Pat Goss, longtime host of Maryland Public Television’s “Goss’ Garage,” dies at 77
Pat Goss, longtime host of “Goss’ Garage” on the MotorWeek network, has died at died 77. From its inception until 1987, the program’s main segments emanated from Studio A at Maryland Public Television in Owings Mills, Maryland. Since 1987, all taping of the main segments were done outdoors in various locales.
For 41 seasons, the DMV car expert lived in Lanham-Seabrook, Md., and became a trusted voice for his casual and friendly style of evaluating the latest vehicles from carmakers around the globe and his reliable advice on repairing automobiles and choosing car parts, reports WUSA.
His death was reported on social media by MotorWeek.
“We are deeply saddened to report the unexpected passing of our longtime friend and colleague Pat Goss,” the Facebook post says. “Goss’ Garage has been a pillar of our program and a must-see segment for millions of viewers who tuned in for the no-nonsense maintenance advice and incomparable car knowledge that Pat dispensed with effortless familiarity and understated wit.”
Heather Goss, wife of Pat Goss, wrote a message on her husband’s Facebook page, along with the staff of Goss’ Garage.
“Pat was an inspiration to us all, not only for his dedication to family, friends, business associates and the car and boating communities he loved so much, but also for his commitment to being a consumer advocate and educator,” the message says. “Pat loved sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of all things automotive, and led by example in running his many auto-related businesses with integrity and passion over a professional career that spanned more than 60 years.”
Goss appeared on MotorWeek for 41 seasons where he evaluated the latest vehicles from carmakers around the globe. His on air style was friendly, and straightforward and easy for the average driver to understand.
From its inception until 1987, the program’s main segments emanated from Studio A at Maryland Public Television in Owings Mills, Maryland. Since 1987, all taping of the main segments are done outdoors in various locales.
Over the years, MotorWeek has conducted its basic tests at various venues. In the show’s early years, it used a tarmac at Martin State Airport outside Baltimore that was used for seaplanes, and a then-unfinished stretch of highway at an unknown location. Beginning a few weeks into its run, the 75-80 Dragway (or Dragaway) in Frederick, Maryland, became its main test track, and continued to use the facility long after closing to competition twice (and re-opening once). For the show’s fortieth season in 2020-21, they abandoned use of the 75-80 Dragway (as they were the only ones with access to it) and moved the tests to Boonsboro, Maryland’s Mason Dixon Dragway.
In addition to his work on MotorWeek which airs locally on public television, Goss hosted Goss’ Garage on several Washington area radio stations, where he continued providing straightforward vehicle information to the average driver. On radio Goss offered car care and maintenance advice.
“We will all miss Pat’s mischievous smile, selfless generosity and gentle spirit, and ask everyone he touched to keep him and all of us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the Facebook post from Heather Goss and Goss’ Garage employees says.
More here.
