ROYAL PONTIAC

"A Tribute to Jim Wangers' 1964 GTO 'Test Car' built for Car and Driver March 1964"

CHAPTER 12

Greg Raymond

While we wait patiently for the Nocturne Blue paint to cure, it feels like the perfect moment to shine a spotlight on Royal Pontiac, the dealership that played a defining role in the creation of the original Blue Car and its legendary performance.

Royal Pontiac was founded by Asa “Ace” Wilson in the late 1950s, and it didn’t take long for the dealership to become synonymous with high‑performance Pontiacs. Their super‑tuned creations became a familiar sight on Detroit streets, earning a reputation that caught the attention of Pontiac Motor Division itself. What followed was an informal but powerful partnership: Royal Pontiac became the go‑to shop for modifying and tuning Pontiac’s most ambitious performance cars.

It was Royal Pontiac that prepared the two 1964 GTOs for the Car and Driver road test, transforming them into the now‑famous Royal Bobcats.

The Royal Bobcat Legacy

The earliest Royal Bobcats were based on the Pontiac Catalina, distinguished by their unique paint schemes and the iconic Royal Bobcat badging. But 1964 marked a turning point. With the introduction of the GTO, Royal expanded its offerings dramatically. Customers could choose from 38 different upgrades and options, including performance kits available over the counter or even by mail order. For many enthusiasts, the Royal Bobcat treatment became the ultimate expression of Pontiac performance.

The End of an Era

Unfortunately, the golden age didn’t last forever. By 1971, shrinking demand for high‑performance cars forced the dealership to close. Milt Schornack and George DeLorean attempted to carry on the legacy under the name Royal Automotive, but the partnership eventually dissolved.

A Visit to the Original Site

In 2005, I had the privilege of visiting the original Royal Pontiac location with Jim Wangers while working with him on the Crusin’ Woodward DVD project. At that time, the building housed Jim Fresard Pontiac & Buick, which has since closed as well. Standing on that ground with Jim—at the birthplace of so much Pontiac history—was an unforgettable moment.

Jim Wangers

"Crusin' Woodward"

If you’d like to get your hands on the incredible Shot Through the Gears DVD, reach out to Dave Anderson at: david.l.anderson@icloud.com