Remembering a Legend – Wayne Obry

The Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance will pay tribute to Mr. Wayne Obry of Motion Products, Inc. on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016. Motion Products, Inc., a major sponsor of the event, will provide a display of Ferraris that have won at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. “This display of vehicles was the collective brainchild of our clients to show appreciation of Wayne’s dedication and contribution to the Ferrari marque.” said Bill Murphy, chairman of Motion Products, Inc. Mr. Obry passed away March 11, 2016, at the age of 62.

“We are delighted to add this display featuring magnificent classic Ferraris as a way to pay tribute to Wayne’s legacy,” said Gary Messing, president – The Masterpiece Ltd. “Each car you’ll see was on the green at Pebble Beach and came away a winner.”

Wayne Obry has been called the world’s leading expert on Ferraris and with good reason. As cofounder of Motion Products, Inc. Wayne was not only a lifetime IAC/PFA Judge but also became a Vintage Ferrari consultant. He and the staff at MPI have had the privilege of helping their clients cross the stage at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 34 times in this millennium alone. Wayne also had the honor of receiving the first 100-point Ferrari at Pebble Beach with a 1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Pinin Farina Coupe #0263 EU in 1993.

Wayne’s big break came in 1979 when he was offered the opportunity to paint a Shelby Cobra and a Ferrari. Not wanting to pass up any opportunities he accepted the jobs and painted the cars in his garage. “Those were the days. Not only did I have a wife, new baby and a mortgage but I didn’t have a plan or a clue on how to run a business. I was in my mid 20’s and full of testosterone and knew I was infallible. Thanks to my wife and her level head and support I was able to turn a few side jobs into a real business.” said Wayne in an interview in 2016.

After this experience Wayne knew he could do something and do something amazing. Sitting in a bar in Northeast Wisconsin, he and a friend sketched out a plan and name on a napkin…Motion Products, Inc. Their goals were simple: be the best they could be and have fun.

Many say Wayne was an overachiever. He would tell you he was passionate. Staying up all night reading about the inner workings of a vehicle, researching new techniques he could try out in the shop or just keeping up on all the news within the industry was his way of trying to realize his goal of being the best he could be. This love for the industry and cars has lived on through MPI and the wealth of talent assembled. Over the past decade, Wayne took it upon himself to step back from the daily hands-on work to mentor the staff and impart his knowledge. From craftsmen to teacher he loved everything about MPI. It isn’t uncommon for this multi-faceted organization to complete six or more full body-off restorations a year and at any given time to have 50 or more vehicles of varying makes and models in process throughout their three facilities.

Clients will tell you that Wayne made their dreams come true. What these clients don’t understand is this small town boy’s dream was to work on the rarest and most beautiful cars in the world and in-turn they made his dreams come true.

From his humble beginnings working in an old wobbly shed with a dirt floor to building one of the most extensive restoration facilities in the nation, Wayne never forgot who he was and where he came from. Those who met Wayne will always remember him. His signature tan shorts, moccasin slippers and pipe in hand help set him apart in a crowd, but it was his sincerity, charisma and stories that will live on.

The Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance takes place Aug. 28, 2016, in Veterans Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront. The show will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The weekend also includes a casual car show, Show & Glow by the Lake, Aug. 27, in Veterans Park, as well as the Style & Speed Social, the evening of Aug. 27, at The Milwaukee Club.

Show & Glow by the Lake, the Style & Speed Social and the Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance are organized by The Masterpiece Ltd., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organized and operated exclusively to support other public charities including but not limited to those operating in southeastern Wisconsin which provide medical and social service care and relief to underprivileged children and families through various motor vehicle-related fundraising events.