Tom Tjaarda's signature

Sure,but sadly it will be worth more after his passing. Kinda like an artist's work. They say Tom will give anyone an autograph any time. Unlike someone else you mentioned.

I sent my sunvisor down to a Texas P-car owner that went to the show in Grapevine,TX. last weekend and he kindly had Tom sign it for me. Just got it back yesterday & it's great! Don't know whether it will enhance the value of the car - not really concerned about that. I just want a memory of the original designer of the car to be a part of it. How many other owners of any kind of automobile can say they have the original designer's signature on their car? Hopefully, next year I can actually make it down there and meet Tom in person - hope so!

Bob

We just had Tom over for Italian Car Fest and he was amazing. Not once did he hesitate signing anything and everything, including a lot of Fiat 124 Spyders that he also designed. Truly a gentleman.

Speaking of 124s, Tom has to be the only designer to have 2 cars that were in production for 20 years. Both the Pantera and the 124 Spyder had 20 year production runs. How's that for designing timeless beauties.

If I remember correctly, Shelby cars came new from the factory with his signature on the glovebox.

As far as Shelby is concerned, he never actually "designed" any of the actual cars that carry his name that I know of - even the newest Shelby series cars have Tom T. to thank for some of their design. All Shelby's ever did was take a car in regular production and "Souped" it up and made a few cosmetic changes to appeal to the gearheads of the world - of which I am one. Tom's signature on your Pantera or any other car that he actually "designed" is a whole different story. FWIW.

Bob