Shaffo acquired the dealer from the Wilson's, that's when I started working there. 2 of the techs stayed on and I learned a lot about Royal from them.
As said, there were many different flavors, both installed and mail order, but as I was told the core parts were the thinner GM head gaskets and McKellar cams.
The dealer was under GM Motors Holdings at the time and Shaffo lasted less than a year when Fresard took it over. Took a couple years before Fresard owned it. My dad bought several Bonneville's from Royal, but finally went to another dealer due to poor service for the regular customers. Poorly managed, put them out of business.
I found the picture below under my workbench when I moved in. On the back is written that this guy installed Rader wheels, Michelin tires, had the engine balanced and heads ported, Cyclone headers. After saying thank you, he writes "This GTO is the best thing since sex." At least some customers were happy.
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