Reasonable men can disagree reasonably. I originally began this thread with an observation and some personal opinions. Some of the responses have been thoughtful and measured. One or two, I felt were not. So be it.
Everyone has their own agenda here and I think it's painfully obvious how my premise has been bloviated by some to enhance their personal biases.
Cobrabill, I'm sure you feel secure in your understanding of the origins of the GTO and I respectfully accept that. But over the course of my 25-year career in automotive television, I've personally spoken to and interviewed a host of people directly involved in the GTO story. Yes, Jim Wangers and I have had more than a few conversations when I wrote and produced "Wild About Wheels" for the Discovery Channel in 1992-93. I covered NHRA Drag Racing for ESPN for 12 years and have had many an informative conversation with Arnie Beswick. I was in the audience at his induction into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in Ocala, FL several years ago. I have also had many a conversation with Don Gay and his son, Don Gay Jr. from Texas, who also campaigned many drag racing GTO's for a long time. One of the fastest cars I ever owned was a 1967 GTO convertible that I bought for $250.00 in 1971.
This isn't intended to be an "I know more then you do" rave because the entire automotive hobby has a long tradition of bench racing and friendly debate. We're all wrong some of the time--perhaps more times than we realize. It's just that as an incurable motorhead, my profession has given me the privilege of meeting, speaking to, and becoming friends with a rather lengthy list of car guys who are many times more honest and candid privately than they are publicly.
Anonymity is a useful method of covering one's tracks. If you have a moment, you can go to
www.ult-garage.com see where I'm coming from.