*Sneak Peek
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge RA IV
Owners; Wade and Aster Ogle, California
2019 Ram Air GTO Invitational Participants
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MCACN To Spotlight The Highest Performance Ram Air GTO's
The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show has clearly established itself as the place to see the rarest and most sought after examples of American Muscle ever gathered under one roof. When you add people who truly are the movers and shakers of our hobby to the mix, it makes a great thing even better.
This year when we descend upon the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, (suburban Chicago) Illinois, we will again make some Muscle Car history. The GTO is often credited as being the "first" Muscle Car, and of course many could argue this point. What nobody can argue is that when Pontiac introduced the Ram Air option, they took the small car/big engine concept to a new level. The year was 1966, and what started as on over the counter fresh air option would soon become an available option for the 389 Tri-Power GTO. Originally developed by Herb Adams in late '65, it consisted of a stamped-steel pan air cleaner setup that would draw outside air in to a modified hood scoop and then into the carburetors. The pan had to be revised to accommodate the Tri-Power’s larger-for-’66 center carburetor. In 1966, by checking option code XS, the buyer would get the special fresh air package and scoop, and a high performance cam and lifters. The factory would rate the XS 389 at 360 horsepower, and fewer than 200 left the assembly line. We are pleased to announce one of the finest examples of a 1966 Ram Air GTO will be joining us. In 1967 the Ram Air option was offered for $263.30, and about 750 buyers checked that box on the order sheet, making real '67 Ram Air GTO's highly sought after machines.
With the all new GTO introduced in '68 and a big advertising campaign, the Ram Air option was again expanded. We will focus on the higher performance Ram Air II version, which includes the forged pistons and steel crankshaft along with high flow heads that feature round ports. Talk about off and running! Fewer than 1,000 Ram Air II GTO's left the line, and seeing one today is always a treat. As we all know, '69 was an incredible year for Pontiac Performance, with the introduction of the Trans Am and the Judge, and the Ram Air option would be offered in two levels; RA III and RA IV. Again, with our emphasis on the highest performance offerings, the spotlight will shine on the Ram Air IV versions, which again featured the round port heads and additional performance enhancements. Available on both standard GTO's and Judges, it is believed that a combined total of about 700 RA IV GTO's were produced.
1970 would mark the end of the Ram Air era, with Ram Air III and Ram Air IV engines available. The Ram Air IV returned with the round port heads and other goodies, again making RA IV equipped GTO's the hottest high performance offering, and fewer than 800 Ram Air IV GTO's and Judges left the line.
Our very special gathering will focus on the highest performance offerings of RAM Air GTO's and Judges from 1966-1970. You will see hardtops and convertibles, several never before shown. And to take things to another level, we have a very special guest-host joining us. Known as "the guy" from Pontiac Historical Services, our good friend Jim Mattison will serve as our Host. Jim is coordinating this display, so you know that each and every car you see will not only be the best of the best, but also the real thing. Jim shares our passion and enthusiasm, and as many of you know, loves talking about all things performance related. Jim will have several seminars that tell all about what makes these cars so special. You can also expect to see some very special guests that Jim has invited, so stay tuned for details.
If you own a prime example of a 1966-1970 GTO with the highest performance Ram Air drive-train and would like be a part of this gathering, please contact me at bashton426@gmail.com or Jim at 1gmman@comcast.net. This display is about quality, not quantity and only the best need apply.
LOOKING FOR... I am looking for a few specific cars for a special display we are working on. If you own a "best of the best" 1984-6 SVO Mustang, a 77-78 Trans Am, a 1989 Turbo Trans Am or other notable 80's muscle car and would like to be a part of a very special display, please e-mail me at bashton426@gmail.com. This is reserved for only the finest factory stock examples. If it has Radial T/A's, the wrong battery or other modifications that deviate from stock, it is not what we're looking for!
HOTELS ARE READY! We work very hard to make sure that we not only produce the best possible show, but to also make sure your overall experience is positive. We have FIVE Official Host Hotels. These hotels are familiar with what we do, and what our spectators and participants want. They are conveniently located, meaning that once you arrive in Rosemont, you don't need to drive anywhere to find what you want. Of course, if you do decide to blast over to downtown Chicago, you can either drive (about 15 miles) or take the "L" which is just a few blocks away. And don't forget the 130+ store outlet mall, just a few blocks from all of our Official Host Hotels. You can book your rooms now by clicking here; Rates start at just $119 per night at the Crowne Plaza O'Hare, and as always, the DoubleTree O'Hare serves as "party central" and is always the first to sell out. Of course, all five of these hotels have become a Mecca of MCACN for a whole week in November!
VENDORS; Our Same Space registration for previous vendors deadline is fast approaching. Thanks to all who have renewed your spots..and a lot of you did! On April 15 we will open the floor to fill any remaining spots. Commercial "A", aka the "big" room is close to being sold out already, so if you want to be there, sign up now. We are tracking ahead with vendors and I am happy to say we have some new vendors signed up too. Remember; we allow ONLY automotive related vendors. If you are a travel agency/resort, sell sunglasses, are a head-set hawker, this is not the show for you and we will reject your application. We are committed to the highest quality in automotive related and automobilia vendors, so if you are among the best of the best, please consider joining us by submitting your application here;
Hope you're preparing for Spring...it is right
around the corner and can't get here soon enough!
around the corner and can't get here soon enough!
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