My thoughts on March 16, 2009
Thread Starter
ALMIGHTY MEMBER
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,298
From: Detroit, MI USA
My thoughts on March 16, 2009
Detroit, Michigan – Monday, March 16, 2009
“And so it is done”
…..those were the words that our Friend, Art Spong, said to me on August 27, 2002.
I tried to remain calm as I heard those words via my cell-phone – but I must admit (and the ‘y’ chromosome in me is ashamed) that my eyes began to “leak.”
You see—Art was the Brand Quality Manager for Camaro/Firebird – and he was at Ste. Therese Assembly to witness the last Camaros and Firebirds coming off the line at just after 9am Eastern Daylight Savings Time.
Me?
I was in the parking lot of McDonald Funeral Home in Avalon, Pennsylvania – as we were ready to set off for the Cemetery to bury a favorite Uncle. “Uncle Tic” was a mentor to me in so many ways – and I still desperately miss him……………
The phone rang – it was Art – and he said “………and so it is done…….. it’s over – the last one just came off the line……..”
As we go thru life, there are “Guideposts” if you will.
Your Graduation.
Your first Communion
Your first kiss
Your Wedding.
The Birth of your Children.
I’ve never had Children (at least to my knowledge!) – ( but there was a wonderful child named Victor who came to me at 18 months old and showed to me what a miracle a child can be……)
– and I guess that the Enthusiast community convinced me years ago that “Camaros” are my children.
………..and how proud I am of them!
……………and yes, I know some people find that strange or disturbing – and if they do, fine – the heck with them!
Anyway – once again, I digress!
“And so it is done”………..
Today, VIN number 100001 ‘roared’ to life at Oshawa, Ontario.
That “roar” was heard worldwide as enthusiasts everywhere awaited the return of an Icon….our beloved Camaro.
Rick Hendrick was on-hand to drive his new Camaro (VIN A9100001) off the line – an SS/RS…..
Now is a great time for celebration.
As you celebrate – perhaps it’s appropriate to reflect on the memories you have of Camaro….and to understand WHY it means so much to so many…………so put those ‘guideposts’ right here on this thread….so that we can all share…….
Some memories of mine:
September of 1966—a Bolero Red RS convertible being delivered to our dealership – and immediately whisked away to my Grandparent’s garage – so that no one would see it before announcement day.
Late January, 1970 – walking into the shop of the dealership and discovering a 1970 Camaro RS in Shadow Gray – OMG – could it be BETTER looking than the first Camaro I ever saw??? Yup!!
February 26th, 1970 – the “announcement day” for the 1970 ½ Camaro (and Corvette)
Easter, 1973—when I took delivery of the first Camaro I could actually call MY OWN! It was a Chamois Type LT with a neutral woven vinyl interior…………how proud I was to drive it. (Dad didn’t trust me with a Z28!)
November 1973 – when I took delivery of my 1974 Camaro Type LT – Red with a white vinyl top. (how 1970s!)
October 1977 – when I got my first “GM Company Car Camaro” – a bright yellow Z28!
……………1981—driving a 1982 Z28 in cammo. On the Atlantic City Expressway…….I pulled into a Service Plaza and had people surround the car trying to figure out what it was!
May, 1985—my first IROC! Sex on wheels! Who knew the name IROC would become synomymous with the name Camaro?
June of 1992 – on vacation with a 1992 25th Anniversary Z28 Convertible – white with Red Stripes…..oh how I wish I’d bought it and put it away……….
……….1993—my first 4th Gen Camaro – wow – what a ‘space ship!” (and OMG – is there anything that sounds better than this LT1 engine??)
1996—my move to Detroit as “Assistant Brand Manager- Camaro/Corvette – and meeting Ed and Dave Hamburger for the first time – to see the return of the Camaro SS……
1997 – the 30th Anniversary Camaro – is there anything more “Camaro” than white with Orange Stripes?
Summer of 1997 – and the first drive of an LS1 powered Camaro…….WOOHOOOOO!!!!
June of 2001 – and the unveil of the 2002 Camaro 35th Anniversary SS – the long fights to get the program approved – and then trying to keep it under wraps so that we could surprise our Enthusiasts at ‘Camaros at Carlisle’
…………….and then the awful day - -August 27th – 2002………..
“………and so it is done……….”
……….and then January 8th, 2006 – when we hosted over 250 Camaro/Firebird Enthusiasts at the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan – to tell them that the next morning - -the 9th of January--we’d unveil a “Camaro Concept”
…..and then the 9th of January …………and watching with tears in my eyes as a Silver Camaro roared out onto the stage at Cobo Center in Detroit – and realizing that many others, too, had tears in their eyes……….
………….and then announcing in August of 2006 that, indeed, the Camaro WOULD be back…………
………..and then showing the “production camaro” at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in September of 2008………..
…………and taking delivery of my CTF Camaro SS/RS in January of 2009……………..
…………….and then I think of all of YOU – who have ‘kept the faith’ – even when it was very hard to do so……..
…………and the friendships that have been offered by you…………….
And so today, March 16, 2009 – is a day that I will never, in this lifetime,-- ever forget.
It’s been an amazing ride – but what else could you EXPECT from a Camaro?
It’s a time for celebration….
It’s a time for friendship….
And it’s a time for us to enjoy the fellowship of “Camarodom”!!
Thank you – so very, very, very much – for ‘keeping the faith’ –
My work is done.
“……and so it is done………..”
“And so it is done”
…..those were the words that our Friend, Art Spong, said to me on August 27, 2002.
I tried to remain calm as I heard those words via my cell-phone – but I must admit (and the ‘y’ chromosome in me is ashamed) that my eyes began to “leak.”
You see—Art was the Brand Quality Manager for Camaro/Firebird – and he was at Ste. Therese Assembly to witness the last Camaros and Firebirds coming off the line at just after 9am Eastern Daylight Savings Time.
Me?
I was in the parking lot of McDonald Funeral Home in Avalon, Pennsylvania – as we were ready to set off for the Cemetery to bury a favorite Uncle. “Uncle Tic” was a mentor to me in so many ways – and I still desperately miss him……………
The phone rang – it was Art – and he said “………and so it is done…….. it’s over – the last one just came off the line……..”
As we go thru life, there are “Guideposts” if you will.
Your Graduation.
Your first Communion
Your first kiss
Your Wedding.
The Birth of your Children.
I’ve never had Children (at least to my knowledge!) – ( but there was a wonderful child named Victor who came to me at 18 months old and showed to me what a miracle a child can be……)
– and I guess that the Enthusiast community convinced me years ago that “Camaros” are my children.
………..and how proud I am of them!
……………and yes, I know some people find that strange or disturbing – and if they do, fine – the heck with them!
Anyway – once again, I digress!
“And so it is done”………..
Today, VIN number 100001 ‘roared’ to life at Oshawa, Ontario.
That “roar” was heard worldwide as enthusiasts everywhere awaited the return of an Icon….our beloved Camaro.
Rick Hendrick was on-hand to drive his new Camaro (VIN A9100001) off the line – an SS/RS…..
Now is a great time for celebration.
As you celebrate – perhaps it’s appropriate to reflect on the memories you have of Camaro….and to understand WHY it means so much to so many…………so put those ‘guideposts’ right here on this thread….so that we can all share…….
Some memories of mine:
September of 1966—a Bolero Red RS convertible being delivered to our dealership – and immediately whisked away to my Grandparent’s garage – so that no one would see it before announcement day.
Late January, 1970 – walking into the shop of the dealership and discovering a 1970 Camaro RS in Shadow Gray – OMG – could it be BETTER looking than the first Camaro I ever saw??? Yup!!
February 26th, 1970 – the “announcement day” for the 1970 ½ Camaro (and Corvette)
Easter, 1973—when I took delivery of the first Camaro I could actually call MY OWN! It was a Chamois Type LT with a neutral woven vinyl interior…………how proud I was to drive it. (Dad didn’t trust me with a Z28!)
November 1973 – when I took delivery of my 1974 Camaro Type LT – Red with a white vinyl top. (how 1970s!)
October 1977 – when I got my first “GM Company Car Camaro” – a bright yellow Z28!
……………1981—driving a 1982 Z28 in cammo. On the Atlantic City Expressway…….I pulled into a Service Plaza and had people surround the car trying to figure out what it was!
May, 1985—my first IROC! Sex on wheels! Who knew the name IROC would become synomymous with the name Camaro?
June of 1992 – on vacation with a 1992 25th Anniversary Z28 Convertible – white with Red Stripes…..oh how I wish I’d bought it and put it away……….
……….1993—my first 4th Gen Camaro – wow – what a ‘space ship!” (and OMG – is there anything that sounds better than this LT1 engine??)
1996—my move to Detroit as “Assistant Brand Manager- Camaro/Corvette – and meeting Ed and Dave Hamburger for the first time – to see the return of the Camaro SS……
1997 – the 30th Anniversary Camaro – is there anything more “Camaro” than white with Orange Stripes?
Summer of 1997 – and the first drive of an LS1 powered Camaro…….WOOHOOOOO!!!!
June of 2001 – and the unveil of the 2002 Camaro 35th Anniversary SS – the long fights to get the program approved – and then trying to keep it under wraps so that we could surprise our Enthusiasts at ‘Camaros at Carlisle’
…………….and then the awful day - -August 27th – 2002………..
“………and so it is done……….”
……….and then January 8th, 2006 – when we hosted over 250 Camaro/Firebird Enthusiasts at the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan – to tell them that the next morning - -the 9th of January--we’d unveil a “Camaro Concept”
…..and then the 9th of January …………and watching with tears in my eyes as a Silver Camaro roared out onto the stage at Cobo Center in Detroit – and realizing that many others, too, had tears in their eyes……….
………….and then announcing in August of 2006 that, indeed, the Camaro WOULD be back…………
………..and then showing the “production camaro” at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in September of 2008………..
…………and taking delivery of my CTF Camaro SS/RS in January of 2009……………..
…………….and then I think of all of YOU – who have ‘kept the faith’ – even when it was very hard to do so……..
…………and the friendships that have been offered by you…………….
And so today, March 16, 2009 – is a day that I will never, in this lifetime,-- ever forget.
It’s been an amazing ride – but what else could you EXPECT from a Camaro?
It’s a time for celebration….
It’s a time for friendship….
And it’s a time for us to enjoy the fellowship of “Camarodom”!!
Thank you – so very, very, very much – for ‘keeping the faith’ –
My work is done.
“……and so it is done………..”
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 81
From: Greenville, NC
Thank you Scott for keeping the faith instilled in us. I can't tell you how many countless hours I've gone over and over this site trying to find info on Camaro and if it will ever come back. January 2006 was so exciting as I prayed that the concept would turn into reality. GM listened and delivered! This car is amazing and I know I'll be at the local Chevy dealer waiting to see the first ones arrived. Being in the Camaro family is such a wonderful thing. My dad got me hooked from a young age with his 68 RS and 76 LT and I can't begin to tell you how much this car means to me and my family. I can't wait to see where the future takes this great piece of American history. I'll pop a top for the rebirth tonight!
Last edited by Z 2 L8ter; Mar 16, 2009 at 03:06 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 99
Thanks again sir
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 123
Thanks so much for all you have done Scott. Your story touched my heart. I remember the first time I fired up the rebuilt 302 with dual quads on my restored 68 RS/Z28. Those headers through the glass packs were music to my 15 year old ears. Fast forward 25 years till now. On the short side of 40 waiting to place an order for my new SS Camaro Convertible. I will have that same **** Eating grin on my face the first time I fire up the V8, drop the top, and crank the song When You Close Your Eyes by Night Ranger and this verse comes on
"I remember we learned about love
In the back of a Chevrolet
Well it felt so good to be young
Feels like yesterday"
This will bring me right back to 1984.
Thanks again
"I remember we learned about love
In the back of a Chevrolet
Well it felt so good to be young
Feels like yesterday"
This will bring me right back to 1984.
Thanks again
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,482
From: ohio
i cant wait to take my camaro to different camaro gatherings and to meet all of you. im probably going to cry the day i get my car. ive been waiting and "keeping the faith" for quite a while. i had my share of cars to fill the void of not having a f body. but theres just something missing since i got rid of my trans am in 06. when i woke up this morning i was in the best mood that i have been in, in the last 3 weeks. stress from work and family and everything else depressing about winter was getting to me. but today, i felt amazing this morning when i got up. just knowing that its back and its almost time for me to be me again. i dont know what i would do if i were not getting another camaro, or even WHO i would be without this car. its so much of my personality and what ive loved for so long. ive been a camaro lover ever since i knew about cars.(10). there will always be a camaro in my life from this one on. thank you scott and everyone who made this possible. and thank you for making me who i am, even if you didnt know.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 1998
Posts: 511
From: Mill Creek, WA
Thank you Scott for everything you have done that we will likely never know and thank you for coming here on a regular basis and keeping us as informed as you have been able to. These cars old and new alike mean more to me simply due to your contributions over the years and you sharing your experiences with all of us. 
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 362
Scott,
I don't think most here fully understand to the extent of your effort in this matter.
Maybe some take if for granted, I for one certainly do not. I want to thank you with the utmost respect and please know that your tireless efforts will not be forgotten as
I will know a huge reason for driving my SS will be because of you. Now isn't it time
for a vacation?
Paul
I don't think most here fully understand to the extent of your effort in this matter.
Maybe some take if for granted, I for one certainly do not. I want to thank you with the utmost respect and please know that your tireless efforts will not be forgotten as
I will know a huge reason for driving my SS will be because of you. Now isn't it time
for a vacation?
Paul
Last edited by 8Banger; Mar 18, 2009 at 07:07 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 527
From: North Carolina
Scott...well said. This is indeeed a great day, I feel like a kid on Christmas! After I sold my '98 SS a few years back, there has been that void that I have yet to fill. In a short time that void will be filled with a 2010 SS/RS!
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 314
From: Houston TX
Scott,
Thank you so much...its been a long hard road, but here we all are. I first came to this site after reading a blurb in Chevy High Performance magazine about rumors of the F-body's imminent demise. I couldn't believe it...it wasn't fair, I was barely 16, I didn't even own my 1st gen yet, nor had I even driven a Camaro. It was 1998. It was a time in my life where I felt a longing toward the future, I wanted to know what was in store for myself, for the Camaro, and the world around us.
I convinced an uncle to buy a bare bones '98 which I drive today as my daily driver, a car which has made its way around my family and will probably never leave. I rebuilt my 1st gen, then blew the engine, then dropped in an LS1. 2002 came and went and the 4thgen was no more. A guy named RedPlanet saw us all through it and that was a huge help.
And here we are today......It's like a dream.
Thanks again Scott....without a Camaro alot of us would have a big empty place in our hearts. Not on your watch!!
Thank you so much...its been a long hard road, but here we all are. I first came to this site after reading a blurb in Chevy High Performance magazine about rumors of the F-body's imminent demise. I couldn't believe it...it wasn't fair, I was barely 16, I didn't even own my 1st gen yet, nor had I even driven a Camaro. It was 1998. It was a time in my life where I felt a longing toward the future, I wanted to know what was in store for myself, for the Camaro, and the world around us.
I convinced an uncle to buy a bare bones '98 which I drive today as my daily driver, a car which has made its way around my family and will probably never leave. I rebuilt my 1st gen, then blew the engine, then dropped in an LS1. 2002 came and went and the 4thgen was no more. A guy named RedPlanet saw us all through it and that was a huge help.
And here we are today......It's like a dream.
Thanks again Scott....without a Camaro alot of us would have a big empty place in our hearts. Not on your watch!!