Two automotive legends gone

"Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing." (granfury)
10/30/2015 at 02:03 • Filed to: None

Only recently did I learn of the passing of Tom Hnatiw. I recently discovered an OTA automotive channel that shows a bunch of older car shows, including one of my old favorites out of Canada, ‘Dream Car Garage’. I’ve always found Tom to be hilarious and have enjoyed re-watching this show, and so went to see what he’s been up to only to find out that he passed away in 2012. Bummer.

Just last night I read about the passing of Dick Guldstrand right here on Oppo. Back when I lived in SoCal I was at a favorite automotive/aviation bookstore in Burbank, spending every spare cent on my never-ending book collection. At the front of the store was a classic ‘50s-vintage sprint car that I was checking out. An older gentleman wandered over and we started talking whilst I was looking at this car. Normally I’m not too good with recognizing faces, but when I looked up I recognized that the person I was chatting with was Dick Guldstrand. We ended up talking for over an hour about all sorts of things, well past closing time for the store. Easily one of the nicest people I’ve met.

RIP Tom and Dick.

DISCUSSION (4)

shop-teacher > Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing.
10/30/2015 at 07:18

I missed the news about Dick Guldstrand, that is sad. That is a very cool brush with fame though, a great story.

I loved Dream Car Garage as well. My favorite segment was one where Tom brought out a guy who was some sort of detailing specialist to give us tips about taking care of our cars in the winter. The segment completely went off the rails when all the guy said was, “Don’t use a snow brush.”

Tom tried to steer him to give tips for those of us who had no choice but to use a snow brush. The guy simply replied, angrily and emphatically, “Don’t use a snow brush.”

Tom just ended the segment there. It was the most beautifully awkward with of TV I ever saw, but Tom handled it like a pro.

RallyWrench > Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing.
10/30/2015 at 12:20

Tom was a great guy, when I was in World Challenge he was always around the paddock chatting up teams before stepping into the booth to call our sessions. That's a great story about Guldstrand!

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > shop-teacher
10/30/2015 at 12:24

I don’t recall that segment, but I look forward to finding it. My TiVo is currently recording 2 episodes of Dream Car Garage daily, so hopefully I’ll find it soon (or check YouTube - it’s probably there...)

shop-teacher > Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing.
10/30/2015 at 12:29

I never got around to looking for it on you tube. I’d love to see it again if you find it!