‘An American institution’: Listeners mourn passing of ‘Car Guy’ Tom Magliozzi

http://twitter.com/#!/Gus_802/status/529355666859638784

Tom Magliozzi, co-host of NPR’s popular “Car Talk” radio show, died Monday at 77 from complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Magliozzi, together with his brother Ray, hosted the show for 25 years under the nickname “Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers.”

The show’s appeal extended well beyond car aficionados; the hilarious banter between the two brothers made it one of NPR’s most popular offerings. As one commenter on NPR’s website said, “I’m not into cars but I loved ‘The Car Guys.’”

News of his passing sent both Tom Magliozzi and Click and Clack (and later Car Talk) trending on Twitter.

@nprfreshair @cartalk Wow…heartbroken. I set my alarm clock on Saturday mornings just for them.

— MornelitheVT (@MornelitheVT) November 3, 2014

@nprfreshair @cartalk @TheTakeaway @NPR that's too bad. Boy I loved listening to those two laugh. And I don't even like cars.

— its not me (@Wanderingsoul79) November 3, 2014

@nprfreshair @cartalk Sad day. I learned a little about cars from these guys, and quite a lot about life.

— Paula Treick DeBoard (@HerPlotThickens) November 3, 2014

@nprfreshair @cartalk I am NOT a car person but I do love to hear ppl who genuinely love what they do so I LOVED this show RIP Tom

— acctngrrl (@acctngrrl) November 3, 2014

@nprfreshair @Buster_ESPN @cartalk …and don't drive like my brother! RIP

— Nick Chevotarevich (@NChevotarevich) November 3, 2014

@nprfreshair @NefariousNewt @cartalk Aww, sorry to hear this. He and his brother made me laugh on so many Saturday mornings.

— LiberalPhenom (@LiberalPhenom) November 3, 2014

One of my fondest memories of pre-kid days of marriage is waking up on Saturday mornings and staying in bed listening to Car Talk together.

— Matthew Smith (@matthewsmithUS) November 3, 2014

I like to think Tom Magliozzi is in heaven now, telling St. Peter to "Buy a Hondah…it's a great cahr." http://t.co/ulVwJIkswV

— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) November 3, 2014

He'll be missed! RT @NPRnie Click has lost his Clack. NPR announces Tom Magliozzi of @cartalk has died. Rest in peace

— Jonah Goldberg (@JonahNRO) November 3, 2014

Listened to Car Talk for years, never learned a thing about cars, enjoyed every minute. RIP Tom Magliozzi.

— Binyamin Appelbaum (@BCAppelbaum) November 3, 2014

RIP Tom Magliozzi. I've never owned a car and don't even know how to drive, but still enjoyed listening to Car Talk. http://t.co/rOYbN8JGEw

— Steve Silberman (@stevesilberman) November 3, 2014

I am beyond heartbroken… http://t.co/lxD3zHCudH

— Kevin Kelly (@AlsoKevinKelly) November 3, 2014

@NPRnie @tamarakeithNPR Heartache. TomMagliozzi of @cartalk has died. What wonderful Saturday mornings I had listening to you. #RIP

— attica locke (@atticalocke) November 3, 2014

@JonahNRO @NPRnie @cartalk Oh my. God bless his sweet funny soul. Car Talk is/was an American institution. RIP Tom Magliozzi.

— Holly (@HollyASwanson) November 3, 2014

I know and care nothing about automobiles, and could listen to Car Talk for hours. RIP Click. http://t.co/e0giV4r2Cl

— Sam Adams (@SamuelAAdams) November 3, 2014

saddest day ever. @Cartalk 'ss Tom Magliozzi has died.

— Robin Young (@hereandnowrobin) November 3, 2014

Just learned that Tom Magliozzi, co-host of @cartalk, has passed away. So sad. He will be sorely missed.

— Maria Godoy (@mgodoyh) November 3, 2014

RIP to a member of my @NPR family, @cartalk's Tom Magliozzi. I grew up listening to this show with my dad, chuckling away at their humor…

— sai (@saibellanyc) November 3, 2014

@PBS @NPR @cartalk Listening to the show with my Dad is one of my fondest childhood memories. Prayers go out to Tom's friends and family.

— Christina Corbett (@VyingForMyTime) November 3, 2014