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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
So, Who started Pro Touring?
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