Co-Hog Toys evolved from their early blocky forms into the slightly more subtle Special Editions line in early 1982 as more owners requested specific marques and models. The first five models we selected were barely introduced when folks started commissioning their own favorites.
One early example is a 1978 Chevrolet Camaro requested by Janet Albert in September 1982 for her husband Jon who drove this Camaro that he had specced out. The plan was for Janet to surprise him with it for Christmas.
It was going to be a challenge since Jon was deeply into the automotive world at GM. He was one of two designers for the original Pontiac Fiero interior and part of the exterior team as well. He was individually responsible for the design of the Fiero's badge which was based on the immortal winged horse Pegasus, one of the names being considered for what became the Fiero. The 1984 Fiero was the Official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 that year and was also included in Car & Driver’s Top 10. Jon was also involved with the Pontiac Firebird and 6000 models.
Perhaps best of all, he was involved in the gestation of the legendary ‘94-’96 Impala SS. The story goes that Jon’s next door neighbor had a hotted up Caprice wagon that was quite the beast. Jon was instrumental in getting it brought to the attention of the appropriate people at Chevrolet who had the good sense to turn it into the Impala SS. Jon and his team created the interior that reinforced the Super Sport theme. As a longtime wannabe owner, a clean ‘96 SS still gives me goosebumps when I see one, preferably in motion.
All told, Jon’s automotive design career at GM included 32+ years during which he became the GM Design Manager/Chief Designer. He led projects at the Advanced Concepts Center in CA, as well as in Michigan, Japan and Brazil.
Rivian has also benefited from his skills and experience. And he found time to teach emerging designers at the College of Creative Studies in Detroit. In other words a car guy to the bone.
The Co-Hog Camaro arrived on Christmas Eve day (phew!) and Jon cajoled his way into opening it that day without waiting until Christmas. With his obviously well-tuned design senses, it took Jon a bit of time to actually like the Co-Hog version. It is a bit awkward to be kind, but Jon grew to admire it and still has it with him 40 years later.
Now he can enjoy it whenever he's not out motoring in his gorgeous home-market 1946 MG TC.
If you have any good Co-Hog stories or photos please use the Contact page to send them to us to be included on the Your Co-Hogs page. It would be great to hear from you!