In Memory of John DeLorean

High Achiever
As the junior member of the Wide-Track team, DeLorean was named Chief Engineer of the division in early 1961, when Knudsen was asked to run Chevrolet, and Estes was promoted to Pontiac's new boss. While in this role, DeLorean saw parent company General Motors shut down all factory-supported racing efforts. Gone was Pontiac's dominance on the nation's stock car circuit and, with it, the opportunity to continue glorifying the Wide-Track image. Although, not for long.


With the aid of two of his most capable assistants, Bill Collins and Russ Gee, DeLorean found the answer to this marketing dilemma—and many of you know the rest of the story.

Gran Turismo Omologato
From the leadership of this experienced engineering trio came perhaps Pontiac's strongest statement of the entire decade—the glorious GTO! One more time, Pontiac was out in front. And one more time it was because of an effort driven by DeLorean.


The Pontiac pioneer loved styling, and he knew what he wanted. As chief engineer and as general manager, DeLorean was always on hand making his points on design. He had fashioned an outstanding relationship with Jack Humbert who, as head of the Pontiac Studio, probably made more of a contribution to the widely acclaimed Pontiac styling theme than any other single individual. DeLorean spent an inordinate amount of time at Styling. In fact, whenever he couldn't be found at the division, the story was always the same: "He's at Styling"—and he usually was.

Friend and Colleague
John DeLorean was my champion. Without his continued support, I would not have been allowed to help build the original GTO into the accepted icon it has become. He had a way of making you feel important. He would show respect for your contribution without ever saying it. I can't tell you how many hours I spent meticulously preparing presentations for him when trying to sell programs like the Thom McAn GTO shoe effort, or the controversial Monkeemobile tie-in. In fact, I can remember one particular incident when I first proposed the opportunity for us to get involved with The Monkees and their TV sponsor, The Kellogg Co. I had just started my long presentation with all kinds of research proof and involved marketing reasons why Pontiac should be doing this, when DeLorean interrupted. Looking straight at me, he said, "Jim, do you really like this one? Do you really think it's a winner—" When I responded "I really do, John, this one is right for us." He then said, "OK, do it. Tell me about it when it's done. You know where to find the money. Now what else have you got to talk about—"