March, 2005

OLDSMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA EASTERN MA. GMO CHAPTER ROCKET POWER NEWSLETTER!!

GMO To Have Spring Dust-Off Show on May 1, at the Site of Berejik Oldsmobile in Needham

Issue #12 OCMarch 2005

GMO President Doug Stavros Killed as a result of a Snowmobile Accident

By Ted Loranz

By Paul Iantosca

It is OFFICIAL. We are having a Spring Dust-Off Show. Your Board of Directors met on March 19 and ironed out the details. We are having:

I was notified Sunday evening of the tragic news, however, I made a decision, with other board members, to confirm the "rumor" before going public. (I think in retrospect we were hoping the rumor was not accurate).

Dash Plaques to 1st 100 cars Awards in 20 classes Sweet Chariots Awards and live broadcast from the show on 1160 AM DJ Music Food & Beverages 50/50 Raffle A Judged Show Super Wheels Show Pick Doug Stavros award The show will be held on the site of Berejik Oldsmobile and George Berejik will be there to present the awards. The official entry form is included in this letter – fill it out & send it in NOW! And watch the website for further information.

With a heavy heart, I called and gave our condolences to Kristin(his wife) and Doug's family. Doug’s wife was so surprised and pleased that we called her. She told me it meant so much to her and the family because she knew how much the club members meant to him. Many of you are very upset over Doug's death. Well, you are not alone. Doug was a special kind of person who made everyone feel important. He never insulted or belittled anyone. He just wanted to share what he knew and be a fun crazed Oldsmobile guy.

Show Dash Plaque

Many of you have called me offering to do something for the family, that's what a GREAT club is all about. The support you all have shown is very appreciated by the family and that's exactly what Doug would expect from all of us. Donations

can be forwarded to Ted Loranz, 114 West Street, Medway MA 02053. His phone # is 508-5617613. We designed and had a special Oldsmobile arrangement made with OCA, GMO & NEOC on it. Pictures of Doug at our events are incorporated into the piece. All surplus monies collected will be given in check form to Kristin for their 2 young children. We thank you! Doug's family are overwhelmed with how many friends he had. Kristin has told me how much he put his car club before many family events (sound familiar?). “He loved to be with the car guys” she told me. Many of you got to know Doug well - you are fortunate to have done so. I have been asked how he became GMO president. Well, let’s just say that after I met him at a NEOC show in 2001, I begged him to be our acting president until we could find a full time president. Of course we often joked that he and I both knew that would never happen, as it was my intention to lure him in as the president. Well, it worked and GMO got another great leader!

Eastern Massachusetts GMO Chapter Members Make a Stand at Boston’s “World of Wheels” By Paul Iantosca “World of Wheels” is a National Series of Auto Shows sponsored by Championship Auto Shows, Inc. including one in Boston, Massachusetts. This year the show Operations Manager insisted that two members of the Eastern Massachusetts GMO Chapter of The Oldsmobile Club of America exhibit their fully restored 1971 W-30 and 1972 442’s at the January 7th, 8th, and 9th event at the Bayside Expo Centre. This show is New England’s largest and grandest indoor “Wheels” show. In addition, there were two other wonderful 1971 442s on exhibit, that were not members of the club - we’re still working on them to join us. The famed restorer “Arthur Bonneau”, of Bungie’s Hot Rod Garage performed the meticulous restoration of both these great cars and was present to answer any questions - he is also a GMO member.

Meetings will be difficult without Doug shouting out everyone's name and the cars they owned. He never forgot much! I personally loved how he motivated everyone. The increasing attendance and membership numbers say it all. On many a trip we took to shows and swap meets, he would just buy parts in case he needed them someday. He would often comment on what a tough way to make a living for some of these venders. He wouldn't barter sometimes feeling sorry for them. President Steve Minore of the NEOC called me to offer any help he could. That meant so much to us - Thanks Steve. Doug was "a nice guy"...that sums up what many of you have said to me this week concerning him. I agree! We will all miss Dr. 442

Paul Iantosca, a member and Vice President of the GMO Oldsmobile Club, owns the Matador Red 1971 W-30 442 Convertible. This car has won numerous awards and has been featured on the cover of Cruisin’ New England Magazine. It was an 80,000 original mile car with full documentation including 2 build sheets. The car was originally owned by an 82-year-old Kansas City woman and had a three-year complete frame

off restoration using mostly NOS parts to obtain the highest possible level of correctness. The car has been driven about 2,000 miles since completion of the restoration but will now be retired for preservation reasons, although it will still go to a few select events. This rare W-30 convertible is believed to be one of, if not the last W-30 made in 1971 as the car was built the second week of July 1971 and production ceased on July 10th that year. The car has a very long list of options totaling $ 6,209.41, and was a very expensive and heavily optioned W-30. In 1971, most W-30’s were purchased for performance, not luxury. Paul has had offers upward of $65,000 for the car and, on Sunday at the show, one gentleman even offered $10.00 just to sit in the car. Paul says, “This car will never be For Sale”. “A Matador Red 71 W-30 convertible loaded with options and with full frame-off correct restoration - never sell it. Owning this is like waking up to a dream come true everyday, I love this car.” Member Brian Tetreault bought a new 20’ trailer valued at $20,000, for the event. This was the premier exhibition of his newly restored 1972 442. Brian purchased his 442 Coupe some years ago. It was very fast & was driven often and he also managed to win the Worcester Summer Nationals Burnout Contest every year. When Joe Mondello, of Mondello Performance Products, met Brian, a marriage was made on the spot. Joe wanted to build a special, state of the art 1,000 HP engine and transmission that would run on pump gas for Brian’s 442. The result: the engine was built, installed and Brian raced the car at a Drag Day event at the Lebanon Valley Dragway in New York in May of 2003. Joe Mondello, his wife and Engine Designer / Builder Lynn Wilfringer were in attendance. The car was to become known as the “The Mondello Twister”. After the runs, it was disassembled, rebuilt, and refitted to meet the needs of this powerhouse. Bunjie’s Hot Rod Garage completed the project in just 6 months in order to be ready for the big show at the Expo. These two outstanding cars had throngs of viewers around them during the entire show. Paul’s 71 W30 won runner up for best restored car (it didn’t take 1st due to a cracked Thornton OAI hood) and Brian’s 72 442, won best paint job. Over 100,000 enthusiasts were in attendance and celebrities like

Courtney Hansen from the popular TV auto show “Overhaulin’,” were there in person to view these two great Oldsmobile works of art. “Restore and Show those Oldsmobiles,” we say! The GMO Oldsmobile Club proudly displayed its sign, delighted many Olds lovers who came to the show, and received 2 applications from wannabe members as a result. Both Paul and Brian were invited back next year. The GMO Chapter’s goal is to have at least four Oldsmobiles at the show with a bigger Oldsmobile Club of America sign, says Paul Iantosca VP & Editor. Chapter President Doug Stavros, members Rich and Karen Santucci, Steve Oberto and family, Linda and Art Bonneau, Steve Braidman, Everett Horton, Charles Iantosca, Burt Tankel, Frank St Elmo, Oggie Pesek, Tom & Karen Verrochi, and Paul Mennett (Cruisin’ New England Magazine publisher and GMO member), were also in attendance. Doug Estabrook, Bruce Sweeter, Tom Cochran, Larry Horgan, Lou Martin, and Tom & Karen Verrochi also visited the weekend show as well as others that I cannot recall! Doug said, “Wait till next year, the GMO Chapter will have the Best Display, that’s a promise!” “Oldsmobile Rules”.

SX455.com The Official Source For Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX Enthusiasts The Oldsmobile Cutlass is one of the most successful cars in history. During the muscle car era of the mid 1960s and early 1970s, Oldsmobile produced some of the finest production performance cars ever built, most notably the Cutlass based 442. Due to energy conscious car buyers, government regulations and sky rocketing insurance rates, the TRUE muscle cars had seen their better days by the mid 1970s. Many muscle car experts agree that the 442 reached its pinnacle in 1970, the same year Oldsmobile introduced a notchback version of the Cutlass and named it the Cutlass Supreme.

This new mid-size luxury Cutlass was available with a special option called the Y79 Performance Package. The SX package shared similarities with the 442 including a big block 455ci motor, 400 Turbo Hydromatic transmission, dual exhaust with the famed 442 cut out rear bumper with trumpets and a few other 442 features. The SX had special gear ratios that made highway cruising swift and comfortable, and thus the SX package is often referred to as the Turnpike Cruiser, an option that was available on the 1967 Cutlass.

equipped 455 Cutlass, we encourage you to post your car on the SX Registry at www.sx455.com. SX455.com was founded by Bob Peters in July 2004 in an effort to better maintain and improve the SX web site known as the Silverstone or Fortunecity site developed by Robert Barry. With Mr. Barry's permission, his information has been updated and expanded upon, thus making SX455.com the leading source of information for Oldsmobile Cutlass SX enthusiasts. Bob has received inspiration and information from "SX Experts" such as Kevin Leonard, Terry Divelbliss, Steven Shoureas and Jerry Wilson and many other SX455.com members. Bob purchased his 1970 Cutlass SX in January 2004 and became fascinated by the mysteries associated with these cars. Bob realized the need for a well maintained web site for SX enthusiasts and decided take on this project.

Oldsmobile only offered the Cutlass Supreme SX in 1970 and 1971. In 1972, the SX badge was retired but the 455ci Supremes were still available in limited numbers as "V Code" (455 M20 4 speed) and "U Code" (455 M40 TH400) Cutlass Supremes. The 455ci was also available on non442 1970-1972 Cutlass S / fastback models. We welcome owners of these factory-built 455 cars to the site. Production for these Oldsmobile Cutlass muscle cars was less than one-half of the better known Oldsmobile 442, but the real mystery lies in locating and positively identifying these lost classics. To learn more visit the SX Tech & Specs and Spotter Tips section of this web site. In recent years, the Cutlass Supreme SX has been gaining popularity among muscle car enthusiasts and collectors. Because these cars are difficult to positively identify without documentation, the Official SX Registry on this web site (Started in August 2004) will be a valuable resource to document and preserve the legacy of the SX. If you own a Cutlass Supreme SX or a factory-

Bob and his wife Billie Jo own and operate Vegas Display, Inc., a trade show and convention rental exhibit company located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bob was born and raised in Hillsdale, New Jersey and has lived in the "rust free" desert since 1997. Bob is shown above with his Gold 1972 Convertible and 1970 SX. You can help keep SX455.com updated and interesting by providing us with new information, your car updates, SX sightings, etc.

SX Production Numbers Year

Hardtops (style 4257)

Convertibles (style 4267)

Total for Both Styles

1970*

6,404

793

7,197

1971

1,820

357

2,177

Total for Both Years

8,224

1,150

9,374

All Oldsmobile Spring Dust-Off Show 2005

Sunday May 1, 2005 - 8AM to 3 PM Site of Berejik Oldsmobile – 126 Highland Ave - Needham, MA One half mile east off Exit 19A of Route 128 (I95) Dash Plaques to 1st 100 cars Awards in 20 Classes Sweet Chariots Broadcast on 1160 AM from Show DJ Music

Food & Beverages 50/50 Raffle Super Wheels Qualifier For Sale Signs allowed A Judged Show

In Memory of our Past President, Doug Stavros

Classes Class #1 – Stock, 1897 – 1949, all Models Class #2 – Stock, 1950 – 1959, all Models Class #3 – Stock, 1960 – 1969, Full Size exc Starfire & Toro Class #4 – Stock, all Starfire Class #5 – Stock, all Toronado Class #6 – Stock, 1970 – 1979, all Full Size except Toronado Class #7 – Stock, 1980 – Present, all Full Size Class #8 – Stock, 1961 – 1967, F85 & Cutlass, Open Class #9 – Stock, 1961 – 1967, F85 & Cutlass, Closed Class #10 – Stock, 1968 – 1972, Cutlass & F85, Open

Class #11 – Stock, 1968 – 1972, Cutlass & F85, Closed Class #12 – Stock, 1973 – Present , Midsize & Compact Class #13 – Stock, 1964 – 1967 Performance, Open Class #14 – Stock, 1964 – 1967 Performance, Closed Class #15 – Stock, 1968 – 1969 Performance, Open Class #16 – Stock, 1968 – 1969 Performance, Closed Class #17 – Stock, 1970 – 1972 Performance, Open Class #18 – Stock, 1970 – 1972 Performance, Closed Class #19 – Stock, 1973 – Present, Performance Class #20 – Modified, All

Additional Awards Best of Show – Prewar Best of Show – Postwar Three “Sweet Chariots” Awards

Best of Show – Dealer’s Choice Doug Stavros Award (GMO Members only) Super Wheels Qualifier (1 Pick)

Pre-Registration - $12 ($15 Day Of Show) Please send entry forms and make checks payable to: For Show information call: Or email: Information via the Internet:

Eastern Massachusetts GMO Chapter 114 West St Medway, MA 02053-2226 Paul Iantosca - 617-543-0777 (Cell) Ted Loranz - 508-561-7613 (Cell) [email protected] [email protected] http://clubs.hemmings.com/olds-gmo

Registration Form Cut Here Name:

Telephone:

Address: City:

State:

Email: Car Year: Model:

Zip Code:

CLASS # License Plate Color:

In consideration of the right to participate: Entrants/Participants, by execution of this entry form, release and discharge the Oldsmobile Club of America / The Eastern Massachusetts GMO Chapter / Berejik Motors from all known and unknown damages, injuries, losses, judgment or claims from what so ever.

Date:

Signature:

GMO Meeting Feb 26 at E & G Automotive By Ted Loranz The meeting was called to order at 10:45 AM by acting president Paul Iantosca with 25 members present. Paul brought all the membership up to date on the events surrounding the tragic death of Doug Stavros and remembered how he had met Doug, coerced him into becoming the GMO president, and many other fond memories. Frank St Elmo recounted his first experience where Doug helped him take a set of manifolds of a Cutlass in a junkyard. Frank didn’t even know who Doug was but Doug knew of Frank and commented that he knew Frank had a ‘69 442. Frank suggested that a “Doug Stavros” trophy be awarded in his memory. Several other members added their support and suggested that maybe it could be an annual award with the winners’ names being added to the trophy each successive year. The floor was thrown open and many members added their knowledge of Doug and his love of the hobby and life in general. A moment of silence was observed in Doug’s memory.

languishing and get it up and running so some good pictures can be taken. It will then be offered to the GMO members or auctioned off on eBay for the benefit of the club. Of course Frank and Richard will be reimbursed for any costs they incur. Paul led a discussion of the recent jump in value of classic Oldsmobiles and substantiated it with the results of the January Barrett-Jackson in Arizona where a Oldsmobile concept car sold for over $3 million (a record) and a 1967 W30 Coupe sold for $108,000. It was also noted that the newest issue of Hemmings Muscle Car Magazine has an extensive list of current values of muscle cars. A presentation was made about the value of the internet to the Classic Car hobby where parts and information are just a mouse click away. The membership was encouraged to get on the net, not only to take advantage of this but so that the GMO can send timely information to them (The email system was used extensively to keep the membership informed RE Doug’s death). Paul talked about the April Barrett-Jackson Auction in Florida and the Sweet Chariots Radio show which broadcasts every Sunday at 12:00 noon and recently gave some press to Paul and the GMO club. It was also presented that a spring/early summer GMO show may be a possibility now that the Berejik Oldsmobile property has been leased. The membership will be kept informed as to the progress of this possible event.

Rich Spears, Frank St. Elmo & Others at Meeting

Frank Sullivan passed out some of his hand made framed Oldsmobile plaques to some of the members who did not yet have them - thanks again Frank for all your help. Frank also brought up the subject of the 1982 98 Brougham that was donated to the club. He and Richard Knights plan to remove the car from Berejik’s where it has been

Reluctantly, the floor was opened for nominations for a successor GMO president (there will never be a replacement). The final nomination was for Paul Iantosca as President, and Richard Santucci as Vice President and they were voted in by acclamation. The other officers remain the same. Everett Horton brought up the possibility of the club holding a future meeting at Xtreme Restorations in Slatersville, RI. The owner is very interested in reaching out to clubs in the hobby. The possibility will be investigated and reported to the club The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 PM.

GMO Officers President Paul Iantosca - 617-543-0777 [email protected]

Secretary & Webmaster Ted Loranz - 508-561-7613 [email protected]

Vice President & Editor Rich Santucci – 617-899-9109 [email protected]

Events Coordinator Bill Reilly - 781-820-6552 [email protected]

Treasurer Kevin Crotty - 508-872-0435 New Member Recruiter Karen Santucci – 617-899-9109 [email protected]

Club Representative Everett Horton – 401-435-7139 [email protected] Contact Everett for all your Oldsmobile parts needs

GMO Chapter Website http://clubs.hemmings.com/olds-gmo