Editors' Note: If you have a comment, please include your name or initials (AND YOUR HOMETOWN TOO). We do not print email addresses. Thank you.
The Viper.
Your homage to Bill Mitchell and the heritage of GM stands in stark
contrast to the news this morning that Chrysler is considering selling
the Viper. Bob Nardelli wouldn't understand the importance of the Viper
to Chrysler, its dealers, and its customers if it were the Corvette and
he were running GM (banish the thought). Perhaps this potential deal
makes sense in the sterile corners of Nardelli's mind. I'm certain the
Chrysler faithful (dwindling by the day) will be aghast.
J.H.
Alpharetta, Ga.
Publisher's Note: See our discussion of the Viper in today's
"On the Table" column. Chrysler getting rid of Viper will be a
good thing exactly for the reason you stated: Nardelli doesn't get it and
doesn't care. So the Viper would be better off in the hands of
enthusiast/business people who understand Viper and want it to survive -
and thrive. - PMD
GM's heritage.
I was fascinated by the photos and link to the General Motors Parade
of Progress photos in today's AE. I especially enjoyed the "Future
Liners" and was intrigued enough to search out additional info and
links on their history, specs and the massive efforts to restore these
vehicles. In reading the stories about the "Parade of Progress"
that these vehicles were specifically designed for I felt conflicting
emotions. First, nostalgia and pride for a time when it appeared that
General Motors could accomplish anything once they committed the
necessary resources and second, sadness when looking at recent photos of
these vehicles sitting in wrecking yards, rusted and forgotten, looking
like aged "Mammoths" waiting to die. How sad it will be if this
fate awaits the company that dreamed and built them.
Pete Watson
Santa Clarita,California
Dreams.
I was a Motorama kid and well remember standing on long lines in the
freezing cold until they let my dad and me into the Waldorf to see the
show. What a wonder it was to see those sparkling dream-mobiles rotating
under the lights. I still hunger for a Pontiac Club De Mer and for years
expected to drive a turbine Firebird III when I grew up. Interestingly, I
met several of those cars again firsthand when Eyes on Design was run at
the GM Design Center a few years ago. How strange to see them just
sitting on the grass next to mere mortal metal. I actually opened the
Firebird III's door and was tempted to get in but resisted the urge.
Thank goodness GM defied their lawyers and kept some of them (not enough)
and collectors like Joe Bortz restored others. We've lost too many of our
dreams.
Jay Scott
Boca Raton, FL
More on Mitchell.
I read your fascinating Bill Mitchell piece for the first time today
and I'm moved to say two things.
The first is the obvious knee-jerk of jealousy, that you had such
close-up and everyday contact with a such a hugely talented
individual.
Second - the obverse. After spending so much time in the presence of so
much ability and passion, it's no wonder you feel so let down by the
subsequent crop of "no decision is a good decision" pen-pushers
and bean counters who have squandered the legacy of Mitchell and all the
others who actually cared.
Funny thing, but after lifetime of steadfast refusal to "write
in", no matter what the provocation, I've done so twice in as many
months, on both occasions to AE. Much as I'd love to hope that you are
touching as many nerves in ivory towers as you are out here in the real
world, I'm dreadfully afraid it's just a dream, and they still won't know
or care as it all comes tumbling down around them.
Where's that fiddle?
Richard Nichols
Isle of Man