So, Who started Pro Touring?
 

So earlier this week I was down at Ironworks and Rodger and I got talking about 69 Camaro's and the whole Pro Touring movement. Something was said about who started it and what car really set the stage. The first car that I saw that just left a huge imprint in my head was a 69 Camaro built by Freeland Tanner that I saw at the Oakland Roadster show back in 1980. I did some digging the net around and was able to find these pics I thought I would share. Now remember this car was built 30 yrs ago. Love it or hate it - this guy was way ahead of the curve IMO.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2583301

I believe the credit is generally given to the "Big red camaro". http://www.bigredcamaro.com/newsite/mainpage.html

Tony Huntimer (hope I spelled it right) from up north @ speed merchants was the first guy I ever saw doing this... Not to say he was THE first, just the first I know of.

Big Red was also, WAY ahead of it's time...


Jason

That Phase 1 Camaro is still a pretty cool car. Lots of work in that body. With a few updates (first would be the colors for me) it would be a nice ride.
For me it would have to be Big Red. That's the first PT car I remember ever seeing that actually performed as good as it looked.

Mule is what turned me on to PT!!!

John

If Big red started pro-touring, then a LOT of people building 'pro-touring' cars have it real wrong... Luxury leather seats, sound systems, ac, Xenon Headlamps..... 150k luxury lexus style muscle cars.

I'm not sure what pro-touring is any more.

But Big red is more of a full bred racecar and would be more of a streetfighter if anything.

I don't know but I'd like to sock him right in the mouth.

1966... Dick Guldstrand... along with Dana Chevrolet and a few other cats in the LA basin. Although... Dick shoulud actually be credited with its roots in the late 50's with the Corvette.

Im pretty sure I started it.:captain:

Me to....That guy owe me money! :lol: