Misc. Pontiac Articles & Information created on April 20, 2013 10:26AM total pins 234

1938 Pontiac- New Car Shopping

Often we take for granted the advancements that have been made in our modern world- most especially the younger ones who have not witnessed it unfold like many of us over our many years walking this planet. It is a sales brochure like this one for the all new 1938 Pontiac that really brings the differences between then and now to light. For example, when was the last time you were car shopping that you asked the salesman about the coatings on the pistons, or how the intake manifold worked? These questions have been replaced with "How many cup holders?" "Is there Blue Tooth?" Or how about the computer aided ride control? We won't even get into self-driving!

Take a set back in time and see what you were getting when shopping for a new 1938 Pontiac in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
August 15, 2022 08:54PM

1957 Pontiac Safari- Auction Express

Don't bother checking your IRA reports from the bank. If you have a Pontiac Safari in your garage that you have thought about moving down the road (as to a new home), it might be more than you had planned towards your retirement. Check this latest auction report if you don't believe us.

Now... if your retirement includes cruisin' the highways and byways in a sharp Safari wagon, disregard the above. Just hope your kids appreciate it when you go to the happy hunting grounds (no time soon!).

Check out this high buck Safari in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
October 25, 2018 01:54PM

1963 Super Duty- The Adventures of KRASS & Bernie

Never ones to shy away from automotive adventures- many often turning into mishaps-, KRASS & Bernie are still at it. Many of us have followed their exploits throughout our car hobby lives. Here we find them drooling over a 1963 Pontiac Super Duty 421 4-speed. And as they often were... here they were in the right place at the right time. Enjoy the story of racing's yesteryear and see how KRASS & Bernie take the torch as it is passed to them.

Enjoy their latest adventure- a pure Pontiac one- in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
July 06, 2017 01:01PM

1966 Pontiac Bonneville vs. Ford LTD

It's hard to believe that we would actually have to take the time to point out the differences (as in advantages) of a '66 Bonneville over an LTD, but believe it or not, there were families that were not "Pontiac uber alles" in their automotive dedication. But this is just what Mark Potter has done in this article. Sit back and pretend you were one of those who shopped with no particular loyalty to a specific brand.

Enjoy learning what we all know already in this shopping comparison in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
January 25, 2018 04:10PM

1967 Firebird vs. Foreign Sports Cars

Why is it that the American car market has been so reticent to label its cars "sports cars?" I think if you check definitions you'll find that many U.S. cars have fit that description quite well. Obviously it has grown out of the lasting impression that "sports cars" made when most everyone first started seeing then on our shores following World War II... small, under powered things that took a shoe horn to get two medium sized people into. But even the Europeans are at home labeling a sports car a "2+2" in reference only to the number of seats available. And as such, the new 1967 Firebird can proudly proclaim "Sports Car" status.

That finalized, it is then time to consider the massive differences between an American sports car and the European models. This may not be apples-to-apples because we are not including the 2+2 Euro models. Rather, this comparison is mostly against what had commonly been considered sports cars by us Yanks.

Check out your best sports car value in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
February 11, 2019 03:04PM

1968 GTO- 428 Sneak Attack

The people at Hagerty don't just know insurance- they know their cars too. And muscle cars are a big part of the automotive scene- still. Here they address the back door method of winning races with your GTO. All it took was some extra money ($650 in 1969- $4800 in today's dollars) and a trip to Royal Pontiac in Michigan. Gee, where have we heard that name before when speaking of performance Pontiacs?!?

Read all about the 428 GTOs in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
July 06, 2023 07:02PM

1969 Grand Prix Custom- Bill Mitchell Tribute

Every once in a while as you're strolling (notice we didn't say trolling) through the old interweb (to quote the head Gas Monkey), you find something that stops you in your tracks. In this case it was a 1969 Grand Prix that looked like it had covers over its jet engine intakes. What the heck?!? Upon investigating, we found information from a couple different sources explaining this unique GP. It seems it is actually sort of a tribute car (no, not a fake GP) to the past GM head designer William "Bill" Mitchell. As he was known for his flamboyance, so should be a tribute car to him. And this one is every bit that.

Check out this stellar custom Grand Prix in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
July 19, 2021 03:04PM

1970 Pontiac Owner's Manuals- Assume Crash Positions

It's amazing what you find sometimes when not even looking. Such is the case here when we stumbled across the strangest thing in the 1970 Pontiac Owner's Manuals- details on how to prepare for a crash- Pre-Collision Positioning. But what is most unusual is that we cannot find any mention of this procedure in pre-1970 OR post-1970 Owner's Manuals. Why was it there, and only in 1970?

Here we take a look at PMD Owner's Manuals and what you might learn from them. Check yours out. You might be surprised at some oddball thing you find.

Read all about it in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
February 15, 2017 05:33PM

1970s-1980s: A Time of Excess

As the title suggests, this was a period when more was seen as better... even if in the face of gaudy. It may well be blamed as the time when Pontiac took the disastrous turn to what has become known (and hated) as "cladding." So, if during this time you wanted to be cool, or cooler, and add some of these goodies to your Firebird or Trans Am, there were companies ready to take your hard-earned dollars. Such a company is featured here, and got us to reminiscing about this earlier time.

Enjoy a look back to a different era in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
October 15, 2019 10:02AM

1973- A Porsche and a Pontiac

One of the additional benefits of having Hagerty insurance is the nice magazine they send to their customers. But in addition, because they support the automotive hobbyplace so well, is their Hagerty News on-line where this article was found. And like all things Pontiac, we just had to share. This following comparison of the 1973 Trans Am SD-455 to the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera takes an interesting look into two totally different sides of the automotive spectrum. We were a little disappointed though as we were expecting an actual shoot-out between the two cars. Sadly, it never came so we will have to use our imaginations as to how it might have turned out. And while we have respect for the German craftsmanship of the mighty Carrera (at twice the cost of the SD-455), we have to admit there will probably never be one that will lure us away from the breakneck torque and growl of our Pontiac muscle cars.

Read all about these two cars in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
November 12, 2023 07:27PM

1979 Trans Am- Restoration Resurrection

This is one of those good-news/bad-news situations. The bad news is that the restoration process of this great Trans Am had a false start, but the super good news is that it is now on track and going smoothly. Making up for lost time and frustration. And, by the end of the year, this proud original owner should be once again behind the wheel of an even better than new '79 T/A.

Check out the progress in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
February 25, 2016 09:13AM

1980- Blueprint for Success

The sporty, performance and muscle car eras- which had pretty much put Pontiac on the map as anything but an old man's car- were gone for at least ten years now. Pontiac was readjusting to a life without triple carbs on everything. There were other avenues to take, but so was everyone else. What was the "breakout" formula going to be? Nobody knew, and as history would prove, Pontiac sure took the wrong route.

But in 1980 the advertising and marketing departments were still cranking out press as if totally unaware that the engineering department was in a panic. This 1980 brochure sure indicated that they thought Pontiac had the "Blueprint for Success."

Check it out in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
March 03, 2017 03:58PM

1983 Natalie Carroll- Calendar Caper

No one will argue that hot cars (in this case Pontiacs, of course) and pretty girls go together. Add a little bit of spice and it is quite a recipe for attention. But we all know that a little too much spice can be trouble. Such was the case of the 1983 Calander Girl- Natalie Carroll- and Pontiac brass (or maybe just one). Few today, or even back then, should have gotten their dander up, but it only takes one to ruin it for everyone else. Today it is one of Pontiac's many interesting stories, and in a way, famous because of all the brew ha-ha that it created.

Check out the 1983 "Calendar Caper" in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
March 14, 2024 04:52PM

2009 vs. 1959 Crash Test

Our "Down the Road" correspondent, John Harvey of Oakley, Illinois is always on top of automotive items that don't, as they say, "pass the smell test." In this case a crash test video that is floating around showing a 2009 Malibu going up against a 1959 Chevrolet.

Without going into the particulars... you have to read the article to see them (as well as view the video)... there is something overly ripe in a Scandinavan country here. (Don't get it... "Rotten in Denmark!") Check it out and see what you think. Then let us know.

Head "Down the Road" with John in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 10:53AM

2017 Retro Trans Am

We're gonna keep this short and sweet... You miss the Trans Am? You want a Trans Am back again? A Pontiac version, not a Camero-bird? Well then this article is for you. Maybe if enough dream about this, it may happen one day. Stranger things have happened. These 2017 Trans Am designs are based on the Second generation Firebird, and we're sure you would put in your order, if only you could.

Check out the 2017 Trans Am in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 11, 2017 04:19PM

2018 Grand Prix- All New Design

If you're in the market for a new personal luxury car, then Grand Prix is the answer- as it most always has been. Gather up the family and head down to the nearest showroom to take in the all new 2018 Grand Prix... don't you wish that was true?!? At least our Pontiac designer/dreamer Carlos Augusto Pinto of Porto, Portugal hasn't stopped wishing this was so.

Check out the latest 2018 Grand Prix designs in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
October 12, 2018 08:59AM

2018 Pontiac Grand Sport

As promised, our modern Pontiac concept car designer, Carlos Augusto Pinto of Porto, Portugal, has taken a design look at what a Pontiac might look like today if based on the current Corvette... Pontiac-ized, as it were. Oddly, the idea of a Pontiac Corvette equivalent was killed with the first (1964) Banshee as too much competition with Corvette. That would have been a race we all would have loved to see! But today all we can do is dream.

Be sure to check Carlos' many other dream and concept Pontiac creations in our special "What if Forum" and in our On-Line Magazine. See this one at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
June 08, 2018 08:14AM

2020 Pontiac Phantom- New Concept

Once again we are treated to the creative designs of the very talented Carlos Augusto Pinto of Oporto, Portugal. This time he has imagined "What If" Pontiac had followed through with the 1977 Pontiac Phantom created by the Bill Mitchel team. What would/could it look like today?

Just imagine if Pontiac had pursued some to the concept car directions we have seen that they created. Between the performance, style, and luxury as seen in the Phantom, Pontiac might have been the Maybach of General Motors. So sad...

Check out another Pontiac dream moved ahead 40 years in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
February 14, 2018 08:54AM

2022 Pontiac Bonneville- Coming Soon!

Once again our Pontiac loving automotive graphic designer- and dreamer- Carlos Augusto Pinto of Porto, Portugal has taken a look into the "What If" of Pontiac. This time he askes (and then provides his answer) "What if there was a new Pontiac Bonneville for 2022?" Don't hesitate, they will be going fast! They represent everything that the original Bonnevilles were designed to be, but somehow lost. We also include a brief history of the rise and fall of the Bonneville in the Pontiac line-up.

Check out the 2022 Pontiac Bonneville coming to a Pontiac dealer's showroom soon in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
October 26, 2021 12:56PM

A Lifetime of Pontiacs

So you think you're a Pontiac fan, huh? Well, we all are, but some are certainly more so than others. Such is the story of Thomas George in New York who has a "Lifetime of Pontiacs" to be proud of.

Enjoy the story of Thomas and his Pontiacs in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 12:59PM

Another Retro Trans Am

If imitation is the best form of flattery, just when does it get to be too much?

That's what we are wondering in the Retro Trans Am race. Is there so much extra money floating around out there for a new T/A (even if only a made-over Chevy), that everyone and their brother are jumping into the fray? Or is it going to be a case of last-man-standing to get whatever there might be?

I guess we will see as this all sorts itself out.

Check out your next "new" Trans Am in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Check out a previous Retro T/A article in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 12:43PM

Big Cars are Dangerous

Our "Down the Road" correspondent, John Harvey of Oakley, Illinois visits the overly intellectual topic of "big squashes small." Can you believe that it took a "study" to come up with that? Probably a government funded one at that.

Everyone knows the law of physics where Newton stated: "An apple falling from a tree will make a bump on your head, but a watermellon falling from a tree with flatten your ass." Really. That's in the books... look it up.

If you don't believe that, then John's insightful review of the topic will certainly convince you. Think about what he has to say the next time you think how "smart" it might be to buy a "Smart" car.

Head "Down the Road" with John in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 11:05AM

Buying A New 1971 Grand Ville

Ever wish you could turn back the clock? Yea, like every day, right? Well, automotive speaking we mean. Here's an opportunity to go shopping for a brand new, first of the Pontiac Grand Villes. As the muscle car market was collapsing, Pontiac was concentrating, once again, on its big cars- remember the '50s? The Grans Ville was a new step in the luxury direction, and it was well received too. These cars are showing up more and more at car shows, proving that cruising comfort is a sought after part of the hobbyplace.

Watch for Part II of this series as we drive this new Grand Ville to the west coast. Come along for the ride!

Check out this brand new Grand Ville in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
May 23, 2017 08:46AM

Contest Pontiacs

A recent article in the OVERHEAD CAMMER Club magazine asking about OHC6 Pontiacs used in contests as prizes got us thinking about all the times we have seen Pontiacs through the years as product promotional contest prizes. The earliest we found actually dates back to 1937 by Ivory Soap, and we include it here. Pontiacs have always been a prize to own, but how would you like to actually have won one?!?

See how to win a brand new Pontiac in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
June 25, 2020 12:01PM

Custom Ordering a New 1980 Bonneville

Do you wonder still how you might have ordered a brand spanking new Bonneville back in 1980? Would this have been a possibility, a pipe dream, or did some of you actually experience doing so... if so, lucky you. In such an age of opulence, what an exciting task that would have been. By this time, Pontiac was pretty much just about luxury, so being tasked to weigh beauty and prestige against bang for the buck would have been a fun predicament to be in. Well, if you missed the opportunity 37 years ago, follow our Pontiac historian and author, Mark Potter, as he walks you through the process. It's a lot of fun playing "what if" some times.

Order your new 1980 Bonneville in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
February 28, 2017 05:04PM

Driverless Computer Operated Cars

It looks like our "Down the Road" correspondent, John Harvey, has figured out how to solve the whole texting while driving dilemma... just have the cars do all the work so nobody is distracted with the silliness of paying attention while driving. Really? As unpredictable as human activity is, do we really want to give up control to a computer and sensor system? "Not I" said the duck!

See what John thinks in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 25, 2016 12:55PM

Fifteen GTO Facts You Might Not Know About America's Original Muscle Car

Before going too far, we have to give a great big "Thank You" to the people at Hagerty for this article. Not only do they provide premier insurance for our hobby and collectable cars, but they support the hobbyplace with a tremendous amount of help and information. In this case they compiled a list of fifteen facts that some may not know about the Pontiac GTO. And none of it is hyperbole or some of the goofy urban legends we've seen over the years. If you want to dig deeper and deeper into the GTO "Legend," there are tons of great books out there for your study.

For a quick- and accurate- snapshot of the life and times of the Pontiac GTO, check out our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
May 13, 2022 06:36PM

Five Things to Know about Shipping a Car

Sooner or later many of us will be faced with a decision about shipping a car. Whether it's because we bought one and have to get it home, are relocating a good distance away, or even what a car shipped to a far away car show. Whatever the reason, it can seem daunting.

Here we has some good pointers by a well-respected automotive shipping company. And while you may or may not wish to contact them, their advice is still applicable to whoever you use, and they are willing to help with your questions whoever you ultimately choose too.

Check out this helpful information in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
May 15, 2018 01:44PM

Future Automotive Technologies

In a recent issue of the SAN (SEMA Action Network) newsletter, there was an interesting article on approaching (getting along with) the new technologies that are being built into today's automobiles. They also touched upon how some of these changes may possibly impact our own old car hobbyplace.

It brought back memories of growing up in the space age 1950s when automotive technology was taking off... sometimes quite literally (if only in some dreamer's imagination).

See where you fit into this new future in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
July 16, 2018 04:27PM

Growing Up with Pontiacs

Some families are just plain lucky. They have a rich history down through the years of a dedication of sorts to a particular car. This is the story that Paul Prinzing shares with us about his family and Pontiacs.

Not only does Paul have a long family connection to Pontiacs as a family favorite, but he has carried it further into a hobby enjoyment of the same car his family focused on for so long.

Enjoy this entertaining story and see some neat old time Pontiac photos too in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 01:05PM

I'm Trapped- Grounded

This month our "Down the Road" correspondent, John Harvey, discusses something none of us want to address... aging. Now, the fact of just getting chronologically higher in birthday numbers is one thing, but it is quite another to consider some of the "side effects" of the process. Those who know John know he will forge on and get past this present dilemma, but it is certainly a take heed sort of moment. While we don't want to get everybody overly worried, please be aware of some of the limitations that will come with this malady (aging). And if you wish to keep enjoying your old car hobby, think about some of the changes you might wish to plan ahead for.

See what happens when you are "grounded" in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

For some more interesting reading, check this earlier version of being grounded at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
February 19, 2016 02:05PM

Jacks and Jack Stand Safety

It was with sadness when we read about a Pontiac hobbyist of the OHC-6 Cammers Club dying from an accident while working underneath his car. That club ran an article about jacks and jack stands as a reminder of the dangers involved and what should be done to avoid such an accident by others. It was a very well-prepared article onto which we have even added some additional safety tips. And while we may think we know all the dos-and-don'ts of this topic, read it anyway as a little refresher may just save your life.

Stay safe with this help in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
February 19, 2023 06:01PM

Joseph's Pontiac Garage

Often times we read in various auto hobby publications about the oldest Chevrolet or ford dealership in existence, but sadly, with Pontiac we will never have that opportunity. That was snatched away from us years ago. But never fear. Here we have come across a "Pontiac dealership" that has weathered the time and is still operating. While we don't really know the legal definition of a living PMD dealership, that hasn't deterred the current family owners of this long-time Pontiac dealership from still fly the Pontiac banner high and proud. It's a story of never giving up on their brand or their family.

Rear=d all about Joseph's Pontiac garage in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
November 23, 2023 09:49PM

K.I.T.T.- 2018

If you were in love with K.I.T.T. in the '80s, you'll fall in love all over again with this 2018 version of K.I.T.T. Problem is, this one looks way too nice to put through the torture the '80s car went through.

Check out K.I.T.T. for 2018 in our On-Line Magazine at Click Here

Added by: Larry
September 26, 2018 01:05PM

Krass & Bernie Go Pontiac

Many of us have grown up (do we really?!) in the car hobby enjoying magazines with special features and characters that became standards to watch for. Such was the case of the wild auto artists who graced the pages of books and magazines all through the growth of the hot rod through muscle car eras. One such artist, George Trosley, who we feature here is the creator of those two gearheads: Krass and Bernie.

In the cartoon featured here, these two tackle fixing and eventually racing (as they always seemed to end up doing) a rare 1963 Super Duty Tempest.

Enjoy this insight into a great cartoonist, and this particular Pontiac adventure in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 11:01AM

Krass & Bernie- 1964 GTO

The continuing adventures– or should we say the “mis-adventures– of Krass and Bernie didn’t overlook Pontiacs. But no car was spared their often misguided enthusiasm. Looking more like a toned down (as in non-drugged) version of Cheech & Chong, their antics nonetheless were just as off beat at times. Usually having more to do with an addiction to all things automotive and especially performance oriented.

To see their latest adventure check our On-Line magazine at: Click Here

For even more of their adventures, also see our On-Line Magazine in the “Misc. Pontiac Articles & Information” section at: “Krass & Bernie Go Pontiac” (for the ‘63 Tempest SD adventure) and “1963 Super Duty- Adventures of KRASS & Bernie”. They are always entertaining and their enthusiasm is infectious!

Added by: Larry
April 12, 2020 09:51AM

Lingenfelter T/A Concept

We all know the reputation that Lingenfelter has in the racing and performance world , and here they have worked their magic on a "new" Trans Am based on the 2010 Camaro.

The looks and performance stats of this vehicle are fantastic, but if it has a market and will be produced is not known right now. We'll keep an eye on this and see if it moves beyond this good looking "concept" car.

Read all about this retro Trans Am in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 12:58PM

Model Car Building- Gateway Drug to the Old Car Hobby

We often hear people state that their car collecting is more of a "sickness" than a "hobby." And, that's not too hard to believe either. Especially when you think of drug addiction as an illness. So, here we address the topic of model car building as a youngster, and wonder if it isn't actually a "Gateway Drug" into the old car hobbyplace. We're kinda leaning toward a big fat "yes" on that matter.

See what you think, by reading in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
August 09, 2016 04:40PM

Mystery Pontiac Sports Car- from 1985

Remember 1985? Well, we hardly do either, so don't feel bad. But once in a while the past comes back again, as in the case of this mysterious, lost Pontiac sports car. Now, a keen eye may solve this mystery rather quickly today, but back then we didn't have all the investigatory tools we do today- that would be Google.

But it was fun to go back those many years and revisit these photos and the story (long forgotten) around them. And, consider too (after reading the entire article, of course) just how cool this car would be today if not actually a Pontiac lost sports car, but rather a Pontiac powered and decorated sports car. After all, isn't it about Pontiac power when all is said and done?

Checkout this "lost Pontiac sports car" in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
August 07, 2019 12:13PM

Notable Car Chase Films

As we mention in the introduction to this article, be sure to check our other articles of Pontiacs in the movies 9and other media). Here, however, we are just having some fun listing a good number of movies which featured exciting car chase scenes. Some are famous for their action packed maneuvering, and some are famous (to us) because they involved our favorite Pontiacs. Sadly, it often didn't turn out well for our favorite car either.

Enjoy some fun checking out this listing, and further exploring them on some lazy day. See it all in our On-Line Magazine at; Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 12, 2018 01:58PM

Pontiac Beauty- in Photos

The beauty of most everything Pontiac is obvious to all Pontiac lovers. But the features that have made Pontiac unique in the auto world for most of its existence has not escaped the artists' eyes, and lenses, either.

Here we feature the photographic artistry of Jill Reger. Her photographic experience is varied, but she admits a great love of the automotive form. It looks like Pontiac offers her much to express herself through.

See some beautiful Pontiac photo art in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 12:39PM

Pontiac From a British Point of View- Collectibles

Once again our Pontiac collectors and historians, Graham and Simon Webber from England, have shared with us some very unique Pontiac collectibes. They show us "coffee cards" from the early- to mid-'50s featuring Pontiacs as well as some very interesting ads.

Enjoy these unusual pieces in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here and watch for more.

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 12:23PM

Pontiac in the Movies- Part I

If you enjoy seeing your Pontiacs on the wide, silver screen, this Part I article will help you learn a lot about the different movies that featured Pontiacs. Thanks to Jeff Redhage of Sullivan, Missouri for sharing his Pontiac movie list. We hope you enjoy reading about these movies, some big name, some not so big.

To see Part I of these movie star Pontiacs, check our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 01:08PM

Pontiac Transportation Museum

It was announced recently that Pontiac Oakland Museum (in Pontiac, Illinois) creator/director Tim Dye was working with a group in Michigan to develop the new Pontiac Transportation Museum in the city of Pontiac. In this article we discuss the new endeavor as well as share the information and views from Hemmings Classic Car. This is a huge project, and we wish Tim and his group all success. This could be a big benefit to many Pontiac hobbyists

Check this out in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
December 22, 2019 09:30AM

Pontiacs at Christmas Time- Happy Holidays!

During this time of year it is enjoyable to look back on all the things it means to us. Sorry if it's still all about cars to us Pontiac lovers, but that's just how it works. Here we look back at many different Pontiac circumstances as they relate to this winter, holiday time. Some you will fine humorous, some, especially those living in the middle of the winter's hardest hit areas, will find... well, perhaps sad and even back-breaking.

Enjoy our take on this winter, holiday season in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
December 13, 2016 09:39AM

Predictions for the Collector Car Hobby

After a week of watching the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona and choking and gagging on some (actually most) of the prices many of the cars were bringing, we felt compelled to look and see if any of this astronomical rise in mulla was predicted. Oddly, it doesn't look like the case. While trends were predicted, naturally including a whole new generation of buyers, nobody seemed to forecast such huge jumps in prices.

We found some pretty solid sounding predictions and shared them with our comments (some in disagreement) also based on our own observations. Perhaps all the pent up energies of the past year have now let the bulls out of the gate. We'll see how long this lasts.

Check out some hobbyplace predictions in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
March 29, 2021 05:33PM

Route 66 Mojave Pontiacs

If you think that the last good Pontiac to restore has already been located, guess again. They are still out there, but you gotta look. And you gotta take chances too.

Here we find two neat old Pontiacs that Frank of Frank's Pontiac Parts has located and saved from way out in the Mojave Desert of California. Because of people like Frank, we have many Pontiacs and Pontiac parts that we otherwise would never have.

Be sure to check Frank's Pontiac Parts for your Pontiac needs. Just click on the display ad to the left. There web site is loaded with parts, but with their ever growing stock, a call is a good idea too.

Check this latest "Pontiac Gold" in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 10:44AM

Steve Ames- Memorial

It was with great sadness throughout the Pontiac and hobby community that we learned of the untimely passing of Steve Ames. As a leader in the Pontiac parts and service business, his influence has been felt worldwide, and will be sorely missed. As a very private man, it was difficult to gather information on his life. However, here we have been able to find and present a very informative accounting of his life and accomplishments. There is discussion of a memorial event in the future as a celebration to him. Watch for information.

Read all about Steve and his dedication and contributions to the Pontiac hobbyplace in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
January 19, 2021 09:48AM

Steve Ames- SEMA Hall of Fame

It has been three years since the Pontiac hobbyplace lost one of its most dedicated and successful supporters of our hobby. That was Steve Ames of Ames Performance Engineering. While we all wish Steve was still here with us, we are honored to see that he was recently inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame. Here we have shared that announcement as well as reposted the original memorial article we posted at the time of his passing. If you haven't read it already, give it a look as it is a very interesting story of a very hard working, dedicated person.

Read all about Steve- his life and accomplishments in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
December 24, 2023 08:12PM

The GTO Returns- but at what price?

When we say the "GTO Returns- but at what price?" we're not referring to the window sticker price. Rather, we're speaking of the credibility of the Pontiac brand and the GTO identity in particular. We've never hid our feelings about the "new" GTO being a ruse from PMD, just a dumb lack of knowledge and history, or both. Sadly, the attempt to bring back the "Great One" was a dismal flop indicative of most every other failure of the dying brand.

We have found a couple interesting articles, one addressing pretty much just the history of the "new" GTO and its demise, and another where a designer has shared what he thinks might have actually saved the brand. We have to admit that what is shown here is a hell of an improvement over what PMD came up with. But at the same time, we remain constant in our feeling that if PMD had simply imported the Monaro to our shores and sold it as a high-performance rear-wheel-drive V-8 (without spending money adding cheesy plastic pieces all over) it might have outsold the so-called GTO many times over. Adding to the superficial changes they made is the idea that they thought the Pontiac buying public was stupid enough to run around all excited about the GTO resurrection. It never was a GTO and all the plastic add-ons and badges wasn't going to make it one.

All that said, if you have a "new" GTO, we hope you are enjoying it. We never said it was a bad car. It just wasn't what "they" said it was.

Read all about the return of the GTO in our On-Line magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
December 09, 2023 06:40PM

The Old Blinker Guy!

Everyone in the old car hobbyplace knows full well that these fun old cars can sometimes also be the source of frustration, and even embarrassment. Thankfully, just their appearance on the street gains them a lot of forgiveness. As is often the case too, the present problem is usually more of a nuisance than a catastrophe. Whatever the problem, it is often a time of additional learning, and in this case sharing too.

Such was the case for one of our long-time Pontiac lovers, Thom Sherwood, as he and his group made the best of this current bad COVID situation with leisurely tours through their beautiful southwest countryside.

Read about how an embarrassing situation turned into a learning experience in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
November 22, 2020 01:08PM

The Pontiac Gene

Have you ever wondered if your Pontiac fascination was something you could control, or perhaps even get rid of (although who would want to)?

Well, just like all the new so called ailments being added to the growing list of uncontrolled illnesses, perhaps by unlocking the secrets of the gene structure, you may finally have an excuse for dragging home another Pontiac project.

The next scientific project will be unlocking the money to pay for your Pontiac (uncontrollable) "illness."

Read this wonderful ailment in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2013 01:25PM

To Err is Human- but to Really Screw Up Your Day...

This month our "Down the Road" correspondent, John Harvey plows new ground in the computer arena. Who would have thought our old car hobby and computers would have ever become so intertwined? Tell that to the guy who just snagged a super deal off of Craig's List or eBay. Well, John has some thoughts on the entire matter.

Read about what John thinks about this brave new world in our On-Line magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
July 11, 2016 04:06PM

Ugly Pontiacs- Not by their Fault

It's pretty bad when the auto manufacturer pulls back the drape and exposes something that looks like it was designed after an all-night bender. It happens- think Aztek and many before by others too. But when someone takes a perfectly good Pontiac and massacres it, or comes out with a design rendering that elicits nothing better than "what the hell?!?" it's time to send them for a thorough check-up. Here we bring you one "altered" Pontiac that should never have been, and a design of another that we hope will never be.

Check out these ugly Pontiacs in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
March 22, 2020 11:04AM

Weekend Bandits- and the Film that Unites Them

Many old car hobbyists are familiar with Hagerty Insurance as one of the premier insurance companies for the collector and special interest car crowd. But besides just business dollars and cents, they also support the auto hobbyplace in many other ways. One is their on-line magazine. While it is often general cars of all types, sometimes we hit the jackpot when they tackle a Pontiac subject. In this case, we are sharing a very interesting article that is all about a "Trans Am Bandit Run" not too long ago. What makes it so extra interesting is that it is wound around the thing that started the whole craze- the Burt Reynolds "Smokey and the bandit" movie. There are interesting highlights of this entire phenomenon throughout the entire article. If you grew up coveting a Trans Am because of Burt and Sally, you will thoroughly enjoy this article.

Join in on the "Bandit Run" to Atlanta in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
November 30, 2022 05:40PM

WHAM! Old Pontiac Meets Locomotive

Everyone loves seeing an early '50s Pontiac wagon, right? Well, perhaps not like this one. Sad, to say the least. But it does make an interesting Pontiac story, and happily it wasn't a tragic one (except for the car, of course). If you're a train lover, this story has extra bonuses for you too.

See how an old Pontiac fares after an encounter with a 7000 horsepower train in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
February 21, 2019 09:00AM

When the Uninformed Try to Write about Cars

Normally we like to think of ourselves as pretty cool and collected. Heck, even when we hear "Big Block Pontiac" we seldom get upset-- though we've been known to bite off the end of our stogie! Well, we recently came across an article on a web site called "Hot Cars" that was called "The Worst Pontiac Muscle Cars to Touch the Tarmac."

These are usually just catchy, sort of attention-getting drivels to lure one in (and then see tons of stupid ads) and we just ignore them. But this one deserved some looking into. How bad could it be? WOW! This idiot who wrote this was the worst we have ever seen- so we had to deal with it.

One-by-one we addressed each ignorant Pontiac remark he made and set the record straight. It was obvious he was probably one of the dumbest people calling themself an automotive writer, and even worst (totally ignorant) when it came to anything Pontiac related.

See just how bad someone can be when writing about Pontiacs- and then the corrected information- in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
March 31, 2022 12:18AM

You've Got to be Kidding Department- Way Off Firebird Price

OK bargain hunters... there's one to avoid. How in the world the good folks at Hemmings Motor News came up with a $43,000 valuation on an original '68 Firebird OHC-6 Sprint convertible is beyond us. Sure it looks like a nice car... one worth every bit of a mid-20s price (on a good day). On a not so good day, probably selling for the mid- to high-teens. We'll have to assume this is a big error on their part because they, of all people, should know better.

Check out the "deal of the century" (NOT!) in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
July 18, 2018 01:26PM