GT/CS Party-Feb 15, 1968 Photos

[PNewitt]

I thought as a teaser-promo for the book, I'd provide a couple photos of the promotional party for the GT/CS, on Feb 15th, 1968 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

This was in the Los Angeles Ballroom. Note the billboard, which in this angle of the photo, looks a bit distorted. Lee Grey told me that one of these billboards was set up on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood.

The gentlemen at the tables (having dinner) are Los Angeles District Ford Dealers watching the presentation on the stage.

This event broke all wholesale order records up to that time.

Paul N.

 

[John McGilvary]

Too bad we can't find that billboard, it would look cool on the side of a CS owners shop.

 

[PNewitt]

A poster like that would be cool for CS owner's garage, too.

Here is another photo. It's kinda funny. At far right is Lee Grey (the father of the GT/CS; and L.A. District Sales Mgr.), and there are two stewardesses that were hired (from Amer. Airlines) to show off the cars, not unlike the models they have (had) on "The Price is Right" (LOL).

Since this was back, almost 40 years ago, it was an all-male dominated sales force invited to the event. Lots of white shirts, narrow black ties and coats. How things have changed today....

I believe one of the other gentlemen is the president of Pacific Outdoor, the company that made the billboards.

This was probably the entry-sign-in area just outside the Los Angeles Ballroom for arriving dealers. These rooms still exist today at the Hyatt Century Plaza Hotel--the luxury hotel that several of us visited for photos a few months ago.

Paul N.

 

[ponyboy]

Hey paul, whats the possibility of getting an 8x10 of one of the pictures from that party to hang on my wall. Maybe the one with the girls unveiling the cars.Would it be possible to purchase one of these from you? Please let me know, Richie

 

[robert campbell]

Paul,
Was out this weekend. I love the billboard. John, notice the GT/CS script is not on the quarter panel. Paul showed a similar pic in his 1986 book and commented on the lack of the script due to it last minute approval!

More great pics from Pauls archive!!

Rob