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The southern California Gathering of Goats produced their 20th edition of the largest GTO show on the west coast over Labor Day weekend '05. Cars came from all over the western states and it was heaven for lovers of the breed. The gathering was held in the San Pedro marina area of LA, so the scenery and weather was perfect.
As usual there were stock and modified classes for '64-'74 GTOs, and there was an under construction class and a FOR SALE area as well. One special attraction was the legendary original Red '64 Tri-Power, four-gear GTO that was featured in a 1964 issue of Car & Driver, competing against the Ferrari GTO. Jim Wangers, who is usually the banquet guest speaker, arranged this vehicle and brought a few from his own stable, including a pristine '69 Trans Am.
Art Fitzpatrick, who along with the late Art Kaufman, was responsible for all those beautiful early Pontiac advertising illustrations signed AF VK, was there. Art, or Fitz as he's called, is marketing his illustrations and had a portfolio of cars to choose from.
The swap meet area was smaller than usual with Kelly Klein vending his GTO and Trans Am parts and Legendary Supercars on hand with a ton of new repro parts for most A-bodies.
The folks from Just Dashes cruised the show, took home some parts and generally enjoyed the festivities. That evening, the banquet gala with trophy presentation took place, making a lot of GTO owners happy they sent some time cleaning their classic rides. As usual, the Smile-O-Meter was pegged, as show contestants coveted their trophies and started looking forward to next year.
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