Norman Kraus, 87, whose Mopar fans knew simply as "Mr. Norm," as he and his dealership were synonymous with Dodge performance in the 1960s, died Feb. 26.

Mr. Kraus founded Chicago’s Grand Spaulding Dodge in 1962, just as the muscle car era was set to explode. The strategy was to focus on performance, and Grand Spalding Dodge quickly became the Mopar community’s prime source for all manner of go-fast parts. He would champion Dodge performance both on the street and at NHRA dragstrips.

As the muscle car era waned, Mr. Kraus sold Grand Spaulding Dodge in 1977, and the dealership closed for good in the 1980s. Mr. Norm still made the scene over the next several decades, appearing at car shows, races, and various automotive events.

Survivors include a daughter, Lori; sons Lee and Lyle; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials appreciated to the Wounded Warrior Project.