RIP, Jackie Cooper

Why do we stop and recognize this former child star of the “Our Gang” comedies? Because Jackie Cooper, who died this week, evolved from being a child actor to a power as an actor and Emmy-winning executive in Hollywood, plus a decorated Naval Reserve officer. He was also a big-time car enthusiast, having come of […]

Besasie’s bizarre batmobile: the X-3 Explorer

Most car people familiar with the Besasie clan of Milwaukee probably know of them in connection with designer Brooks Stevens. Ray Besasie Sr. had been Stevens’ personal mechanic since 1940, Joe Besasie designed a number of concepts for Stevens – including the Excalibur – and Ray Besasie Jr. built and raced cars for Stevens (as […]

RIP, Mac McKellar

The Pontiac hobby as well as America’s automotive heritage lost one of its greatest engineers when noted Pontiac engine designer Malcolm “Mac” McKellar passed away on April 9, 2011. Mac was the lead engineer and driving force behind Pontiac’s highly successful Super Duty racing program, which put Pontiac on the performance chart, where it quickly […]