darkred87T
Active Member
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2003
I hope so. Like lots of other Pontiacs, the only thing "Pontiac" about it is the trim. I need to start hording Pontiac-specific parts for it.
Jim
Goodbye to Pontiac
- Thread starter Mike Licht
- Start date
I hope so. Like lots of other Pontiacs, the only thing "Pontiac" about it is the trim. I need to start hording Pontiac-specific parts for it.
Jim
88 CuttyClassic
The Enviromental Hitman
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2001
the more i look at pontiac history the less i'm starting to care... they didnt come up with many innovations. Oldsmobile on the other hand invented or was the first to do almost every major thing.
In 1893, Ransom Eli Olds' company (Olds Motor Works, the predecessor of Oldsmobile) becomes the first American car company to export an automobile. It is a four-wheeled steam-powered vehicle sold to a citizen of India.
In 1901, three Oldsmobile innovations occur. The first speedometer to be offered on a car is on an Oldsmobile. The US Postal Service orders its first motor vehicles from Oldsmobile. Oldsmobile becomes the first car company to outsource parts to third-party suppliers. It is forced to do this when a fire destroys the main Oldsmobile plant in Lansing, MI, and cripples the company's ability to build cars using its own parts.
In 1926, Oldsmobile begins chrome-plating the radiator surrounds and other parts on its cars. This was the first automotive use of chrome plating.
In 1929, Oldsmobile introduced the first monoblock V8 on its Viking model.
1932 sees Oldsmobile become the first manufacturer to offer an automatic choke on an automobile.
In 1940, Oldsmobile introduced "Hydra-matic Drive," the first fully automatic transmission to be offered on a widely-available automobile. This is the forefather of every automatic transmission offered today.
Their 1949 Rocket engine was made notable as the first mass-produced OHV V8.
1962-1963 Oldsmobile Jetfire: Oldsmobile brought the first turbocharged passenger car engine to market in its Cutlass F-85 coupes and convertibles. The aluminum-block 215 in³ V8 engine with turbocharger produced one horsepower per cubic inch.
While not the first American-built passenger car to use front-wheel drive, the 1966 Toronado was the first of its type to prove successful in the American marketplace. It won Motor Trends Car of Year in 1966 with its unique and innovative styling.
In November 1973, Oldsmobile became the first car company to install airbag as a factory option (driver and passenger side) in a 1974 Toronado. Airbags were also available the other full size Oldsmobile models as well as Buick and Cadillac models before the end of 1973 on the 1974-75 models.
The 1978 model year saw the debut of Oldsmobile's 5.7-liter 350 cid diesel V8, available in all General Motors large and intermediate cars. (A 4.3-liter 260 cid diesel V8 from Oldsmobile would follow.) Popular at first due to diesel fuel's economy (better mileage than and cheaper than gasoline), sales of GM cars with these diesel engines plummeted when diesel fuel became more expensive than gasoline and the engines themselves proved to be extremely unreliable. Oldsmobile was forced to abandon its diesel program in 1985 due to these factors. At the time GM decided to get out of the passenger diesel market, Oldsmobile had been working on an experimental diesel engine called "Tuned Inductuion Diesel" system. The system was innovative in its use of tuned-port air induction to increase performance capabilities. However, it was never produced.
In 1988, Oldsmobile broke a world closed-course speed record with the Oldsmobile Aerotech, driven by legendary race car driver A.J. Foyt.
1988 also saw Oldsmobile introduce a heads up display option on the Cutlass Supreme International Series. When turned on, it allowed drivers to view the speedometer reading on the inside of the windshield. This option later became available on the Corvette.
The 1988 model year also saw the debut of Oldsmobile's "Quad 4," GM's first American-built four-cylinder, four-valves-per-cylinder engine.
Oldsmobile was also the first carmaker in the world to offer a GPS-based navigation system on a production automobile. The system, called GuideStar, was a $1,995 option on the 1996 Eighty-Eight LSS. This in turn led to the introduction of GM's current 'OnStar' system.
In 1997, Oldsmobile turns 100 years old. It is the first American car company to reach this milestone.
In 2001, the fully redesigned 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada SUV became the first truck ever to pace the Indianapolis 500. It was the eleventh and final time an Oldsmobile would pace the open-wheel race.
Oldsmobile was also frequently early with other features, such as automatic headlight dimmers and the 1950's panoramic windshields. Their "Rocket 88" theme hood ornament treatment was also the reference name for their advanced over-head valve V-8 engines, from 1949 onward. Also, in the 1980 model year of California models, and in 1981 in the 49 other states, Oldsmobile introduced the first modern computer engine management system. While this was common across all GM divisions, this early system lasted almost unchanged the longest of any other division. The Oldsmobile 307 engine with the computer controlled Quadrajet carburetor remained in production until 1990, all the while meeting emmisions standards without the benefit of electronic fuel injection. This is a testament to the engineering standards in which Oldsmobiles were built.
olds was also the first to have automatic mini van sliding doors...
WHERE U AT PONTIAC...
In 1893, Ransom Eli Olds' company (Olds Motor Works, the predecessor of Oldsmobile) becomes the first American car company to export an automobile. It is a four-wheeled steam-powered vehicle sold to a citizen of India.
In 1901, three Oldsmobile innovations occur. The first speedometer to be offered on a car is on an Oldsmobile. The US Postal Service orders its first motor vehicles from Oldsmobile. Oldsmobile becomes the first car company to outsource parts to third-party suppliers. It is forced to do this when a fire destroys the main Oldsmobile plant in Lansing, MI, and cripples the company's ability to build cars using its own parts.
In 1926, Oldsmobile begins chrome-plating the radiator surrounds and other parts on its cars. This was the first automotive use of chrome plating.
In 1929, Oldsmobile introduced the first monoblock V8 on its Viking model.
1932 sees Oldsmobile become the first manufacturer to offer an automatic choke on an automobile.
In 1940, Oldsmobile introduced "Hydra-matic Drive," the first fully automatic transmission to be offered on a widely-available automobile. This is the forefather of every automatic transmission offered today.
Their 1949 Rocket engine was made notable as the first mass-produced OHV V8.
1962-1963 Oldsmobile Jetfire: Oldsmobile brought the first turbocharged passenger car engine to market in its Cutlass F-85 coupes and convertibles. The aluminum-block 215 in³ V8 engine with turbocharger produced one horsepower per cubic inch.
While not the first American-built passenger car to use front-wheel drive, the 1966 Toronado was the first of its type to prove successful in the American marketplace. It won Motor Trends Car of Year in 1966 with its unique and innovative styling.
In November 1973, Oldsmobile became the first car company to install airbag as a factory option (driver and passenger side) in a 1974 Toronado. Airbags were also available the other full size Oldsmobile models as well as Buick and Cadillac models before the end of 1973 on the 1974-75 models.
The 1978 model year saw the debut of Oldsmobile's 5.7-liter 350 cid diesel V8, available in all General Motors large and intermediate cars. (A 4.3-liter 260 cid diesel V8 from Oldsmobile would follow.) Popular at first due to diesel fuel's economy (better mileage than and cheaper than gasoline), sales of GM cars with these diesel engines plummeted when diesel fuel became more expensive than gasoline and the engines themselves proved to be extremely unreliable. Oldsmobile was forced to abandon its diesel program in 1985 due to these factors. At the time GM decided to get out of the passenger diesel market, Oldsmobile had been working on an experimental diesel engine called "Tuned Inductuion Diesel" system. The system was innovative in its use of tuned-port air induction to increase performance capabilities. However, it was never produced.
In 1988, Oldsmobile broke a world closed-course speed record with the Oldsmobile Aerotech, driven by legendary race car driver A.J. Foyt.
1988 also saw Oldsmobile introduce a heads up display option on the Cutlass Supreme International Series. When turned on, it allowed drivers to view the speedometer reading on the inside of the windshield. This option later became available on the Corvette.
The 1988 model year also saw the debut of Oldsmobile's "Quad 4," GM's first American-built four-cylinder, four-valves-per-cylinder engine.
Oldsmobile was also the first carmaker in the world to offer a GPS-based navigation system on a production automobile. The system, called GuideStar, was a $1,995 option on the 1996 Eighty-Eight LSS. This in turn led to the introduction of GM's current 'OnStar' system.
In 1997, Oldsmobile turns 100 years old. It is the first American car company to reach this milestone.
In 2001, the fully redesigned 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada SUV became the first truck ever to pace the Indianapolis 500. It was the eleventh and final time an Oldsmobile would pace the open-wheel race.
Oldsmobile was also frequently early with other features, such as automatic headlight dimmers and the 1950's panoramic windshields. Their "Rocket 88" theme hood ornament treatment was also the reference name for their advanced over-head valve V-8 engines, from 1949 onward. Also, in the 1980 model year of California models, and in 1981 in the 49 other states, Oldsmobile introduced the first modern computer engine management system. While this was common across all GM divisions, this early system lasted almost unchanged the longest of any other division. The Oldsmobile 307 engine with the computer controlled Quadrajet carburetor remained in production until 1990, all the while meeting emmisions standards without the benefit of electronic fuel injection. This is a testament to the engineering standards in which Oldsmobiles were built.
olds was also the first to have automatic mini van sliding doors...
WHERE U AT PONTIAC...
That's funny right there!
paintitblack
Member
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2009
I think they should do a redesign of the Solstice platform and rebadge it. How about a 2011 turbocharged Buick Reatta!!!!! Now that would be cool, and I would seriously consider buying one of those!!
turbo nasty
Turbo Dojo / MNTR
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2001
Gran Turismo Obligato
Hate to see the Pontiac gone. WHo would have thought ten years ago that that Olds and poncho would be gone.
Dennis Kirban
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2009
kirban 2 cents worth
Just looked over much of the above....all good points. What probably has saved Buick is the car is very popular in China. So much so it outsold US sales last year.
Ironic to say the least. I am guessing I am older than most on this forum so I go back to the original muscle car era particularly the Pontiac GTO. That is where I got my start in the mid 1970s....it was our company Year One, Ames, and a few others way way back when. We still make many of the same GTO parts we made back then.
As for their values they won't drop. Look at history anay performance produced car will always bring the big money heck even restored race cars now seem to be the hot ticket.
Pontiac was the first account Hurst landed..... in many ways the early GTOs is like the Grand Nationals....GTO was an option on a Lemans....until later years then it was titled as a GTO...Your GN won' read GN on the title unless it was the last 10,000 built as the GN was an option on a Regal WE2 code....
While one of the above seems very high on Olds....the Pontiac GTO started the performance trend....I know I will get arguments there but if you go by numbers they produced many more tri-power 4-speed cars than Olds or others....and that was the hot set up in its day....not taking anything away from the GSs which had tremendous torque etc merely stating what was the sought after models....
Unfortunately also stated above the government would seem to be content to make cars strictly for transportation eliminating the "fun" and performance factor. That reduces buying a car like shopping with your spouse for a washer and dryer with the big decision being which color do we buy?
I could be wrong but I think GMC trucks were always the more luxuerous ones over the Chevy versions so I can see keeping GMC....
We live in strange times certainily something none of us readers could have even remotely predicted 4-5 years ago.
My one license plate reads MR GTO....and has for 20 plus years now. For any of you that own a Hummer/Saab/Saturn you best be in love with it because the value is rapidly dropping on those vehicles.
By the way GTO also stands for Good Times Often.....
kirbanperformance.com
denniskirban@yahoo.com
Speaking of Olds I have in my private collection the original prototype of the Hurst Olds emblem that they did not use from 1968......
Just looked over much of the above....all good points. What probably has saved Buick is the car is very popular in China. So much so it outsold US sales last year.
Ironic to say the least. I am guessing I am older than most on this forum so I go back to the original muscle car era particularly the Pontiac GTO. That is where I got my start in the mid 1970s....it was our company Year One, Ames, and a few others way way back when. We still make many of the same GTO parts we made back then.
As for their values they won't drop. Look at history anay performance produced car will always bring the big money heck even restored race cars now seem to be the hot ticket.
Pontiac was the first account Hurst landed..... in many ways the early GTOs is like the Grand Nationals....GTO was an option on a Lemans....until later years then it was titled as a GTO...Your GN won' read GN on the title unless it was the last 10,000 built as the GN was an option on a Regal WE2 code....
While one of the above seems very high on Olds....the Pontiac GTO started the performance trend....I know I will get arguments there but if you go by numbers they produced many more tri-power 4-speed cars than Olds or others....and that was the hot set up in its day....not taking anything away from the GSs which had tremendous torque etc merely stating what was the sought after models....
Unfortunately also stated above the government would seem to be content to make cars strictly for transportation eliminating the "fun" and performance factor. That reduces buying a car like shopping with your spouse for a washer and dryer with the big decision being which color do we buy?
I could be wrong but I think GMC trucks were always the more luxuerous ones over the Chevy versions so I can see keeping GMC....
We live in strange times certainily something none of us readers could have even remotely predicted 4-5 years ago.
My one license plate reads MR GTO....and has for 20 plus years now. For any of you that own a Hummer/Saab/Saturn you best be in love with it because the value is rapidly dropping on those vehicles.
By the way GTO also stands for Good Times Often.....
kirbanperformance.com
denniskirban@yahoo.com
Speaking of Olds I have in my private collection the original prototype of the Hurst Olds emblem that they did not use from 1968......
the why behind the rumors
go to Ed Wallace's Inside Automotive and read the first story "Why Some Creditors Want GM Dead". The short of it is they loaned GM say $2B then take out credit default swaps (insurance on the loans) out for 3 times that. They make more money if GM goes belly up so they're doing everything they can to make it happen. What's worse is you can get swaps even if you don't actually have an interest in the company. Morgan-Chase's derivative exposure right now is 80 trillion dollars. This is a lot worse than they are telling you. The who behind all this are the banks.
go to Ed Wallace's Inside Automotive and read the first story "Why Some Creditors Want GM Dead". The short of it is they loaned GM say $2B then take out credit default swaps (insurance on the loans) out for 3 times that. They make more money if GM goes belly up so they're doing everything they can to make it happen. What's worse is you can get swaps even if you don't actually have an interest in the company. Morgan-Chase's derivative exposure right now is 80 trillion dollars. This is a lot worse than they are telling you. The who behind all this are the banks.
88 CuttyClassic
The Enviromental Hitman
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2001
pontiac may have been first out of the gate by a few weeks or whatever with the "muscle car"...they were often not first at the finish line.
Dennis Kirban
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2009
kirban 2 cents worth
I am 99% certain Tiger Woods contract was not renewed by Buick this year as a means of saving money.
With China being the big buyer of Buick and virtually an untapped foreign country market Buick should be around for awhile. However what you see today compared to say 15-20 years ago is far far less different Buick models....heck its been years since they had a 2 door model I think 1996 was the last year for 2 door Buick models.
kirbanperformance.com
denniskirban@!yahoo.com
Dennis Kirban
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2009
kirban 2 cents worth
History shows Pontiac was first out of the gate with the 1964 Lemans slipping by corporate stuffing a 389 engine in the Lemans as an option....other A body models did follow suit but someone had to be first and it was Pontiac....
Again not to slight Olds in any way heck George Hurst made his big money with the Pontiac contract yet was an Olds fan true and true reason you see Hurst Olds......I even have the Olds Tornado model that used to sit on Georges desk.....
By first at the finish line if you are referring to racing ever car model model in time has its moments in the sun....Buick did it in 1987 with the Turbo Regal rated as the fastest US production car...something that did not sit well with Corvette owners..
kirbanperformance.com
denniskirban@yahoo.com
Smart enough to appreciate all past muscle cars regardless of what US manufactuer produced them...
FWIW,
I have a 96 Sunfire 2.2 5speed manual that I bought off my brother in law in 03 with 77k on it. It now has 177k and still has oringal engine/trans/clutch. Still gets 31mpg regularly too. Best $1700 I ever spent.
gs462
Active Member
- Joined
- May 18, 2003
Dennis Kirban
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2009
kirban 2 cents worth
your value of your ws6 is safe any performance car no tmade anymore is a proven winner....cords and dusenbergs aren't made anymore and they seem to be high ticket items...
yugos on the other hand are not made anymore which is a blessing...
kirbanperformance.com
denniskirban@yahoo.com
army vet - vietnam.....
your value of your ws6 is safe any performance car no tmade anymore is a proven winner....cords and dusenbergs aren't made anymore and they seem to be high ticket items...
yugos on the other hand are not made anymore which is a blessing...
kirbanperformance.com
denniskirban@yahoo.com
army vet - vietnam.....
Guess I made a good decision to buy the last year made and keeping it at 40,000 miles should help.
I salute you as a Vietnam vet. I truly respect your service.
