Panama Jake

Greetings all and glad to see that my original post about the MSU Spartan Reatta convertible generated so much conversation and conspiracy theory intrigue... I feel reassured that due to my heavy student loan debt and growing economic inequalities facilitated by corporate greed and conservative social and economic policies, that never being able to retire will actually be a blessing since I won’t have all the free time in the world as a retiree to spend on the Reatta Forum developing April Fool’s joke conspiracies…but I digress. Anyway, as I had promised from my original post back in February, yesterday I spent the day at the Michigan State University Archives and Library trying to uncover any proof of the mysterious green MSU Spartan Reatta convertible. Unfortunately, after reviewing thousands of photos, old negatives, yearbooks and microfilm from the 1990s, I was unable to find any evidence of this rumored Reatta convertible. Rather, I was able to find numerous Oldsmobile convertibles used in the 1990s with Michigan State logos for parades, but never a Reatta. I'm assuming that someone thought they remembered a Reatta convertible at one of these parades when it was actually an Oldsmobile. I've attached a photo of a 1990s Olds Cutlass convertible used by the MSU tennis team as well as a link to about an MSU badged Olds Calais convertible that was sold (for a steal at $2,475!) back in 2009 at a Barrett-Jackson auction: https://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/barrett-jackson-2009-bargain-buys-for-under-10-000/#slide-364113 Note that this vehicle is two tone green/white, white top and has embroidered MSU leather seats...all very similar to the characteristics rumored about the green MSU Reatta Convertible. Again, I'm assuming that somehow this convertible was confused as a Reatta, as it showed up many times in the photos I reviewed illustrating MSU activities and celebrations in the 1990s. As an interesting side note, I learned yesterday that this convertible was used during the 1997 MSU Homecoming parade to drive around the famous actor James Caan, who served as the Grand Marshal (he was an MSU Alum and played football for Duffy Daugherty in the 1950s). Anyway, I realize that this message does not provide any proof of this elusive white whale (actually a green whale with a white top and dorsal fin), but after spending the day researching and discussing this theme with archive specialists with over 30 years at MSU, I’m convinced that the MSU Reatta convertible never made an appearance at any MSU events, nor was trademark- licensed, nor owned by MSU and in my personal opinion does not exist. Nevertheless, long live the rumors and conspiracies!!! 1995 Yearbook page Cutlass convert.pdf

Hi Barney, I found an old post regarding the embroidered headrests here: Specifically, it was a comment from reattadudes stating: "this particular car was green with a white top, and a white interior with saddle trim. the head restraint covers were sent out to Oldsmobile, and they came back with a "Sparty" mascot logo embroidered on each one. this car was used in numerous MSU parades, and used at MSU events. Tony said there have to be hundreds of photos and videos of this car." I'll be sure to post any updates about this topic, especially if I have any luck finding a color photo.

Hi there, thank you for the thoughtful responses and suggestions on how to research the vehicle. I just wanted to touch base with the forum to see if there had been any updates about this theme since some of the last posts a few years back. As I mentioned, I will be heading to East Lansing in May for a few days and will visit both the MSU Library and Archives to look at the old yearbooks from the 1990s, which would have photographic coverage of all the MSU homecoming parades and tailgates, where I would expect the car would have made an appearance. Thanks again and if anyone else has any other leads, please don't hesitate to comment!

Hi there, I'm a Michigan State University Alumni and first learned about the Reatta, while living in East Lansing. Twenty years ago there were still many on the streets and remember seeing my first Reatta parked at Jenison Field House, when I was walking to class as a freshman - thinking what the hell is this car?! I bought my first 89 hardtop a year later when I was 19 and now own three more. An absolutely fantastic car and I'm pleased to see how active Reatta owners are on this forum! Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone had any updates on the mysterious 1991 polo green/white top convertible that had the MSU Spartan embroidered on the headrests. Past posts illustrate a bit of confusion whether it actually exists, as some members say there has been confirmation from GM administration, yet no photographic evidence. Anyone have any leads? I'll be back in East Lansing in May and was considering a visit to the archives at the MSU library to see whether there is any information or photos of the car from MSU homecoming parades in the 1990s. Thanks!