Incredible surprise visitors

[detmatt]

at the shop yesterday...I still can't really believe it. I had the O.H. Door open to the side street and if I do say so myself, it would be near impossible to pass that and not at least stop and look for a moment if you're a Mopar nut. Anyway, in walks these two guys, dressed nice and mouths hanging open as they looked around at all the toys. I walked up not knowing what to expect and introduced myself to who I was about to find out is part of a legendary Mopar racing team, I think we've all heard of the Motown Missile! So Michael Koran and with him just happened to be Roger Smiths son! They were in the area looking at commercial space, saw the Mopars and had to check it out. We looked over the collection, he told me some great stories from back in the day and they were very interested in what I did. Turns out a lot of work was done on the Missile cars right around the block from here. Between that and the fact that this is also Jimmy Addison's old stomping grounds makes this hallowed ground I live on! I expect they'll be keeping in touch. What an honor, only in Detroit!

 

[1978 NYB]

What an amazing day! That's so cool!!!

 

[70NPORT]

Wow, back in the day Chrysler/Mopar legends....that is VERY cool!

 

[commando1]

I'd have been speechless.
What a great thing to have happen!!!!!!

 

[detmatt]

One of the stories he shared was walking into the Hamtramk plant in the morning with a box of shirts and coffee cups (swag) and ordering a body in white. They literally interrupted regular production and got him what he needed same day!
Talk about the good old days!

 

[1978 NYB]

One of the stories he shared was walking into the Hamtramk plant in the morning with a box of shirts and coffee cups (swag) and ordering a body in white. They literally interrupted regular production and got him what he needed same day!
Talk about the good old days!

That would of been cool to be there.

 

[Mopardik]

Wow! What an awesome chance encounter! Hallowed ground, indeed!

 

[AlleyOop2]

Awesome, that's cool stuff detmatt!

 

[Red63440]

I went to a show at the fair grounds one year in Albion, PA, walked over to a car and started a conversation with an older guy wearing an railroad egineers cap. Must have talked with him for almost an hour before he introduced himself. He said, my name is Tom Hoover, my son asked me to come with him today to the show. I guess it took a moment to sink in and I asked, "THE Tom Hoover?", he smiled and said, yes, "THE" Tom Hoover.

 

[detmatt]

That's a really good story Red. I'm not easily starstruck, not an autograph collector but some people with the stories they can tell can from there life experiences can leave me awestruck.

 

['69FuryIIIConvertible]

Did you get them to sign any car parts?

Great Surprise, I've had a few similar encounters, but nothing that awesome.

Nick

 

[bluefury361]

Great story Matt. Whats really cool is that these folks, (legends), are really just car guys.... And love to talk shop as much as anyone.

 

[detmatt]

It's funny you say that Nick because I didn't even think of it at the time and I was talking about it last night with my girl. I was trying to think about what I would have him sign, maybe just a wall out in the shop. I'm hoping that that wasn't his last time here, they were talking about coming back with friends. I could start a wall of fame.
Car guys are some great people!

 

[Stormer]

Have him sign the hood of your Imperial. ;)

 

[1978 NYB]

It's funny you say that Nick because I didn't even think of it at the time and I was talking about it last night with my girl. I was trying to think about what I would have him sign, maybe just a wall out in the shop. I'm hoping that that wasn't his last time here, they were talking about coming back with friends. I could start a wall of fame.
Car guys are some great people!

Damn, I should of signed your wall last year. Well, next time...

I know it's easy for us to say I would of done this or asked this...

I would of asked them for a business card and/or contact info. Did you ask if they had a shop or storage area with vintage cars in the area.

 

[detmatt]

He gave me his card and I already emailed him. Here's what he's up to now.
http://www.svi-results.com/homepage.html

 

[1978 NYB]

Wow! Talk about industry evolution!

They even have something for Stan.........

 

[detmatt]

Aaahhh, battery fire! LOL!

 

[1978 NYB]

Aaahhh, battery fire! LOL!

LOL! I don't think they would advertise battery fires. That is a torque demonstration.

 

[commando1]

Wow! Talk about industry evolution!

They even have something for Stan.........

Last night while cruising in The NYB, I came up to the stop line at a red light.
Next to me, pulled up to the stop line, was one of these.
It's rear bumper was next to the back edge of my rear door...