01-25-2012 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 01-25-2012

WE APPRECIATE ALL THE KIND WORDS -

With the passing of my Mom. We are holding a Memorial Service for our family and friends this coming Saturday. Quite a number of our family will be here.

In last week's Inner Circle, we showed a flyer on the gas saving product that my Mom sold in the early 1950s. One of the companies listed is still in business. I called it, and the current owner has owned the company for about a dozen or so years. He worked for the previous owner before acquiring the company. He was under the impression the company was first formed in the mid-1960s. He had no idea that they were actually in business at least as far back as 1952-1953.

I sent him one of the actual postcards and a copy of the advertising letter since it listed their company as a seller of the product. He said the original family that owned the business is long gone. He appreciated having a small piece of history related to his business.


I'll have a couple other photos and stories to share next week.



MORE BARN FINDS -

The next two vehicles from the same seller are now at our house.
In quick review, we have sold his 1987 Grand National that had less than 2,000 miles. We also sold his 1989 Mustang notchback that had approximately 5,500 miles. The SLP Firebird Formula is still available, which has under 400 actual miles.

With so much going on right now and poor weather conditions, I have not yet gotten to wash either vehicle to take pictures. However, if you are interested in either vehicle, email me direct - [email protected]

However, the person that purchased the Mustang has expressed an interest with the seller to purchase both the Typhoon and the Riviera, so he has first option.

PHOTO 1 - In the meantime, we have pictured the actual Window Sticker for the 1993 Typhoon in our first photo. Very few options were offered on the GMC Typhoon.

PHOTO 2 - This photo shows what probably was something the dealership gave buyers of the new 1993 Typhoon back then. At the bottom it has a place to put the actual number of your Typhoon with a total production shown of just 2,200. This one is listed as number 1,424. This poster-style flyer measures 11" x 13". This Typhoon is a very rare color, royal blue metallic with the optional gray bottom.

It does have the upgraded am/fm factory CD player. By the way, it is this version radio that would fit directly into any 1984-1987 Turbo Regal. This car has just 1,226 actual miles and has been parked since 1993. Storage conditions were not ideal. The tires would need to be replaced. The wheels are corroded. All the fluids need to be changed prior to starting the truck. The seller is asking $18,950 for his 1993 Typhoon.

Also, we have his Mom's 1995 Supercharged Riviera available For Sale. It has about 27,000-29,000 miles. Again, no photos as of yet. It is burgundy outside and inside. Its hibernation time has only been since 2005, according to the PA State Inspection sticker. Prior to being put in storage, the owner had over $2,000 of work done to the car. However, it has no brakes for some reason. More information and photos will be posted once the weather breaks. The owner is asking $2,950 for the 1995 Riviera. Having owned a 1997 Riviera a few years back, I know they are nice riding and driving cars.

Both vehicles would need to be transported and be gone through prior to cranking the engine over to avoid possible damage.



SLP FIREBIRD FORMULA - FOR SALE -

This car is still available at $20,900. This is for the 400-mile red 2002 SLP Formula Firebird we pictured in the 11-16-2011 Inner Circle. This car will be finding a new home at some point.



KIRBAN PICK OF THE WEEK -

About 20 minutes from our office at a dealership sits a 1987 Grand National hardtop for sale. This Grand National has under 14,000 original miles. I have been told it is an all-original car, even the tires, with one major exception, it has been repainted.

This car has been to at least at one of our events that Molly attended, since the trunk ID label and original window sticker have been autographed by Molly. The asking price is $24,900. However, if you email me, I can put you in direct contact to the sales person and save you money.

The sales person handling the deal knows me from years ago when he worked at an Oldsmobile dealership that I used to tow for in the 1980s. It was a dealership that worked on the Hurst cars for Hurst Performance as it was nearby. I used to tow for Hurst as well.

I can arrange to check out this Grand National for any buyers that are interested. I charge a flat fee to do this, which would include photos and my impression of the car. Even though it was at one of our events, I can’t recall which car it was. Now is a great time to buy, before prices start to inch upward in the Spring. Fewer than 250 Turbo Regals will ever have Molly's signature and this is one of them.



THIS MAY MAKE YOU FEEL OLD -

Classic Car magazine March 2012 issue is now out. There is a small article about car models for 1987 now being 25 years old. They now can qualify as "classic" cars. They show about 15 different cars from the year 1987. Ironically, they do not show nor even mention the Turbo Regals. which seems strange as that would be one that would garner the highest value among American Cars.

They show the El Camino and sister model the GMC Caballero, Cadillac Allante, Lincoln Mark VII LSC, GMC Safari Van, Chevrolet Chevette, and even the Pontiac Fiero, just to name some they pictured. Of the approximately 15 cars they show, at best only a small portion will garner any big money in your lifetime. You would be sitting on the Chevrolet Chevette and Safari van a very long time waiting for a return on your investment, even if they get classified as a classic car!



JOHNNY OTIS PASSED AWAY LAST WEEK -

Johnny Otis died last week. He had a long career in the music industry, which earned him the title of “Godfather of rhythm and blues.” He helped launch the careers of Etta James, Little Willie John, Hank Ballard, and Jackie Wilson, just to name a few. His big hit came in 1958 entitled, "Willie and the Hand Jive." He was 90 years old.



MECUM AUCTION - KISSIMMEE FLORIDA - January 24-29, 2012

The dates for the Mecum Auction are January 24th through the 29th 2012, held in the Oseosola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. They expect 2,000 cars to be auctioned. If you go, be sure to check out my good friend Greg Glenn, as he will be there selling his fully-restored 1970 Buick GS Stage One 4-speed. This low-optioned car is white with a black interior. January seems to be the big month for many of the National Classic Car Auction houses. It will be interesting to see if the market stays soft or if certain cars will set new records.



COMING SOON -

We will soon be offering a high-quality reproduction of original state inspection stickers that would have been on your car back in 1986 and 1987 for various states that have state inspections. We will be carrying the inspection stickers for Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania for sure. Our source will also be able to supply stickers from other states, and ones that are dated earlier than 1987.



WE BADLY NEED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR CORES -

We need stock original 1986-1987 AC Delco mass air flow sensors. They are worth a $25 Letter of Credit.

We do not pay cash. You must pay the shipping to us and pack the item well. Using the postal system is probably the cheapest method to ship.

Remember, cores help us help others keep their Turbo Regals on the road using factory parts. Without cores, a valuable portion of what customers need get discontinued.



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -

Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].

Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE - We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.

If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected].



2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -

OLD TOWN TURBO BUICK SHOW - SUNDAY, February 12th, 2012 - 10 am - 4 pm
Old Town in Kissimmee, Florida
This is the largest gathering of Turbo Buicks in Florida and is open to any Turbo Buick powered vehicles, V8s and 1989 Turbo Trans Ams.
Casual show, no judging, no awards, just drive in and hang out and share your stories.
There is a charity raffle to benefit "New Hope for Kids."
For more info - email [email protected]



TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS 2012 - MAY 2 - MAY 5, 2012 - Burlington, NC

For the latest information, go to - www.turbobuick.com/forums or - [email protected]
Event will feature free food, dyno, tech sessions, drag racing, and Auto-X. This is one of the first Turbo Buick events for the year 2012.



31st ANNUAL PEACH BLOSSOM B.O.P.C. - MAY 4th and 5th, 2012 - Car Show & Swap Meet
Marriott Atlanta Northeast, 200 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, GA

Open to all Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and Cadillacs. Hosted by the Southeastern GTO Association. Reception Friday night and Car Show on Saturday. For more info, contact Ed Bellair at 770-428-4934 or email - [email protected]



22ND ANNUAL BUICK RACEDAY
JUNE 15th, 16th and 17th, 2012 - Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio.

Hotels - Best Western Norwalk 419-663-3501 or All American Inn Norwalk 419-663-1922.
For more info, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 email - [email protected] or Bill Wills 330-747-1029 email [email protected]



2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012 - National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
The theme this year is the "Class of 1987." Open to all Buick models built in 1987.



2012 GS NATIONALS - OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 (NEW DATES) - Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The new dates are Oct. 17-20, 2012. Because of the reschedule, they have negotiated FREE racing on Wednesday, October 17th. This includes "everyone" who comes thru the gate and pays the usual nominal entrance fee. There is NO usual additional charge to race your Buick powered cars on Wednesday.

The Gallina/Duttweiler 6-second 200 mph doorslammer is already confirmed for this event.



EBAY LISTINGS -

If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ%20km



ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.


N CLOSING -

Great playoff games last weekend with no blow out victories.

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