Mike Pergande - Noted SD Collector
 

With great sadness noted SD collector Mike Pergande passed away this morning at age 59. Mike was a longtime member, past president and one of the early founders of the Gulf Coast Trans Am Club of Texas (one the early Trans Am Clubs in the country). In the late 1970s to early 1980s, Mike was one of the first in the nation to restore an SD to a level that had never been done before. Along the way, Mike documented much information on the SDs that was used in the books The Illustrated Firebird Book and the Firebird Red Book and other publications.

His enthusiasm and friendship to the Pontiac Trans Am community will be greatly missed.

Mike Pergande
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/...ps906a0625.jpg

Mike's first SD that became the cover car for several Firebird books and publications.
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/...ps887ef8e4.jpg

Mike's Brewster SD in mid 1980s after restoration making the ISCA Grand Champion National Rounds. This pic taken in Omaha.
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/...psc8571019.jpg

Mike's Red SD as cover car for several publications
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2e382257.jpg
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8282c7cf.jpg

Link to old pictures of the Gulf Coast Trans Am Club.
http://www.motortopia.com/car-pictur...-am-club-15595


Link to Gulf Coast Trans Am Club Reunion in 2010.
http://www.pontiacsonline.com/GCTAC%20REUNION.htm


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Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Prayers & condolences to his friends & family.

Very sad news, especially this time of year and at such a young age. My condolences to all his friends and family.

Far to young at 59, our preys go out to his friends and family. Sad news, God rest his soul...

Sad news....too young but his work and passion for what he loved can be shared and his memory will live on!!!!

for your friend
 

God bless you Michael!!..and I am sure he would like us to remember him in the 'back in the day photo'...I know I will always remember him!!

Got the email today at work.....I just stopped and sat there at my desk. I saw him at a distance at PSN this past June but never did catch up with him to say hi. I didn't know him too well but every time I spoke with him he was always very nice. He certainly was the T/A guy in Houston for many years. His 73 SDs were legendary....and still are somewhere.

Rest in Peace Mike

that's a name i recognize from the earley 1980's when i first started playing with these cars. i recall him being featured in one of the first issues of Thunder Am. sad to hear about his passing. he was ahead of his time....

Rest in Peace, Michael.

My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Mike Pergande.

Prayers to friends & family.

Further proof we need to enjoy each day we are given!

So sad to hear this.
:(

My prayers go out to his family and friends.

:(

59 is way too young. Prayers to his family and friends.

The two books brings back memories from the beginning of my TA love affair. Thanks for the history.

I wonder where his Brewster car ended up? His Buc car has been owned by a form member here for any years.
Sorry to hear the sad news and prayers sent.

I was in the GCTAC in the mid-80's. I didn't get to know Mike very well, but I do remember him and his super-clean cars. I think it was Mike that sold me a t-shirt that had the front view of a '73 T/A and said something like "Mess with the best, Lose like the rest" - I loved wearing that shirt!

I was in the club when they rented Houston International Raceway (the long-gon dragstrip in Dickinson, off of I-45), and have some pictures of that event stashed back.

Too sad, my prayers and best wishes to his family.

I received the sad news via email. I had conversed with Mike a couple of weeks ago right after I sold my SD.
He was a good friend to everyone.

The Brewster car was on the block at this past Mecum Auction in Dallas. It bid up to $90k but no sale. Mike had sent me an email asking about the car. He verified from the VIN that this was his former car. However, he noted that a hood bird was added, as it was not on the car when he owned it.
I think it was sold later after the auction.

Prayers and condolences to all his family and friends,
I also agree 59 is way too young. Sad news for all.

sad news
 

Sorry to hear, prayers to the family, 59 way too young..

Mike was truly one of the "good guys" of the Pontiac hobby. We all had a blast planning for and having our Gulf Coast Trans Am Club reunion back in 2010, but it was Mike who was the driving force in making it all come together. I will truly miss him.

RIP Mike.