Pro Street's Most Famous Car: Rick Dobbertin's Pontiac J2000

[matthijsgrit]

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/pro-streets-most-famous-car/ 

Just some, but Nice photo's of the car Revell kitted. It triggered me to find some more:

https://www.stanceiseverything.com/2014/12/wtf-friday-rick-dobbertins-pontiac-j2000/ and a brochure I personally didn't know existed: http://dobbertinhydrocar.com/J2000/J-2000_BROCHURE_2.pdf

 

 

 

[Mr. Metallic]

Thanks for sharing. I built this kit as a kid when it came out. It was actually one of my better builds as a kid. But being a kid, I tore it apart to pillage the pro-street parts for other projects. I did finally acquire an unbuilt a couple years ago with the intent to build again. It's really a well done kit, despite the complexity of the actual car, especially the engine and all it's plumbing. I also built the Corvette and Beretta based on the same tooling. Fun times.

[matthijsgrit]

These kits are priceless these days. I'd love to have one (and the Vette) but the prices are way steep and then I need to have ém shipped over here too...

I really like these old skool Pro Streeters!

[JJ Deuce]

I got this kit recently for a decent price.  I needed the front clip to build a replica of the worst car I ever owned.  The more I think about it, I should probably abandon that idea.  

[Dragonhawk1066]

That was a pretty radical car back then, heck even still now. I surely wouldn't mind having the kit version, as well as Matt Hay's Thunderbird.

[Casey]

43 minutes ago, Dragonhawk1066 said:

That was a pretty radical car back then, heck even still now. I surely wouldn't mind having the kit version, as well as Matt Hay's Thunderbird.

The Hay's T-bird was reissued not all that long ago so it shouldn't bee too difficult (nor expensive) to find.

The Beretta Pro Street was also reissued within the last five(?) years, so at least the chassis for the J-2000 survives.

Edited April 24, 2020 by Casey

[Scott Colmer]

I really liked the whole Pro Street thing. They were the customs of the 80s.

I think I have all the pro street kits that were 1:1 cars or variations of the J-2000.. They used to be cheap so long ago. I've always wanted to take a shot at the J-2000 armed with a lot of Alclad. That second link is loaded with great pics.

The original Baretta had great box art. The kits were pretty pricy, so I got the reissue and a set of the decals.

[Bills72sj]

I remember seeing this 1:1 car in person at the 1987 Streetmachine Nationals in DuQuoin, IL. I think I have VHS tape of the event somewhere in the attic. (about 6hrs worth)

[Scott Colmer]

Hey Bill - Did you see it run? Dobertin said he used a lightweight flywheel so the car would rev like an Indy car. I always wanted to hear that.

[Casey]

There is video in YouTube, at least of the '88 Street Machine Nationals:

 

[vamach1]

I remember AA/Speed as I worked at a tire place (NTW) in the early 80's in Springfield VA.  I was not into Prostreet cars so I cannot remember anything special but I am sure I visited the Speed shop a few times.

[Scott Colmer]

Cool video. Good times. I went to the Sacramento SM nationals a few times back then. It was always from the hear those cars lope by. 

[gtx6970]

I have always thought the Nova was better car.

The J2000 just was to small to me and didnt look right in person.

 

Big question here is,,,,,,Where are all 3 of them today.

I heard he still owns the Nova but not sure of the J2000 or that orbiter thing

 

I always thought the Math Hays T -Bird was better proportioned and better looking.

Just read a little while back  He had sold the T-bird, but has  since bought it back

Edited April 29, 2020 by gtx6970

[Erik Smith]

On 4/26/2020 at 8:50 AM, Casey said:

There is video in YouTube, at least of the '88 Street Machine Nationals:

 

I miss giant engines sticking out of hoods. Also ugly shorts and fanny packs.