Jim was a hard core street racer on the street in Detroit. Outstanding Advertising Man. Tenny now owns the Wangers 64 Red GTO, (and has for several years). Jim Wangers used to stay at Jim Butler's home when Jim B put on his events at the track there. Ron Hildreth would always show up with the rest of the California crew. Jim will be in good company with Ron H, Tom Nell, and Mac Mckellar. Tom V.
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"Engineers do stuff for reasons" Tom Vaught Despite small distractions, there are those who will go Forward, Learning, Sharing Knowledge, Doing what they can to help others move forward. |
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#22
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RIP Jim. I’ve read all the books that capture how his marketing acumen and love for cars lead to the rise of Pontiac back in the 60’s. I was not born yet, but I have enjoyed his legacy. Hopefully I can get my son on the right path…
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#23
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A life well-lived.
Thanks for all you’ve done for the Pontiac brand and for making the GTO the true automotive icon it became. Rest In Peace Jim. Bart |
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#24
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RIP Godfather of the GTO! Going to be missed by many but never forgotten. What a legend.
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#25
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This is sad to read.
He seemed like a really nice guy when I met him at the 2008 Pontiac Nationals; He took the time to chat a bit (there was no line up at his booth). I would recommend his book to anyone who wants to learn more about him and Pontiac’s ‘Glory Days’. I am grateful I got to meet him.
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1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red paint on Black standard interior A no-engine, no-transmission, no-wheel option car. Quite likely one of few '70 Muncie three speed Formula 400's left. 1991 Grand Am: 14.4 @ 93.7mph (DA corrected) (retired DD, stock appearing) 2009 Cobalt SS: 13.9 @ 103mph (current DD; makes something north of 300hp & 350ft/lbs) |
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#26
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Sad news. I think of him every time I'm in the 'Bandit' Suburban- and how fortunate I was to have known him.
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Anybody else on this planet campaign a M/T hemi Pontiac for eleven seasons? ... or has built a record breaking DOHC hemi four cylinder Pontiac? ... or has driven a couple laps of Nuerburgring with Tri-Power Pontiac power?(back in 1967) ... or has a Pontiac born the same year as Jim Wangers? (1926} |
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#27
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My sympathies to Jim's family - and all in our Pontiac community.
I too am grateful to have met and talked to him. I'll take solace in those couple of times that we enjoyed talking - not Pontiacs - but where we went to college (Illinois Tech - IIT) and the ups and downs of our Chicago White Sox. He lived a full life - we should all be so blessed. |
#28
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Meet Jim also, years ago. I wondered how he was doing. RIP Mr. Wangers.
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68 Firebird. IA2 block, 505 cu in, SD Performance E-head, Solid roller 3600 weight. Reid TH400 4:11 gear. 29" slick. Best so far 9.95@134 mph. 1.43 60 ft. 76 Trans am, TKX .81 o/d, 3.73 Moser rearend, 468 with KRE D-ports, Doug headers, 3" Exh. |
#29
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I could have sworn he passed away a year or two back, had to check. Perhaps it was a previous report that he had moved into the assisted living arrangement and didn't have long to go. One less of the characters.
Last edited by Trevor78; 04-30-2023 at 04:51 AM. |
#30
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I met Jim a couple of times. Was such a pleasure to talk with him. His stories from back in the day were great. He signed my visor back in 2014 at the nationals in Pittsburg.
What he did for PMD is legendary. May he rest in peace |
#31
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Over the yrs reading about his accomplishments and stories really is humbling. Many agree the best Pontiac promoter. Hope in heaven there is a nice stretch of black top where he can power shift strong and crisp…..RIP…..
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#32
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Another legend gone. RIP Mr. Wangers
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" Is wearing a helmet illegal" Mike Kerr 1-29-09 |
#33
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Sad, one year on Woodward, noticed the GTO Tiger, Jim was rolling next to me, time to read Glory Days Again, RIP
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🧩 Burds Parts, Finding those Hard to Find PCs, no Fisher Price Toys Here Just Say No To 8” Flakes F ire B irds 🇮🇱 |
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#34
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I agree a sad day to be sure, I did get to speak to him several times at Detroit area events, he was always friendly and loved to talk about Pontiac’s!
I was even lucky enough to be asked to drive his 69 Judge from were it was being stored to the Woodward dream cruise and back many years ago. Primarily because he knew I could drive a 4-speed and I would not abuse it. I had a lot of fun that weekend. He will be missed
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Jeff R 60 Jaguar Mark 2, 3.8L Automatic 67 Sprint Firebird 230 OHC-6 4-Speed A/C 78 Catlina Safari, Pontiac 400 powered 77 Astre Formula, 215 Buick V-8 T-5 73 Lemans Safari, 400 4bbl 4-speed 71 Catalina Enforcer, 455 4bbl 06 Mallet Solstice #024 LS2, Now with a Tremec 6060 6-speed! 2012 F-150 Echo Boost (My local Ford Dealer SUX!!!) 2020 Dodge Charger Scat pack (recovered) |
#35
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Rest in peace Sir! We more than likely wouldn’t be here without you.
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LIFT HEAVY, LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE SMALL! |
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#36
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Rest well Jim.
I first met him back in 91 at TigerRun. After the meet I drove him back to Portland in my 69 GTO. It was great ride with conversations covering many topics. He always remembered me every time we ran into each other over the years. A true gentleman.
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If it breaks. I didn't want it in the first place. _____________________________________________ 69 GTO \ 72 FIREBIRD \ 1/2 OF A 64 GTO \ 70 JAVELIN \ 52 FORD PU \ 51 GMC PU \ 29 FORD PU \ 85 ALFA ROMEO SPYDER \ A HANDFUL OF ODD DUCATI'S \ 88 S10 LT1 BLAZER & MY DAILY DRIVER 67 SUBURBAN. |
#37
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Many memories of the man. Best one was driving him to his 85th birthday party in my 64 convertible with the top down. Going down Marine Drive in Portland about 55 mph and him with a death grip on his "hair". RIP sir.
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Practicing social distancing for 65+ years |
#38
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We all have very limited time here , better enjoy it boys
RIP Jim thanks for making Pontiac great! GRRR
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Happiness is just a turbocharger away! 960 HP @ 11 psi, 9.70 at 146. Iron heads, iron stock 2 bolt block , stock crank, 9 years haven't even changed a spark plug! selling turbos and turbo related parts since 2005! |
#39
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#40
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I believe it was in a monthly column that Jim used to write for HPP. I tried to locate it online, but many of those articles have been scrubbed.
In essence, Jim has no bias against the 04-06 GTOs, and towards the end he admits the new cars have every right to be called GTO's, even though many of the "old guard" were against them from the beginning. It was because he wrote that article that I went ahead and purchased a new GTO for myself, only new car I've ever owned in my lifetime. I could have easily had Jim sign my car, but I just never did it. |
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