Topic: Something I got at SEMA this year.

[WarbirdTA]

Hi all!
I got back this last week from the SEMA show, that's held in Las Vegas, Nevada every year.
While there, I took a bunch of 1980 Indy Turbo Trans Am stuff that I have.
While I collect all things Trans Am, I did use to own a 1980 Indy Turbo Trans Am, and I do miss it!
Anyway, Johnny Rutherford was there, sign ing autographs.
Now, before I show you the photos, I should tell you, that Johnny Rutherford won the Indy race in 1980, and as a winner, got a Pace car.
We talked for quite awhile, and he told me that he still has the car, which has around 20,000 miles on it, and it is sitting on blocks, since it has been awhile since he has driven it.
He told me that he never plans to sell it.
Anyway, here are some things that I took, and got him to sign for me.

This is a plastic decanter (which still holds wiskey) of the 1980 Indy Turbo Trans Am

This is the ceramic decanter (whiskey leaked/dried out) of the 1980 Indy Turbo Trans Am

These are my 1980 Turbo Trans Am owner's manuals

This is my 1980 Indy 500/Indy Turbo Trans Am jacket


George 

[WarbirdTA]

Here's a couple more items I got autographed by Rutherford.
I have a couple of 1980 Indy Programs.
The first one, I got him to sign the cover, the second one, the 2 page ad.


The next one is the 1980 Indy Yearbook.


George 

[RENOVATIONS]

Cool souveniers, George...hope you had fun (I'm sure you did ...I picture a kid in a candy store )

[WarbirdTA]

And here are a few more that I got.
You can see why I was there talking so long with him!
Here, he autographed my Indy Pace Cars book, under the 1980 section.

Next, are some photos of the winners of both the 1980 Indy Race, and the 1989 Indy Race, both are Indy Pace Car Trans Ams, and both, are signed in my first Book that I put together.


The 1989 autographs are another big story, but that was a few years ago.
Now, since I had two ceramic decanters, I also got him to sign my second one.

I've got a few more photos to show, but I need to upload them.
Anyway, hope you enjoy!

George  

[Rick]

George -- has there been anything TA-related that you don't own or haven't seen?

You're going to have to have a really good will when you go -- ever think about endowing the National Trans Am Museum with your estate?

[RENOVATIONS]

Did you single-handedly give the guy Carpal Tunnel or what?

[WarbirdTA]

It's funny Rick,
I have a list going with about 25 names, of people who want to be in my will.
They even offered to pay for the lawyers!
Sorry, but my girlfriend Lisa gets it all.
It does upset my nephew.
I have even had people tell me that they will love to go to court, to become my brother.
Funny thing though, is I started "collecting" this stuff, for my retirement.
I have stuff autographed for my 1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am (by the winner of Indy that year, 1989), a bunch of books, by authors, and even stuff from Jay Leno, since he drove a 35th Anniversary Firebird (which is really a Trans Am Collector's Edition, but not really a 35th anniversary of the Trans Am), on Collector's Edition brochure and shirt.
I even had Richard Petty sign a 1986 Trans Am ad.
He loved doing it, he even remembered doing the photo shoot!
You guys don't know the half of what I have.
I have had people come out and visit me, and video for over 8 hours, and not see everything!
Even friends who have been over everyday, for months and years, still don't see everything.
Heck, I too, am still finding things I didn't know/remember I have/had!

George  

[WarbirdTA]

No Jeff,
But it helps to bring your own pens, and stay and talk with them.
They love remembering their past too.
It was a big part of their life.
It really changed their life.
I can talk pretty much with anyone, and for quite awhile.
It's only you guys/gals who don't like talking with me.
You should see all the stuff I have signed for my 1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am!
God, could I show photos of that stuff!
Johnny was a great guy to talk to, and it was kinda funny, he didn't know that half the stuff I brought, was even out there in the world.
He wanted to keep some of it!

George 

[bobspacin80ta]

Again George, thanks for posting all this stuff its great!

[WarbirdTA]

Glad you love it Bob!
Here are a few more photos of my meeting him.
Here he is signing the plastic decanter for me.

Here is something most people don't see.
Kinda like the superbowl ring, only it's the Indy winner ring!

Now Rick, that is something I don't have in my collection!

George 

[mrpontiac80]

That is some neat stuff George.  I remember you posting some pics of your stuff back before the big TAC crash and it will blow your mind for sure!!   I especially like the huge bill board TA ads you have, although I have no idea where Id ever put them

[bobspacin80ta]

Topic Summary
Posted on: Today at 10:29:18 PMPosted by: mrpontiac80 
Insert Quote
That is some neat stuff George.  I remember you posting some pics of your stuff back before the big TAC crash and it will blow your mind for sure!!   I especially like the huge bill board TA ads you have, although I have no idea where Id ever put them 
Posted on: Today at 09:57:14 PMPosted by: WarbirdTA 
Insert Quote
Glad you love it Bob!
Here are a few more photos of my meeting him.
Here he is signing the plastic decanter for me.

Here is something most people don't see.
Kinda like the superbowl ring, only it's the Indy winner ring!

Now Rick, that is something I don't have in my collection!

George   
 
Why not? lol

[RENOVATIONS]

That's cool that you talk with them also, George...a typical autograph hound would just hit and run. I'm sure you pick up a lot of knowledge and trivia most of us never will just from those type of meetings.

Let us know when you get one of those rings

[WarbirdTA]

He wouldn't let it go!
I did see one ring for 1989, for sale, and they wanted more than 5 grand for it.
I guess in the later years, rings were given to the pit crew as well.

George 

[rkellerjr]

George, uh, want to be my brother? 

Nice stuff partner, very nice stuff.