GM Collection
Written by Keith Fudge

Anyone who has followed the performance history of General Motors recognizes the name of Jon Moss. Jon is the Manager of Special Vehicles at GM and recently, Dennis Gage and the crew of My Classic Car had the chance to receive a personal tour from Jon through a part of GM’s Concept and Historic car collection.

After we arrived, Jon took Dennis into a warehouse that resembled a “candy store” for certified car nuts! Jon told us that there were 150-200 cars at this site, but that this just “scratched the surface” regarding the collection. While it was truly overwhelming, the crew dove in “feet first” and walked through the collection both fascinated and awestruck by what they saw.

Jon first showed Dennis a 1903 Pirate, a one-cylinder, six-horsepower car that set the land speed record for that year with a top speed of 54 miles per hour! Next, there were two fantastic examples of early Oldsmobiles: a 1912 Touring Car and a 1932. Jon told Dennis that these were the only ones in existence for their respective years. Jon then showed Dennis a really unique vehicle: a 1951 GMC Canopy Express Market Edition. This vehicle was literally a “Farmer’s Market” on wheels complete with vendor bins that extended from the side, and it even included a scale to weight the produce in the rear of the vehicle! Other vintage and rare vehicles that Jon pointed out were a 1929 Chevy that had been found in a GM warehouse, a 1940 Pontiac that sported the first Hydromatic transmission. Finally there was a great 1956 Chevy pickup that was equipped with at 283 V-8.

Next, it came time for Jon to reveal some of that famous GM concept muscle and he began by revealing a current generation Camaro powered by an aluminum 427 cubic inch small block. Jon said that this bad boy would make around 700 horsepower! Next, we saw the concept version of the new Chevrolet Silverado SS. This concept performance truck is ultra rare for it features a full C-5 Corvette running gear underneath, and the box and body of the truck itself are all one piece construction. Finally, John showed Dennis and the crew another truck that featured a version of the 8100 big block that makes 630 horsepower. This truck was equipped with all-wheel drive! Talk about the potential to burn off an entire set of tires at one time! Last, but certainly not least, Jon took Dennis through a section of the warehouse that contained stunning examples of vintage GM cars such as an Oldsmobile Fiesta (a car that fetches in excess of $100,000 from collectors today), and a beautiful 1957 Oldsmobile 88 that literally stopped the crew in its tracks.

It was a rare treat and we would like to thank Jon and General Motors for the privilege of giving everyone a glimpse at a great part of GM and automotive history.