Mr. Norm - Mopar Legend Raw Interview and Bonus Short Documentary

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  • Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
  • Newly found interview with the High-Performance King Of Mopars "Mr. Norm" Kraus. Mr. Norm's Grand-Spaulding Dodge in Chicago was the home of Dodge performance during the muscle car era. Grand-Spaulding Dodge was the biggest performance Dodge dealership and Dodge's largest dealer.
    Recorded in 1997.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 114

  • @mc-mk9oj
    @mc-mk9oj Рік тому +50

    One thing that stands out in this video is Norm wasnt really a car guy he was a very astute businessman that decided to do cars for business and knew he had to understand them to be successful at it. His ideas of dyno tuning the cars in front of customers and projecting their photos on the wall, his car club etc were the ultimate example of "sell an experience dont just sell a product "

  • @williamcole464
    @williamcole464 Рік тому +19

    I was homered to know Norm, and his brother Lenny. I bought my first car from them in 1968, it was a 65 Coronet 440, 426 Street Ram. That begain a long time relationship with Norm and the whole crew at G/S Dodge. After all these years, I still feel honored to have been a employee of them, will always treasure the memories

  • @dodgeguyz
    @dodgeguyz Рік тому +41

    I never knew he did an interview. It’s good to hear his story from him! He had a huge impact on Mopar performance and was the reason factory’s started offering specialty cars.

  • @TheRonpog
    @TheRonpog Рік тому +25

    Back in the 60s when I was a kid in Evansville, I always wanted to go to Mr. Norm’s. We used to listen to their ads on the radio. I really enjoyed the interview.

  • @bigiron8831
    @bigiron8831 Рік тому +24

    Having spent quite a bit of time in the Chicago area in the 60s and 70s i remember hearing Mr.Norm's Grand Spaulding Dodge on a daily basis and I still race at Byron ( rockford)Drag Strip......👍

  • @jamesmisener3006
    @jamesmisener3006 Рік тому +15

    Find your niche and run with it.
    It took Norm 8 years or so to find his.
    He was a distant legend in magazines in my day. Cheers 🇨🇦

  • @toddclark332
    @toddclark332 Рік тому +16

    Mr Norm that s a name we all know even when i was a young man thanks Dennis have a great Saturday sir ❤

  • @MacBolden
    @MacBolden Рік тому +27

    That was a very enjoyable interview. I've heard of and somewhat idolized "Mr. Norm" for about as long as I've been a car junkie. Great job by the interviewer, and the guest delivered some great insight regarding his roots and business world. Thank you!

    • @brody.4098
      @brody.4098 Рік тому +1

      I think the interviewer might be Kevin Oeste, but I'm not sure.

    • @MacBolden
      @MacBolden 11 місяців тому

      @@brody.4098 I've seen Kevin in other interviews and didn't put it together. Thank you for answering. Regardless, he (IMO) directed the interview in a way to extract answers to questions that I've always thought about asking if I'd had the opportunity. Again, great job!

  • @tomcox2565
    @tomcox2565 6 місяців тому +3

    I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Norm a few times at Mopar Fest in New Hamburg Ontario. Cool mopar legend . May he RIP.

  • @watchman11000
    @watchman11000 Рік тому +10

    What a cool down to earth guy, stayed humble in his success.

  • @jobamasux
    @jobamasux Рік тому +5

    If you grew up in Chicago , you will remember Schmerler Ford and the singing Ford man and Mr Norm!

  • @extramile150
    @extramile150 Рік тому +6

    excellent stuff...between Gary Dyer and Mr. Norm, MOPAR thrived, and they actually were the forerunners of the blown funny cars along with Arnie Beswick. They lived for match racing and the fans ate it up.

  • @marioncobaretti2280
    @marioncobaretti2280 Рік тому +10

    What an incredible dude

  • @kadillacdeville
    @kadillacdeville Рік тому +7

    Great honest down to earth interview with a legend.

  • @gregsimon9061
    @gregsimon9061 Рік тому +12

    Great memories of Mr Norms

  • @THROTTLEPOWER
    @THROTTLEPOWER Рік тому +15

    Oh wow, love this!!!!!!!!!! 👍👍

  • @GTP427cobra
    @GTP427cobra Рік тому +4

    I live in Alabama and I remember listing to WLS Chicago at night and advertise MR. NORM Grind Spalding Dodge

  • @user-vk3ez6yc6e
    @user-vk3ez6yc6e Рік тому +5

    Mr. Norm was very dapper with glasses that matched his tie.

  • @barryknodel9654
    @barryknodel9654 Рік тому +2

    Always wanted to meet & speak with Norm, and listen to his wisdom. His love for creating relationships was awesome. Thank you Dennis, for this episode

  • @lewis730
    @lewis730 Рік тому +3

    Oh man, what a businessman. Great interview!

  • @jasonjhuber
    @jasonjhuber Рік тому +3

    This is a wonderful interview. A TRUE Car Guy’s Car Guy!! 😎
    Thanks for the (American) dreams and memories sir, and God bless you. 🇺🇸

    • @jasonjhuber
      @jasonjhuber Рік тому

      Dennis: Now do Gary Dyer!!… 😉

  • @matrox
    @matrox Рік тому +18

    This was filmed about 25 years ago. 1/4 of a century ago.😵‍💫

    • @johnchildress6717
      @johnchildress6717 Рік тому +5

      Thanks for the timeline.I was curious about it.He was sharp.

    • @farnorthhomested844
      @farnorthhomested844 4 місяці тому +1

      ya i was gonna comment on how good he looks today.

    • @matrox
      @matrox 4 місяці тому

      @@farnorthhomested844 He's dead.

  • @hausf.kartreit1111
    @hausf.kartreit1111 4 дні тому +2

    WowIt's great to finally see who Mr Norm was👍🍺🤳Legendary Man✌️🤠🌵

  • @marcstruglia5910
    @marcstruglia5910 Рік тому +11

    Damn good story!

  • @Gregorybridgewater
    @Gregorybridgewater 4 місяці тому +1

    Amazing interview! How awesome would it have been to have grown up during those times!

  • @haroldbirge6881
    @haroldbirge6881 Рік тому +7

    🏆Mr. Norm 🏆was the man 🍀got er done 😎✌️

  • @danam0228
    @danam0228 Рік тому +7

    What a great no nonsense guy

  • @LesMorrisracing
    @LesMorrisracing Рік тому +2

    I got a 1968 Cuda 340 6 pack 4 speed from Bobby Dyer. It was his car and he sold it. I raced it at US 30 Drag Strip. Good old days. I miss that car

  • @johnkufeldt3564
    @johnkufeldt3564 9 місяців тому +2

    Great interview. Cheers from Canada.

  • @terryenyart5838
    @terryenyart5838 5 місяців тому +1

    I bought Gary's SuperFlow dyno & was honored to meet Gary & his employees. They treated me great & I was impressed with Gary's shop & equipment to make blowers. I would be honored to me Norm as well. Great people. Arbie Beswick is another gentleman I've met and enjoyed meeting.

  • @paulwest4755
    @paulwest4755 Рік тому +2

    Fantastic interview, sure glad i watched it. ❤

  • @madmanmechanic8847
    @madmanmechanic8847 7 місяців тому +1

    Wow I am so blown away how grounded he was so real no ego no BS just a real down to earth gear head. I wish we had people like that now. People are so freaking cold now and just want to be left alone and dont want to talk. I would of loved to meet him

  • @The_R-n-I_Guy
    @The_R-n-I_Guy Рік тому +13

    Wow. Its a shame that you can't do anything like this today. The car and racing community isn't for the poor anymore. A guy like me with a decent job could buy at least one new car. And go racing at least once a month. Today, no way. You've gotta be rich to do anything now

  • @jamesemmeneckersr.1875
    @jamesemmeneckersr.1875 Рік тому +3

    This is an awesome interview

  • @brianandglendaharkin9457
    @brianandglendaharkin9457 Рік тому +5

    MOPAR for life 👍🏻🇦🇺💯⛽️

  • @mikram2613
    @mikram2613 Рік тому +2

    This is just a likeable guy what a good business sense

  • @rtraymond
    @rtraymond Рік тому +2

    Got to meet him at Moparfest in New Hamburg Ont in 2002 ish

  • @sudsysutherland359
    @sudsysutherland359 Рік тому +4

    Mopar = MoPower! I live in Windsor,Ontario which is right across Detroit the motor city. Windsor is the automotive capital of Canada 🇨🇦 & obviously Detroit is the automotive capital of the United States 🇺🇸 I worked at a chroming plant in Windsor called “Rust Shield Plating” which was changed to “Chrome Shield Plating” & we did rear bumpers for the full size GM trucks in full production on a 3 shift lines & on midnight shifts I’d do custom work for the bikers & muscle car guys.

  • @taylormoses5884
    @taylormoses5884 Рік тому +4

    Now this is mr Dodge
    Mr Norm

  • @LongIslandMopars
    @LongIslandMopars Рік тому +8

    Buddy of mine bought an original Grand Spaulding Dodge custom van. Oh the stories that shag carpet can tell.....

  • @reallivehumandrummer4438
    @reallivehumandrummer4438 10 місяців тому +2

    Amazing intrview

  • @MikeJBlues
    @MikeJBlues Рік тому +2

    Wonder where the Buckinghams 440 Dart is today and man would we live to see the slides

  • @davidcoudriet8439
    @davidcoudriet8439 Рік тому +2

    What a cool guy. Great stories!

  • @SSV-i-c-e
    @SSV-i-c-e Рік тому +4

    I’m a Chevy guy but no and respect who mr norm is great video.hi from New Zealand 🇳🇿

  • @peterwhitman5575
    @peterwhitman5575 3 місяці тому +1

    What a cool interview

  • @OakLawnSpeedShop
    @OakLawnSpeedShop Рік тому +3

    Gary Deyer is a south side Chicago legend. Romeo Palimedes also

  • @scottbrown7415
    @scottbrown7415 Рік тому +1

    A genuine legend right there! Mr.Norm is proof that if you actually did it, "it ain't bragging!"

  • @nickpanaritis4122
    @nickpanaritis4122 5 місяців тому +1

    He was a great man. One of a kind.

  • @MikeJBlues
    @MikeJBlues Рік тому +3

    Mr. Norm is Mr. Mopar

  • @Dcw-rp6ib
    @Dcw-rp6ib Рік тому +2

    I had a 69 dodge Dart GTS that I was told was a Mr. Norms dart but by the time I got it in 1979 it had no hemi and no vinyl top was also red with a 383. I don't think the story was true but had to sell it due to a work strike of 7 months. Damn even tho not sure it was one I wish I still had that car. When I had a chance to get it back the guy that owned it totalled it.

  • @TheTreasureGuard
    @TheTreasureGuard Рік тому +11

    Hi Norm, used car dealers never die, they just trade away.

  • @stoneylonesome4062
    @stoneylonesome4062 Рік тому +2

    I can’t get over his hairline. Solid as a Slant-Six, until the very end.

  • @yodajolewis1728
    @yodajolewis1728 Рік тому +5

    Mr. Norm is the best

  • @marioncobaretti2280
    @marioncobaretti2280 Рік тому +2

    Thats so awesome that he is still alive

    • @phillipcramer7936
      @phillipcramer7936 Рік тому +3

      Norm sadly passed away in 2021. He was 87. This is an interview from circa 1997.

    • @youtubecarspottersguide1
      @youtubecarspottersguide1 Рік тому +4

      @@phillipcramer7936 he lived the full circle of moper the rebirth of Hemis .... str8 hellcats and vipers

  • @nhra7110
    @nhra7110 Рік тому +5

    Awesome part of history!!

  • @Merylstreep1949
    @Merylstreep1949 Рік тому +2

    The best thing from Chicagoland next to deep dish pizza❤

  • @papasmodelcarroom8450
    @papasmodelcarroom8450 7 місяців тому +1

    That was AWESOME

  • @quagmiredavis4117
    @quagmiredavis4117 Рік тому +4

    Mr norm and graveyard cars need to do interview

    • @MyClassicCarTV
      @MyClassicCarTV  Рік тому +4

      That would be pretty difficult since Mr. Norm passed away in Feb 2021.

    • @joshuagibson2520
      @joshuagibson2520 Рік тому +1

      Mark Worman is a real piece of work. Fuck that guy.

  • @uncleclownb9239
    @uncleclownb9239 Рік тому +2

    mr norm is the back bone to the baddest mopars on the planet batteries where included .peace

  • @arneminderman3770
    @arneminderman3770 8 місяців тому +1

    Great guy!!!

  • @dang5553
    @dang5553 Рік тому +1

    Awesome video

  • @stephenpoe2037
    @stephenpoe2037 Рік тому +1

    Very interesting !

  • @captjim007
    @captjim007 Рік тому +5

    Sure wish it was the late sixty's again and you could go to Mr. Norm's and buy a Hemi whatever.

  • @larryb6715
    @larryb6715 Рік тому +5

    Dennis, how did you lose this?

  • @tommymcdonnelljr1582
    @tommymcdonnelljr1582 11 місяців тому +1

    Wish I could have grew up back then

  • @Thunderstruck951
    @Thunderstruck951 Рік тому +5

    Can you upload your old show intro? It had a guy working on his car outside at 1:00 am outdoors. It was a really cool setting.

    • @MyClassicCarTV
      @MyClassicCarTV  Рік тому +7

      That was me, working on my E-Type coupe back in 1995. It would be kind of interesting to upload the original open of the show from back in the day. We'll put that on the list!

    • @Thunderstruck951
      @Thunderstruck951 Рік тому +2

      @@MyClassicCarTV Thank you very much!

    • @Thomasploeg1968
      @Thomasploeg1968 Рік тому +2

      ​@@MyClassicCarTV please do

  • @terryeustice5399
    @terryeustice5399 Рік тому +1

    Very cool 😎

  • @johnchildress6717
    @johnchildress6717 Рік тому +4

    It,s sure sad to drive by this old location.Just a tall fence and nothing.

  • @mattskustomkreations
    @mattskustomkreations Рік тому +1

    I always wondered if the Buckinghams got the idea for “Kind Of A Drag” from playing & hanging out at Mr. Norm’s dragstrip parties? 😅

  • @arneminderman3770
    @arneminderman3770 8 місяців тому +1

    This time never comes back !!

  • @dennisharvey7899
    @dennisharvey7899 Рік тому +3

    Made the mistake of buying a 1965 Dodge Coronet 500 with a 318 automatic from Zelki Motors in Berwyn instead of going to Mr Norm and buying a real Dodge.

  • @johnchildress6717
    @johnchildress6717 Рік тому +1

    Please do an episode om Nicky Chev

  • @hendo337
    @hendo337 6 місяців тому +1

    What's that behind him, A Reg Cab 2wd 318 Dakota square body?

  • @matttravers5764
    @matttravers5764 Рік тому +1

    Cool!😎

  • @BryBry2ply
    @BryBry2ply Рік тому +3

    When was this filmed?

  • @leahcimthgirw3163
    @leahcimthgirw3163 Рік тому

    Ive lived in rockford for the past 23 years from the chicago land area and hadnt herd that rockford had a dragway, is he miss speaking about byron dragway i wonder

    • @MyClassicCarTV
      @MyClassicCarTV  Рік тому +1

      They are the same thing. Technically Byron, but often referred to as Rockford.

  • @DJ_Driven
    @DJ_Driven 7 місяців тому

    Is Mr. Norm's brother Larry still with us and the racer Gary?

  • @z06doc86
    @z06doc86 Рік тому +1

    Humpy Wheeler of performance car sales?

  • @KyleRich-fm5xw
    @KyleRich-fm5xw 3 місяці тому +1

    I have seen more than 1 67 383 darts factory

  • @hendo337
    @hendo337 6 місяців тому +1

    It's a shame Mopar didn't revive the B block in the early 90s as a 488ci with an aluminum block for the Viper and an Iron block for the 2nd gen Rams instead of that goofy sounding V10.

  • @hastur666
    @hastur666 Рік тому +1

    And that was Tony Defeo who interviewed him Right?

  • @kennypool
    @kennypool Рік тому

    Haha , that's what I call it , kitty crack. Storage on bikes really is important. My helix reflex and shadow all have top cases

  • @dogdoc1
    @dogdoc1 Рік тому

    Was this at McCormick Place?🤔 Auto Show?

  • @77chevy4x4
    @77chevy4x4 2 місяці тому

    1971 challenger rt yellow shaker 383 /440 “special”
    6 pack
    To be created in . Is a one in a lifetime opportunity…
    To build the level of hell . As the image says.
    Only car held its doors was a 1970 454 vette .

  • @jimmungai1938
    @jimmungai1938 10 місяців тому

    Mr. Norm. Thank you my first carbs in a 1962 Dodge dart 318 with a whopping two barrel Stromberg on it. Anyway, I shut down a couple small block Chevy‘s with it. I wasn’t gonna light the world on fire with the car, but hey, my old man always said a third class ride beats a first class walk and I told my dad this in the third class ride the first class ride. This is a Jim Mungai from Kennerdell Pennsylvania oh by the way Mr. Norm I have a Mopar performance Sammy cylinder block stroked and poked to five 26 in.³. I got a Kieth black crankshaft in it came out of want to Jerry Ruth cars and I have a set of stage five hemi conversion heads on it very mild cam in the past emissions in my 1972 satellites Sebring anyway this thing runs so clean if you pulled in a small garage and decide you were going to end at all you probably could even kill yourself with the exhaust anyway Mr. Norm thank you for what you did over the years you give a lot of us Mopar guys a lot of hope thank you again it’s a Jim Mungai from Kennerdell Pennsylvania. Oh my current pet project 1991 three-quarter ton dodge with six in a row under the hood. I go by six in a row.Jim thank you again

  • @Shrpdrt
    @Shrpdrt Рік тому

    Traction bars don't work on MoPars with torsion bars.

    • @hendo337
      @hendo337 6 місяців тому

      They're talking about ladder bars to stop the leaf springs from wrapping up and wheel hopping.

    • @Joesmusclecargarage
      @Joesmusclecargarage 2 місяці тому +2

      Torsion bars? News flash rube; torsion bars have nothing to do with traction bars. Traction bars don’t work with semi-elliptical leaf springs. Class dismissed.

  • @herbs4921
    @herbs4921 5 місяців тому

    Mopar or no car.

  • @wildestcowboy2668
    @wildestcowboy2668 Рік тому

    Mopar or no car

  • @SixBarrel
    @SixBarrel Рік тому +3

    Great 🍻