As Performance Unlimited celebrates 40 years with 40 giveaways, a look back shows how the world has changed

A lot has changed in the automotive world since Performance Unlimited opened its first auto repair shop on the West side of McHenry in 1982. But, over the course of the last 40 years they’ve served the community, they’ve never lost sight of their commitment to, and appreciation for the people who have made this possible – their customers.

To celebrate that 40th Year Anniversary, Performance Unlimited is giving away 40 free oil changes over the course of the remainder of 2022. They will draw names from their existing customers as a way of saying, “Thank you.”

So, what are some of the things that have changed since Performance Unlimited opened its doors for business in 1982?

While many things have changed in the automotive world since 1982, one thing that hasn’t changed is the name of the top-selling car, which actually isn’t a car. In 1982, and today, the top-selling car is the Ford F-Series pickup truck. One difference is that, Ford will introduce its electric F-Series this year, called the Lightning.

In the White House and at the Pump: In 1982, Ronald Reagan was president and gasoline averaged $1.31 a gallon, which was a high for the decade.

In cinema: The top movie of 1982 was E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it starred Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote and a young Drew Barrymore. The movie made $322 million with 109.5-million tickets sold. Last year’s top movie was Spider Man: Now Way Home making $613.9 million with 66.9-million tickets sold.

In outer space: In 1982, NASA flew three successful Space Shuttle Missions: March 22-30, June 27-July 4, and Nov. 11-16.

In sports: The 49ers beat the Bengals 26-21 in the Super Bowl and the Cardinals beat the Brewer in seven games to win the World Series. The Islanders defeated the Canuks to take home the Stanley Cup in four games. On the court, the Lakers defeated the 76ers for the NBA crown while, on the track, Gato Del Sol, ridden by jockey Eddie Delahoussaye, won the Kentucky Derby.

In auto racing: Darrell Waltrip won the NASCAR Winston Cup Series while Bobby Allison won the Daytona 500 in a Buick Regal with an average speed of 153.991 mph. Gordon Johncock won the Indy 500 with an average speed of 162.069 mph (Helio Castroneves won the 2021 Indy with an average speed of 190.690 mph).

In drag racing: Shirley Muldowney, the first woman to a pro license with a Top Fuel Classification, was the NHRA Top Fuel Champion in drag racing, winning the title for the third time: 1977, 1980 and 1982.

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