RIP Vinny "Vitar" Tarantolla
 

Vinny Tarantola, better known as Vinny "Vitar" passed away yesterday April 6th, 2007. It has been a tough week for the New York, New Jersey crowd this week already, with the passing of Adam Landolfi earlier in the week.

Vinny was a very modest man, and innovator. He was very well know for his transmissions and awesome converters.

Vinny lived less than a mile from me, but we have not seen him in the past years since he became ill.

RIP VINNY.

Sal Biondo

Sal;
Please post any viewing arrangements if you get any info.I bet I know who was waiting at the gate when he arrived.

Ed

IF I EVER WOULD HAVE RUN A SLUSHBOX IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A VITAR.

RIP VINNIE.

Very sad to hear he has passed. He was a great person and helped many racers back in the day. He was the go to guy when it came to fixing a trans or converter problem. My prayers to his family.

bp133 Bob Pagano

Ed,

Right on about who would be waiting for him!

Viewings for Vinny will be Monday 2-4, and 7-9
at the following location.

Michaels Funeral Home
7922 Metropolitan Ave
Middle Village, NY 11379

Sal

"VITAR" (Vinny) I bought my first 3 speed turbo trans, TRICK! piece 1976...Shifted NOW- B/SA 69 Chevelle 396/375 Hit the switch high gear pump shutoff - yes the ET gain was there. I was 23 years old, we talked on the phone alot. Gave me lots of of info that today has paid off. Our prayers are with your family and friends.

Steve Koppien

A great guy.
RIP Vinny

ART LEONG
SOON TO BE FRONT DRIVE SUPERSTOCKER

Great Guy..Genius with the automatics..Should be considered for some type of drag hall of fame. RIP

Alex Polewik

PS-Thanks Sal for introducing me to him

My first racecar had a Vitar hydo in it and I also recall Vinnie's blown gasser from that era. I rememeber him being a good guy and am sorry to hear of his passing......

We also bought our hydros from Vinnie for the sedan deliveries. He was a real nice guy. Sorry to hear he passed away. May he RIP.


L.A.W. Automotive

The Truppi-Kling Briggs Chevrolet Chevelle had a Vitar transmission.

He was the MAN...R.I.P.
Tony Massari
Yoo Hoo Too
56 Sedan Delivery Stocker

Back in the summer of 74 I came to see Vinny about a leak in the neck of my B+M 10 inch convertor. He said Paul I'll see what I can do. After about an hour of cutting, grinding and welding he said it's done and charged me 9 dollars. I left there thinking if he would take care of a B+M convertor like that what would he do for his own. Three months later I bought a 9 inch J style from him. That convertor is still in my 63 Plymouth and has never been repaired or replaced. I still have the Vitar stickers and I'll try to post a pic of them, Paul.

Also very sorry to hear of his passing. I agree with Alex....should be in one of the Hall of Fame's.......

http://www.biondoracing.com/images/g...itar_decal.jpg

Hey Paul, Here it is...the famous decal.

I still had a few of these, and apparently some were found in Vinny's basement. I thought some of you would enjoy seeing this.

Sal

http://www.mecumauction.com/auctions...D=SC0506-37014

Sad
I still have a 9 converter for a Hemi and it still work's great. Very sad R.I.P VINNY