CAR REVIEWS / LOCAL SHOP STORIES / LOCAL BUILDS / CAR SHOW COVERAGE
FALL 2019
FREE PLEASE
TAK E ONE
C E NTR A L
N E W
YO RK’S
AUTOMOT I V E
A Local Truck's Connection to
SEABISCUIT 1970 AMC
REBEL MACHINE
1965 MUSTANG FASTBACK 2+2
1969
CAMARO SS
M AGA Z I N E
What does this 1938 Buick Century pickup truck have to do with a famous horse? Read on page 24.
THE TEAM
FALL 2019
Publisher Kevin Crandall Production Manager Bob Sblendorio Layout & Design Colleen Ingerto Director of Photography Chris Penree Photography John Zachary, Josh Bain, Melissa Wilbur Hatem, Dave Finn Contributing Writers Bob Sblendorio, Peter Maio, John Hoyt, Sharie Sblendorio, Jim MacLachlan, Michael Marrone Proofreader Denise Crandall Account Manager Elise Robinson
06.
18.
36.
46.
Only 1,936 built in its one year of production.
Owner was flabbergasted when he got home.
Received car from Dad, sentimental restoration.
A master at wood carving, Bob Brotherton.
THE MACHINE: 1970 AMC REBEL By Pete Maio
TOTAL SURPRISE: 1999 DODGE VIPER
By Bob Sblendorio
1965 MUSTANG FASTBACK 2+2
A LIFETIME OF PASSION
By John Hoyt
By Bob Sblendorio
COOL CAR STORIES
EVENTS / CLUBS / NEWS
12. 1978 Cadillac Sedan deVille
05. Readers' Rides
24. Local Truck's Connection to Seabiscuit
42. Vehicles for Vision Show
30. Home Run with a 1969 Camaro SS
44. 2019 Sherrill Cruise-In
Online: apexautomag.com | Facebook.com: facebook/apexautomag.com | Instagram: apexautomag COVER PHOTO & CONTENTS PHOTO BY CHRIS PENREE
Syracuse Regional Manager Mike Mastracco Advertising Executives Elsie Massett, Hal Philp Proudly printed by Freeport Press Inc. Advertise with us! Apex Automotive Magazine is the only publication of its kind in CNY. Each issue contains articles featuring custom builds, local car shows, area custom shops, unique car stories, and everything else automotive. Want to advertise your business with us? Just email ads@apexautomag.com and let’s discuss! Thank you! We appreciate all of our amazing advertisers, without them this publication would not be possible. Please give them a chance to earn your patronage and tell them you saw them in Apex Automotive Magazine. Online To find out more about advertising in Apex, visit apexautomag.com or call 315.280.8305 Apex Automotive Magazine is published four times per year by Seven Horsepower Publishing, LLC. To subscribe: Please send $20 to the below address. Magazines will be delivered via USPS. Apex Automotive Magazine PO Box 344 Sherburne, NY 13460 We welcome feedback, story suggestions, reader contributions, and anything else you might like to share with us. Send us a note to info@apexautomag.com. All contents copyright 2019, Apex Automotive Magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without consent. For entertainment purposes only. We do our best to fact-check specs/stories, but cannot guarantee 100% accuracy. Apex Automotive Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, photos, or artwork.
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Readers’ Rides EACH ISSUE WE SHOWCASE A FEW OF OUR READERS’ RIDES!
2007 SHELBY GT
D
on Norris grew up in muscle car city, Auburn, NY. In 1968, while going to college and working for his father, Don had a ’61 Ford and a new ’68 Camaro SS. Not bad for a 19-year-old. It was also in 1968 that he got the chance to drive a new Shelby GT 500. After that experience he vowed “I’m going to own one of these someday.” Over the next 42 years Don owned several muscle cars, even a Porsche 944. It was all these years later that Don started thinking about his
Words by PETE MAIO
dream car again. He wanted a 2007 certified, low mileage, white Shelby GT. When his son called to tell him he found his dream car at a dealer in Schenectady, Don phoned and put a down payment on the car without even seeing it. The Marti Report showed the uniqueness of his build in great detail being one of 5,651 Shelby GT’s built in 2007. While the search took years, Don knew exactly what he wanted on his license plate. It tells the whole story – 42YRSLTR.
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Email high-resolution photos and a brief description about your car to rides@apexautomag.com.
Please include your name and hometown. All of this issue’s Readers Rides features are getting two FREE Admission tickets to the
His license plate says it all.
Northeast Classic Car Museum! We want to thank the Museum for sponsoring this section with this great prize package. If you haven’t been there lately, go check it out! FALL ISSUE 2019 APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 5
the ma Words by PETE MAIO | Photos by CHRIS PENREE
Like most of our readers, I can remember my first car, where I bought it, the first time I drove it, what color it was and what options it had. My first set of wheels was a new 1967 Rambler Rebel SST. It was Hialeah Yellow and had a black vinyl roof. And also like many of our readers, I wish I still had my first car. The 1967 Rambler Rebel replaced the mid-size Rambler Classic. It was a completely redesigned car and by appearance was American Motors’ introduction into the “muscle car” market. American Motors’
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new chairman and CEO, Roy Chapin Jr., wanted to change AMC’s conservative image and to that end introduced a new line of engines that included a 290 ci and a 343 ci V8. Overall the Rebel was a new car with a new design and competitive performance. But “Rambler” and “Muscle” remained a contradiction in terms and in 1968 the Rambler moniker was dropped and the new identity was the AMC Rebel. I’ve owned more cars than I can count since my Rebel SST and it wasn’t until the fall of 2017 while attending the Boonville Fall Finale Car
achine 1970 AMC REBEL
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Show that I was stopped dead in my tracks and all the fond memories of my first car went racing through my head as I spotted a Rebel Machine. The Rebel Machine was developed from a partnership between Hurst Performance and American Motors Corporation. Hurst was involved only in the development stage and not with the actual production. Building on the success and positive press of the SC/Rambler, or Scrambler as it was known, the Rebel Machine was built to be a competitor in the muscle car category. Only 1,936 (according to AMC) Rebel Machines were built in its one year of production. The engine for the Machine was the most powerful ever offered by AMC. AMC’s 390 ci V8 was boosted from 325 hp to 340 hp with special heads, cam, and redesigned
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intake and exhaust. A 690-cfm Motorcraft 4-barrel carburetor was used. As part of a cold-air package, a large rubber gasket was used to seal the air cleaner assembly to the hood. The large ram-air intake hood scoop with a tachometer visible to the driver identified the Machine as a serious player. Buyers could choose a Borg-Warner T-10 four speed manual with a Hurst shifter or a three speed automatic with a console lever. A Dana Twin-Grip limited-slip unit and a 3.90:1 differential could be had to supplement the standard 3.54:1 manual and 3.15:1 automatic rear-end ratios. The new configuration could achieve 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 127 mph, not too shabby in its day. I approached the owners of the Machine, Pat and Lori O’Connor, to learn more about their car. Their 32-year journey to bring this show stopper back to life is a fascinating story, one that I wanted to share with Apex readers.
In 1983, while engaged to be married, Pat and Lori went looking for a car that they could use as a daily driver and came across a Rebel Machine, a car they knew nothing about. The car was rough and had body filler around the wheel wells and dull paint; the windshield was cracked. The interior was ok with just a couple of rips in the seat and a couple of cracks in the dash. The odometer showed 76,000 miles. A test drive showed oil puffing through the breather tube, but the owner showed them receipts for a recent motor rebuild. Patrick made a few phone calls to learn a little more about the car and realized that the Machine was something special. In spite of discouragement from both of their fathers, they purchased the car knowing it wasn’t a very practical decision. When they got married in August of ’83 they took the Rebel (and a case of oil) on a two week honeymoon trip
Only 1,936 Rebel Machines were built in its one year of production.
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Pat and Lori O'Connor, owners of this 1970 AMC Rebel Machine.
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through the North Country and into Canada. The Rebel became Patrick’s daily driver from May through October of ’83 and was taken off the road for the winter. In the spring of ’84 they pulled the motor, the original 390 ci V8, to begin a rebuild. The block was degreased and magnafluxed, cylinders were bored .30 over, heads were shaved and received a valve job and valve seals. UAP Engine Rebuilders of Utica did the machine work while Patrick and his brother Butch reassembled the motor. With the cam replaced, new lifters, pushrods, rod and crank bearings, timing chain and gears and oil pump kit, the rebuild was complete. With the family growing and life’s obligations changing, any additional restoration work had to be put on the back burner. In 1996, 13 years since the last time the car was driven, Pat and Lori decided to do a low budget restoration that consisted of a little body filler and a cheap paint job. Some mechanical work was done and the Rebel was on the road again. A body repair in 2013 turned into a nightmare
when the work performed was so bad that Lori actually cried. But because of this unfortunate development they decided it was time to do it right and in 2014 they pulled the engine and transmission, stripped the trim, gutted the interior, and took the shell to Brown’s Metal Mods in Port Leyden. With the car stripped they found the rockers and floor pans rotted, the wheel wells in need of patching, and other damaged panels. As no patch panels were available, Brown’s Metal Mods had to fabricate everything and they did a fabulous job. Brown’s also restored the Machine rims, a unique feature, using
the rim that was on the spare to replicate the original finish. A flawless paint job of the original Matador Red (only 30 were produced in Matador Red, the first 1,000 were painted in AMC’s signature Red, White, and Blue graphics) completed the rolling shell. While the body was at Brown’s, Pat, along with Butch and Pat’s friend Bob, rebuilt the drive train restoring it to its original 1970 specs; a 390 ci, 340 hp V8 with the original Borg-Warner T-10 4 speed manual, w Hurst shift and a 3.54:1 differential. Pat and Bob also restored the dash which was faded and cracked. Legendary Interiors replicated the original style seat covers. The bumpers were sent to Keystone/Goodmark Plating in Minnesota. Space does not allow for more detail
on the rebuild, but as you view the pictures of this amazing rare AMC Rebel Machine keep in mind that this is Pat and Lori’s first and only restoration. With the help of Pat’s brother Butch, neighbor Barry and friends Bob and Ray, the car was reassembled in eleven months, consuming every weeknight and weekend of their time. In August of 2016, Pat and Lori attended their first American Motors Owners Association show in Farmington, CT. At the awards banquet they won First in Class Gold Award, Best in Show, and People’s Choice Award. Then it was onto the Syracuse Nationals winning a Designers Dozen Award. Since then, the awards are too numerous to mention and there are undoubtedly many more to come.
FALL ISSUE 2019 APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 11
1976
Cadillac Sedan deVille Words by JIM MACLACHLAN | Photos by JOHN ZACHARY
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You have probably heard stories of a low mileage classic car in mint condition stored away in a garage somewhere, hardly ever seeing the light of day. Stories like this circulate at car cruises and car shows all the time. Is the car real, a rumor, a legend, or is it just a story? Paul
Lorenzo of Syracuse has one of these time capsules in his garage and shared its story with us. When Paul was a little kid his parents had an Oldsmobile 98. He loved that car and used to sit in it all the time. By age 10, he was driving it back and forth in the driveway, and by age 13, he just may
have driven it around the block. Paul went to work at a pizza shop when he was 13 years old. Every week when he got paid, he kept a small amount of money for himself and gave the rest to his father to help with family expenses. By the time he turned 16 in 1982, he had saved up $2,000 and
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wanted to spend it on a car. When he told his father about his plan to buy a car, his father had a surprise for him. He had put all the money Paul had given him over the past few years in a bank account. He told Paul that he could use the money to buy any car he wanted because he had worked so hard to earn it. His father then asked him what kind of car he wanted, thinking maybe it would be a muscle car or sports car. But no, Paul wanted an Oldsmobile 98, just like his father and mother had. He thought the Olds had style, character, and quite a different ride from the muscle cars and sports cars of the day. After a couple of months went by, Paul’s father told him that he had found a car Paul might like. When they went to look at the car, he found himself standing in front of a beautiful 1976 Cadillac Sedan
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The car was in such great condition and reminded Paul so much of his parents’ Oldsmobile 98, he bought it on the spot without even driving it.
deVille with 27,000 original miles. The older gentleman who owned it drove it sparingly and was very particular about maintaining it. He couldn’t drive anymore because his eyesight was starting to fail, so he had reluctantly decided to sell it. The car was in such great condition and reminded Paul so much of his parents’ Oldsmobile 98, he bought it on the spot without even driving it. In 1976, Cadillac was an American luxury car that identified its owners as among the fortunate few who had "made it." It was a status symbol that provided the finest ride, most luxurious interior, and elegant styling. The 1976 Cadillac was the last year of the fourth generation Cadillac series and was built on the same platform as the Oldsmobile 98. It was also the last year of the traditionally sized Cadillacs as the 1977’s were downsized due to the stagnant economy and ongoing oil crisis. The 1976 Sedan deVille is a 4-door hardtop with a 500 cubic inch (8.2 liter) V8 engine rated at 190 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque mated to a Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 3-speed transmission. Optional fuel injection upped the horsepower to 215 and torque to 400 lb-ft. The car’s wheelbase is 130 inches, with an overall length of 230.7 inches and width of 79.8 inches. The total weight is 5,127 pounds and the fuel tank holds a whopping 27.5 gallons of gas. The original base price was $9,265 and a total of 67,677 were built. FALL ISSUE 2019 APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 15
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Northeast Classic Car Museum Over 200 Vehicles On Display
Special Exhibit An Exhibit Of American Cars That Will Take You Back To The 70s
Certificate of Excellence 2018
OPEN DAILY 9AM - 5PM
Climate Controlled
24 Rexford Street Norwich, NY 13815 www.classiccarmuseum.org 607-334-2886
This 1976 Cadillac Sedan deVille has been outside all day for just one special occasion in the time that Paul Lorenzo has owned it — on his wedding day!
Paul’s car still wears its original factory applied Dunbarton green paint and a dark green padded vinyl top. The stunning and opulent interior is completely original and looks brand new; everything in the car works perfectly. The original Spector Cadillac Syracuse New York Dealership sticker still adorns the rear trunk lid. Paul also has the original Spector Cadillac key chain, owner’s manual, and original purchase documentation. The registration sticker from 1987 was still on the car until last year when it was finally re-registered. The car was purchased in 1982 with approximately 27,000 miles on the odometer. Now, 37 years later, it checks in with 31,767 miles, which averages out to about 129 miles per year! Paul said he drove it about 300 miles during the first year of ownership. After that, once a year he would drive
it around a bit, then back in the garage and under the car cover it went. Eventually, when children came into the picture, child seats were placed in the car and they went along on these rare rides. Paul says his car has a few imperfections, but he wants to keep it exactly as he bought it. Since Paul has owned the Caddy, it has only been outside all day, morning to night, one time. That day was July 17, 1993. He remembers the date because it was the day he got married. The wedding party rode in limos, but he and his new bride rode in the 1976 Cadillac Sedan deVille. For the pictures in this article, Paul brought his car back to the Cadillac dealership where the original owner purchased it. Many thanks to Crest Cadillac in Syracuse NY for being gracious enough to allow us to use their facilities for the photo shoot. FALL ISSUE 2019 APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 17
‘
A 1999 DODGE VIPER RT/10
’ Total Surprise Words by BOB SBLENDORIO | Photos by CHRIS PENREE
“I was f labbergasted as I pulled into the driveway!” explained Dennis Reynolds. “I just stared….” He knew something was up, especially when he noticed his smiling wife standing there with a set of keys in hand. It was truly a dream come true, something he had wanted for years. It was a surprise — total surprise — for his 50th birthday and “it blew me out-of-the-water!”
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Marianne Reynolds' gift to her husband Dennis on his 50th birthday — a 1999 Dodge Viper RT/10.
His wife, Marianne, employed the help of Dennis’ brother Tim, and set out on a mission—to find that exact Viper that Dennis talked about for years. It had to be the right color, year, condition, low mileage, etc. That led the co-conspirators to a car in Ohio. Next, they hired an expert to travel
to Ohio to check it out. It was a 1999 original owner car with only 3,000 miles, in pristine condition. The color was also what Dennis had wanted: Viper Red. The 1999 Vipers have the big scallops on the sides, exactly as desired. It was perfect in every detail, so they purchased it. The top-secret
mission was successfully executed. I know — I know — by this time the wheels are in overdrive in minds of every husband…a brand new necktie? …or a 450hp V-10 Viper for your 50th birthday? The car is stock, with the exception of Belanger headers and racing exhaust and a new radio. Occasionally, Dennis and his wife go to car shows, but more than anything, he just enjoys driving the car.
Dennis Reynolds' 1999 Dodge Viper RT/10: ENGINE 8.0 L (488.1 ci), V-10, 450 hp
HORSEPOWER / TORQUE 450 hp @ 5,200 rpm, 490 lb-ft torque @ 3,700 rpm
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TRANS 6-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT 3,318 lbs
0-60 MPH 4.0 sec
COLOR Viper Red
COST, MSRP $65,725
RALPH’S
COLLISION SERVICE INC. 24 HOUR TOWING & RECOVERY
COMPLETE COLLISION WORK ALL MAKES OF CARS & TRUCKS INSURANCE CLAIMS PROPERLY HANDLED FREE COMPUTERIZED ESTIMATES EXPERT COLOR MATCHING & PAINT MIXING
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SAM WILT Speed Shop Manager 4475 Commercial Drive New Hartford, NY 13413 315-768-1015
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1999 Dodge Viper RT/10 Rolled out as a concept car in 1989 at the North American Auto Show, the Dodge Viper first went on sale in1992. At the time it was considered over-thetop in terms of styling and performance, especially with that monster V-10. Certainly, the inclusion of Carroll Shelby as an advisor early on in the design phase helped in the marketing of a brand new sports car. It was loaded with all-American sports cars excess, and the public embraced it. The Viper was continuously manufactured through 2017, with the exception of a couple of years (2011 & 2012). The 1999, like the one owned by Dennis, is a second-generation version, made from 1996 to 2002. It was available in the RT/10
roadster version with the removable top and the GTS coupe, which is the fixed roof version. For 1999, there were only 549 Viper RT/10s made, making it a fairly rare ride for sure. The body panels are made from a composite plastic. In 2003, with the roll-out of the third generation, a carbonfiber molding compound was used in some of the structural points to reduce overall weight. Chrysler Corporation created an icon of a sports car in the Viper, able to compete with any other sports car out there, foreign or American. It has an imposing style, tons of performance, and as Dennis said… “It attracts a crowd everywhere you go.”
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A Local Truck’s Connection to
SEABISCUIT Words by BOB SBLENDORIO Photos by CHRIS PENREE The late 1930s were a dark and tumultuous time in the history of the United States. The Great Depression had been ravaging the American spirit to the core for nearly a decade. The economy was in ruins with unrelenting high unemployment, citizens financially wipedout, and many…just plain hungry. Through all the darkness a glimmer of light somehow shined through, albeit for a short time. That light was a horse named Seabiscuit, an unassuming Thoroughbred that gave millions
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of Americans something to cheer about, which was sorely needed. The story about Seabiscuit is compelling by itself, and even more so considering the backdrop of the timeframe in which it unfolded. There’s no disputing that Seabiscuit was a champion racehorse—one of the greatest Thoroughbreds of all time—but the story goes well beyond that and that’s why it is so intriguing. Also fascinating, and the premise of this story, is the fact that a locally owned truck was associated with this famous racehorse.
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Seabiscuit Seabiscuit had a small stature for a racehorse. Some considered him too lazy, preferring to eat and sleep in his stall. He had a crooked leg and lost the first 17 races usually finishing well in the back of the pack. The jockey, John “Red” Pollard, was a down-on-his-luck former boxer, who was blind in one eye, a condition Pollard kept quiet to avoid disqualification as a jockey. The not-too well-known
trainer was “Silent” Tom Smith, the moniker “Silent” because of his affinity to avoid the press by all measures. The owner, Charles Howard, was a self-made man who owned Buick dealerships in the San Francisco area, and was the Buick agent responsible for distribution throughout California. Howard purchased Seabiscuit in August of 1936. It was an interesting cast: A ragsto-riches owner, a quiet trainer, a half-blind jockey, and an unassuming horse with an awkward gait…
“The Race-of-the-Century” took place on November 1,1938 at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Seabiscuit is in the lead entering turn one, with jockey George Woolf in the irons, with War Admiral, along with jockey Charles Kurtsinger in high pursuit. Seabuscuit went on to win the race in record time. — Photo courtesy of Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation
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on the surface it just doesn’t seem like a winning formula. But it was the combined synergies to overcome adversity and persevere against seemingly insurmountable odds that resulted in unprecedented winning on the track, and gave hope to millions of fans along the way. It’s a come-from-behind story that’s still relevant today. Despite a slow start in his career, Seabiscuit started winning races, and by 1937 won 11 of 15 races. His winning ways continued in 1938 and culminated in a well-publicized and much anticipated match race against a horse named War Admiral, a Triple Crown winner. It was an aristocrat vs. an underdog; a seemingly invincible vs. the undersized crooked leg horse; it was billed as “The
Race-of-the-Century”—and it delivered! It unfolded on November 1, 1938 at the Pimlico Race Course (home of the Preakness Stakes), in Baltimore, Maryland. Red Pollard was still recovering from injuries suffered in June of that year, so the duties went to his friend, a successful jockey by the name of George Woolf. Pollard carefully coached his friend prior to the race on exactly how to handle Seabiscuit.
“And they’re off” Seabiscuit, as often was the case, took an early lead; then backed off waiting for War Admiral to catch up on the backstretch where they continued head-to-head through turn four; and still head-to-head entering the final
stretch; then with the finish line in sight, Seabiscuit thundered ahead, winning by four lengths and setting a track record! It was a historic run, and The Race-of-the-Century certainly lived up to all the hype and then some. In the following year (1939), Seabiscuit took a hiatus from racing for nearly the entire year. There was one particular race that had eluded him twice before, and there was a push for a big comeback for both horse and jockey, Red Pollard. It was the Santa Anita Handicap, and Pollard was going to be in the irons one last time. The race happened on April 10, 1940 and Seabiscuit won. He was retired shortly thereafter, with a lifetime record of 33 wins in 89 races. A great story!
Al Mattei from Canastota owns this very special 1938 Buick Century pickup that is connected to the famous Seabiscuit. Turn the page to learn more about it. FALL ISSUE 2019 APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 27
A special 1938 Buick Pickup Al Mattei from Canastota owns a very special 1938 Buick Century pickup that is connected to the famous Seabiscuit. Charles Howard, the owner of Seabiscuit, had the snazzy looking truck built with the intent of transporting his famous racehorse. Likely, it was only used locally to transport Seabiscuit to and from the train depot in a horse trailer, and possibly other utility uses, explained Mattei. Seabiscuit was racing all over the country, and travel by train was the most practical way to get around for long distances. In 1938, Buick did not offer a pickup in their model lineup. As an owner of Buick Dealerships, Howard took a 1938 4-door Century sedan automobile, had it cut in half, and installed a custom pickup box. All the work was done in-house. The truck is striking to look at, with a commanding presence especially when viewed in person. Frankly, I was blown away when I first pulledup to view the truck. Mattei has owned the truck since
2000, and it’s certainly one of his favorites in his collection of cars. Purchasing the truck was not easy, as it took some persistence to convince the Michigan owner to finally sell it. Over the previous years it had been bought and sold five or six times. At one point, a collector recovered it from a junkyard in Carson City, Nevada, where it had been sitting for 12 years. It was subsequently restored and displayed at car shows throughout Northern California. Al enjoys driving and showing the truck throughout Central New York. Purchased initially with only about 3,000 miles, it now has 21,000 miles. Since purchasing, Al has only had to complete relatively minor repair work, like rebuilding the master cylinder, painting of the fire wall, and purchasing tires. Al said, “It drives beautifully, and can cruise 70-mph down the Thruway all day long.” Al Mattei’s truck is a one-of-a-kind artifact with a connection to one of the most famous Thoroughbreds of all time. So keep an eye out next time you go to a car show... you can’t miss it!
Al Mattei’s Pickup YEAR, MAKE, MODEL 1938, Buick Century with custom pickup truck bed ENGINE 320.2 ci, straight 8-cyl, with overhead valves, approx 120 hp TRANSMISSION 3-speed manual on the floor CARBURETOR Single barrel BATTERY 6-volt SUSPENSION Coil springs, front & rear BUICK CENTURYS MADE IN 1938 18,100 APPROX TOP SPEED 100 mph
If you’re intrigued and would like more information, check out the best-selling book Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand. There’s a 2003 movie based on the book as well titled Seabiscuit. FALL ISSUE 2019 APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 29
HOME RUN with a 1969 Camaro SS
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Words by BOB SBLENDORIO Photos by “THE STUDIOS” BY MELISSA WILBUR HATEM
It’s going.…going.…gone! Mike Del Conte really hit a home run with his 1969 Camaro SS, achieving that perfect blend of muscle car styling, mixed with modern day technology and convenience.
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1206 CHAMPLIN AVE, YORKVILLE, NY 13495
It’s a restomod that provides the best of both worlds…classic styling and everyday drivability. To that end, Mike has been modifying, replacing parts, and tweaking the car since purchasing it. Now it’s a car that he, along with his family, enjoys driving as much as possible; whether it’s going for ice cream, a cruise-in, or just a Sunday afternoon drive in the country. The first-generation Camaro was introduced in September 1966 and sold as a 1967 model. That first-generation continued with the 1968 and 1969 model years as well. They were available in either a 2-door coupe or convertible, with three basic trim options: Rally Sport (RS), Super Sport (SS), or Z28. They were available with either an in-line 6-cyl or a V-8. There were many engine displacements offered, with the smallest a 230 ci in-line 6-cyl. There were a few small block V-8 choices, and the biggest engine choice was a 396 ci big block rated at 375 hp with 415 lb-ft of torque. For the transmissions, the factory offered either manual (3-sp or 4-sp) or automatic (2-sp or 3-sp). For the 1969 models, the mechanical components like the engine and drivetrain remained largely unchanged from the previous years; however, the body was redesigned to make the car look sportier. The changes to the body were made to the front grille, rear tail light bezels, doors, and rear quarter
panels…all to give the car a lower and slightly wider more aggressive look. In 1969 there were 246,085 Camaros produced, of which 34,932 were the SS model. The SS was essentially a performance option that included higher horsepower engines, upgrades to the chassis for handling improvements, and a few aesthetic enhancements that included special badging and body long stripes. There were two GM variants offered in 1969, known as COPO (Central Office Pro-
duction Orders) versions. This was a program that allowed dealers to special order cars so that they could modify them into an even higher-performance version. The COPO version allowed dealers (notably Don Yenko), to install big-block 427 ci engines. The Camaros offered through the COPO program were produced in limited numbers, making the legendary Yenko Camaros very rare and highly sought after.
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Mike Del Conte’s 1969 Camaro SS: Since he was a kid, Mike always lusted over the idea of owning a 1960s era Camaro, with his favorite being the 1969. He was raised in a car loving family, with his father and brother owning and working on many different classic cars over the years. It was part of his DNA, something unavoidable. He finally got his chance when he purchased a partially restored 1969
Camaro SS in the fall of 2005. The credit goes to his brother for finding the car at an auction in Florida. It was an unfinished project with good “bones”—besides it was exactly the car Mike was looking for. Along with some friends, Mike made a lot of modifications to his SS, which included a new carburetor and manifold, an aggressive cam, headers, new valve covers, and a serpentine belt kit. It had a non-original big-block 454 ci V-8, which was eventually changed
by Mike to a 427 ci. The attention to detail goes deep, the entire engine compartment was re-done, including rerouting the spark plug wires under the headers for a clean look. Mike’s best guess on the horsepower is between 550 to 600hp. The transmission is a Munice M-21 close ratio 4-speed. He installed the engine and transmission after the car was painted and was very relieved (and proud) that all the work was completed without the slightest damage to the paint job.
Bravo Mike! There were a bunch of changes made to the chassis. A complete RideTech suspension package was installed, with CoilOvers installed in all four corners. The SS had disc brakes on the front as original equipment, but Mike upgraded to Wilwood brakes, including changing the rear drum brakes to disc. The wheels on the front are 17”, with 18” on the rear giving that slight, but noticeable lower front
stance. Everything invariably needed additional modification to achieve the proper fit. The rear wheels, with the Wilwood disc brakes installed, needed to be machined about ¼”, something Mike checked on prior to doing. The interior was one of the areas that had been previously completed by the earlier owner, so the only upgrade was changing the headliner. The paint job was completed locally by Jeffrey’s Auto Body in North Syracuse. The color was a GM Black,
similar to the factory Tuxedo Black available in 1969. Jeffrey’s also put on a high gloss top coat, and it looks great, especially seeing the car in person. Since the 427 ci was not a factory engine, Mike added the 427 badging on the front fenders. Whether cruising with his wife and kids, or cruising his nieces and nephews to family events — Mike has become the go-to ride for special occasions — and is loving every minute doing it!
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1965 Mustang Fastback 2+2 36 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE 2019
Words by guest writer, JOHN HOYT Photos by JOSH BAIN and the owner
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The Mustang sat outside behind Dad’s garage, uncovered, until he gave it to me in 1985 — I was 15 years old.
Dad first saw this model while attending the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City with his brother Robert. He immediately fell in love with the car, and upon returning home, began the process to purchase one. At the time, he was employed by the Philco Corporation, which was owned by the Ford Motor Company. One of the benefits of working for Philco was the discount employees received when purchasing Ford products. Like many other employees, Dad applied this benefit toward the purchase of his Mustang. On November 13, 1964, Dad took delivery of his new, vintage burgundy Mustang Fastback 2+2 from Sid Stockholm Ford in Rome, NY. The cost was $2,771. Dad drove his Mustang for many years and eventually took it off the road in the mid 1970’s with approximately 90,000 miles registered on the odometer. The years of driving in Upstate New York winters resulted in severe 38 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE 2019
rust damage and corrosion to its body, frame, and other components. The Mustang sat outside behind Dad’s garage, uncovered, until he gave it to me in 1985—I was 15 years old. Although time and the elements had taken their toll on the car, his plan was to help me restore it back to its original condition. During that summer, we disassembled the car until it was a “rolling chassis”. The parts removed were carefully packaged and stored for eventual re-assembly. The “rolling chassis” remained outside, now covered with a tarp. Years passed and the Mustang remained untouched, as other events in our lives took priority. Dad and I
The 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2 in front the Ford Pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City. This is where John Hoyt, my Dad, fell in love with the Mustang.
— Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
would often talk about finishing the restoration, and he’d say, “Yea, we have to get going on that”. On January 30, 2014, my Dad passed away unexpectedly, so our dream of restoring the Mustang together would never come to fruition. In October 2018, I received a call from Mark Choquette, a very gifted automobile restoration expert from Camden, NY. Mark learned about my Mustang through a mutual friend, Ken Suits. Mark said that he would restore my Mustang (and let me help!). FALL ISSUE 2019 APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 39
The restoration of my Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2, Unit # 533, is dedicated in loving memory to its original owner, my Dad, John F. Hoyt, April 18, 1939 – January 30, 2014.
I delivered my Mustang to Mark’s shop on October 25, 2018. After 33 years, the restoration process resumed! During the restoration, the “rolling chassis” was completely stripped, and EVERY part of the car was evaluated. Original parts were restored and used whenever possible. The finished product is the result of approximately 700 hours of labor from Mark Choquette and Gary Gabruk. Special thanks go to these gentlemen, as well as Kevin Minor, who rebuilt the engine. This restoration would not have been possible without their talents and skills.
Mustang Fastback 2+2
RESTORATION
In the process of disassembling the car in 1985. 40 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE 2019
Restoration being done in Camden, NY started in October 2018. FALL ISSUE 2019 APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 41
/// C A R S H O W S
Vehicles for Vision Invitational Car Show and Cruise-In Presented by Village Motors
Words and photos by MICHAEL MARRONE , Public Relations and Events Manager, CABVI
I
n 2014, the C.A.B board of directors, governing board for the Vehicles for Vision program, wanted to create a fundraiser for the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI). That same year, the Vehicles for Vision Invitational Car Show and Cruise-In was born. This year, our first year as an Apex Automotive Magazine Sanctioned Show, more than 100 cars showed up to rev their motors and flaunt their curves on the lawn of Hart’s Hill Inn
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in Whitesboro, NY. Cars included a 1909 Petrel Roadster, 1934 Plymouth PE, 1951 Allard J2, 1974 De Tomaso Pantera, and a Top Alcohol Funny Car from Jay Blake, the world’s only blind crew chief and team owner. Spectators spent two hours gazing at each meticulously built car and talking shop with the owners. Mixed in with the spectators were judges who graded the 22 invitational cars to award them with trophies in the following categories: pre-war, post-
war, modified, people’s choice, and most unique. In total, over $18,000 was raised from the event to support the programs and services at CABVI. It was their biggest year to date, and they hope next year attracts even more cars. To learn more about CABVI, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages, or visit them online at www.cabvi.org. Next year’s car show will take place in June, so keep your engines idling and stay tuned for more information.
(Clockwise from top left:) 1934 Plymouth PE, 1909 Petrel Roadster, 1951 Allard J2, 1974 De Tomaso Pantera.
(Above:) A Top Alcohol Funny Car from Jay Blake, the world’s only blind crew chief and team owner.
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/// C A R S H O W S
the 2019
Sherrill Cruise-In Words by SHARIE SBLENDORIO | Photos by guest photographer, DAVE FINN
F The 50/50 raffle proceeds from the car show were donated to the Sherrill Kenwood Fire Department in appreciation for their help with the event.
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or the second year in a row, blue skies and perfect summer temperatures greeted us for the Sherrill Cruise-In held at the charming Reilly Mumford Park on July 23rd. The Sherrill Cruise-In started in 2018 with a request from the Parks and Recreation Director Sara Getman for any ideas to add to the already vast City of Sherrill happenings. Vernon resident and Apex Magazine writer, Bob Sblendorio took the bait to organize the new event. This year it was scheduled as the lead off event for the annual fireworks weekend, and also coincided with their Tuesday night concert series. The Sherrill Kenwood Fire Department graciously volunteered to park cars, with the 50/50 raffle proceeds donated to the department in appreciation for their help. There were door prizes donated by local merchants: Apple Betty’s, Marble Hill Inn, and Joe’s Jerky. With over 100 cars in attendance, there was a beautiful assortment to make selections for the three trophies: Mayor’s Choice, Fire Department Choice, and Apex Magazine Choice. A good time was had by all with an entertaining concert by Matt Chase and Thunder Canyon to finish off the evening.
The 2019 Sherrill Cruise-In attracted over 100 cars. Trophies were awarded for Mayor's Choice, Fire Department Choice, and Apex Magazine Choice.
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A Lifetime of Passion Words by BOB SBLENDORIO | Photos by CHRIS PENREE Bob Brotherton, a master at wood carving, has been building one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork for over 60 years…and is still at it! By every measure, that is an incredible passion—a gift really— to be that skilled and engaged over all those years. In his home, walking from room-to-room surrounded by countless wood carvings that he did is a feeling hard to describe. In a word, I would have to say: Wonderment! To this day, Bob remembers with clarity his very first project, which was a tractor trailer. He was 12 or
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Bob Brotherton's 1985 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible pictured above, with the wooden model he created of it below.
To this day, Bob remembers with clarity his very first project, which was a tractor trailer. He was 12 or 13-yearsold and “it came out fine, really as good the ones I do today.” That initial project lit-the-flame of passion, so-tospeak, to then embark on a hobby that has stayed with him his entire life. There’s a lot of planning that goes into each piece. It often starts with the purchase of a set of wheels, the only part not handmade from wood.
Depending on the availability and the size, the wheels become the basis for designing an accurate and proportionally correct model. Everything has to be in proportion, so that the end project looks like the “real” car. The drawings are hand drawn by Bob and have multiple layers to integrate all the necessary design elements for the final project. It’s involved
and requires researching and studying photos to get the proper proportionality and contour lines of the car. Once the planning is completed, then the actual wood carving and shaping can begin. Typically, Bob utilizes balsa wood, and occasionally other types of wood depending on the particulars of the project. It takes a lot of time from start-to-finish, often many weeks to complete just one project. Bob purchased a very nice 1985 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible about nine years ago. It’s a car (real) that was on his bucket list for a long time, so he couldn’t pass this one up. The model replica followed a few years later. Frankly, it was a special moment to see Bob, with his model in-hand, standing next to his beloved car. Bob’s collection also includes airplanes. There are many historic warplanes from the WWII era also on display, like a P-47 Thunderbolt. The P-47, for those WWII aficionados, was an escort fighter and a fighter/bomber
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One might wonder, are there mini cases of beer inside this mini model of a Saranac Adirondack Lager truck?
used by the Allied forces in both the European and Pacific theaters. Bob explained the black and white stripes were known as invasion stripes, to reduce the chance of a friendly fire attack (just before and after the D-Day invasion).
Personal: Bob leveraged those early skills and passion working with wood projects to become an Industrial Arts Teacher. He graduated from the State University of New York
Richard (Dick) Aversa Tribute (1950-2019):
Apex would like to acknowledge the late Dick Aversa for his many contributions in the early years of the magazine. He helped with ad sales and story ideas with his many connections throughout the car community. Bob Brotherton was a neighbor and friend of Dick for many years and built a model replica of his beloved Chevy Trailblazer that Dick would use to drag race. Dick was involved in drag racing for about 50 years, and had many trophies and plaques proudly displayed throughout his house. Drag racing was one of his passions, and he got results with countless wins. He will missed by many. 48 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE 2019
A 1967 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Convertible model. A WWII era P-47 Thunderbolt model.
A replica of a Delahaye Type 135 Coupe, produced from 1935 to 1954 by french automaker Delahaye.
at Oswego and went on to teach for the next 40 years. He taught students how to build with wood, metal, plastic, and textiles; all practical skills and knowledge that could last a lifetime. Over the years he became an expert
with anything to do with wood. Back in the day, he had a woodworking shop, building a little bit of everything and anything. His repertoire includes building grandfather clocks, cabinets, decks, and more. Unlike real cars, the wood carving
hobby doesn’t require a big garage with lots of tools and equipment to get involved. A relatively small space is all that’s needed. It’s an engaging and immensely satisfying hobby that can last a long time... pretty much a lifetime, as is the case for Bob Brotherton!
(Above left): Dick’s 2007 Chevy Trailbazer SS that set a record as the fastest naturally aspirated All Motor/All Wheel vehicle in 2013. (Above right): A few years later, Bob Brotherton, a friend and neighbor made a model replica for Dick of his beloved truck. FALL ISSUE 2019 APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 49
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