True Passion....
It saddens me to have to write this or even think about it.
Mike Viverette was known to many of us as just Mike “V”. I had the pleasure of meeting him for the first time down in Cecil Maryland in 2001. Of course the message boards and the TCCOA are what brought us together.
Mike was a southern boy by trait with his mild mannerism and polite ways, he was always a pleasure to be around. Mike was always joyful even when he was stressed out about the T-Bird or finding parts for his projects. Always thinking and brainstorming and running numbers to ever perfect his ride which he called “Christine”. A little history about where the name “Christine” came from:
In January of 2002 we found out the Jerry W. would be in Deer Park NY for a special dyno tune (in those days it was rare to get him that far north east). Mike V. packed his bags and drove the BullitBird version of Christine to my house in Joisey. From his house in Hughesville it was almost 4 hours to my door. Mike V. arrived with a white pale face and shaking hands. This was the start of how the name “Christine” came to be.
Mike’s T-Bird was accelerating on its own and he had to use the brakes almost the entire time he was driving to keep the T-Bird’s speed in check with the limit. When he got to me, I did a battery of tests on it with diagnostic tools and with the aid of EECDOC we determined it was not electronic or computer related. It was decided to flatbed the car to New York for Jerry to take his magic wand and fix it. Mike was convinced that his car was possessed.
Up in NY we arrived to find Mike’s car was well taken care of and was waiting for a dyno tune. On the dynojet with Jerry plugged in to the EEC-V, the car made decent numbers and never once exhibited the ghostly runaway acceleration problems Mike was dealing with for 300 miles.
Not until the hood closed and she backed out of the shop. The guy who backed the car out came running in yelling “that car is possessed, it tried to take off on me in reverse”. Mike responded, “I told you…I told all of you”.
Hood open…no problem. Hood closed…throttle sticks. Hmmm…yes indeed the throttle cable was rubbing on the hood and causing the problem. A little grinding of the cowl area and the nightmare was over.
“The Pies”
During that same dyno session, the guys started getting hungry. So a friend of mine and Mike V. set off into NY to procure some food. The guy asks Mike V., “Hey do you want to get some pies”? Mike responded “Ok but I was thinking something more substantial”. The other guy responds, “Well it will be cheaper to get a few pies and everyone can have a slice”. Mike V. agreed but was very confused. The next question comes out. “What do you want on the pie? Plain, peperoni, anchovies, etc”.
Mike V. is thinking to himself…WTF is this guy talking about. Who puts anchovies on a pie?
The guy driving arrives at a Pizzeria and parks. Mike V. bursts out laughing…”Wait, pie…is pizza”?
“The Laugh”
With all the cars dyno tested and everyone happy (with the exception of Pete who was still working on that V6 Mustang). We gathered into a circle in the shop to say goodbye to all our new friends. Jerry was standing there was well. Jerry asks Mike, “Are you going to drive back home or flatbed the car”? Mike mutters, “drive her”. I said yeah, he'll probably pass us on the highway nose down with the brakes on at 90 mph”.
Mike and I started drifting and I lost contact with him around 2005. My life changed when my son was born as many of you have experienced. I regret not staying in contact with Mike over the years. I will miss Mike Viverette, his company at breakfast in Cecil MD…his words of wisdom to me…his help and assistance…most of all his passion.
May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. Rest in peace my friend. A-Train
MM&FF magazine October 2004 "Luxobarge Shootout"
Mustang Magic (NY) 2002
Evidence of dirt on Mike V's car as examined by NASA and EPA. Unclear and inconclusive as to how the dirt got there or how it was able to survive as long as it did.
Cecil County Dragway - Cecil Maryland.