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From the November 1966 report on the NHRA Nationals Indy '66 in Hot Rod:
The apparent move [by Olds with the 66 W30] to make a GTO-competitive automobile may well have been a surprise to Pontiac. This company's advertising/idea-man Jim Wangers (famed for his long-time association with Royal Pontiac in Royal Oak, Michigan) and who, incidentally, took Top Stock Eliminator at the Nats of '60, was on hand with the costumed GeeTO Mystery Tiger. Jim related, "We put a few battery boxes in trunks to make race cars several years ago. Looks like we might just have to do it again."
I got a chance to meet him in person when he and another man were setting up a small booth at a car show in Huntington Beach, CA, some 15-20 years ago (I had a '70 GTO at that time). It was just set-up time and there was no one else around besides him, his set-up guy, and my friend and me. I bought his book but we stayed and sat in the grass at the park where he was while he sat in a lawn chair and told us a wonderful adventure of his times for some 50 minutes to an hour. It was pretty neat to have that 1-on-1 time with him in a relaxed environment with no one else around. He had his carousel red Judge with him as well. True quality time. And, in my opinion, a pretty nice guy who will be missed.
Best memory of Jim, the Thursday before Dreamcruise, my girl was around 5 then, we stopped at little Daddy’s at Long Lake on Woodward for dinner, the GTao Tiger was parked in the lot, I knew Wangers was inside, we all left at the same time, pulled up next to Jim, he gave me a big smile and a thumbs up on the TA.
if you never read his book, GLORY DAYS, get a copy. You’ll like it.
One of the last Icons from 1960’s muscle car madness..Love this guy..still gave two model car 1966 tiger cars signed by Jim. RIP ..you lived a fantastic life sir
Best memory of Jim, the Thursday before Dreamcruise, my girl was around 5 then, we stopped at little Daddy’s at Long Lake on Woodward for dinner, the GTao Tiger was parked in the lot, I knew Wangers was inside, we all left at the same time, pulled up next to Jim, he gave me a big smile and a thumbs up on the TA.
if you never read his book, GLORY DAYS, get a copy. You’ll like it.
If you’re an automotive enthusiast, this book should be considered required reading.
