The Last Martin Bunn       Dave Mantor  

Gus Goes Fishing-Mantor   A Special Christmas Service Call-Mantor   Gus Takes A Vacation-Mantor

Gus Helps Catch the Wrong "Hot Rodder"   Gus Works on His First Shelby Mustang

Gary Ash  Al Richer  Richer 2 

             Over the years I have been privileged to meet several mechanics who exemplified the type of service and caring that was typical of Gus Wilson at the Model Garage.  There are still Gus Wilsons' roaming the landscape but they seem to be fewer in number.  It's gratifying therefore to be able to share this e-mail from Dave Mantor of Indiana. I think you'll see why I value his friendship.  

Mike Hammerberg

Hi Mike,

It's been awhile since I've corresponded with you and just thought I'd take a moment to catch up on a couple of things.

First I was wondering about your dad.  Some time back you mentioned he hadn't been doing very good.

Second I again want to thank you for your gift to me of the cd's of Gus Wilson.  I open the files a lot  and read them to relax.

They're not just entertaining stories but really, the stories have a great deal of depth...for cars and for life.

I was reading the December '48 episode and what a bunch of memories came flooding back.

I was working at a DX station along about 1971 or so up on I-80 in Iowa.  It was part of a truck stop complex, but I won't get into that.

A young-ish woman came in with an International Travel-All that had just recently had its motor overhauled.  I don't remember what ended up being the problem but I was able to fix it.  She opened her purse and I could tell there wasn't much money there.  She had 2 little kids in the back seat and a bout a 100 miles or so  to go.

I wouldn't accept any money on the excuse that someday I might find myself in as pinch along the road with little money and hopefully someone would come to my aid.

I received a huge hug and kiss much to the surprise of my co-worker who was coming through the door at that moment.

How will there ever be any memories for the youngsters of today that could ever equal our memories in the old service station?

Have a great weekend, Mike.