Selden Ruwwe - "Owner of the Performance Pontiacs"

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In the small community of Bourbon, Missouri, a small independent business owner, Selden Ruwwe, played an important role in many individuals lives.
Selden became heavily interested in cars and racing while serving his country in the United States Marine Corp. Once he returned to his hometown, he began hanging out at the local Pontiac dealership in Sullivan, Missouri. Many hours were spent at Modern Garage in the evenings in the early 1960's. It was at this time that Selden's fascination with Pontiacs began and has continued for more than 50 years.
When Selden was given the oppurtunity to purchase a small service station in Sullivan and later a station in Bourbon, his vast collection of super duty Pontiacs began.
Selden has owned several highly sought after cars, including two 1962 421 super duty Catalina hardtops equipped with aluminum frontends, a 1962 421 super duty Catalina sedan with an aluminum frontend, a 1963 Tempest with an aluminum frontend, a 1973 SD-455 Trans Am and a 1974 SD-455 Trans Am. These are only a handful of great Pontiacs this legend has owned.
With his vast knowledge of Pontiacs and his mechanical ability, Selden quickly dominated the local drag racing scene with his fleet of super duty cars. Three local drivers wheeled the big Pontiacs to numerous victories. Stanley Bell, Denis Redhage (my father) and Gary Puckett were all naturals behind the wheel.
Selden was also very influential to other Pontiac owners. He helped many car owners put together winning combinations, for the street or for the drag strip. His advise was free and it was worth its weight in gold.
His unbelievable knowledge of super duty Pontiacs has also aided such individuals as Pete McCarthy.
Selden has made so many friends in his lifetime around the great Pontiac hobby. To me, Selden is a true "Pontiac Legend." Selden was a dear friend to the late Randy Williams, another very influential gentlemen with a passion for Pontiacs. Randy is another "Pontiac Legend" from my view.
Selden is a great man that has helped preserve a piece of Pontiac history. I would like to thank him for his influence in my life. He has made me a better man and has passed on his passion for Pontiacs to me. I am only one of many people he has positively influenced.

To read a great article about Selden, check the On-Line Magazine: “A Drag Racing Legend” http://www.pontiacregistry.com/members/online_magazine.php?view=1&article=202