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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A project such as this is a monumental task, one that surely cannot be completed by just one individual. Throughout the span of nearly a year, I’ve relied on many generous, knowledgeable members of the Pontiac community for fact checking, guidance, and locating prime examples of the 1964 GTO.

First and foremost, I would like to recognize all of the passionate, skilled Pontiac journalists who came before me: Paul Zazarine, Eric White, Thomas DeMauro, Christopher R. Phillip, Don Keefe, Chuck Roberts, Rocky Rotella, Gary Witzenburg, Michael Lamm, Martyn L. Schorr, Stan Rarden, Pete McCarthy, R. George Ellis, and Jeff Denison. Their expertise and devotion to the brand are unparalleled, and their combined works create the definitive library for all things Pontiac. I hope my work in this book can be added to this vast reservoir of resources available to the Pontiac enthusiast.

Christopher R. Phillip encouraged and advised me on my automotive photography and gave me the opportunity to contribute to High Performance Pontiac magazine, for which I am grateful. After the unfortunate demise of High Performance Pontiac, Chris put me in contact with Don Keefe, who was then editor of Smoke Signals magazine. Through Don’s encouragement, I began writing feature articles, and my appetite for Pontiac history became voracious. When Don left the position at Smoke Signals, he created Poncho Perfection, a publication for which I continue to write. It was during this period that Don recommended me as a potential candidate for writing this book. Many thanks are extended to Chris and Don.

Conducting research for this book also afforded me the chance to speak with some legends in the Pontiac world. I am humbled that icons such as Arnie Beswick, Jim Wangers, Bill Collins, and Herb Adams took the time to answer my questions regarding their contributions to the 1964 Pontiac GTO. I’ll be the first person to admit that I am not a proficient interviewer, sometimes struggling to get my thoughts in order, but each of these men was kind and patient during our lengthy and detailed conversations.

Behind-the-scenes individuals also assisted greatly in this project. John Viale and Andre Rayman are 1964 GTO gurus; their insight and fervor helped ensure that this book is both informative and accurate. John Kyros at GM Media Archive was pleasant and extremely helpful. My friend John S. Vick was great company when I had to travel long distances to photograph some of these wonderful GTOs. My lovely wife, Jenn, who proofread numerous drafts of each chapter, expertly extinguished any grammatical errors, and projected me in the best possible light to the folks at CarTech, Inc.

Then there are the car owners; without them this book would not have been possible, and I am very appreciative that they took the time to let me photograph their amazing cars: Terry Bagby, Cameo Ivory hardtop; Richard Capon, green modified hardtop; Steve McNutt, Marimba Red Tempest Custom; Andre Rayman, Marimba Red Sports Coupe, Saddle Bronze convertible, and Nocturne Blue convertible; Bart Dean, Starlight Black convertible; Jack Suarez, Starlight Black convertible with Hurst wheels; Brian Thomason, Gulfstream Aqua Sports Coupe; Jerry Bulger, Yorktown Blue convertible; Michael Speck, Starlight Black hardtop; David Gehr, 2006 Phantom Black GTO; Roger Williamson, 1961 Bonneville; Bobby Disher, 1962 Grand Prix.

The following people have graciously let me use their photos when time and distance prohibited me from capturing my own images: Dan Jefkins, 1963 LeMans; Dil Brandow, 1964 GTO gasser; Don Stellhorn, 1964 GTO road racer; Patty and Tony Claypool, 1959 Pontiac.

Finally, thanks to Paul Johnson at CarTech, who was with me every step of this long, rewarding journey.