Larry Morris
72 Grand Prix SSJ
Brandon, FL

 

Customer Ride 145

 



I have recently found, purchased and completed restoration on what may be THE ONLY 1972 Green / Gold Pontiac Grand Prix Hurst SSJ known to exist, at least by all current documentation know to exist. The Hurst Performance facility (well known for shifters, Hurst Olds vehicles and many other automotive innovations) was located in Southfield, Michigan and was consumed by fire in 1979 ? all or most documentation was lost to the fire. Typically, Hurst did these vehicles in either white paint or black paint with at least 2 vehicles done through special order; my Green SSJ and a Blue SSJ, which is now being restored in Ohio.

I have recently begun the car show circuit back on Oct 24th over in Orlando at a huge BUICK / PONTIAC / OLDSMOBILE / CADILLAC meet. I really want to track the car's history so I may be able to update the bio plaque I made to use at the events. This car is amazing in its ability to attract a substantial audience. Each event I enter it in the audience to view it grows.

The only known information at this time is it was ordered in late '71 as a 1972 early production model, it was sold new at ACON PONTIAC in Midland, PA, and it is authenticated via all correct, applicable order sheets, General Motors Pontiac build sheet code 50-012, Pontiac Historical Services registration and a recent appraisal by a well-known, highly respected Grand Prix authority.

The car sat for an extended period of time in the Midland, PA area until approx. 1994 or 1995 when a collector from South Texas, Darrel Yoder, bought it and had it shipped to McAllen, TX. He did 95% of the restoration over an 8-year time frame until I stumbled upon it this past June, 2004. My brother, Harvey, and Darrel are long time Pontiac friends. Darrel is an avid collector and he initially had a one-of-a-kind silver Hurst SSJ that George Hurst himself used as a "test mule" to promote Hurst cars & products. Darrel mentioned to my brother the need to sell down some of his collection with the intent of Harvey buying the silver "test mule" SSJ... as things would have it a collector in Michigan with deep pockets did an end-around and snatched up the silver SSJ. My brother and I already had travel arrangements planned to meet with Darrel, so we went to Texas to see what else he had for sale. Upon arrival at Darrel's shop, we immediately noticed many superb, one of a kind vehicles ranging from 1915 to present day... and in the mix was the Green / Gold SSJ. After what seemed like an eternity of finance shuffling, a deal was struck with Darrel and I hired Joe Evans to transport the car on a flatbed trailer over the 1300 miles between McAllen, TX and my home here in Brandon, FL (Tampa suburb).

My brother Harvey and I have completed the remaining restoration that it needed to be road worthy since he is a big time Hurst SSJ guru / geek. Now the excitement continues on the show circuit... cannot hardly wait!!!


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