What year did you join HRR?
2014
Do you have any other family members in HRR?
Cindy Wilson – Wife
Matt Wilson – Son
Amy Wilson – Daughter-in-law
What would you like to share about yourself?
I grew up in Pontiac, Michigan. Although my parents did not work for an automotive company, most of my relatives did. I guess that’s why I decided to become a mechanical engineer.
After spending a few months in Army Reserve training, I started my career as a process engineer at GM Truck and Coach, then moving on to Chrysler as a design engineer in the chassis and suspension area of trucks. After 9 years at Chrysler, opportunity knocked and the family moved to Tennessee. I retired from Nissan in 2003.
Do you have any personal or favorite web sites?
Datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net – a site dedicated to enthusiasts of Datsun Roadsters and their restoration.
What vehicles do you currently own?
1931 Buick Coupe Model 56s
1965 Datsun Roadster
1970 Datsun Roadster
1987 Porsche Carrera Cabriolet
1993 Nissan 300zx Convertible
1998 BMW Z3 Convertible
1999 Mercedes SLK230
2003 Nissan Crew Cab Truck
2016 Nissan Pathfinder
What has been your favorite car that you’ve owned?
I think my sentimental favorite was a 1953 Dodge Pick-Up we called Junky Jenny. It was my 1st antique/collector car. However, in the middle of restoration, we had to sell it when moving to Tennessee.
Do you have a car story to share?
My last job at Chrysler was at their Defense Division. We were building a vehicle to satisfy and compete with others for a Jeep replacement. The vehicle was named “The High Mobility Multi-Purposed Wheeled Vehicle” or HUMVEE as it is called now. I was supervisor in the engine, suspension and drive train area. I really enjoyed designing in one room and almost immediately assembling in an area just behind. We incorporated a lot of innovation into our submission. Driving it was a blast. Unfortunately, it became clear that Chrysler was not going to win the bid so I began looking for another job. That led to the family moving to Tennessee.
