Many of us are passionate about the Pontiac brand. That is certainly the case with Tim Dye, the driving force behind the Pontiac-Oakland Museum and Resource Center in Pontiac, Illinois.

However, “passionate” only touches the surface of the dedication Tim has shown to all things Pontiac.

BIOGRAPHY

He has spent the better portion of his life researching the history of Pontiacs and Oaklands, and in his travels has amassed, most probably, the largest collection of literature, memoriablia, parts, tools, cars - you name it – related to these vehicles.

One of Tim’s greatest interests is the history behind these automobiles. Everything from the mechanical and design aspects of them to the reason they began and how they were built, advertised, sold, serviced, and enjoyed by their many owners. It is only fitting that Tim’s passion for and collection of the Pontiac brand be enjoyed by all who share his love for the car(s). This desire to share his knowledge and collection lead to Tim’s overwhelming participation in numerous Pontiac and Oakland hobby organizations, and his eventual creation of the Pontiac- Oakland Museum and Resource Center.

The result of Tim’s passion for Pontiacs has been parlayed into a world-class facility that not only celebrates the history of Pontiac Motor Division but has become the only brick and mortar, seven days a week facility flying the Pontiac banner for the hobby. Here are some highlights of Tim’s Pontiac history.

Early Years:

• 1979 - Forms GTO club in his home town of Lima, Ohio - Joins GTOAA, one of first members


• 1980 - One of 13 GTOs in attendance at very first GTOAA convention


• 1981 - Named editor of GTOAA club publication


• 1981 - 1983 GTOAA convention chairman


• 1984 - Joins POCI


• Founding member of Indian Nations Chapter of POCI and newsletter editor


• 1988 - Co-Founder of Grand Prix Chapter of POCI and their first newsletter editor


• 1989 - Voted on to POCI board of Directors (would serve for 9 years)

1990s – early 2000s:

• 1990 - Instrumental in startup of Arkansas
• Author of dozens of stories, begins appearing as guest speaker at Pontiac club shows and conventions, continues as chapter newsletter editor for various chapters.


• 2008 - Authored first of several Pontiac related books


• Set up Oakland display at Henry Ford Museum


• 2010 - Founded the Pontiac-Oakland Museum and Resource Center


• Serving as museum Director 2010 to present

Tim has most recently taken on the Editor responsibilities for Smoke Signals Magazine published for the 10,000+ Pontiac Oakland Club International members.

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

Photo courtesy of NYT