VOL. 38 NO. 1 | MARCH 2021
PRECIOUS METAL
BUY A HARRAH CAR
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WINTON ACROSS AMERICA
MCFARLAN: THE AMERICAN ROLLSROYCE
SM
CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
3
FROM THE NAME TEAM
5
11
BUY A 1955 FORD T-BIRD
MCFARLAN - THE AMERICAN ROLLS-ROYCE
14
VOLUNTEER NEWS
17
WINTON ACROSS AMERICA
23
MUSEUM STORE
20
HIGH FLYER RIDES AGAIN
27
NEW MEMBERS
22 AUTOMOTIVE BOOKS IN THE MUSEUM STORE
28 THANKS A MILLION 30 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
IN THIS ISSUE
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4
2020 ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
12
MUSEUM WALKING
15
LOW AND SLOW EXHIBIT
Cover Image from the Museum's current exhibit Low and Slow Egypt 63
24
NEW VEHICLE ADDITIONS
Precious Metal is a benefit to members and is published by the National Automobile Museum 10 S. Lake Street Reno, NV 89501-1558 (775) 333-9300 automuseum.org info@automuseum.org
EDITOR: Kathy Powers GRAPHIC DESIGN: Kathy Powers CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Buddy Frank
1963 Chevrolet Impala On Loan from: Richard Lopez Auto Color Studio
Materials in this publication cannot be reproduced or utilized without the written permission of the National Automobile Museum
FROM THE
NAM TEAM We are excited to announce that Phil MacDougall from Sparks is the new executive director here at the National Automobile Museum. As we all recover from the pandemic and the uncertainties of 2020, the Board of Trustees believes that MacDougall can lead us forward to a much stronger position in the coming years with his excellent background in marketing, membership, fundraising and museum management. MacDougall has extensive experience in all of these areas, having worked in similar roles for NBA’s Sacramento Kings and Arco Arena Entertainment Facility, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, MacDougall Productions, California Museum of History, Asian Chamber of Commerce and Ebara Technologies.
Phil completed his studies at Richmond University in London, England; earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA. He has always been active in his community, donating time and resources to the FBI
Phil said, “I am very excited to join the team at the National Automobile Museum to help develop new and exciting programs that showcase our venue and all of its unique offerings. The Museum has something for everyone, and I will be highlighting each of them locally and around the world on a regular basis.” Mr. MacDougall has lived in Sparks for the last three years with his wife Sheri. They have three grown children and three grandchildren that all live locally. He is originally from Boston, MA, and loves movies, football and is a big fan of Elvis music. Buddy Frank, who has been serving as the Interim Executive Director since November of 2019, will transition to Chief Operating Officer for a few months to assist Phil until he gets his feet on the ground. Buddy says that he’ll then become a lifetime member of the volunteer crew working with the team on marketing projects. (Buddy’s Note to Phil: You might still be able to hear some echoes of the King’s voice in our 1973 Cadillac in Gallery Four that his Dad gave him as a birthday gift.)
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He is transitioning from WIN (Western Industrial Nevada) where he served as their Executive Director. For the last half century, WIN has been one of the largest networking organizations in Northern Nevada and is dedicated to providing educational, inspiring and motivational speakers to our region on a monthly basis. His duties there included running day-to-day operations and working with the board on event planning, financial management, corporate sponsorships, marketing and member retention/recruitment.
National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Board, the Northern Nevada International Center Board, the Gratis Gives Advisory Board, the American Heart Association, the Children’s Miracle Network Board, and the Rescue Union School board of trustees.
ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN In a normal year, we’d be very excited to share the news that we’ve restored our Changing Gallery where we rotate new and fascinating exhibits on topics ranging from Bill Harrah to the Ford Model T to Lowriders. We would also be boasting about the new additions to our collection such as an early Tesla Roadster (the 10th ever made), one of the first SUVs (a Scout 80), a magnificent ’55 T-Bird, a 1963 Studebaker Avanti or our new 1914 Model T Touring that we’ll use in our upcoming “Model T Experience” class where you can start and drive one of our Tin Lizzies. But it was not a normal year. It was 2020. And it was dominated by a pandemic. We were shut down for 77 days beginning in March. When we re-opened in June with strict COVID safety protocols in place, visitation was down 35%. With the growing regional infection rates and new restrictions, our volumes dropped to just 50% of normal.
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We reduced expenses wherever we could. Our professional staff is now just seven key workers, backed by an incredible team of volunteers and a very supportive Board of Trustees. So this year, more than ever we need your help. Contributions from our community and car lovers worldwide made this Museum possible back in 1989. Since then, we have consistently ranked as one of the Top Three “Things to Do in Reno.” Our Museum is known nationally and internationally as one of the country’s Top Ten automobile collections, with many one-of-a-kind vehicles. Please help us preserve our great local asset and allow us to maintain our high standards by again pledging your support at whatever level you can afford during this critical year. Donations can be made at automuseum.org, by calling (775) 333-9300 or mailing a check to the Museum. Thank you for your support! Phil MacDougall Executive Director
McFarlan The American Rolls-Royce By Jack Harpster Adapted from a Nov/Dec 2017 article in Antique Automobile magazine
London-born 18-year old John B. McFarlan and his parents emigrated to the U.S. in 1831, where they established a farm outside of Cincinnati. John was not too motivated by farm labor, however, so eventually his parents apprenticed him to a local shop to become a carriage blacksmith. A quick learner, the young fellow had soon completed his apprenticeship and opened his own small blacksmith shop. As soon as the business became profitable, John took a wife, and soon they had four children.
By the end of the Civil War in 1865, the production of buggies and wagons had become a major industry in Connersville, and John’s McFarlan Carriage Company was one of the most successful. He had cobbled his company together by purchasing a number of smaller carriage makers and equipment suppliers, and when the railroad passed through the town it provided inexpensive transportation. By this time John had also brought a number of family members into the enterprise to help manage and ost
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By 1849 John had established a carriage manufacturing plant in Wayne County, Indiana, and in 1856 he and his family moved to nearby Connersville, where John and his wife filled out the family with three more children. Connersville was a booming logging town on the Whitewater Canal, a 76-mile waterway tying the Whitewater Valley on the east side of Indiana to the Ohio River. It was one of many canals constructed in the Midwest — a region commonly known as the “Old Northwest” in the day — following the success of New York’s Erie Canal, completed in 1825.
and operate it, including his four sons J.B. McFarlan Jr., Charles E. J. McFarlan, William W. McFarlan, and James E. McFarlan. The company employed 75 men year round, and turned out hundreds of carriages and buggies per year. It had been John’s plan from the beginning to build only top-quality carriages for the upscale market, a segment he believed was not being adequately served at the time. The majority of his carriages were custom built, featuring bodies built of select secondgrowth ash and elm, rare 1/16-inch-thick aluminum sidings, highest-grade window glass, top-grade leather-upholstered seats with thick cushions of curled horse hair, and dictograph telephonic communication devices between chauffeur and passengers in the rear compartments. The company occupied a cluster of large buildings in Connersville. However, by 1886 the business had outgrown this original location, so John built his own industrial park — one of the earliest in the nation — on 82 acres of farmland outside of town, a property that was soon referred to by all the local townspeople as “John McFarlan’s Corn Patch.” On the new property, more formally named the Connersville Industrial Park, John erected a huge four-story structure covering approximately five acres to house his carriage manufacturing business, which attests to the grand success he had made of the company.
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The industrial park was also enjoying great success. It offered easy access to nearby transportation — the Whitewater Canal and the Central Indiana Railroad making the park an ideal location for other manufacturers as well, and “John’s Corn Patch” was soon built out. During the final decade of the 19th century and the first decade of the 20th century, around 500 U.S. automobile manufacturers would spring up, although carriages were still quite visible on the streets of most cities for much of that period. Many of Connersville’s carriage builders entered the fledgling motor- car business, and a number of others would come to town as well, making the community a kind of early “Little Detroit” where 10 different brands of horseless carriages were soon being manufactured. It was during this same two-decade period that John Sr.’s grandson
grandson, Alfred Harry, had become excited about these new motorcars, and saw them as the future of personal transportation. Harry, as he was called, had been born in 1881, the first child of John Sr.’s son, Charles. He had attended school in Connersville and graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, in 1902. Also, while the remainder of the family’s men were absorbed into the carriage business, where horse power — as opposed to horsepower — was all that mattered, Harry, was enthusiastic about these new motorcars. An 1898 history of the company gave a few clues as to how big it had become, even before moving over to the horseless carriage. It stated that the company employed 400 hands and had an annual capacity of 12,000 carriages that were distributed across the U.S. and in a number of foreign countries. It also had branch warehouses in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Kansas City, Missouri. In 1909, toward the end of the period when carriages would disappear and motorcars would replace them, 87-year-old John B. McFarlan Sr. died. His four sons were already financial partners in the company, a move their father made as each man came of age, but each son also held top management positions in other Connersville enterprises. Because of his enthusiasm toward the new automobiles, it is not surprising that John Sr.’s grandson, Alfred Harry, only 27-year-old, would succeed him as the head of their family enterprise.
The company changed hands a few more times, and in 1927 the entire multi-building plant was purchased by the Auburn Automobile Company. Despite the failure of both the Lexington and the Howard, Harry — still pursuing the automobile industry — reorganized the company and changed its name to the McFarlan Motor Company.
The earliest American-built automobiles were simply motorized carriages with little power. Ransom Olds’ 1901-1906 Oldsmobile R models (curved-dash), for instance, were only one-cylinder
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Most of the new motorcar companies would not last very long before dreams evaporated and doors were closed. The McFarlan family had witnessed two of those failed dreamers first-hand within their own industrial complex. The Lexington Motor Company had established a plant there after moving from Kentucky in the early 1900s. Their first effort was the Lexington automobile, but the company was plagued by debt and in 1913 E.W. Ansted purchased it. Despite Ansted’s best efforts, his large six-cylinder Howard touring car failed miserably as well.
three- horsepower tiller-steered vehicles. But the science advanced rapidly, and within only four or five years, the four-cylinder engine was regarded as the standard in the U.S. When Harry was ready to launch McFarlan’s first motorcar in late 1909, the automotive trade press’s innocuous report stated that the company “ . . . will soon manufacture a motor buggy.” However, what followed would shock the automotive world. The 1910 McFarlan was a large prestigious motorcar with an unheard of twin- valve six-cylinder engine that generated between 35 and 40 horsepower, with an astounding 120-inch wheelbase. Three models would be available in 1910: a 5-passenger touring, a 4-passenger baby tonneau, and a 3-passenger roadster. All McFarlan automobiles would offer many custom-built features, as their carriages had done before them. According to a story in the July 7, 1910, edition of the trade magazine, Horseless Age, “The McFarlan Company, Connersville, Ind., are building models of a touring car and a roadster, to sell at about $2500." It was the emphasis on extremely high quality that would eventually earn the McFarlan the nickname “the American Rolls-Royce.” The sad part of McFarlan’s late 1909 introduction was that John Sr. had died only two weeks prior to the completion of the first experimental model that carried his name.
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By August 1910, Harry was ready to road test his new cars. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway had opened the previous year about 65 miles west of Connersville, and the 1910 Labor Day motorcar races there were scheduled for September 5th. Harry entered two of the brand-new McFarlan “Sixes.” Despite their powerful engines, the cars had not been designed for racing. They were very heavy — among U.S.-made automobiles only Locomobiles were heavier — but Harry was a gambler. In a fivemile “free-for-all” race, McFarlan finished first and third; during the 200-mile feature race, the McFarlans finished third and fifth.
McFarlan immediately ran an ad in the September 7, 1910, edition of the Indianapolis Star proclaiming the merits of their car during the feature race: “200 miles in 183 minutes . . . running 17 miles for each gallon of gasoline . . . was the Feature Performance of the Meet . . . both cars finished in as good condition as when they started, without [a] change of tires. Cars of only one make finished ahead of the McFarlan, and they are cars of higher power and higher price . . . Monday’s races proved the McFarlan the greatest of automobile values.” It was a grand beginning, and the positive publicity got the ball rolling for the new marque. The McFarlan
Sixes began to sell in small numbers at an average of about five cars a month, which was all the Connersville plant could turn out anyway, given all the custom body work that most of the cars required. In 1913, the name of the company changed again to McFarlan Automobile Company, a change that made CEO Harry McFarlan very happy. Then four years later the name was changed again to McFarlan Motor Car Company, by which time the firm was not only manufacturing its own cars and trucks, but also manufacturing auto bodies for other firms. For the first half-dozen years or so, the company not only built fine automobiles, but also turned out a few fire trucks, police patrol cars, hearses, ambulances, and limousines. As their reputation for quality and extraordinary custom work grew, they fulfilled many strange orders. The famous Chicago gangster Al Capone ordered a car with bulletproof glass, steel plates in the sides, a machine gun turret, and a trapdoor in the floor so he could drop nails, tacks, and bits of glass onto the road to hamper police cars that chased him. A lady from Cleveland ordered a roadster with a fenced platform right in back of the front seat for her prize-winning dog. The diversity and quality of McFarlan’s products was likely all that kept them solvent as the U.S. neared the second decade of the 20th century. Production of their motorcars had shrunk to little more than 100 in both 1918 and 1919, partially due to the wartime restrictions of WWI. After the war, the company quickly bounced back, and the 1920s would be both the company’s most spectacular decade — it was then that the exquisite McFarlan earned the nickname “The American Rolls Royce” — but also its most disastrous time.
In 1920, McFarlans came in ten different models — each with custom
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If ever there was a perfect match between an era and an automobile, it was the 1920-1929 “Roaring Twenties” and the large, beautiful, heavy, custom-built McFarlan automobile. The postwar surging economy created an era of mass consumerism like few before or after it, and for the folks who could afford it, a custom-built McFarlan was a perfect solution. Among the lucky ones who could afford one were boxer Jack Dempsey, actor Wally Reid, vaudeville performer and movie actor Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, bandleader Paul Whiteman, film director Desmond Taylor, Virginia Governor E. Lee Trinkle, and gangster Al Capone, who bought a second McFarland — without all the aforementioned equipment — for his wife.
body work available, of course — and ranged in price from $4,800 to just under $6,000. In its day, that was a lot of money — especially when you consider that a modest Buick would have sold for $1,500, and a Ford for less than $500, while the average price of a good-sized new home was roughly $6,000 — so the McFarlans continued to sell in moderatenumbers, which was still all they were able to manufacture anyway. Around 1925, Harry McFarlan — the heart and the spirit of the marque — became ill, likely with a respiratory disease, and was forced to move to the Arizona desert where he would spend the rest of his life. Harry passed away in 1937 at the age of 56. Without its leader, the company only existed for three more years, going into bankruptcy in 1928. Roughly a year later, the factory was sold to the Auburn Automobile Company.
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The car was a legend in its day, and remains to this day. It is estimated that there are only 19 McFarlans known to exist.
The raffle ticket for the 2004 Jaguar XK8 was chosen on Nov. 5, 2020. The winning ticket was #012278. Congratulations Mary from Boston, MA!
Want to own one of the cars from the original Harrah Automobile Collection?
The Museum will soon be auctioning off a 1955 Ford Thunderbird on one of the national automotive auction sites. Following the practices of the late William Harrah, we’ll never sell or dispose of a vehicle, unless we have a better example for our collection. In the case of the Thunderbird, last fall the estate of Richard Charles Teubner donated a black ’55 T-Bird to the Museum. It is a beautiful car inside and out and is close to a 100-point concours example. We hope you get a chance to stop by and see it displayed on the “1950s Street.”
Despite the discrepancies, these early Thunderbirds are highly-desirable, especially the ’55 model. When new, the T-Bird handily outsold the Chevrolet Corvette that was introduced in 1953. The new Ford two-seater had a steel body and, importantly, a V-8 engine. Many folks were skeptical about the Vette’s new fiberglass body. You can see the many cracks in our early 1953 “John Wayne” Corvette as proof that Chevrolet had not yet perfected their fiberglass process. The 1955 model is unique among Thunderbirds because the exhaust pipes exit through the rear bumper and the iconic porthole in the removable top did not become standard until the ’56 model the following year. If you’re interested in bidding, contact Collections Manager Jay Hubbard for details. (jhubbard@automuseum.org)
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The Harrah Thunderbird was purchased in December of 1976 from a New York state dealer. Surprisingly, it was only in average condition. While they may have planned to restore the car, it never happened before Mr. Harrah passed in 1978. The original four-barrel carburetor had been replaced with a two-barrel model, and the air cleaner is not stock. The red paint and white removable hardtop look attractive, but there are some small rough spots. The upholstery is in good condition and the interior is decent. We fired the engine recently, and all seems good mechanically. The undercarriage has had some repairs, but they are rough.
Mall Walking M M U E US
When you read something from the CDC these days, it’s probably about COVID-19. But long before the pandemic, the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta has always been involved in promoting general good health. In 2015, they issued a resource guide called “Mall Walking.” You can see the full 56-page guide at their website: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/downloads/mallwalking-guide.pdf We’d like you to substitute the word “Auto Museum” for “Mall” when you read this. Here’s an example: “Malls The National Automobile Museum is an attractive place for walking because it provides a sheltered indoor environment free from the dangers of traffic congestion, and can be used most days of the year regardless of weather or seasonal differences. People feel less fearful and vulnerable when walking in malls the Museum than in more unpredictable environments.” Middle-aged and older adults represent the segment of the US population that may benefit the most from efforts to increase the number of mall Museum walking programs in the nation. Becoming physically active, even during middle age and older adult years, can lead to better overall health and lower risk of death.”
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Here at our facility in downtown Reno, we have over 85,000 square feet of exhibits that stretch seven-tenths of a mile one-way. For a six-footer, that works out to 1,715 steps on your Fitbit or smart watch. One other advantage of Museum walking is that most of our surfaces (very similar to a mall) are flat and free of obstacles. There is a small ramp leading to Gallery One, a curb as you exit it and one boardwalk in front of Gallery Two. Otherwise, you can stroll our streets and exhibit galleries all on a single flat level. During the pandemic, everyone is urged to avoid large gatherings and crowded public spaces. That’s very easy to do at the Museum. Even on our busiest days we seldom exceed 250 visitors per day. That works out to each person having 2,720 square feet to themselves. If you walk in the morning when visitation is light, your chances of having five times that amount of space are almost guaranteed. One advantage we can’t match is that walking in the Mall is free. But we come close. If you bought a daily admission, you’d pay $12 ($10 if you are 62 or older). However, if you purchase an annual Museum membership for $45, you can walk for free all year long. That’s 363 days since we’re only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Everyone is in agreement about the physical benefits of walking, but did you know that Museums can also help you live longer? In a 2019 news article, the “New York Times” reported that, “Researchers in London who followed thousands of people 50 and older over a 14-year period discovered that those who went to a museum or
or attended a concert just once or twice a year were 14 percent less likely to die during that period than those who didn’t.” “Time” magazine also reported that, “Along with physical activity, your brain needs mental stimulation to stay hale and fit. Visiting intellectually invigorating places, like museums or cultural centers, and learning new skills are also great ways to keep your brain in shape.” Most of our staff reports that even though they walk the galleries dozens of times a week, they almost always spot something new and different on each visit. “Why are there girl’s names on the side of the 1892 Philion?” “How can you seat five people in the small 1925 Julian?” “Why is the name ‘Topping’ on the hubcaps of the 1941 ‘Lana Turner’ Chrysler?” ** - (the answers to those questions are hidden somewhere in this issue.) The mall may stimulate you to buy something, but here you can learn something about our history, our fascination with automobiles and how our need to move about has changed from year to year.
Come join us and start walking.
Join the Nevada Space Center at the National Automobile Museum in 2021 for our Science Saturday series. On the second Saturday of each month, learn more about exploring, living, and working in Space and on Planet Earth! Training Future Astronauts Engineering Spacecraft Exploring Mars Traveling on Titanic Touching the Sun Talking to Space Making Space Art Exploring Planet Earth Taking Flight Living on the Moon Eating in Space Discovering the Universe
More information available at nevadachallenger.org
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January 9 February 13 March 13 April 10 May 8 June 12 July 10 August 14 September 11 October 9 November 13 December 11
VOLUNTEER NEWS 2020 – VOLUNTEERS WHO CONTRIBUTED 100 OR MORE HOURS We thank our volunteers who contributed 100 or more hours of service in 2020. What a valuable contribution! We sincerely appreciate all of the volunteers who helped the Museum in 2020.
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Bill Petty Leonard Bonilla Gary Crain Skip Hosler Eric Nordberg John Harp Dale Schuett Al Fernandes Larry Bear Cal DeCoursey Frank Papp Jeff DeMatei Peter Aylworth Jeff Park Janice Hubbard Norm Miller Bill Bremer Shelagh Bremer Myron Hallauer Al Abrahamson Daniel Schemenauer John Sell Susie Reinke Viki Neyens
613 402 294 272 243 200 191 185 171 166 160 155 154 153 150 145 143 143 139 139 137 114 101 100
2020 – VOLUNTEERS OF 10 YEARS OR MORE This is a remarkable commitment and accomplishment. We can’t begin to express our appreciation of the volunteers who have been part of our team for so many years. They are the foundation of our Museum Family. 2009 - 11 Years
2003 - 17 Years
Tom Batchelor Eric Nordberg
Linda Abrahamson Craig Hartman Rick Wilson
2008 - 12 Years Doug Hast Patty Kozik Dick Petersen John Plough 2007 - 13 Years Susie Reinke 2006 - 14 Years Tina Hubbard 2005 - 15 Years Leonard Bonilla Craig Williams 2004 - 16 Years George Canavan Norm Miller Darrell LaRue
IN MEMORY Museum volunteer Bill Bremer passed away unexpectedly in November 2020. He, along with his wife, Shelagh, served the Museum as volunteers since March 2018. Bill will be deeply missed by everyone at the Museum and by the many people whose lives he touched in countless ways. He was a valued member of our Museum family. We were honored by his participation and fortunate for his years of service, knowledge of automobiles, and his friendship.
2002 – 18 Years Rod Smith 2000 – 20 Years Verna Peeler Merrilie Witham 1999 – 21 years John Fuller 1997 - 23 Years Al Abrahamson 1994 - 26 Years Mary Warth
Low and Slow Lowrider Exhibit Changing Exhibits Gallery January - April 2021 Our newest exhibit, Low and Slow, opened in January. The exhibit features lowriders from the local community, along with lowrider bicycles, a motorcycle, a pedal car, artwork, club plaques, music, and the history of lowriding. Lowriders and the lowrider lifestyle appeal to cultures worldwide. Artistic expression, vehicle pride, nonconformity, and a sense of community are all common traits of the lowrider movement. These vehicles are incredible works of craftsmanship and represent hundreds of hours of artistic restoration. You don't want to miss this exhibit - visit today!
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One of the prized cars in Horseless Carriage exhibit in Gallery One is our 1899 Winton Roadster. It’s one of the earliest American automobiles. Just four years after this car was produced, Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson and his mechanic Sewall Crocker bought a used 1903 model Winton they named “Vermont.” They made a $50 bet that they could become the first to ever cross the country in an automobile. The story below of their epic journey is re-printed from Wikipedia. Besides his medical practice, Jackson was an auto enthusiast who differed with the then-prevailing wisdom that the automobile was a passing fad and a recreational plaything. While in San Francisco's University Club as a guest on May 18, 1903, he agreed to a $50 wager (equivalent to $1,423 today) to prove that a four-wheeled machine could be driven across the country. He accepted even though at age 31 he did not own a car, had practically no experience driving, and had no maps to follow. Jackson and his wife planned to return to their Burlington, Vermont, home in a few days, and both had been taking automobile driving lessons while in San Francisco. She returned home by train, allowing him to take his adventure by automobile. Having no mechanical experience, Jackson convinced a young mechanic and chauffeur, Sewall K. Crocker, to serve as his travel companion, mechanic, and backup driver. Crocker suggested that Jackson buy a Winton car. He bought a slightly used, two-cylinder, 20hp Winton, which he named the Vermont, after his home state, bade his wife goodbye, and left San Francisco on May 23, carrying coats, rubber protective suits, sleeping bags, blankets, canteens, a water bag, an axe, a shovel, a telescope, tools, spare parts, a block and tackle, cans for extra gasoline and oil, a Kodak camera, a rifle, a shotgun, and pistols. Heeding the failed attempt by automobile pioneer Alexander Winton (founder of the Winton Motor Carriage Company, which manufactured Jackson's car) to cross the deserts of Nevada and Utah, Jackson decided to take a more northerly route. A route through the Sacramento Valley and along the Oregon Trail also allowed them to avoid the higher passes in the Rocky Mountains. On May 23, 1903 the car was transported by ferry from San Francisco to Oakland and pointed eastward. But only 15 miles into the journey, the car blew a tire. Jackson and Crocker replaced it
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Winton - Across America
Jackson and his dog Bud are shown next to the "Vermont" as displayed at the National Museum of History in Washington D.C.
with the only spare they had, in fact, the only right-sized spare tire they could find in all of San Francisco. On the first night of the journey they discovered that the side lanterns were too dim. On the second night, they stopped early in Sacramento and replaced them with a large spotlight mounted on the front of the Vermont. The duo was also assisted in Sacramento by bicyclists who offered them road maps. Jackson was unable to buy a new tire, but purchased some used inner tubes. Going northwards out of Sacramento, the noise of the car covered the fact that the duo's cooking gear was falling off. They were also given a 108-mile misdirection by a woman so that she could send them to the spot where her family could see an automobile. The rough trek towards Oregon required them to haul the car across deep streams with the block and tackle. Somewhere along this route, Jackson lost a pair of his glasses. Items continued to be lost, including another pair of Jackson's glasses. They were also forced to pay a $4 (equivalent to $114 in 2019) toll by a land-owner in order to cross his property on a "bad, rocky, mountain road" as Jackson described it. When their tires blew out they were required to wind rope around the wheels. Jackson did manage to find a telegraph office and wired back to San Francisco for replacement tires to be transported to them along the journey.
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Reaching Alturas, California, Jackson and Crocker stopped to wait for the tires. They offered locals rides in the car in exchange for a "wild west show". When the tires failed to materialize, however, they continued on after a three-day wait. On June 6, the car broke down, and they had to be towed to a nearby ranch by a cowboy on horseback. Crocker made repairs, but a fuel leak caused them to lose all of their available gasoline, and Jackson rented a bicycle for Crocker to travel 25 miles to Burns, Oregon, for fuel. After suffering a flat tire on the bicycle, he returned with 4 US gallons of fuel (which Jackson complained cost him "nearly $20"), and they returned to Burns to fill up. On June 9, outside of Vale, Oregon, the Vermont ran out of oil. Jackson walked back to the last town to get oil, only to discover eventually that they had been stopped only a short distance outside of Vale. The next day they arrived in Ontario, Oregon, where supplies waited for them.
Somewhere near Caldwell, Idaho, Jackson and Crocker obtained a dog, a Pit Bull named Bud. As it turns out, Jackson had wanted a dog companion since Sacramento. Newspapers at the time gave a variety of stories of how Bud was acquired, including that he was stolen; in a letter to his wife, Nelson said a man sold him the dog for $15 (equivalent to $427 in 2019). It turned out that the dusty alkali flats the travelers encountered would bother Bud's eyes so much (the Vermont had neither a roof nor windshield) that Jackson eventually fitted him with a pair of goggles. At one point, Bud drank bad water and became ill, but survived. At this point, the trio became celebrities. The press came out at every stop to take their picture and conduct interviews. At Mountain Home, Idaho, citizens warned them that the Oregon Trail was not good further east, so Jackson and Crocker veered off their original course along the southern edge of the Sawtooth Mountains. At Hailey, Idaho, Crocker wired the Winton Company for more parts.
On June 16, somewhere in Idaho, Jackson's coat, containing most of the travelers' money, fell off and was not found. At their next stop, Jackson had to wire his wife to send them money to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Between June 20 and 21, all three of them got lost in Wyoming, and went without food for 36 hours before finding a sheepherder who gave them a meal of roast lamb and boiled corn. Before reaching Cheyenne, however, the car's wheel bearings gave out, and Crocker had to talk a farmer into letting them have the wheel bearings of his mowing machine. The travelers eventually reached Omaha, Nebraska, on July 12. From there on, they were able to use a few paved roads, and their trip was much easier. The only mishap happened just east of Buffalo, New York, when the Vermont ran into a hidden obstacle in the road and Jackson, Crocker, and Bud were thrown from the car. They arrived in New York City on July 26, 1903, 63 days, 12 hours, and 30 minutes after commencing their journey in San Francisco, in the first automobile to successfully transit the North American continent. Their trip expended over 800 US gallons of gasoline. After leaving New York City Jackson joined his wife and drove home to Vermont. About 15 miles from home his car once again broke down. His two brothers, each driving his own automobile, came to help him get going again. Shortly after returning to the road, both of the brothers' vehicles broke down, and Jackson towed them both home with the Vermont. Upon reaching the threshold of Jackson's garage, the Vermont's drive chain snapped. It was one of the few original parts never replaced during the entire journey.
Questions
from Museum Walking (pg 12)
They are easy to miss, but if you look forward in the Julian, you’ll see two jump seats facing the driver with their backs against the inside of the firewall. These passengers would sit on either side of the driver who uses the center-mounted steering wheel. Henry J. “Bob” Topping Jr. was a multi-millionaire who became Lana Turner’s third husband in 1948. His name is on the car in several places including the valve covers and, of course, the hubcaps. When Bob lost his fortune due to bad investments and gambling, Turner moved on to her fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth marriages. Interestingly, Bob’s brother Dan, owned the New York Yankees for a time.
PRECIOUS METAL | PAGE 19
Philion sold his car to zoo owner Col. William Selig. That Zoo eventually became today’s Los Angeles Zoo. Apparently William painted several girls’ names on the side of the car depending on who he was courting at the time. If you look closely, you can see the word Aimee. But if you look even closer, you can see the name Violet underneath.
HIGH FLYER Rides Again
It was Thursday night June 19, 2014 when an arsonist started several fires in Reno. Here at the Museum, around 2:45 in the next morning, he broke a window and threw a Molotov cocktail into the north foyer of the Museum. The building’s sprinklers quickly put out the blaze, but not before it caused extensive smoke and subsequent water damage to the foyer and our lobby. No one was injured, but there was one victim: our beautiful 1969 Roth “High Flyer” trike. The flames hit the right side of the vehicle, melting the tire, charring the side of the fiberglass body and destroying the seats, a portion of the electrical system and a hand-painted Rat Fink cutout. Luckily, the arsonist was subsequently apprehended and later convicted.
PRECIOUS METAL | PAGE 20
"BigDaddy" Ed Roth, who passed in April of 2001, was an artist, cartoonist, custom car painter, and pinstriper who created the hot-rod icon “Rat Fink.” In the mid-1950’s he started producing custom cars and became a key figure in Southern California's Kustom Kulture. He is perhaps best known for his monstrous caricatures, which were essentially grotesque fanged rats
rats. Roth began airbrushing and selling "Weirdo" t-shirts at car shows and in the pages of Car Craft magazine as early as July 1958. In 1959 Roth created his famous “Outlaw,” which became a hit a car shows across the country. Topping that was perhaps his most famous creation, the 1961 “Beatnik Bandit” which is owned by our Museum (however, it is on loan to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY until this spring. We also have his 1994 “Beatnik Bandit II,” and several other of his smaller creations displayed in Gallery Four. In 1966 Roth began customizing motorcycles. Many of the mainstream motorcycle magazines wouldn’t run his articles and ads, so he started his
own publication called “Choppers.” It was the first magazine ever to exclusively feature custom motorcycles, or choppers. About this time, Roth also built the first known VW-powered trikes including our 1969 “High Flyer.” He built many of these trikes for himself with names like Candy Wagon, Secret Weapon, Rubber Ducky and The Great Speckled Bird. Our “High Flyer” is powered by a 1,600cc Volkswagen boxer engine putting out 60 horsepower. It features rear hydraulic brakes, has a raked front wheel (with no brake) with sissy bars and dual tuck-androll seats. Restoration was not easy. Many thanks go to Lori Ann Stone at A1 Body and RV Repair in Sparks, NV who donated the fiberglass and paint work. One of the most challenging task was the electrical system. Some of it was damaged, but all of it was disconnected. Roth himself would often splice a red wire to a green wire, making the job even more difficult. Likewise, many earlier splices were not done correctly, so every wire had to be traced and tested. Most of the credit for getting the lights, ignition and accessories operating goes to Museum volunteer Bill Petty who spent hours untangling and repairing the wiring harnesses.
When the story of the arson first hit, the internet lit up with comments like, “ Torching a “Big Daddy” built vehicle is a sacrilege to car guys. I hope it can be fully restored! By the time you read this article, the “High Flyer” will be in running condition, will have taken a few laps around our parking lot and will be back on display for all to see. Ed’s wife, Iline “Trixie” Roth still supplies us with a variety of trademarked “Rat Fink” items for our Museum Store from tee-shirts to decals and they remain popular with Baby Boomers and Millennials alike.
PRECIOUS METAL | PAGE 21
Museum Volunteer Bill Petty
RARE AND OUT-OF-PRINT You’re probably aware that we have one of the world’s best automotive research libraries here at the Museum. We inherited it from the legendary Harrah’s Automobile Collection. After making some silly upgrades and additions while restoring his 1911 Maxwell, Bill Harrah realized, “we had made a terrible mistake. An antique car should be restored authentically.” To achieve that goal, Mr. Harrah started assembling automotive books and research materials so that all his future restoration work would be perfect. Our library has actually grown since then as various collectors have made donations to us. We review all these contributions carefully, looking for those rare publications that we don’t currently have in our archive. If we find something unique, we do an “accession” (it’s a fancy museum term for making something part of our permanent collection). But when we find duplicates, we offer them for sale in our wonderful Museum Store. We use those sales revenues to make the Museum and Library even better in the future.
PRECIOUS METAL | PAGE 22
At the present time, we are overflowing with a range of titles on nearly all makes and models, both new and used. Many of these publications are out-of-print and you won’t be able to find them anywhere else. We have an especially good selection of books on Mercedes, Mustangs and Porsches. Remember that all “members” get a 10% discount on all Store merchandise, and that includes the books.
MUSEUM STORE THE MUSEUM STORE IS OPEN DAILY. MONDAY - SATURDAY 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Convenient free parking in the Museum lot on Museum Drive off of Mill Street.
Open Road Brand Metal Signs These signs are new additions to our merchandise. They are distinctive, durable and reasonably priced. Great wall art for a den, shop or garage. $7.95 to $19.95. Shirts and Hats We have a variety of shirts and hats in the Museum Store. Two of our favorite items are featured here. Our hooded, black sweatshirt and our black knit beanie are both embroidered with our logo.. The beanie is $19.95 and the hooded sweatshirts are available in both youth and adult. Youth sizes Small to X-Large. Adult sizes Small to 3X. $40-$50. Model Cars Also, for the car enthusiast and or collector, we have an incredible and unique selection of Diecast, model cars ( from 1:64 to 1:18 scale). $25 to $85.
Shop online at automuseum.org
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Lowrider Prints and T-Shirts Our Museum exhibit, Low and Slow features some of the most incredible lowrider cars, pedal bikes, bicycles, etc. The artwork and paint are beyond amazing! Prints and t-shirts featuring original artwork by Richard Lopez, Jr. are available in the Museum Store.
New Vehicle Donations and Long-Term Loans
In our last issue of Precious Metal, we mentioned that we’d obtained a beautiful 1963 International Scout 80, one of the first SUVs for our collection. This time, we are even more excited to introduce five and onehalf new historic vehicles. They are (in age order): a 1914 Model T Phaeton, 1917 Hudson Super Six Phaeton, 1955 Ford Thunderbird, 1957 Cyclops; 1963 Studebaker Avanti, and a special 2008 Tesla Roadster.
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The Model T is quite common since Mr. Ford made over 15 million of them from 1908 until 1927, and we already had five in our collection. But this car was donated from the estate of the late Richard Charles Teubner. It is in near perfect condition and Collections Manager Jay Hubbard has it in excellent running condition. As soon as the pandemic restrictions are lifted, we plan to use this vehicle to present a Model T Experience program where you’ll get a chance to cranks start and drive a Model T. Be forewarned, it’s not as easy as you might think. Another car in near perfect condition is the beautiful blue and black Hudson. This Super Six model is rare in that it features an aerodynamic seven-passenger body that tapers from front to back. It is also notable that it has been in our local community for over 100 years. It was loaned to us by Charles Steiner. His grandfather, Fred W. Steiner Sr., a prominent Sparks businessman, purchased it slightly used in 1920. However, it was stored in a small Sparks garage for over 60 years before Charles and his father Fred Jr. restored it to the beautiful condition you can see today. Out of order, Charles Steiner also loaned us his rare 1963 Studebaker Avanti. While Avanti II versions of this car were produced until 2006, Studebaker only made them for two years. They were a styling sensation with their innovative aerodynamics. They were fast too, using a V-8 engine to set over 29 speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
We already had a red 1955 Ford Thunderbird donated from the Harrah Automobile Collection back in the 1980s. However, that car had never been restored and had some of the original parts replaced. Our newest black ’55 Bird is immaculate and close to a 100 point concours condition. It was also donated by the estate of Richard Charles Teubner. Just like Mr. Harrah did for years, when we get a better example of a vehicle, we’ll sometimes sell the lesser model the use the revenue to improve the collection in other was (see the separate story on the auction of our red Thunderbird). Joining our inventory of early electric vehicles, we now have a Tesla. But not just any Tesla. Ours was the 10th car the company produced and one of just 27 special Founder’s Models that Elon Musk made in 2008. They were offered for sale only to early investors in the company. Ours is on loan from Susan and Nicholas Pritzker. Unlike today’s sport sedans, these roadsters were built on Lotus Elise chassis, and they were fast. Their 0-to-60 timer was just 3.7 seconds. This car is also one of the few that were painted “racing green” from the factory. Our final acquisition is something different. We sometimes call it half a car. Or a “a non-car,” or “an imaginary car,” or “the peoples car” or just “a figment of some writers’ imagination.” You can call it whatever you want, but it’s official name is the Cyclops II. See the separate story on this rare and unique vehicle below.
Open our Museum door and the first “car” you’ll see is our recently donated Cyclops II. It’s hard to miss with its bright yellow paint and giant center headlight. It looks as though it was just parked there by a “Minion.” It’s smaller than a golf cart, made from stolen highway signs, and is powered by a reclaimed lawnmower engine. But this vehicle has an incredible history. It may be hard to fathom, but according to articles in “Road & Track” magazine beginning in early 1957, this type of car won the “East African safari
Stan Mott Illustration
PRECIOUS METAL | PAGE 25
CYCLOPS II
Donor James Ducoing talks with Collections Manager Jay Hubbard about the Cyclops II
Safari” race in 1964, the “Targa Florio” in '65, the Indy 500 in 1968, Nürburgring in ’69 and shattered records at the Bonneville Salt Flats as late as 2019.But perhaps its most noteworthy win was the 1960 “24 Hours of LeMans.” Just as Carroll Shelby used a quick change setup on his Ford GT40s disc brakes to defeat the Ferraris in 1966, the Cyclops II pioneered the technique six years earlier. When approaching the end of the famous Mulsanne Straight straightway, the Cyclops II flapped open a travel suitcase mounted on the roof, thus achieving a “drag chute” effect to dramatically slow and out brake the Porsches and Ferraris. The win was legendary. If it all sounds improbable, it was. It was pure satire.
The Cyclops II was born from the imaginations of writer Robert Wayne Cumberford and illustrator Stan Mott. In March of 1957, they submitted an anonymous article called “Beyond Belief” to R&T about an imaginary car. Their inspiration was from the mass-produced VW Beetle crossed with a “Walter Mitty”-like story of the little guy versus the automotive giants. They didn’t put their names on that first story since they were both working for General Motors at the time. However, the story generated so much interest that they actually built a prototype and did a road test for the magazine. That was followed by more and more Cyclops stories, with readers crying for more. Perhaps no single automobile was featured more than the 22 stories Road & Track did on this car. Our example was constructed under factory sponsorship (i.e. – designer Stan Mott’s OK) by Reno resident James Ducoing in 2014. Following design specs, you’ll notice that the interior has large Cinzano logos. The designers specified that it must be constructed from stolen Italian highway advertising signs. The racing models used the titanium signs that Cinzano occasionally employed. Ducoing donated the car to our Museum last summer, and we had quite a time getting it under control while test driving it in our parking lot. Apparently, being under 5’8” and weighing less than a supermodel, and having a shoe size smaller than a “six” is an undocumented requirement.
PRECIOUS METAL | PAGE 26
The vehicle features a single-cylinder Kohler OHV engine with a torque converter powering a centrifugal clutch. Power to the rear wheels is via chain drive. Stan Mott is still active in illustration and living in Germany. He still carries the impressive title of “Cyclops Minister of Propaganda in Perpetuity, Automobili Cyclops SpA.” He designed an exclusive racing team tee-shirt for us that is now for sale in the Museum Store. Cumberford went on to have a celebrated career as a designer and outspoken columnist for “Automobile” magazine. Perhaps surprisingly when this car has gone on display, it’s been extremely popular. At a recent Amelia Island Concours event, it attracted more attention than the multi-million dollar Bugattis, Duesenbergs and Delahayes.
Cyclops at Amelia
NEW MEMBERS Memberships help sustain the Museum’s programs and events and we extend our thanks to our newest members. BENEFACTOR BRUCE JAMES
BECOME A MEMBER You Can Make a Difference
PATRON Mark Sehnert SUPPORTING Eric and Katy Cole CONTRIBUTING Frank Brendle Raymond Meyer FAMILY Joseph Reinhard and Patricia Black Alex and Chelsea Bradshaw William Luetscher Phil and Sheri MacDougall David and Michelle Manjarrez Thomas Mudd Theodore and Vessela Prevalsky Brian and Nadine Samson Jimmie Thompson William Witmer COMPANION Scott Atkins Robert Austin Brenden Benjamin Roger Brekas Priscilla Escalera and Bryan Wildman Daniel & Shari Helton Jan Key Dennis Rosario Ronald Simpson Dave Tammen Jim and Michele Van Epps
ADOPT-A-CAR Bill and Lois Butler Blake Erselius Terry and Marcia Penman James Williams
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
Individual
$45
Single member
Companion
$60
Two members
Family
$70
Two adults and children/ grandchildren under 19 ($15 tax-deductible)
Contributing $150
4 Admission Tickets ($65 tax-deductible)
Supporting
$250
6 Admission Tickets ($145 tax-deductible)
Patron
$500
8 Admission Tickets ($375 tax-deductible)
Benefactor
$1,000
10 Admission Tickets ($855 tax-deductible)
Driving Force, Corporate and Adopt-A-Car Memberships also available. For more information visit automuseum.org.
Please note: Our members are very important to us. If you were incorrectly listed or omitted, please let us know and we’ll be happy to correct your listing.
PRECIOUS METAL | PAGE 27
INDIVIDUAL Ellen Andreasen Guy Clifton Brighton Denison Keith Frutiger David Kirby Jerry Leikwold Dan Moss Steven Oliver Karl Pape Katherine Powers Dan Selling Art Whitney
When you become a member, you join us in preserving a remarkable collection and sharing the story of one of the most significant inventions in our country’s history not only today but for generations to come. Stories of innovation and ingenuity that spark imagination, stimulate learning, and educate and entertain audiences of all ages — a stepping stone to the future. Plus, you’ll enjoy valuable benefits from free admission and Museum Store discounts to a subscription to our e-news and Precious Metal, and invitations to events and activities. All membership categories offer generous and valuable benefits. Membership fees are important in sustaining the Museum and a portion of almost all annual membership fees is taxdeductible. Thank you for joining our team.
PRECIOUS METAL | PAGE 28
We want to express our appreciation to those who have made significant donations to the Museum.
Ken Anderson, Sparks, NV, in-kind donation Peter Aylworth, Sun Valley, NV, in-kind donation Phyllis Blume, Reno, NV, financial contribution Leonard Bonilla, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Lawrence Brackett, San Rafael, CA, in-kind donation Shelagh Bremer, Minden, NV, financial contribution David Brown, Durham, CA, financial contribution Karen Burns Productions, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Bill and Lois Butler, Reno, NV, financial contribution Courtney Caldwell and Paul Naas, Redwood City, CA, financial contribution Brian Colodny, Reno, NV, financial contribution Deborah Day, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Buddy Frank, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Daniel Frank, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Paula Ganley, Reno, NV, financial contribution Michael Henry, Reno, NV, financial contribution Shelley A. Herman, Burbank, CA, in-kind donation James and MaryAnn Kidder, Reno, NV, financial contribution William King, Isle of Palms, SC, in-kind donation Robert C. Lee, Reno, NV, financial contribution Kevan Lesch, Carson City, NV, in-kind donation Robert Lewis, Sebring, FL, financial contribution Richard Lopez, Sparks, NV, financial contribution Richard Lopez, Auto Color Studio, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Stan Lucas, Long Beach, CA, financial contribution Darka Mazuryk, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Christine and Sean McCarthy, Pueblo West, CO, financial contribution Dean Meiling, Incline Village, NV, in-kind donation Mary Anne Niarchos and Miles Shaw, Carson City, NV, financial contribution Arlis Minetti, Santa Rosa, CA, in-kind donation Eric Nordberg, Sun Valley, NV, in-kind donation Richard and Jan Petersen, Reno, NV, financial contribution Michael Powers Construction, Washoe Valley, NV, in-kind donation Kathlin Lee Ray, Reno, NV, financial contribution William Ramsey, Confidence Foundation, Reno, NV, financial contribution
James and Sandra Rogers, Reno, NV, financial contribution Dan and Maureen Rovig, Reno, NV, financial contribution John Sell, Reno, NV, in-kind donation Preston and Dianne Sides, San Antonio, TX, financial contribution Brian and Patricia Siler, Reno, NV, Donation to Operations Wilma Springer, Sparks, NV, in-kind donation Bruce Williams, San Francisco, CA, financial contribution John Wilson, Granite Bay, CA, in-kind donation Newt Withers, Anaheim, CA, financial contribution World of Speed Motorsports Museum, Wilsonville, OR, in-kind donation ANNUAL SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS 20th Century Automotive Endowment Fund, Granite Bay, CA Clark/Sullivan Construction, Sparks, NV Colodny Fields LLP, Reno, NV Darkshot Coffee, Reno, NV Dolan Auto Group/DRTDA, Reno, NV Focused Computing, Reno, NV Harry's Business Machines, Inc., Reno, NV Reno Drain Oil, Sparks, NV Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority Roundabout Catering and Party Rentals, Sparks, NV TNT Yard Service, LLC, Reno, NV Western Nevada Supply, Sparks, NV
Thank you for helping the Museum by contributing to the Museum’s 2020 Annual Giving Campaign! Every donation makes a difference and we sincerely thank each of you for making it possible to raise $32,815 (so far) during the 2020 Annual Giving Campaign.
$5,000 & Above Norman L. Dianda
Up to $999
$1,000 to $4,999 Alex K. Bernhard Lawrence Brackett George and Linda Canavan James Hardy Holmes and Christine Hendricksen Ron Krump Stan Lucas Lebo Newman
Roger Hedlund High Desert AMC Car Club Donald Jensen Richard Jones John M. Jorgensen Thomas Kitchen Lawrence Klein Darrell and Trudy LaRue Ronald and Denise Lewis David Lightner Lockwood Moore Larry MacNeil Richard and Judy Maus (In Memory of Melvin Daiss) Nikki Meador (in Memory of E. Bruce Fitzsimmons) Rebekah A. Mileo Clint Moore Robert A. and Dwenith Moore Paula Morton Gordon and Gail Nathan James and Penny Nicely Terry Nielsen Mark Paloolian Karl Pape Verna Peeler Verna Peeler and Merrilie Witham Susie Reinke
John Plough Reno Buick GMC Cadillac The Dan & Maureen L. Rovig Gift Fund John and Gail Sande Ben Scott Susan Scarritt and Stephen Stepler Miles Shaw and Mary Anne Niarchos
Reno Corvettes, Inc. Jack Richardson Kevin and Kathryn Schaller Dannielle Schmidt Larry and Leona Seidell Preston and Dianne Sides Jim and Mary Smith Rod and Sharon Smith Ted Stoever Brian Suen Edward M. Tapper, M.D. Paul Terlemezian Ralph and Sandy Theiss John and Sharon Todd Katherine Tompkins (in Memory of E. Bruce Fitzsimmons) Hjalmar Trent Lilliana Trinchero Art Vanderlinden Don and Barbara Waite Ruth Warren Alan and Kathryn Wild James Williams Wisted, LLC Stephen and Jan Witort Cary Yamamoto John and Susie Young
PRECIOUS METAL | PAGE 29
Al and Linda Abrahamson Leslie Adams Steven Adams Tim Allen Ellen Andreasen Chris Askin Milton and Jane Balian Tom Batchelor Bruce Bledsoe Hazel Phyllis Blume Bradbury Real Estate Group Michael Burnett Nancy Carnahan Dominick Cipollini De Vonde and Kathleen Clemence Mike Conway Anthony and Patricia Costa Irene Babcock Drews John Ehmke Sidney Burr and Sharon Ellis ERGS, Inc. Steve and Jackie Frady Steve Frank Paul and Heidi Georgeson Bruce and Christie Gescheider Alan Golbov Steve and Blanche Gordon Jerry Hall
2020 ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
CALENDAR OF
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
SCIENCE SATURDAYS
Presented by Nevada Space Center. Register at nevadachallenger.org
SECOND THURSDAY TALKS Free to Museum members, included with paid admission. Otherwise, $5 per person to attend the talk.
JANUARY
22 Thursday 5:30 pm
9
24 Saturday 9:30 am - 2 pm 12 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm 12 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm BOOK SIGNING
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Training Future Astronauts
14 Thursday 1:30
pm SECOND THURSDAY TALK Achille Philion - The man, the car, and the vehicle’s Hollywood movie credits.
FEBRUARY
11 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Lights Out and Deep Freeze: The long-term care and preservation of those less seen areas, the beating heart of our machines.
13 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Engineering Spacecraft
MARCH WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
NAM is celebrating Women’s History Month during March. Visitors will find two stories of Women in Automotive History in each of its four galleries.
11 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Online Video Only Talk Topic: Preston Tucker - The Man, The Myth, The Machine
13 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Exploring Mars
APRIL 8 Thursday
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Topic: TBA
10 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Traveling on Titanic
21 Wednesday 7 - 8 am SPEED NETWORKING
MOVIE NIGHT Movie TBA
Best-selling author Janice Oberding
MAY
OLDER AMERICAN’S MONTH
Make Your Mark Free admission to Seniors (50 and older) each Thursday in May.
4
Tuesday 12 - 1:30 pm BUSINESS SEMINAR Topic: Covid-19
8
Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Touching the Sun
13 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Topic: TBA BLUE STAR MUSEUMS NATIONAL PROGRAM Saturday, May 15 – Monday, September 6 Armed Forces Day through Labor Day: Free admission to active duty military families.
10 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Topic: TBA SCIENCE SATURDAY Talking to Space
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Topic: TBA
GOLF TOURNAMENT
SCIENCE SATURDAY Exploring Planet Earth
14 Monday
14 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm
16 Wednesday 7 - 8 am
15 Sunday
SPEED NETWORKING
24 Thursday 5:30 pm MOVIE NIGHT Movie TBA
JULY
HOLIDAY PARTIES It’s time to book your holiday party at the Museum.
6 Tuesday 12 - 1:30 pm BUSINESS SEMINAR Topic: TBA
8 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Topic: TBA
9 Friday
19 Wednesday 7 - 8 am
NATIONAL COLLECTOR CAR APPRECIATION DAY Drive your collector car to the Museum and receive half-off admission.
22 Saturday 10 am - 12 pm
SCIENCE SATURDAY Making Space Art
SPEED NETWORKING CASTING CALL!
23 Sunday
10 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm 18 Sunday
HILLSBOROUGH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE AMELIA ISLAND Burlingame, CA CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE Jacksonville, FL 21 Wednesday 7 - 8 am 1937 Hispano-Suiza Type J 12 Berline/Le Tourneur et Marchand SPEED NETWORKING
27 Thursday 5:30 pm
22 Thursday 5:30 pm
JUNE
AUGUST
MOVIE NIGHT
1 Tuesday 12 - 1:30 pm BUSINESS SEMINAR Topic: TBA
N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M
2021
HOT AUGUST NIGHTS POKER WALK STOP Wednesday, 4 – Saturday, 7
MOVIE NIGHT
3 Tuesday 12 - 1:30 pm BUSINESS SEMINAR Topic: TBA
PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Pebble Beach, CA 1954 Lincoln Capri Custom Coupe Pan American Road Race Winner
18 Wednesday 7 - 8 am SPEED NETWORKING
26 Thursday 5:30 pm MOVIE NIGHT Movie TBA
SEPTEMBER 7 Tuesday 12 - 1:30 pm BUSINESS SEMINAR Topic: TBA
9 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost The Best Car in the World
11 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Taking Flight
15 Wednesday 7 - 8 am SPEED NETWORKING
18 Saturday
SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE MUSEUM DAY! Smithsonian magazine or Smithsonian.com offers free admission on a ticket good for two people.
23 Thursday 5:30 pm MOVIE NIGHT
25 Saturday
IRONSTONE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Murphys, CA 1906 Adams-Farwell 6A Rotary Engine Convertible Runabout
J U LY 2 0 2 0 N A T I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 1
DAILY THEATRE PRESENTATIONS
11 am - 4 pm The Bill Harrah Story and The Magic Carriage
DAILY INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE ALL DAY Nevada Space Center
OCTOBER 5 Tuesday 12 - 1:30 pm BUSINESS SEMINAR Topic: TBA
9 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Living on the Moon
14 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK Topic: TBA
20 Wednesday 7 - 8 am SPEED NETWORKING
23 Saturday
LAS VEGAS CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Las Vegas, NV
28 Thursday 5:30 pm
DAILY AUDIO TOURS ALL DAY English/Spanish
DECEMBER 9 Thursday 1:30 - 2 pm
SECOND THURSDAY TALK The 1907 Thomas Flyer: The car that won the only around the world race.
11 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Discovering the Universe Exploring Space
HOLIDAY SHOPPING Shop in the Museum Store and visit the Museum for a fun, family outing. Museum Membership is a perfect holiday gift.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
DAILY GUIDED TOURS 1:30 p.m. Based on tour guide availability
2021
ON DISPLAY Featuring the Winning Car: 1907 Thomas Flyer Gallery Four
In 1908 in the middle of winter, six cars from around the world embarked on the longest, most grueling auto competition in history, the New York to Paris automobile race. It’s a remarkable story of man and machine against unimaginable odds, complete with maps of the route. Featuring the only American entry, the Museum’s 1907 Thomas Flyer that won the race. In 2016, the Thomas Flyer was entered into the National Historic Vehicle Register, a permanent archive of significant historic automobiles within the Library of Congress. In addition to the winning car, the exhibit includes a series of paintings by late Reno artist Robert Cinkel depicting the challenges and triumphs of different points in the race.
MOVIE NIGHT
31 Saturday 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm TRICK OR TREAT IN THE STREETS OF THE MUSEUM Family Halloween fun with candy stations and games. Special admission: $2
NOVEMBER ANNUAL HISTORY SYMPOSIUM Wednesday, November 3 – Saturday, November 6 Wed: 4 - 9 pm Thurs: 4 - 9 pm Sat: 8:30 am - 5:45 pm
1911 – 1920: Battles at Home & Abroad Explore the traumatic 1911 – 1920 decade with renowned national speakers, authors, and state and local experts. $60
LOW AND SLOW Lowrider Exhibit
CHANGING EXHIBITS GALLERY The Museum’s newest exhibit, Low and Slow, opened on January 5, 2021. The exhibit features lowriders from the local community, along with lowrider bicycles, pedal cars, motorcycles, artwork, club plaques, music, and the history of lowriding. Lowriders and the lowrider lifestyle appeal to cultures worldwide. Artistic expression, vehicle pride, nonconformity, and a sense of community are all common traits of the lowrider movement. These vehicles are incredible works of craftsmanship and represent hundreds of hours of artistic restoration. We think you’ll find it fascinating. The exhibit runs through April 2021.
11 Thursday
VETERANS DAY
Free Admission Day for Veterans 1:30 - 2 pm SECOND THURSDAY TALK Topic: TBA
13 Saturday 9:30 am - 1 pm SCIENCE SATURDAY Eating in Space
2 N A T I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M J U LY 2 0 2 0
Presented by Nevada Space Center
Created by Eureka Exhibits Gallery Three World-class exhibit for all ages that teaches science and engineering through video game technology, simulators, artifacts and NASA reconnaissance data. Experience the excitement of spaceflight through interactive simulator pods and much more. 2 0 2 1 N AT I O N A L A U T O M O B I L E M U S E U M 2
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID RENO, NV PERMIT #931
The Harrah Automobile Foundation 10 S. Lake Street, Reno, NV 89501-1558 THE MUSEUM IS OPEN DAILY MONDAY - SATURDAY 9:30 a.m. TO 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ADMISSION Adults $12, Seniors $10 Youth ages 6-18 $6 Children 5 and under free Members free
OFFICERS Chairman Ranson Webster President Buddy Frank Vice President Paul Georgeson Secretary Janet L. Chubb Treasurer William E. Ramsey CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Benedict J. Dasher
TRUSTEES Ned Bacon Brian Colodny Norman L. Dianda Jim Rogers Philip G. Satre Ted Stoever B.J. Sullivan Allen J. Wilt
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Phil MacDougall CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Buddy Frank
TRUSTEES EMERITUS Ted Bacon Gordon L. Horsley Louis F. Sellyei, Jr., M.D.
MUSEUM TEAM MEMBERS Peter Aylworth Tony Castellanos Noah Cole Shannon Davison Jay Hubbard Emily Parker Kathy Powers Marcia Trujillo-Penman PART-TIME TEAM MEMBERS Jennifer MCFarlane Dick Petersen