The interesting people you meet when you drive a GT

Xcentric · Apr 13, 2014

I went to a car show today in Venice. Fantastic cars, but those pics will come later.

The gentleman pictured struck up a conversation. His name is Dave Montri and he is from Troy Michigan.

Turns out he was VP of Procurement at Milford Fabricating when Milford got the contract to manufacture the complete GT frame, including CNC milled body attachment points. Dave had to buy all the aluminum. He talked a bit about about the crazy deadlines and, even worse, the many design and spec changes Ford demanded throughout the process, including after any rational drop dead dates.

He said he doubts Milford made any money on the contract, but sharing the halo effect made it invaluable.

Dave is still in touch with his former colleagues who were on the manufacturing side at Milford. He said if anyone has any questions about Milford's role in the GT program, he would be happy to try to get answers.

Sinovac · Apr 13, 2014

When I read the title of your thread, I thought for sure you were referring to me. I guess he's somewhat interesting too.

Xcentric · Apr 13, 2014

Yes, well...everyone here is, by definition, interesting. Or at least curious.

Xcentric · Apr 15, 2014

I sent some photos to Dave, and he forwarded them on to the gentleman who was President of Milford at the time of the GT contract. Here is his reply:

"Dave,

Just seeing the GT gets my blood churning and my heart racing. I remember only too well going to Moersdorf and pleading the case for that job. I think he wanted it because it was such a sexy product but he had to overcome his hatred for the previous Milford top management. Anyway, I was thrilled that we got a shot at it as were my Milfab team and the UAW. Interesting sidenote: one of the UAW regional leadership guys at the bargaining table with us was Bob King.

I told Moersdorf that this job, though low in volume, could generate a really decent profit. And it did. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it saved Milford, even to this day.

The attached photo has me in the foreground with the Milford GT guys and our spaceframe. The Ford guy standing in front of the GT is Camilo Pardo, chief designer of the GT. He's a very interesting guy: auto designer, artist, fashion designer. Look him up."

Empty Pockets · Apr 15, 2014

Xcentric said:
The Ford guy standing in front of the GT is Camilo Pardo, chief designer of the GT. He's a very interesting guy: auto designer, artist, fashion designer. Look him up."

:biggrin It's probably safe to say none here will find that necessary!

FBA · Apr 16, 2014

I meet a lot of dumb cops who just pull me over to ask me what kind of Ferrari it is, under the guise of a routine traffic stop. They're NOT interesting people; just dumb cops wasting my time. My answer is usually "It's just a f_cking Ford kit car with a Ferrari engine". LOL

Xcentric · Apr 16, 2014

That is just sad. And, sadly, has nothing to do with an interesting people thread.

dbk · Apr 16, 2014

Cool story. Any time you meet any of the cast of characters from production, feel free to invite them onto the forum!

Xcentric · Apr 16, 2014

Milford was a division of the Budd Company and Budd was part of the German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp. Wolfram Moersdorf was the CEO and a Krupp guy and, according to an unnamed source, a real a-hole and very difficult to work with/for. Bob King became President and still is of the UAW.

GTdrummer · Apr 16, 2014

Guess I am just lucky but I have driven 3 GTs for years, as well as other exotics in several states and have not had any issues with any , much less many, "dumb" cops.

maxemus · Apr 16, 2014

GTdrummer said:
Guess I am just lucky but I have driven 3 GTs for years, as well as other exotics in several states and have not had any issues with any , much less many, "dumb" cops.

You're the exception. I once had a douche bag female trooper stop me
In get this...rush hour traffic!!! According to her I was speeding. I asked her if we were on candid camera or punkd? She was screaming at me for in her words "driving like shit". When she checked my record she came back and politely let me go. Weird all the way

Xcentric · Apr 16, 2014

Never any issues here either. Interesting people stories welcome. Hint...hint.

Sinovac · Apr 16, 2014

I was in my GT once when I met a bald gas station attendant who had a spider web tattooed on his head, a full set of lower teeth and no upper teeth. I found that pretty interesting.

Are you happy now?

Cobrar · Apr 16, 2014

Sinovac said:
I was in my GT once when I met a bald gas station attendant who had a spider web tattooed on his head, a full set of lower teeth and no upper teeth. I found that pretty interesting.

Are you happy now?

:rofl

Ed Sims · Apr 16, 2014

Sinovac said:
I was in my GT once when I met a bald gas station attendant who had a spider web tattooed on his head, a full set of lower teeth and no upper teeth.

Not that uncommon!

Ed

Xcentric · Apr 16, 2014

Sinovac said:
I was in my GT once when I met a bald gas station attendant who had a spider web tattooed on his head, a full set of lower teeth and no upper teeth. I found that pretty interesting.

Are you happy now?

Pics or it didn't happen.

Sinovac · Apr 16, 2014

Xcentric said:
Pics or it didn't happen.

I'm hurt that you are questioning my honesty.

SteveA · Apr 16, 2014

Delete.

Sinovac · Apr 16, 2014

By the way Gary, since your thread is already completely derailed anyway, this is your friendly reminder that DuPont Cars and Coffee is this Saturday. You too Rick.

Xcentric · Apr 17, 2014

Yes, and Dimmitt is having a post-C&C party. IDK yet. You too Matt. You too andymlow with your newly acquired 12C. It would be way cool to pace each other up I-75.

Edit: Why do my threads get so effed up? I go yin, everybody goes yang. I even get "delete." wtf is up with that? :/ :lol

Edit: Lovebugs are out.

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