CLUB OF AMERICA EASTERN MA. GMO CHAPTER Issue #12 OCMarch 2005 ROCKET POWER NEWSLETTER!!

GMO To Have Spring Dust-Off GMO President Doug Stavros Show on May 1, at the Site of Killed as a result of a Berejik Oldsmobile in Needham Snowmobile Accident

By Ted Loranz By Paul Iantosca

It is OFFICIAL. We are having a Spring Dust-Off I was notified Sunday Show. Your Board of Directors met on March 19 evening of the tragic and ironed out the details. We are having: news, however, I made a decision, with Dash Plaques to 1st 100 cars other board members, Awards in 20 classes to confirm the Sweet Chariots Awards and live broadcast "rumor" before going from the show on 1160 AM public. (I think in DJ Music retrospect we were Food & Beverages hoping the rumor was 50/50 Raffle not accurate). A Judged Show Super Wheels Show Pick With a heavy heart, I Doug Stavros award called and gave our condolences to The show will be held on the site of Berejik Kristin(his wife) and Oldsmobile and George Berejik will be there to Doug's family. present the awards. Doug’s wife was so surprised and pleased The official entry form is included in this letter – that we called her. She fill it out & send it in NOW! And watch the told me it meant so much to her and the family website for further information. 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.

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 Show Dash Plaque 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, Eastern Massachusetts GMO Medway MA 02053. His phone # is 508-561- 7613. We designed and had a special Oldsmobile Chapter Members Make a Stand arrangement made with OCA, GMO & NEOC on at Boston’s “World of Wheels” it. Pictures of Doug at our events are incorporated into the piece. By Paul Iantosca

All surplus monies collected will be given in “World of Wheels” is a National Series of Auto check form to Kristin for their 2 young children. Shows sponsored by Championship Auto Shows, We thank you! Inc. including one in Boston, Massachusetts. This

year the show Operations Manager insisted that Doug's family are overwhelmed with how many two members of the Eastern Massachusetts GMO friends he had. Kristin has told me how much he Chapter of The Oldsmobile Club of America put his car club before many family events (sound exhibit their fully restored 1971 W-30 and 1972 familiar?). “He loved to be with the car guys” she 442’s at the January 7th, 8th, and 9th event at the told me. Bayside Expo Centre. This show is New

England’s largest and grandest indoor “Wheels” Many of you got to know Doug well - you are show. In addition, there were two other wonderful fortunate to have done so. I have been asked how 1971 442s on exhibit, that were not members of he became GMO president. Well, let’s just say the club - we’re still working on them to join us. that after I met him at a NEOC show in 2001, I begged him to be our acting president until we The famed restorer “Arthur Bonneau”, of could find a full time president. Of course we Bungie’s Hot Rod Garage performed the often joked that he and I both knew that would meticulous restoration of both these great cars and never happen, as it was my intention to lure him in was present to answer any questions - he is also a as the president. Well, it worked and GMO got GMO member. another great leader!

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. Paul Iantosca, a member and Vice President of President Steve Minore of the NEOC called me to the GMO Oldsmobile Club, owns the Matador offer any help he could. That meant so much to us Red 1971 W-30 442 . This car has - Thanks Steve. won numerous awards and has been featured on the cover of Cruisin’ New England Magazine. It Doug was "a nice guy"...that sums up what many was an 80,000 original mile car with full of you have said to me this week concerning him. documentation including 2 build sheets. The car I agree! We will all miss Dr. 442 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 Courtney Hansen from the popular TV auto the highest possible level of correctness. The car show “Overhaulin’,” were there in person to view has been driven about 2,000 miles since these two great Oldsmobile works of art. “Restore completion of the restoration but will now be and Show those ,” we say! retired for preservation reasons, although it will still go to a few select events. This rare W-30 The GMO Oldsmobile Club proudly displayed convertible is believed to be one of, if not the last its sign, delighted many Olds lovers who came to W-30 made in 1971 as the car was built the second the show, and received 2 applications from week of July 1971 and production ceased on July wannabe members as a result. Both Paul and 10th that year. The car has a very long list of Brian were invited back next year. The GMO options totaling $ 6,209.41, and was a very Chapter’s goal is to have at least four Oldsmobiles expensive and heavily optioned W-30. In 1971, at the show with a bigger Oldsmobile Club of most W-30’s were purchased for performance, not America sign, says Paul Iantosca VP & Editor. luxury. Paul has had offers upward of $65,000 for Chapter President Doug Stavros, members Rich the car and, on Sunday at the show, one gentleman and Karen Santucci, Steve Oberto and family, even offered $10.00 just to sit in the car. Paul Linda and Art Bonneau, Steve Braidman, says, “This car will never be For Sale”. “A Everett Horton, Charles Iantosca, Burt Tankel, Matador Red 71 W-30 convertible loaded with Frank St Elmo, Oggie Pesek, Tom & Karen options and with full frame-off correct restoration Verrochi, and Paul Mennett (Cruisin’ New - never sell it. Owning this is like waking up to a England Magazine publisher and GMO member), dream come true everyday, I love this car.” were also in attendance. Doug Estabrook, Bruce Sweeter, Tom Cochran, Larry Horgan, Lou Member Brian Tetreault bought a new 20’ trailer Martin, and Tom & Karen Verrochi also visited valued at $20,000, for the event. This was the the weekend show as well as others that I cannot premier exhibition of his newly restored 1972 442. recall! Doug said, “Wait till next year, the GMO Brian purchased his 442 some years ago. It Chapter will have the Best Display, that’s a was very fast & was driven often and he also promise!” “Oldsmobile Rules”. 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 that would run on pump gas for SX455.com Brian’s 442. The result: the engine was built, installed and Brian raced the car at a Drag Day The Official Source For Oldsmobile event at the Lebanon Valley Dragway in New Cutlass Supreme SX Enthusiasts York in May of 2003. Joe Mondello, his wife and Engine Designer / Builder Lynn Wilfringer were The is one of the most in attendance. The car was to become known as successful cars in history. During the the “The Mondello Twister”. After the runs, it era of the mid 1960s and early 1970s, Oldsmobile was disassembled, rebuilt, and refitted to meet the produced some of the finest production needs of this powerhouse. Bunjie’s Hot Rod performance cars ever built, most notably the Garage completed the project in just 6 months in Cutlass based 442. Due to energy conscious car order to be ready for the big show at the Expo. buyers, government regulations and sky rocketing insurance rates, the TRUE muscle cars had seen These two outstanding cars had throngs of viewers their better days by the mid 1970s. around them during the entire show. Paul’s 71 W- Many muscle car experts agree that the 442 30 won runner up for best restored car (it didn’t reached its pinnacle in 1970, the same year take 1st due to a cracked Thornton OAI hood) and Oldsmobile introduced a notchback version of the Brian’s 72 442, won best paint job. Over 100,000 Cutlass and named it the Cutlass Supreme. enthusiasts were in attendance and celebrities like This new mid-size luxury Cutlass was available equipped 455 Cutlass, we encourage you to post with a special option called the Y79 Performance your car on the SX Registry at www.sx455.com. Package. The SX package shared similarities with the 442 including a big block 455ci motor, 400 SX455.com was founded by Bob Peters in July Turbo Hydromatic transmission, dual exhaust with 2004 in an effort to better maintain and improve the famed 442 cut out rear bumper with trumpets the SX web site known as the Silverstone or and a few other 442 features. The SX had special Fortunecity site developed by Robert Barry. gear ratios that made highway cruising swift and With Mr. Barry's permission, his information has comfortable, and thus the SX package is often been updated and expanded upon, thus making referred to as the Turnpike Cruiser, an option that SX455.com the leading source of information for was available on the 1967 Cutlass. 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. Bob and his wife Billie Jo own and operate Vegas Display, Inc., a trade show and convention rental exhibit company located in Las Vegas, Oldsmobile only offered the Cutlass Supreme SX Nevada. Bob was born and raised in Hillsdale, in 1970 and 1971. In 1972, the SX badge was New Jersey and has lived in the "rust free" desert retired but the 455ci Supremes were still available since 1997. Bob is shown above with his Gold in limited numbers as "V Code" (455 M20 4 1972 Convertible and 1970 SX. speed) and "U Code" (455 M40 TH400) Cutlass You can help keep SX455.com updated and Supremes. The 455ci was also available on non- interesting by providing us with new information, 442 1970-1972 Cutlass S / models. We your car updates, SX sightings, etc. welcome owners of these factory-built 455 cars to the site. Production for these Oldsmobile Cutlass muscle SX Production Numbers cars was less than one-half of the better known Year Total for Oldsmobile 442, but the real mystery lies in (style (style 4267) Both locating and positively identifying these lost 4257) Styles classics. To learn more visit the SX Tech & Specs and Spotter Tips section of this web site. 1970* 6,404 793 7,197 In recent years, the Cutlass Supreme SX has been 1971 1,820 357 2,177 gaining popularity among muscle car enthusiasts Total for and collectors. Because these cars are difficult to Both 8,224 1,150 9,374 positively identify without documentation, the Years 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- 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 Food & Beverages Awards in 20 Classes 50/50 Raffle Sweet Chariots Broadcast on Super Wheels Qualifier 1160 AM from Show For Sale Signs allowed DJ Music A Judged Show

In Memory of our Past President, Doug Stavros

Classes

Class #1 – Stock, 1897 – 1949, all Models Class #11 – Stock, 1968 – 1972, Cutlass & F85, Closed Class #2 – Stock, 1950 – 1959, all Models Class #12 – Stock, 1973 – Present , Midsize & Compact Class #3 – Stock, 1960 – 1969, Full Size exc Starfire & Toro Class #13 – Stock, 1964 – 1967 Performance, Open Class #4 – Stock, all Starfire Class #14 – Stock, 1964 – 1967 Performance, Closed Class #5 – Stock, all Toronado Class #15 – Stock, 1968 – 1969 Performance, Open Class #6 – Stock, 1970 – 1979, all Full Size except Toronado Class #16 – Stock, 1968 – 1969 Performance, Closed Class #7 – Stock, 1980 – Present, all Full Size Class #17 – Stock, 1970 – 1972 Performance, Open Class #8 – Stock, 1961 – 1967, F85 & Cutlass, Open Class #18 – Stock, 1970 – 1972 Performance, Closed Class #9 – Stock, 1961 – 1967, F85 & Cutlass, Closed Class #19 – Stock, 1973 – Present, Performance Class #10 – Stock, 1968 – 1972, Cutlass & F85, Open Class #20 – Modified, All

Additional Awards

Best of Show – Prewar Best of Show – Dealer’s Choice Best of Show – Postwar Doug Stavros Award (GMO Members only) Three “Sweet Chariots” Awards Super Wheels Qualifier (1 Pick)

Pre-Registration - $12 ($15 Day Of Show)

Please send entry forms and make checks Eastern Massachusetts GMO Chapter payable to: 114 West St Medway, MA 02053-2226

For Show information call: Paul Iantosca - 617-543-0777 (Cell) Ted Loranz - 508-561-7613 (Cell)

Or email: [email protected] [email protected]

Information via the Internet: http://clubs.hemmings.com/olds-gmo

Registration Form Cut Here

Name: Telephone:

Address:

City: State: Zip Code:

Email: CLASS # Car Year: License Plate

Model: 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 languishing and get it up and running so some good pictures can be taken. It will then be offered Feb 26 at E & G Automotive to the GMO members or auctioned off on eBay for By Ted Loranz the benefit of the club. Of course Frank and Richard will be reimbursed for any costs they The meeting was called to order at 10:45 AM by incur. acting president Paul Iantosca with 25 members present. Paul led a discussion of the recent jump in value of classic Oldsmobiles and substantiated it with Paul brought all the membership up to date on the the results of the January Barrett-Jackson in events surrounding the tragic death of Doug Arizona where a Oldsmobile concept car sold for Stavros and remembered how he had met Doug, over $3 million (a record) and a 1967 W30 Coupe coerced him into becoming the GMO president, sold for $108,000. It was also noted that the and many other fond memories. newest issue of Hemmings Muscle Car Magazine has an extensive list of current values of muscle Frank St Elmo recounted his first experience cars. where Doug helped him take a set of manifolds of a Cutlass in a junkyard. Frank didn’t even know A presentation was made about the value of the who Doug was but Doug knew of Frank and internet to the Classic Car hobby where parts and commented that he knew Frank had a ‘69 442. information are just a mouse click away. The Frank suggested that a “Doug Stavros” trophy be membership was encouraged to get on the net, not awarded in his memory. Several other members only to take advantage of this but so that the GMO added their support and suggested that maybe it can send timely information to them (The email could be an annual award with the winners’ names system was used extensively to keep the being added to the trophy each successive year. membership informed RE Doug’s death). The floor was thrown open and many members added their knowledge of Doug and his love of the Paul talked about the April Barrett-Jackson hobby and life in general. A moment of silence Auction in Florida and the Sweet Chariots Radio was observed in Doug’s memory. 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. 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. Rich Spears, Frank St. Elmo & Others at Meeting Everett Horton brought up the possibility of the Frank Sullivan passed out some of his hand made club holding a future meeting at Xtreme framed Oldsmobile plaques to some of the Restorations in Slatersville, RI. The owner is very members who did not yet have them - thanks interested in reaching out to clubs in the hobby. again Frank for all your help. Frank also brought The possibility will be investigated and reported to up the subject of the 1982 98 Brougham that was the club donated to the club. He and Richard Knights plan to remove the car from Berejik’s where it has been The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 PM. GMO Officers

President Secretary & Webmaster Paul Iantosca - 617-543-0777 Ted Loranz - 508-561-7613 [email protected] [email protected]

Vice President & Editor Events Coordinator Rich Santucci – 617-899-9109 Bill Reilly - 781-820-6552 [email protected] [email protected]

Treasurer Kevin Crotty - 508-872-0435 Club Representative Everett Horton – 401-435-7139 New Member Recruiter [email protected] Karen Santucci – 617-899-9109 Contact Everett for all your [email protected] Oldsmobile parts needs

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