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If one company was most instrumental to making Pontiac part of muscle car history, it was Royal Pontiac. Owned by Asa Wilson Jr., Royal Pontiac went from an ordinary Pontiac dealership to the company’s launch pad for ultimate performance quickly. While Royal Pontiac has been gone for decades, its legend still lives on through existing Royal classics-one of which will be gracing the auction block of the St. Charles Mecum auction in September.
The modified classic heading to Mecum is a ‘68 Royal Bobcat GTO. Last year we dubbed the Bobcat GTO “a Muscle Car You Should Know.” While not exactly the car that was featured in that article, the ‘68 has one impressive story.
Originally bought by Mike Rutherford, the ‘68 GTO was order from Royal Pontiac with a 428cui, 425hp engine at the prompting of Rutherford’s friend, Arnie Beswick. Appeals to Jim Wangers, founder of the GTO, and some Royal Pontiac staff was required for the car to be modified in such a fashion. With the project underway, Lee Kelley from Popular Hot Rodding caught wind of the modification and showed up at Royal Pontiac, capturing the iconic image of Dave Warren and Milt Schornack hoisting the engine into the GTO.
Rutherford raced the car for the many years he owned the car, primarily making a name for himself on the streets but dappling in races at the drag strip as well. “Bossman” lettering was added to the side of the car as well Beswick’s name late in Rutherford’s ownership, ending in 1999. Mike Guarise, noted muscle car collector, acquired the car later and went about restoring the car to its Rutherford racing years using many refinished parts.
The next owner has the option of having the car returned to its original condition or keeping it as it currently sits. The car is equipped with a 428cui engine and four-speed transmission. The redone Rutherford graphics were put on the car in vinyl so they could be easily removed. The original wheels, tires and hubcaps also come with the car so that it can be returned to its original appearance.
If you are interested in bidding on the ‘68 Royal Bobcat GTO, it will cross the auction block on Saturday September 17th at 1:50p.m. Not only will you be bidding on an iconic Royal car, you’ll also be seeking the ownership of the only car known to have ties to both Arnie Beswick and Royal Pontiac.
