The best way to start an argument among gear heads is ask who built the first muscle car. Everyone has an opinion, and in most cases they can build a strong case for their particular nominee.

But truthfully, the idea of powerful, stylish automobiles didn’t just happen all at once, it’s been around about as long as there’s been people screwing them together. Maybe the better question is who brought the muscle car into the mainstream consciousness of the car-buying public? Who “legitimized” the idea of the performance car? To those questions there can be only one answer: Jim Wangers.

Wangers was the marketing force behind Pontiac’s muscle car. John DeLorean may be known as the Father of the GTO, but if that’s true then Wangers was the Big Brother always looking out for “the kid”. It was through his marketing and promotional strategies that the car became a showroom success. And, with imitation being the most sincere form of flattery, it was the success of the GTO that spawned the other performance intermediate legends: the Super Sport Chevelle, 4-4-2, Gran Sport, GTX, Road Runner, Torino, Rebel, etc. Those cars may have eventually become a reality – and a success – but then again maybe not. Wangers assured it happened.

Perhaps his greatest achievement was the ability to recognize, and plug into, the emerging baby-boom generation. They were becoming old enough to drive, and therefore buy cars, in the early-to-mid ‘60s. He tailored his product to appeal to the virtually untapped youth market and in doing so created the classic GTO. (Classic may not be the best term, since, in effect, the car has become a cultural icon.)

Wangers lives in California now, and he still consults for various auto manufacturers. He enjoys his collection of cars and travels around the country to various shows and speaking engagements. What could be better than to spend some time with the man, listening to his stories and reflections about the personalities and events that shaped this Golden Age of the American automobile? (Somebody should write a book!)

Jim Wangers is one of the pioneers of the muscle car. He recognized the hunger in the marketplace and he fed it. He was instrumental in convincing the traditionally stodgy upper management of American automobile manufacturers that the time for selling performance had indeed come. For this we all owe him a debt of gratitude.