Calif. Pontiac Buff Disappointed With GM

MONTEREY, Calif. -- General Motors announced Monday it would phase out its Pontiac line of vehicles -- a move that left many classic car buffs with a nostalgic lump in their throats.

"We're now looking at the first muscle car in America," John Hayworth told KSBW-TV in Monterey while showing his 1965 Pontiac GTO.

The auto company asked the federal government to take over more than 50 percent of its stock in exchange for major debt relief.

Hayworth bought his first car in the 1960s. He has another one now, a 1965 Goat he's named "Martha."

"I live and breathe it. I thought the engineering of Pontiac was a cut above any other carmaker," Hayworth.

Pontiac, however, is set to be phased out by the end of next year as GM deals with looming bankruptcy. The automaker's new plan also means slashing 21,000 more jobs and 13 plants.

Local dealerships declined to comment on the decision, because they don't want to alarm customers.

"The thousands and thousands of people who sat there and built them, they'll be sad like I am," Hayworth said.

Pontiac made up 9 percent of GM's sales in 2008, coming in third out of the five major GM brands. It was a drop from Pontiac's heyday in the 1970s and resurgence in the '80s with the Trans Am and the Firebird.

According to Edmunds.com, in March the average Pontiac sold for 22 percent off the sticker price, compared to an industry average of 16 percent. With GM trying to cut $27 billion in unsecured debt the future of Pontiac is on its way off the road.

"Proud I've got a piece of history and I guess a little bit upset right now about GM and their problems," Hayworth said.

Even with the fate sealed for the all-American brand, Hayworth said his love for the car will still run full speed ahead.

"If I can get a license at 95, I'll still drive her. If I lose my sight, I'll use Braille. But I'm keeping my girl," Hayworth said.

Hayworth and his car club, Gold Coast Rods, are hosting a classic car show at the Monterey County Fairgrounds on Memorial Day weekend.