2018 September - October Torque

September - October 2018

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September - October 2018

September - October 2018

Inside This Issue Michigan Region 2018 Activities Calendar………...…..………....………….…….…4 From Your Editor…..…….….……….……….….….….….….…..….…….…………5 Cover Story: Lee Wolff’s 1924 Bentley 3/4½ L Tourer.……………………………...7 Back Cover Story: Peter & Merry Beth Tacy’s 1927 Packard 3-36 Roadster.……..…..11 Old Spokes Home Tour………………………………………………………………15 The 2018 CCCA Museum Experience…….….……..…………………….…….…...18 The 2018 EyesOn Design Show………………………………..……………………23 Tale of Our First CARavan……………………………………………………..……25 Remembrance: Katie Robbins………..………………………………………….…..29 ReTorque………………………….……………………………………………..…..30 New Member Profile…………………………………………………………….…..30 The Steering Column…………………….…………………………………………..32

September - October 2018

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2018 Leadership www.classiccarsofmichigan.com 4717 Maddie Lane Dearborn, MI 48126

Board of Managers Director

Publications Committee

Tlanda McDonald

Torque Editor

Rich Ray (810) 333-2498 richray2@hotmail.com

(248) 563-5651 tlmcdonald999@comcast.net

Assistant Director

Phil Fischer (734) 377-6553 corbuck6147@att.net

Treasurer

Bob Ferrand (248)722-8375 Bobish1@comcast.net

Greg Kosmatka (313) 300-9177 grk129@sbcglobal.net

Secretary

Torque Cover Editor

Club Photographer

Greg Stachura

(586)201-3391 donwoodiii@gmail.com

(734)397-3000 gstachura@comcast.net

Membership

Jerry Medow (248) 737-0637 medowg@aol.com

Projects/Advertising

Wally Donoghue (734) 455-0177 wally@plaidpants.net

Annual Meeting

Classic Vibrations Editor Staff

Ara Ekizian Paul Wise (313) 492-0284 sandrawise@me.com

Grand Classic

Jay Fitzgerald (313) 885-3641 jayf3641@ sbcglobal.net

(248) 851-4069 dlekizian@yahoo.com

Activities

Don Wood III

Paul Ayres

Wally Donoghue

Ed Meurer III

Janet Welch

Diane Ekizian

Phil Fischer

Cover Photos: Don Wood III

Nancy Seyfarth (313) 436-8327 nancylouseyfarth@gmail.com

Grand Classic

Lee Barthel (248) 476-0702 lfbarthel@yahoo.com

Torque Editor

Area Head Judge

(810) 987-8977 ternest@sbcglobal.net

Rich Ray (810) 333-2498 richray2@hotmail.com

Terry Ernest

Assistant Area Head Judge Marcus Shelley (313)881-5109 red.auburn851@gmail.com

Classic Vibrations/Website Jay Fitzgerald (313) 885-3641 jayf3641@sbcglobal.net

Historian

Bruce Thomas (248) 594-6499

Torque Magazine

September - October

No.457

Torque Magazine is published bi-monthly at 24000 Research Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48833-2606. Change of address and all correspondence should be mailed to Torque, c/o Rich Ray, 12664 Lashbrook Lane West, Brighton, MI 48114. Subscription price is $35 per year for members and $50 per year for non-members. Periodicals postage paid at Farmington Hills, MI and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send PS Form 3579 to 12664 Lashbrook Lane West, Brighton, MI 48114. Written or pictorial material in the Torque Magazine may not be reprinted without permission from Torque Magazine or its authors and credit given to the Michigan Region Torque.

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September - October 2018

Michigan Region 2018 Activities Calendar September 9, Sunday - Annual Steak Roast October 21, Sunday - Fall Color Tour November 3, Saturday - Annual Dinner Meeting at the Detroit Athletic Club

Stay in Touch!

If your email, mailing address or telephone numbers change notify Jerry Medow at medowg@aol.com or call (248) 737-0637. This assures that you will receive your Torque Magazine as well as activity notices in a timely fashion.

This also applies to those seasonal moves, either up north, down south or out west.

Classic & Exotic Service Experts in the Restoration and Maintenance of Prewar Cars Supplier of Specialty Parts for Prewar Cars

Classic Car We offer a wide range of services to the Classic and Antique Car Owner Including but not limited to:

Classic & Exotic Service, Inc. has been restoring the finest American and European Classic cars since 1988. Located in Troy, Michigan, with over 30,000 square feet of floor space and a staff of 30, we are one of the Midwest's largest and most experienced restoration facilities. Our customers will attest that we provide only the highest quality restora tion.

In our restorations, the mechanical functionality of the car is as im portant as the cosmetic appearance. We have completed many resto rations for Pebble Beach, Meadow Brook, St. John's, CCCA Grand Classic and for touring. We have experience with a wide variety of automobiles.

From the mighty Duesenberg, luxurious Packard, Lincoln, Pierce Arrow or Cadillac, sporting Bugatti or Bentley, our knowledge, skill and experi ence will make your automobile perform and look its best

Classic & Exotic Service, Inc. 2032 Heide Dr., Troy, MI 48084 USA Phone: 1-248-362-0113 Fax: 1-248-269-9365

September - October 2018

GENERAL SERVICE MAINTENANCE DETAILING RESTORATION WORK MECHANICAL SERVICE Pickup and delivery is available in an enclosed trailer for Classic Car repairs

EMS CLASSIC CAR CARE, INC. 11530 Timken, Warren, MI 48089 1/4 mile South of Stephens (9-1/2 mile), just west of Hoover

Ed & Emica Syrocki Phone: 586-754-3728

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From Your Editor

By Rich Ray

As I write this, it is the height of the Full ClassicÂŽ car season with activities almost every weekend as we north woods people try frantically to put as many miles as possible on our collector cars during our very short summer. As you read this issue, things will be winding down and you will be wondering "where did it all go?" Well, keep turning the pages and you will see. After coverage of two very interesting cover cars, we dive into "what I did on my summer vacation." First up is our May activity, the "Old Spokes Home" tour on Grosse Isle. Next is the CCCA Museum Experience which included an enjoyable mini-CARavan. Following that is coverage of the 2018 EyesOn Design Concours by Michigan Region's Marcus Shelley who serves as Director of the event. Then Phil Fischer tells about his and Helen's adventures on their first CARavan including becoming everyone's hero.

Sadly, Katie Robbins died in June. She was without peer in her roles in the Michigan Region as well as the national CCCA - both organizations feel the loss of her contributions that none of us fully appreciated at the time. I experienced this when I was serving as Regional Director. Late in the year, I received an ominous letter from the national CCCA office informing me it was my responsibility as Director to submit the region's Annual Report to the national office. This report forms the basis of the various awards for regional performance presented at each CCCA Annual Meeting. I was dumbfounded by the data I was going to have to round up and in a panic, I did what everyone else in the club does: called Katie. After listening to me babble about how this information would ever be collected, Katie calmly informed me that she had already prepared and submitted the report. That simple. While no one would say that Katie worked "quietly" in the background, she did more work in the background that any of us ever realized. Our condolences go out to her daughter Candace and her family - we will all miss Katie.

Rich

Stay Up To Date!

Michigan/Ontario Region members can always have the latest news and activities by checking us out at:

www.classiccarsofmichigan.com or on

Facebook

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September - October 2018

Torque Advertising Rates One Year (6 Issues)

Single Issue

Color Full Page ½ Page ¼ Page

$1,100 $600 $320

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Ad copy should be submitted in print ready PDF X-1a format with all fonts embedded. Contact the editor for specific ad dimensions.

Copy should be suitably CCCA Full Classic® oriented.

Ad will appear in the first non-assembled Torque issue following receipt of payment and camera ready art. Torque closing dates are: January 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, September 1 and November 1.

Make check payable to: Michigan Region CCCA Mail to:

Wally Donoghue, Torque Advertising 5130 Curtis Road Plymouth, MI 48170

September - October 2018

The Classic Car Club of America A club founded for the development, publication and interchange of technical, historical and other information for and among members and other persons who own or are interested in fine or unusual foreign or domestic motor cars built between and including, in the main, the years 1915 and 1948, and distinguished for their respective fine design, high engineering standards and superior workmanship, and to promote social intercourse and fellowship among its members; and to maintain references upon and encourage the maintenance, restoration and preservation of all such Full Classic ® cars. Contact the CCCA at P.O. Box 346160, Chicago, IL 60634 or www.classiccarclub.org

What is a “Full Classic®” car?

A Full Classic ® as defined by the Classic Car Club of America, is a “fine” or “distinctive” automobile, American or foreign built, produced between 1915 and 1948. Generally, a CCCA Classic was high-priced when new and was built in limited quantities.

Other factors including engine displacement, custom coachwork and luxury accessories, such as power brakes, power clutch, and “oneshot” or automatic lubrication systems, help determine whether a car is considered to be a “Full Classic®”. The complete list of the Club’s recognized Classics may be obtained by writing the CCCA, P.O. Box 346160, Chicago, IL 60634 or at www.classiccarclub.org.

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Lee Wolff’s 1924 Bentley 3/4½ L Tourer Article by Matt Harwood from the Ohio Region CCCA Northern Lights Images by Don Wood III and the Author

The names Bentley and Rolls-Royce are almost inextricably linked today, but true Bentley enthusiasts will tell you that the most highly prized cars bearing the flying B emblem are those built under Walter Owen Bentley’s personal supervision. In its earliest days, Bentley only reluctantly built road cars, which, like Ferrari in the 1950s, were merely a means to an end: to finance racing efforts.

Following World War I, Bentley Motors was founded by W.O. Bentley. By using skills he learned as an aircraft mechanic, he showed a prototype engine in 1919 and was delivering customer’s vehicles by September 1921. With an innovative 4-valves per cylinder, 3-litre inline-4, Bentleys were both powerful and reliable, winning hill climbs and early events at Brooklands. With a wide array of colorful characters behind the cars and ever-increasing performance, early Bentleys became almost legendary in their performance and were respected and feared by competitors around the world, from Indianapolis to Le Mans. The cornerstones of Bentley’s performance were cars very much like this 1924 Bentley 3/4½ liter Vanden Plas tourer, a version of which won Le Mans in 1924. Like most vintage Bentleys, Lee and Pam Wolff’s car, known as the Grant’s Whiskey Bentley, has a documented history from new, when it was originally sold to Walter Gordon Grant, owner of Grant’s Whiskey. In 1944, it was bequeathed to his chauffeur, Fraser and was ultimately restored in England sometime around 1990, which is also when it acquired its stunning leather-wrapped Le Mans touring bodywork (it was originally a 4-door saloon). Now while such an “upgrade” might offend 8

purists, in Bentley circles, body swaps and even engine upgrades are not only acceptable, but embraced, because why own a sporting Bentley of the period without being able to recreate the vintage high-performance experience?

This is probably a good opportunity to discuss this particular model’s nomenclature as a 3/4½ Litre model. Bentley’s original engine offered three litres of displacement, and the 3-Litre is the reliable and consistent machine that won Le Mans in 1924. But as competition around the world ramped up, including Bugatti and Duesenberg, simply being reliable was no longer enough—you needed horsepower, too. In response, the 3-Litre engines were enlarged to 4.46 litres, earning it the obvious 4½ Litre designation. Remarkably, a 50% increase in displacement requires no visible external alterations, consisting entirely of an upgraded crankshaft, larger pistons and revised connecting rods, all tucked within the original 3-Litre block. Hence the 3/4½ Litre designation this car carries today: originally a 3-litre engine, now enlarged to 4.5 spec. Looking around at vintage Bentleys, you’ll not find many still carrying their original 3-Litre crank, with most enjoying this invisible and very desirable upgrade. Describing Bentley owners’ accepting attitude towards such modifications, owner Lee Wolff says, “There aren’t many of these left, so if you want one, you take them the way they come and you use it as intended.” Indeed, Bentley owners are some of the most passionate advocates for driving their cars rather than treating them as static art.

It’s rare to find a Bentley that has not been altered in some way, September - October 2018

Clockwise from above: Bentley’s are meant for driving; the fenders, or more properly wings, just keep the big chunks down; rear-mounted spare tire with proper British license plate; the classic Bentley grille with head and driving lamps; the folding windshield with two individual “monocle” wind screens; rounded shapes prevail on the Bentley’s front end; it is hard to argue with the description of the Bentley as a “four-wheeled motorcycle”.

entirely in keeping with the period, of course. Original owners were constantly in search of more performance; why should today’s owners be any different?

The Wolff Bentley’s bodywork is equally fascinating, built to replicate the sporting touring cars that competed at the highest levels throughout Europe. To keep weight low, the body is framed in wood with leather stretched over the birch framework, creating a wonderful contrast between the fabric body and painted aluminum hood.

Minimalist fenders keep most of the debris away from the occupants, but if you’re not getting dirty in your Bentley, you’re not driving it correctly! There’s a folding windscreen with twin flip-up glass “sport” windshields that give it a truly racy look. Miniscule doors allow entry to the front and rear seats and it will carry four passengers in reasonable comfort, but this car is best enjoyed by two people who know each other well—it’s quite cozy up front! The bright work is mostly nickel with some brass and there are few components on the car that are not simply beautiful due to their functionality. The radiator cap is a hinged lever that permits quick access and positive sealing with no wasted effort, the brakes are massive finned drums with aluminum backing plates that help dissipate heat and the famous radiator shell with its mesh grille opening is merely the best way to protect the radiator from flying debris in competition. If you have an engineer’s mind or a designer’s eye, the Bentley will delight you in dozens of ways. There’s more beautiful craftsmanship inside, where you can see the car’s racing heritage every bit as clearly.

The driver enters through the passenger-side door and settles into a bucket seat that’s surprisingly comfortable and better at holding you in place than most cars of the period. The 4-spoke steering wheel is September - October 2018

massive, designed to muscle the car around tracks at speed, but in normal driving, little more than fingertip effort is required. The Bentley offers a lovely walnut dashboard filled with an array of instruments from British manufacturers like Smiths and A.T., it includes a rev counter that spins to a dizzying 4000 RPM. Knobs, buttons, dials and switches are arrayed seemingly at random across the dashboard, but once you’re familiar with the layout, you realize that the important ones are right where they need to be. The Bentley has two ignition systems, both magnetos, and it can run on either or both, with both recommended right on the ignition switch. Lightweight aluminum can be found throughout the cockpit, from the spokes of the steering wheel to the pedals (with the accelerator mounted unconventionally between the clutch and brake) as well as the door handles to the shift knob crammed in there next to your right thigh.

There’s a full bench seat in back and it’s probably acceptable for lower speeds and shorter trips, but Lee and Pam use it as a trunk for touring, where everything is secure under a fitted black canvas tonneau cover. There’s clever packaging back there, including foot wells that add leg room without adding length to the body. A folding canvas top offers a modicum of weather protection, but it’s probably best saved for emergencies as it disrupts the car’s sleek lines and makes ingress and egress particularly challenging through those tiny doors. Lee reports that by simply maintaining adequate speed, front seat occupants don’t get very wet—just as long as you keep moving and it’s no more than a light shower.

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Clockwise from above: front suspension details feature the large drum brakes to keep the 4½ litres under control; the left side of the engine is devoted to a large exhaust manifold; the right side includes plenty of polished aluminum and brass; twin carburetors feed air and fuel to the beastly 4½ litre engine; the iconic Bentley logo highlights the radiator shell; close up of the body-to-hood interface highlights the contrast between the steel hood and canvas body.

radiator, more a problem in today’s traffic than on a race track.

However, this is an easy fix, as these early Bentleys use 12-volt electrical systems, so a modern electric cooling fan is an easy and smart upgrade.

The Bentley’s real reason for existing is speed. These were expensive machines designed to run fast for hours on end and in that regard W.O. was uncompromising. Ettore Bugatti’s back-handed quote of Bentleys being “the world’s fastest lorries” is probably more exaggerated myth than actual insult, but his frustration was understandable. Where Bugattis and their tiny straight-8 engines whirred like sewing machines, the Bentleys roared and snarled.

Where the Bugattis were delicate and light in the pursuit of ultimate speed, Bentleys were robust and understressed in pursuit of durability. In combat, the Bentleys would mercilessly hound the willowy Bugattis, forcing their drivers to push them to their limits and beyond, running them into the ground. When failure came, the Bentleys would take the lead and set a new pace, relying on their virtually indestructible mechanicals to carry the day. There are stories of Bentleys finishing Le Mans with empty radiators and shredded tires, but finish they did, earning victories throughout the 1920s, including a stunning 1-2-3-4 sweep at Le Mans in 1929.

So they’re bulletproof, but these were also toys for the wealthy, and because of that, they are also beautifully built. The engine bay is a symphony of polished aluminum, brass, copper, and bronze. Every part is overbuilt, with redundant systems throughout, including two ignition systems with two plugs per cylinder and four spare spark plugs stored on top of the firewall-mounted dynamo (generator) for replacement in the field. The dynamo is spun directly off the overhead camshaft and is mounted inside the passenger compartment where it’s protected from dirt and heat. Perhaps the only shortcoming is in the cooling department, as there is no cooling fan for the 10

The engine barks to life easily when you push the starter button and settles into a clattering, aggressive idle that is evidence of four aluminum pistons each the size of a one-quart paint can banging around inside the iron block. The big 4½ litre engine isn’t at all fussy, clutch take-up is aggressive but it doesn’t stall no matter how clumsy you might be with the pedals. Once you’re rolling, shifting is easy in the unsynchronized gearbox as long as you’re quick. This car does nothing slowly and control efforts are reasonably light, so you feel like you can slice and dice through modern traffic with ease in this 92-year-old machine. And while most 1924 automobiles are comfortable at modest speeds, this thoroughbred Bentley will run all day at 75 MPH, legendary reliability and performance ensuring that you reach your destination without incident. If anything, the experience is more akin to a 4-wheeled motorcycle, elemental and connected, a feeling of being directly linked to the machine. The sensation is remarkably different than the usual Full Classic experience, regardless of era. In fact, I’d wager that few Full Classics even from the post-war period could keep pace with this Bentley for very long.

After the Rolls-Royce takeover of Bentley, the cars changed. They were gentrified, refined and took their place among the world’s most elite luxury cars. They became bigger and more powerful, still fast and still beautifully built, yet their souls were different. For the spiritual descendants of the Bentley Boys, the only Bentleys to own are the rip-snorting, visceral, and brutally effective early cars with W.O. Bentley’s seal of approval right there on the side of the engine.

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Top left and right: the front cockpit with leather bucket seats is for well-acquainted people.

Above left: view from the rear seat highlights the tight front compartment. Above right: the full set of instrumentation makes it clear this is a “driver’s” automobile.

Clockwise from below: The full tonneau helps the rear compartment become a cargo storage area; details of the mixture control and ammeter; Lee Wolff is the proud owner of this fine Bentley; door inner trim panel says B is for Bentley; rear seat compartment is relatively generous with space.

September - October 2018

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Peter & Merry Beth Tacy’s 1927 Packard 3-36

By Peter Tacy Images by Don Wood III & the Author

This story begins with the introduction of the First Series Eights in June, 1923 as a completely new Packard vehicle, equipped with a straight-eight engine. From the onset these vehicles were known for smoothness and power. Several re-designs were executed resulting in the Second Series Eight (introduced February 1925) and the Third Series Eight (introduced August 1926). The Third Series Eight refined the advancements of the First and Second Series Eights and introduced new features.

The Third Series Eight chassis was available in two standard wheelbases with the following model designation and configuration. The model “3-36”; where the “3” corresponds to Third Series Eight and “36” corresponds to a wheelbase of 136 inches. Accordingly, the model “3-43”; the “3” corresponds to Third Series Eight and “43” corresponds to a wheelbase of 143 inches.

A relatively low production run of Third Series Eights included several important advancements. Some features were introduced during the middle of the Second Series. The Hypoid rear axle allowed a lower stance and overall silhouette and the three-shoe Bendix brake system was now found on all Third Series Eights. Most of the styling remained from the prior series including the simple fixed louvered hood. A light update included a redesigned radiator shell and high crowned fenders with a perimeter bead.

The Third Series Eight included several new design features as described in Packard marketing brochures. The most notable were displacement (384.5 cubic-inches), firing order (crankshaft, camshaft, and distributor), cylinder head, block and pistons. The firing order (1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4) introduced in the Third Series Eight would 12

be used until the last Packard straight eights were manufactured in the 1950s. Engine breathing was improved with a combination of redesigned and optimized “turbo-head” combustion chamber, intake/exhaust manifold and engine block intake/exhaust passages.

The Third Series Eight was also fitted with pistons featuring steel alloy Invar struts cast in aluminum to control thermal expansion.

Several other technical changes were made during the Third Series Eight run. The Skinner Rectifier fitted to early Third Series cars was discontinued and reference to it was removed from later printings of the Third Series marketing literature and “Operation and Care” manual. The float and wire mechanical fuel gauge was replaced by a King Seeley fluid type gauge in late Third Series Eights. The exhaust manifold of the later Third Series Eights was smoothed and redesigned to remove the bump associated with the former Skinner Rectifier mounting position. Cast aluminum wing nuts securing the valve cover were revised with large steel slotted fillister head screws.

The Third Series Eight produces a symphony on acceleration with exhaust note, unsilenced intake and low growl of the non‑synchronized gearbox. The Third Series Eight became the final year for nickel-plated bright work, 21-inch wheels and a hood with fixed louvers. The 384.5 cubic-inch eights produced through model year 1931 were fitted with four manually adjustable ventilation doors to distinguish the premium vehicles from standard vehicles.

In runabout form, the relatively short body and a long hood combine to produce a sporty silhouette. Packard referred to the car as a runabout even as gradually more customers referred to the style as a roadster.

September - October 2018

Clockwise from left: Yellow disc wheels accent the exterior appearance of the car; rear quarter view with long rumble seat deck and rear mounted spare tire; period New York license plate; taillamp assembly includes stop, turn and back-up lights; door and top handle details; double bar bumper protects the grille.

Although the big bore eight of 3.5 x 5 inches would be produced and improved through model year 1936, the nimble 136 wheelbase chassis would no longer be available after the Third Series Eight.

This vehicle was purchased in 1957 by my father (Peter Sr.) several months after his twentieth birthday. Leading up to the purchase, fellow University of Vermont (UVM) classmates heavily influenced the decision, including one particular student, John “Hawkeye” Hawkinson. Several examples of Packard cars were paraded by the residence at UVM in Burlington, Vermont. The first car that made a deep impression was a 4-43 Series roadster that arrived on campus, as driven by John Parker from Connecticut. Shortly thereafter, the search for a flat front Packard eight roadster began.

Hawkeye helped Dad find just the right vehicle. The region was scoured, including Vermont, the Adirondacks and the Catskills.

One day in 1957, Dad made an arrangement to meet with Hawkeye to inspect several Packard roadsters for sale by Russell McCoon of Jewett, New York. Mr. McCoon was well known as a church caretaker, bell ringer, clock maker and wooden organ artisan in the Catskills. He had a 1928 Model 4‑43 roadster and a 1929 6­33 roadster to offer. Hawkeye began the process to purchase the 1928 4-43 roadster from Mr. McCoon that day.

On the way to meet Hawkeye that day, Dad stopped at a service station outside of Kingston, New York to get directions to Jewett.

As fate would have it, Dad was directed to yet another Packard roadster located on Albany Avenue in Kingston, New York. This seller had a 3-36 Packard Roadster and also a late twenties Isotta Fraschini roadster. Although Dad did not get to meet Hawkeye in Jewett, arrangements were made to buy the 3-36 roadster he found in Kingston.

September - October 2018

During the purchase, Dad learned the Packard 3-36 Roadster was used by the seller to commute to Brooklyn and the engine was rebuilt many years prior. At purchase, the Packard was fitted with twin taillights, single rear mounted spare, “Goddess of Speed” hood ornament (present, but cracked at the base), headlights of unknown non-Packard origin (see photos below) and the car was painted battleship gray.

Other than a few photos shown, very little was recorded at the time of purchase. For years, what was known about the previous owner was his name was Gene or Eugene and he worked as a diver.

In 1958, the roadster received corrective maintenance any 30-yearold car would need. The body was painted blue with black fenders, red wheels, the radiator shell was nickel-plated and replacement drum headlights were sourced. Under the gray paint, it was found the car was originally finished with vermilion wheels and black fenders. When layers of paint were stripped faux wood graining similar to the dash was found on the windshield frame and a teal blue color was found on the body. Overspray inside the golf club compartment under the original carpet shows the sides of the car were light gray. These colors are consistent with standard Packard runabout colors. The mechanical brakes were serviced and bias adjusted for correct operation at a specialist in Albany, New York.

The engine was rebuilt to reduce oil consumption and improve oil pressure.

After sorting out the car, the 3-36 runabout was driven to the UVM campus in Burlington, Vermont. The 3-36 roadster was present around Burlington and Albany, through UVM graduation in the late 1950s. Several meets were attended in Vermont during this time, 13

Simple instrument panel offers the driver everything he needs to know; Packard’s iconic grille with a Packard factory Motometer; the rumble seat leather shows the patina of many years of enjoyment; the left side of the Packard straight 8-cylinder engine with oil filler, starter and Bijur tank; right side of the engine with updraft carburetor.

including Stowe, Essex Junction and Bennington. These were local community or Vermont Auto Enthusiast meets.

Later after graduation, Mom and Dad married and settled in Rensselaer County in upstate New York. I was born in 1964 and my brother later in 1967. The roadster became part of the family for drives and car meets around Albany (Saugerties, Rhinebeck, Altamont Fair, Broadalbin, Wilmington and Norwich, New York) and Vermont (Stowe and Bennington). These were generally local community gatherings, Automobilists of the Upper Hudson Valley (AUHV), or Packard Automobile Classics (PAC) events. The roadster did hibernate quite a bit after the 1960s and 1970s, as work, kids, home projects and other Packard cars were in the mix.

The wheels were painted light tan in the 1980s and a top was installed. The linoleum running boards were renewed and reassembled with the original perimeter trim in place approximately ten years afterward. A scratch-built exact replica of the battery box was fabricated and powder coated black in 2011. It is nearly impossible to tell a factory box from the new box.

There were a few meets in the 1980 and 1990s, including Hildene in Vermont and New York (Rhinebeck and Mills Mansion). More recently several Henry Joy Tours in 2006, 2010, 2012, through Vermont, the Adirondacks and the Berkshires, respectively. In 2012 shortly after another engine rebuild, we participated in the opening ceremony for the Crown Point Bridge over Lake Champlain between New York and Vermont. An attendee of the original 1929 opening ceremony for the previous Crown Point Bridge was with us in the rumble seat for the parade over the new bridge.

In 2013, the roadster was trailered from New York to Michigan to dodge raindrops at the national PAC meet in Pontiac. After the meet, the roadster stayed in Michigan. Later in 2013 my wife Merry Beth and I brought the roadster to the Traffic Jam show in Troy and the fall Open House at the Packard Proving Grounds. That year was also the start of a tradition to bring the Packard to the Woodward Cruise. It is nice to see the surprise on faces as the Packard rolls by.

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In 2014, I drove the roadster from Detroit to Warren, Ohio on back roads to attend the national PAC meet. The best part of that drive was climbing the hills on Route 303 just to the west of Warren. It reminded me of the many grades back East. The roadster seemed to climb even better than the day we drove over Tongue Mountain on Route 9N, New York in the 1970s. The meet was really a nice time, touring and viewing the Packard cars with Mom, Dad and my nephew Benjamin. Later in the year we again attended the Traffic Jam show in Troy and the fall Open House at the Packard Proving Grounds.

The following year, the roadster served as transportation for Jeff Pedraz and his massive string bass violin. Jeff sat in with Gino Fanelli and the Jalopy Brothers at a brunch gig in Royal Oak. Gino now lives in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. The car fit in well with Jalopy Brothers old timey presence and style. In June, I drove the roadster to the Gilmore Museum for the CCCA Museum Experience as Packard was the featured marque. I found I had starting system troubles after returning from the Experience. Wayne Funk of Motor City Packards was instrumental in providing suggestions and use of a loaner starter to aid in troubleshooting the cause. These starting issues did not deter us from attending the Orphan Car Show in Ypsilanti and the Fall Open House at the Packard Proving Grounds, while the troubleshooting process was conducted. I successfully mastered the art of hand cranking and starting the big eight.

Eventually, I found that a two-year-old commercial grade 6-volt battery had internally failed. The key is to leave no stone unturned.

In 2016, a new 6-volt battery was sourced and completely erased the starting issues from the prior season. The starting system was thoroughly vetted during the previous year. Early in the season, we attended a Prohibition Party at Col. Jesse Vincent’s house in Grosse Pointe. Col. Vincent was the engineer responsible for development of the Packard engines. The Jesse Vincent Packard Speedster was also there for the event. In June, Merry Beth and I attended the national PAC meet in Traverse City with my folks. We visited the Mission and Leelanau peninsula wineries in the roadster while Merry Beth checked out the different varieties. One of the days we September - October 2018

Clockwise from left: The Tacy’s Packard in front of the Packard Proving Grounds Lodge; Peter Jr. in the Packard at a 1960s New York meet; summer 1957 at Eugene Carl’s Garage at 554 Albany Avenue, Kingston, New York at the time of purchase by Peter Tacy, Sr.; Paul Tacy, Steve Olson, Peter Jr., Melba and Peter Sr. at Hague, New York in the 1970s on the way to a Vermont Auto Enthusiasts meet at Stowe, Vermont; current proud owners Peter and Mary Beth Tacy with the Packard at the 2017 CCCA Museum Experience; the Packard returns to its roots on East Grand Boulevard in Detroit.

toured with the PAC on the Mission Peninsula to see Mission Point and a local Packard collection. The weather was perfect.

In July on an astonishingly hot day, we attended another Prohibition Party at a nascent Apple Orchard on Farnsworth in Detroit. Heirloom apple varieties were planted there several years prior, including the “Detroit Red”. In August, I visited the Packard Plant with a close friend, Todd Heitzenrater, in the roadster. A few days later I brought the roadster to the pre-Woodward Cruise car show at the Mercedes Benz Research and Development center in Redford, Michigan with the International Stars of the Mercedes Benz Club of America.

Early in 2017, I spent a great deal of time methodically cleaning the fuel system from the tank to the carburetor. Fuel tank, fuel lines, vacuum fuel pump, carburetor were all disassembled and cleaned.

The vacuum fuel pump is a mechanical work of art. After the work was completed, we loaded the roadster for the trip to the Gilmore Museum for the CCCA Museum Experience. A ride on a trailer was imperative since Dad and my brother Paul would return to New York via Delta Airlines after the end of the show. The unexpected occurred during the show, the roadster received the Chief Judges Award for vehicle originality.

Very little was recorded when the 3-36 roadster was purchased, so very little is known about the previous owners. In 2010, I learned the other prospective buyer was Russell “Hoppy” Decker. Hoppy and Gretchen Decker are close family friends. Fortunately, a September - October 2018

combination of small details emerged from discussions with Hoppy and Dad that allowed me to pinpoint the previous owner’s name and eventually contact Mr. Carl’s living relatives in Kingston.

I spoke with Mr. Carl’s nephew just a few years ago and reviewed newspapers and interviewed local historians. Eugene Carl was born in Italy and served in France during World War One as a mechanic in the United States Army. Later Mr. Carl worked as a hard-hat diver and a rigger. As a diver, he employed trapped air to raise vessels, including a sunken brick barge. He also worked on marine construction projects, demolition, salvage and rescue/recovery operations mainly in the Hudson Valley, New York.

Mr. Carl’s house is gone, but his garage remains. Mr. Carl’s belongings were donated or sold after his death in 1968.

In 2018, I learned Mrs. Walter (Madeline) Westfall owned the 3-36 Runabout at least as far back as December 1932. The Westfalls lived at 554 Albany Avenue at that time. As it turns out Walter and Eugene Carl were coworkers at Island Dock in Kingston and Eugene was a tenant at that address. Jim Pearsall found the Madeline Westfall vehicle registration complete with the same engine and vehicle identification number.

Thank you to everyone that has helped me with vehicle history, knowledge and support. I have learned a great deal.

Each year the roadster receives cleaning and maintenance of one or more systems. Dad has been instrumental in teaching Paul and me and, as a result, my brother and I call him the “Packard Whisperer”.

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The

s e k o p Old S

Article & Images

r u o T Ho me

by Don Wood II

It was a crisp Sunday for the Michigan Region's May activity hosted this year by Grosse Isle resident Carol Bray. We all met at the Old Spokes Home on Grosse Isle at around 10 a.m.; the owner showed up around 11 a.m. and happily opened the museum. Much to our surprise there are over 300 bicycles and memorabilia inside dating back to the early 1800’s. Roger Gauthier has been a collector for about 10 years and has managed to accumulate bicycles from the first hobby horse in 1818, the high-wheel bikes of the 1880s, through those created in recent years. The museum is open only

I

upon request so we were able to enjoy the collection without crowds.

We then trekked north on the isle to the Carol Bray Estate, where we were treated to 3 vehicles dating over 100 years young. A 1914 Locomobile Model 48, a 1915 Rolls Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Alpine Eagle Torpedo Tourer and a 1911 Pierce Arrow. Also on display was her 1940 Packard 1806 Victoria Darrin, but her 1934 Railton was in a crate sailing from down under after a CARavan.

After enjoying Carol's collection, we headed back to the mainland with free tokens for the paying bridge and brunch at the Portofino Restaurant. The brunch was filling, the conversation flowed and the weather cooperated.

In attendance were Bob Arnold, Lee Belf, Carol Bray, Bruce Blevins, Robert Denk & Linda Pilous, Dave & Maureen Dolby, Ara & Diane Ekizian, Greg & Kathy Kosmatka, Roger & Joan Luksik, Tlanda McDonald, Neal & Lois Porter, Larry & Nancy Seyfarth and Gerry Szostak.

Clockwise from below: Roger Gauthier describes an 1818 hobby horse to Michigan Region members; Roger Luksik, Sandy Wise, Carol Bray, Jim Aseltyne, Bruce Blevins, Tlanda McDonald and Lee Belf chat while waiting for the museum to open; Sandy Wise, Carol Bray, Tlanda McDonald and Lee Belf; Paul Wise and Gerry Szostak.

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September - October 2018

Top row from left: An early high wheeler bicycle; 1990 Spacelander and 1984 David Sherrel streamlined bicycles; the 1953 Columbia Star Supreme “Pony Express” we all dreamed of.

Clockwise from above from left: an early gas lamp not intended for young riders; Laurel & Hardy admire Carol Bray’s 1940 Packard Darrin: Carol’s 1911 Locomobile; the group mingles while enjoying Carol’s garage; a 1889 gas headlamp; detail of a bicycle pinion gear drive; an early chain drive bicycle; Bob Arnold dreams of a Donald Duck bicycle.

September - October 2018

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Clockwise from above: 1911 Pierce-Arrow instrument panel is all business; the late Phil Bray’s view of things; the Pierce’s two-tone brass bulb horn; Pierce’s beautiful brass details; Jim Aseltyne and Neal Porter admire the 1915 Rolls Royce: the 1911 Pierce-Arrow is an imposing automobile.

Below from left: Lee Belf’s sweater was completely appropriate for a Michigan Region spring outing; it was Portofino’s for lunch; Greg Kosmatka gave the entire event a “thumbs up”.

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September - October 2018

The 2018 CCCA Museum Experience

By Rich Ray Images by Don Wood III & the Author

Tom Tul’s 1931 Packard 840 Roadster on the Museum Experience show field in front of the new CCCA Museum entrance.

2018 marked the 32nd annual CCCA Museum Experience on the Gilmore Museum campus in Hickory Corners, Michigan. It was a great event and included an overnight driving tour, a "mini-CARavan", on Friday and Saturday before the actual Experience on Sunday, June 3. This year, Cadillac and LaSalle were featured marques along with the CCCA Full ClassicsÂŽ.

This year's Experience Grand Marshal was well-known author and car collector, Clive Cussler. He and his wife joined the tour which departed the host hotel in Kalamazoo at 8:00 a.m. on Friday morning driving country roads south to the Thomas W. Longley Covered Bridge in Centreville, Michigan. This structure, named after the first settler in the area, is the longest remaining wooden covered bridge in Michigan. Its three spans built in 1887 of white pine, stretch 282 feet across the St. Joseph River. We had a brief stop for a "Kodak" moment and then traveled through Centreville on our way into Indiana and Shipshewana. Named for a Potawatomi Indian Chief in 1887, it is the third largest Amish and Mennonite community in the U.S. Known for its weekly antique auction and "flea" market, Shipshewana's 670 residents entertain over a million tourists a year. We enjoyed a huge family-style lunch followed by a very entertaining musical show, Half-Stitched, at the Blue Gate Restaurant, Bakery and Theatre.

We then headed for our hotel in Stevensville, Michigan on Lake Michigan. We enjoyed more food during a dinner at the nearby Tosi's Restaurant.

September - October 2018

Saturday morning, the group headed north to Holland, Michigan to visit the Clyde Poll Museum where we enjoyed a small collection of cars coupled with an amazing collection of individually designed electric erector sets, over 900 toy trucks and hundreds of dolls including boxed Barbie dolls going back to the early sixties. The group then enjoyed a country drive through rich, southern Michigan farmland to lunch at the HawksHead Restaurant & Golf Club.

Following lunch, we continued our relaxing drive to our host hotel in Kalamazoo. We arrived with just enough time to freshen up and join other Experience participants for dinner at the Gilmore Museum Heritage Center.

Experience participants who did not join the overnight driving tour had the opportunity for lunch at the Gull Lake Country Club, with cake to celebrate long time CCCA member Jerry Steelman's birthday, followed by boat rides in vintage wood boats on nearby Gull Lake, courtesy of Bill Parfet.

Sunday, show day, started out with early rain which politely followed the schedule by stopping at 8:00 am. Judging got quickly underway, followed by lunch on the show field. There was plenty of time to enjoy the ever-growing Gilmore Car Museum campus as well as the enhanced CCCA Museum barn.

The Experience Drive-By Awards Presentation featured Clive Cussler, Bob Joynt and David Schultz and was followed by a Farewell Dinner. It was a most enjoyable weekend!

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Clockwise from upper left: Full Classics® in front of the Thomas W. Longley Covered Bridge; inside the long covered bridge; entrance to the Blue Gate Restaurant, Bakery and theatre where everyone enjoyed an entertaining musical play; Clive Cussler, Stevan Kreisman, Jane Billings, Al Kroemer, Janet Welch, Mary Ray and Janet Cussler enjoy lunch at the Blue Gate; Amy & Kent Jidov, Greg Nel, Bill Parfet , Mark Iles, Floy & Lee Barthel at lunch; Dan Hanlon, Gene Tareshawty, Dave Johnson, Bill Parfet, Mark Iles, Bob Gavrilescu, Tom Brace and Al Kroemer at Tosi’s Restaurant for dinner; Tosi’s Restaurant; Mary Ray, Janet Welch, Anne & Frank Beard, Kent & Amy Jidov, Lee & Floy Barthel at dinner; Classics lined up in Shipshewana; typical Amish transportation in Shipshewana; one of many small Michigan towns we passed through on the tour; the Thomas W. Longley Covered Bridge .

Michigan Region Overnight Driving Tour Participants Lee & Floy Barthel w/ Kent & Amy Jidov Tom Brace w/ Gavrilescu David Johnson w/ Dan Hanlon & Gene Tareshawty Bill Parfet Rich & Mary Ray with Janet Welch

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1941 Cadillac Sixty Special 1947 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet 1938 Cadillac 75 Convertible Coupe 1936 Cadillac 90 Convertible Sedan 1941 Cadillac 62 Convertible Sedan

September - October 2018

Clockwise from left: a 1929 Marmon roadster in Clyde Poll’s collection; Lee Barthel with our host, Clyde Poll; Classics at the HawksHead Restaurant & Golf Club for lunch; participants enjoyed rides in some of Bill Parfet’s classic wood boats; Jerry Steelman celebrated his birthday at lunch at the Gull Lake Country Club.

Above left: Kent & Amy Jidov, Lee & Floy Barthel, Greg & Kathy Kosmatka, Greg & Jean Stachura at dinner. Above right: more Classics at the Hawkshead Restaurant.

Clockwise from below: Tom Brace, Bob Gavrilescu, Alex & Faye Buchan; the artist’s table with Dan McCrary, Fran & Tom Hale, Marilyn & Gerald Freeman, Noonie & David Chapple; Dave Johnson, Greg & Robin Ornazian, Dan Hanlon and Carol Vogt: Al Kroemer speaks to the group; the head table included Carrol & Carl Jensen, Clive & Janet Cussler, Chris Snyder, Wendy Gardner, Bill & Barbara Parfet.

September - October 2018

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Above from left: Tom Hale’s display in the CCCA Museum’s 2018 Invitational Art Exhibit; Alex Buchan’s display of Art in Bronze; Chris Snyder with Wendy Gardner and Clive and Janet Cussler. At the 2017 Experience Chris purchased a “walk on” part for her late husband, Bill, in Cussler’s just released novel, “Gray Ghost”.

Experience Award Winners 1937 Cadillac Series 90 Imperial Cabriolet Skip Tetz Best in Show

1935 Cadillac Series 20 Convertible Sedan

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1938 Cadillac Series 75 Conv. Coupe

Ed DeVries

Dave Johnson

People’s Choice Award

Spirit of the Road Award

1935 Bentley 3½L Saloon

1931 Packard 840 Roadster

Dave Deppe

Tom Tuls

Chief Judge Award

CCCA Trustee’s Award

1935 LaSalle Conv. Coupe (NC)

1924 Packard 143 Town Car

Greg Ornazian

Don Hanson

Grand Marshal Award

Class Award

September - October 2018

Michigan Region Cars at the Museum Experience 1935 Cadillac Series 90 Convertible Sedan Bill Parfet

September - October 2018

1941 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan

1935 Auburn 851 Conv. Coupe

Phil Fischer

Brad Janousek

1941 Cadillac Series 62 4 Dr. Sedan

1941 Cadillac Sixty Special

Brian Segrest

Lee Barthel

1941 Cadillac Series 62 Conv. Sedan

1937 Cadillac Series 75 Formal Sedan

Rich Ray

Ron DeWoskin

1934 LaSalle Series 50 Conv. Coupe (NC) Stahl Automotive Foundation

1925 Packard 326 4-Dr. Sedan Charles Lachman

23

2018 EyesOn Design

By Marcus Shelley

Again this year the EyesOn Design show enjoyed a beautiful sunny day. Nearly 270 entries showcased this year’s theme: Design Inspiration and Influences. Categories were created that displayed the objects that have inspired designers over the years, together with the vehicles that illustrate the influence. As our chief judge, Glen Durmisevich, wrote “Creative people create when they are mentally stimulated or inspired to do something innovative.” Designers use many things to inspire themselves: fashion, art, modern furniture and science all come to mind when thinking about new ideas.

To represent the theme, we developed several categories that continue to give EyesOn Design its unique flavor. A number of these categories included CCCA cars. One of them was “Speed Boats and Race Car Influence”. This group featured a wooden speed boat, a 1930 Purdy Step bottom racer. Surrounding the speed boat were Auburn boat tail speedsters: the Ernest’s 1928, Dick Harding’s 1929 from Ohio, a 1932 owned by Don Lyons of Dowagiac, plus the 1934 12-165 from the Parfet collection in Kalamazoo and Greg Ornazian’s incredible and nearly perfect 1935 851 Auburn Speedster.

All of these cars are Full Classics®. The judges then had to choose which one was best. Appropriately, that job went to fellow CCCA club member Buck Mook, who was more than up to the task.

Another design influence category was Art Deco and streamlined inspiration. We titled this grouping “At Home and On the Road: Art Deco/ Streamlined Design”. Between this grouping and a grouping called “Mid-Century Modernism”, we placed a furniture display of art deco and modernist furniture. In the art deco grouping you could find several classics. Keith Crain sent us his rarely seen 1939 Bugatti Stelvio. Additionally, you could see John Bertolone’s 1936 La Salle Coupe, Ted Stahl’s 1935 Chrysler Airflow, Ted Stahl’s 1935 Lincoln Coupe by LeBaron, Larry Smith’s 1936 Stout Scarab and from the CCCA museum, a 1938 Buick Lancefield Drop Head Coupe. The concept of the grouping was that the visitor could see Art Deco design in the car (On the road) and in furniture (At Home).

Another interactive display featured other classics and a “Virtual Reality” feature. In a grouping called “From Runways to Road24

Images by Don Wood III Clockwise from left: Rita Ernest in period dress alongside her and Terry’s 1928 Auburn Boat Tail Speedster; Tom Hale and Marcus Shelley congratulate David Chapple (center) on his sculpture capturing the character of the 1958 Cadillac Cyclone concept car featured on the EyesOn Design poster (above).

ways: WWII Aircraft – Fins & Features”, we showed cars directly inspired by aircraft. Featured cars were a 1948 Cadillac, from members Charlie Saganek and Barbara Ballard, a 1948 Tucker owned by John Schuler, a 1950 Studebaker Champion and a 1957 Cadillac 62 Convertible. In the VR booth, these cars would morph back and forth so visitors could see how these cars carried over nearly intact design elements from airplanes.

Lee and Floy Barthel were asked to bring a totally different car that epitomized a theme. They brought their 1979 Daimler Vanden Plas Limousine to be in the group, “1970’s Sheer European Luxury”.

While not a Full Classics®, this vehicle exemplifies the class on display.

An important part of the show weekend each year is the presentation of the Lifetime Design Achievement Award to a person selected by the previous winners. Winners include the likes of Gordon Buehrig, Harley Earl and Nuccio Bertone. This year Ed Welburn, former head of GM design was selected. It turns out that when Ed was 8 years old his father took him to a car show. At this show in 1958, GM featured a show car called the Cadillac Cyclone. This is the moment that Ed says he decided to become a car designer. Now 60 years later, we featured this car in our poster and at our show.

We had Michigan artist David Chapple design a sculpture that captured the character of the Cyclone. This sculpture was photographed and used for our poster and other advertising.

September - October 2018

Clockwise from left: Ted Stahl’s 1935 Chrysler Airflow (NC); CCCA Museum’s 1938 Buick Lancefield Drop Head Coupe; David D’Agostino’s 1938 Lagonda; Greg Ornazian’s 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster; Dick Harding’s 1929 Auburn 8-88 Speedster; Bill Parfet’s 1934 Auburn 12-165 Speedster; John Bertolones 1936 LaSalle (NC); Ted Stahl’s 1935 Lincoln Coupe by LeBaron.

To compliment the Cyclone and its significance in design, we brought together over 40 significant show cars. We had 12 from FCA (formerly Chrysler) and 13 from GM. This year we had the Chrysler Turbine, the 1954 Chrysler Comtesse, the 1998 Chronos (which led to the Chrysler 300 in modern times). Also, we had the GM Fire Birds, the Mako Shark (1961 show car that led to the 1963 Vette), and new show cars like the Buick Avista and the Cadillac Escala. This category called “The Jet Age: Tailfins and Afterburners” featured many unique cars.

This year we presented 22 Designer Choice awards (blue ribbon or best of Category), 40 Design of Distinction awards (red ribbon), 54 special plaques for non-judged categories and 7 premium awards (gold ribbon). Our premium awards are designed by Steve Correia especially for EyesOn Design. We are fortunate to have Bridgestone sponsoring these awards for the 12th year in a row.

This year our premium awards were: The Rolling Sculpture Award (best of show) which went to the 1936 Stout Scarab owned by Larry Smith of Bloomfield Hills, MI. The Honorary Chairman, Michael Martini, President of Bridgestone (retired), selected Keith Crain’s 1939 Bugatti Type 57 C Stelvio to receive the honorary chairman’s award. The Visionaries Award, in which blind judges “see” the car with gloved hands and determine the best of class, was also won by Keith Crain’s remarkable 1939 Bugatti. Our OE sponsors are also allowed to select a Design of Exceptional Merit. This year we had 2 of these awards. The FCA representative, Brandon Faurote, chose Greg Ornazian’s 1935 851 Auburn Speedster and the Calty (Toyota) representative, Benjamin Jimenez, chose a 1965 Pontiac Bonneville, owned by Lee & Ruth Hadley. The Grand Marshall this year September - October 2018

was Joe Ricci and he selected Dick and Helen Harding’s 1929 Auburn 8-88 Speedster for the Grand Marshall award.

Other CCCA members winning Designer Choice awards this year were David D’Agostino for his 1938 Lagonda and Don and John Lyons won with their 1932 Auburn speedster. Lastly, the entry from the CCCA museum, a 1938 Buick Lancefield Drophead won in its class, At Home and On the Road: Art Deco/ Streamlined.

Other CCCA members showing or attending this year were Jim and Barbara Morningstar, Dick & Joyce Thams, Bill Golling, Marcus & Irene Shelley, Ron Hausmann, Ed & Michelle Meurer III, Diran Yazejian, Neal Porter, Lee and Floy Barthel, Kent & Amy Jidov, Werner and Chris Meier, Roy Margenau and Peter Tacy. Greg Kosmatka was key to convincing and enabling the CCCA museum to send a car to our show. Steve Plunkett from Canada brought his iconic 1932 Cadillac dual cowl phaeton. Additionally, Jeff and Mary Griffin brought their 1922 Haynes 75 tourer and Robert and Diane Berry brought their 1929 Lincoln dual cowl phaeton. Ron and Esther Hausmann brought an all original 1921 Kissel and Ted Stahl sent a 1934 Studebaker President 8 Regal Roadster.

The annual EyesOn Design car show is the main fundraiser for the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, founded over 40 years ago to create outreach programs for the visually impaired, training programs for physicians and to further research into vision surgery by establishing collaborative forums. Next year will be the 32nd EyesOn Design show. taking place June 16th, 2019 at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House. We hope CCCA members will continue to support the show and we look forward to seeing everyone there.

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Tale of Our First CARavan Article and Images by Phil Fischer

Helen Fischer in their 1941 Cadillac 62 Coupe in front of the Montpelier, Virginia estate of President James Madison.

When trying to decide how to approach writing an article about attending a CARavan, I decided it might be of interest to everyone if I wrote about the adventures we enjoyed while driving the tour.

This Ohio/Virginia Region sponsored CARavan would be the first for my wife Helen and me, so I had great expectations of having an especially good time, meeting and travelling with the many CCCA members attending. I was not disappointed in any way. I will try to keep the story in chronological order so I don’t forget to include anything. The CARavan was scheduled to begin on May 2 and be completed on May 12, 2018.

Preparation for the CARavan started months ago with my performing a complete maintenance on the 1941 Cadillac Coupe we would be driving. The estimated mileage for the tour was over 1,000 miles, so I wanted to insure I would be prepared for any possible repair that may be needed while on the road. Plans were made to leave a day early to break up the drive from Plymouth, Michigan to Charlottesville, Virginia. Helen and I would be travelling with Lee and Floy Barthel and their passengers, Kent and Amy Jidov, in Lee's 1941 Cadillac Sixty Special.

On Monday, April 30, 2018 the journey began. I would like to have been able to say “without incident”, but that was not the case. No sooner had we travelled maybe 15 miles toward the Ohio border when I looked into my rearview mirror to see Lee’s Cadillac pulling off on the side of the expressway. I continued on until I found one of those median turnarounds that are posted “authorized vehicles only” and, of course, I ignored the sign and did a “U” turn through the median to circle back to the disabled Cadillac. Finally back at the Cadillac on the shoulder, a quick diagnosis revealed Lee was out

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of gas! Oh, I forgot, Lee tells me now that the gas gauge in his car doesn’t work!

One of the only parts I didn’t think to bring along was a gas can, so I drove off the expressway at the next ramp and, to my surprise, found a Dollar Store and two gas stations. Feeling pretty good now, I ran into the Dollar Store seeking a gas can but, as luck would have it, they were sold out. I headed across the street to the gas station and sure enough they had a gas can for only $12.95 ! ( I suspect they were the reason the Dollar Store was sold out of gas cans.) I returned to the stranded Cadillac, poured in a gallon of gas and we were again on our way. Lee filled his Cadillac, and it took 19.5 gallons in the 20 gallon tank.

Once on our way again we stopped for the night near Cambridge, Ohio, planning to meet up with the Ohio Region members and then continue on together to Charlottesville.

On Tuesday, we drove to a nearby rest stop where we met up with a few Ohio Region members. From there our little caravan of Classics® drove on to Charlottesville. Initially, the mileage from home to Charlottesville was about 619 miles. The additional miles for our detour to Cambridge, Ohio to meet up with the Ohio Region, added considerably to the miles we drove just to get to Charlottesville!

The two days we took to get to Charlottesville at that leisurely pace, would be the last leisurely driving I would do for the next 10 days.

Both the starting point of the tour and the ending point of the tour would be The Omni Charlottesville Hotel. As we pulled into Charlottesville, we made a stop at the home of Mr. & Mrs. William Meffert, who surprised us all with an invitation to a BBQ dinner September - October 2018

Clockwise from top left: The Michigan group congregates in a rest area near Cambridge, OH to meet with the “Ohio Region” contingent; enjoying a BBQ dinner hosted by Bill Meffert at his home in Charlottesville, VA; Jim Cowin speaks at the May 2nd dinner; President James Madison proved to be an eloquent speaker at the dinner; the OmniCharlottesville Hotel; the grounds around Montecello, Thomas Jefferson’s home.

prepared by his daughter, Kami. It proved to be a relaxing evening enjoying southern hospitality after a long day of driving.

Wednesday marked the official beginning of the CARavan with a cocktail party at the Omni followed by an opening banquet. The featured guest at the banquet was none other than former United States President James Monroe. President Monroe provided an interesting history lesson about his involvement in the founding of our country.

Although I did not know it at the time, but was to learn later, two things would stand out about a CARavan. In addition to driving to interesting places, seeing historical landmarks and enjoying scenic driving experiences on the backroads of our nation, we do a lot of eating! Between breakfasts, lunches and banquets, I have never eaten that well, in so short a time.

The second day, Thursday, began the actual driving portion of the tour. This proved to be the shortest drive of the CARavan, at only 13.6 miles. At the banquet the previous evening, I was introduced to Ron DeWoskin and his wife, Heidi. While we were talking Cadillacs, he spoke of how his car was running rough. This morning, prior to leaving the hotel parking garage, I had Ron lift the hood of his 1941 Cadillac. I found that a spark plug wire had become disconnected from the plug and the flexible fresh air tube from the grill to the firewall was disconnected and lying across the exhaust manifold. Simply reattaching the plug wire and the hose cured that issue. We all then left to visit “Monticello”, the home of Thomas Jefferson. That was followed by a visit to “Highland”, the home of James Monroe. The group then returned to the Omni Hotel for a luncheon buffet. The rest of the afternoon allowed us to do some September - October 2018

sightseeing around Charlottesville in a “Trolley”, where we rode to the University of Virginia and walked around the campus. The evening was on our own to enjoy a dining experience in the restaurants adjacent to the hotel.

Day three, Friday, was a 181-mile driving day from Charlottesville to Natural Bridge. We drove the Skyline Drive through the mountains with a stop at the Luray Caverns. Lunch was provided at the historic Mimslyn Inn in Luray. Following lunch, we headed out for our next stop, Natural Bridge. Upon arriving at the Natural Bridge Hotel, we enjoyed another banquet that evening. Now, as I learned at this banquet, it is customary to single out a participant who may have inadvertently made a “Boo-Boo” during the preceding day’s drive. Christine Snyder pleaded for anyone to come forward and admit to it. As luck would have it, and with this writer “ratting out” Lee Barthel, he was called out for the following “Boo-Boo”. Apparently, Lee had forgotten to close the heater control valves on his Cadillac and drove all day in 90-degree heat with the heaters on.

Further, as he accepted the recognition, he admitted to also locking the keys in the Cadillac, not once, but twice that day. His penalty was that he had to display a small banner lashed to the trunk lid during the next day’s drive. Natural Bridge gets its name from a natural rock formation that has been a tourist attraction for many years. After our banquet, bus transportation was provided to the Natural Bridge for a narrated music and light show. It was a very dramatic presentation.

Day four, Saturday, involved a 106.1 mile drive to Roanoke, Virginia. While enroute, we had a stop at the Mark Smith collection in Lynchburg. Mark has a large collection of early Ford vehicles and memorabilia. We wandered throughout his warehouse enjoying unrestored Model T, Model A and other early Ford vehicles. It was 27

Clockwise from right: ; An overlook on the Skyline Drive; inside Luray Caverns; Natural Bridge Hotel in Virginia; Lee Barthel’s car had to wear the “Boo-Boo” banner: the University of Virginia campus.

Left: The AACA sponsored car show featured the CARavan Classics.

Right: Some of the Classics parked at the Hotel Roanoke.

an impressive collection. We arrived in Roanoke that evening and stayed at the historic Hotel Roanoke. A personal highlight was when we were greeted by the hotel doorman wearing his full classic uniform. He introduced himself as Hobie and was extremely hospitable. While our little group sat on the grand front porch of the hotel, discussing where we might dine that evening, Hobie approached and suggested a local restaurant. Further, he insisted on driving us to the restaurant in the hotel bus and we would be picked up when finished. This proved to be one of the finest meals we enjoyed during the entire tour.

Tuesday, day seven, marked our visit to the Biltmore Estate for a tour. The day started out very early, as we needed to gather all the participants’ Classics in front of the Biltmore Estate mansion for a photo shoot. That accomplished, we toured the buildings and grounds of the estate.

On day five, Sunday, we were invited to display our cars at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in conjunction with the AACA from Roanoke. We toured the museum and enjoyed the city. That evening marked another banquet!

Day nine, Thursday, was the longest driving portion of the tour yet, at 265.9 miles. We left Ashville for a stop at Blowing Rock to see the breathtaking views at 4,090 feet above the John’s River Gorge.

Prevailing winds return light objects thrown over the void and it is noted in the winter for snow that falls up rather than down. Having enjoyed relatively few mechanical problems so far on this tour, it seemed that today would mark a number of issues cropping up.

First, while stopped for a lunch break, Ron DeWoskin and his wife Heidi who were travelling with our group, also stopped. Ron mentioned to me that he could not get the rear compartment lights to go out in his 1941 Cadillac. He had already removed all four of the dome light switches from the door jams, but the lights were still lit.

Monday, the sixth day of the tour, marked one of the longest driving days we had yet to complete. After breakfast, we departed for Ashville, North Carolina, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some 258 miles later, we arrived at the Biltmore Doubletree Hotel. We again enjoyed another banquet that evening.

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Day eight, Wednesday, was a day of rest. This allowed us a day to roam around Ashville and take in the sights. The evening held a special event for everyone. We enjoyed a Moonshine Banquet with blue grass music by Black Mountain City Limits Grass Band.

September - October 2018

Clockwise from above: “Hobie”the doorman at the Hotel Roanoke with Floy Barthel, Amy Jidov, Helen Fischer and Heidi DeWoskin; Full Classics in front of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville; D-Day Memoriala in Bedford, VA; Helen Fischer’s hair shows the wind direction at Blowing Rock; the author under the hood of Lee Barthel’s 1941 Cadillac; Montpelier, James Madison’s home; Mark Smith’s collection of unrestored Fords; Note the elevation at an overlook enroute to Ashville.

A quick diagnosis by this writer revealed that apparently while loading his luggage into the rear seat of the Cadillac, he inadvertently brushed against the small on/off switch located on the lower corner of the rear seat arm rest turning on the interior lights. A flip of the switch remedied the situation. But this was not the end of mechanical issues yet to come.

When we arrived at the parking lot at Blowing Rock, Lee Barthel pulled in and parked. It was then that he discovered that his Cadillac had a discharged battery. I attempted to diagnose the issue, believing that the voltage regulator may be the culprit. I removed the voltage regulator and replaced it with a spare I carry in my trunk.

This did not cure the issue. Apparently, my spare was no good. The next suggestion was replacing the generator, but where would we find one on top of a mountain. Here is where it gets good. Ron DeWoskin walked over to see what was going on under Lee’s hood and when he heard we needed a generator, he piped in that he may have one in his trunk. Sure enough, there was a generator in a box.

He told us it was with the car when he bought it. I switched out generators and Lee was on his way again. We eventually arrived back at the Hotel Roanoke and had just enough time to clean up for another banquet!

Friday, day ten, was the last driving day of the tour. We drove 125.7 miles from Roanoke, with a stop at Bedford and Forest and our final destination being Charlottesville. After a quick breakfast, we drove to Bedford for a guided tour of the D-Day Memorial. This nine-acre complex is a tribute to the “Greatest Generation”, who participated September - October 2018

in World War II, and to those who lost their lives. Bedford is a small town and had a large number of volunteers killed or wounded on D-Day. Touring the Memorial was a somber event that reminded us all of the sacrifice made by those men on June 6, 1944. From Bedford we headed out for a tour of the summer retreat of Thomas Jefferson, Poplar Forest, located in Forest, Virginia. Jefferson built this home as a quiet getaway from Monticello. We were then treated to a wonderful lunch in Lynchburg. Our return to Charlottesville marked the end of the CARavan.

Saturday, May 12th, would be the final driving portion of the tour with a 58.7 mile drive to Orange for a tour of “Montpelier”, the home of President James Madison. An outdoor BBQ Lunch was provided on the grounds and the remaining portion of the day was spent visiting some of the many wineries in the area prior to returning to the Omni Hotel for the closing banquet and awards.

The banquet proved to be the most memorable dinner I have ever attended as a member of the Classic Car Club of America. I was the recipient of the prestigious Deutsch Trophy. I imagine most readers have attended CARavans over the years, but this was our first CARavan. I had no idea of what to expect throughout the tour and I fully enjoyed every aspect of the tour. The award was completely unexpected and, as the speaker was reading the nomination that described the events that were considered to exemplify the sportsmanship and helpfulness that the Deutsch Trophy was created to preserve, I realized that he was speaking of the things I had done to help other CARavaners. This award is truly a highlight of my life.

As a parting note, for our first CARavan, Helen and I drove a total of 2,386 miles!

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Remembrance: Katie Robbins

By Candace Haag

“The First Lady Of Classic Cars”

Catherine Jean Robbins, who played a pivotal role in creating, managing and growing the preeminent car club, the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) and the Classic Car Club of America Museum, died Monday, June 18th at the Waltonwood Assisted Living Center in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She was 90 years old and lived virtually all of her life in Dearborn.

Catherine, who was always known as Katie, developed a passion for Full Classic® cars and the administration duties for the club. This was recognized by her fellow club members who elected her as a member of the board of the Michigan Region of the CCCA in 1972. In 1974, she became Director of the Michigan Region, the first woman to be so honored in the history of the CCCA. After only three years in that position she was elected to the National Board. By 1982, she was the President and served in that position until 1988 when her term ended. Katie’s skillful management of the CCCA responsibilities was recognized and the position of Executive Administrator was created for Katie so that she would remain in that position. She was always available to counsel new presidents and board members on the business of running the club and museum.

Katie’s passion was ignited by her late husband James Robbins who began purchasing classic Cadillacs shortly after they were married.

Jim became Director of the Michigan region in 1966. Katie followed suit but continued her involvement onto the National Board with additional positions as Chairperson for Awards Committee, First Vice-President and then President. Her husband humorously conceded defeat and began introducing himself as Mr. Katie Robbins.

Her staggering amount of service to the CCCA and the Museum, Michigan Region Board of Managers (43 years), National Board, (38 years) and Museum Trustee and Treasurer (33 years) set a high bar for service. The CCCA has established a service award in her honor, “The Katie Robbins Distinguished Service Award “ for those members who most emulate her commitment and dedication.

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Clockwise from above: Katie receiving the Katie Robbins Distinguished Service Award from CCCA President Tom Jones at the 2016 CCCA Annual Meeting in Detroit; Katie as we remember her leading the CARavan at the wheel of her 1938 Cadillac 16 Series 90 Formal Town Car; Katie was never afraid to do what had to be done while appropriately well coifed; Katie’s 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Sedan; Katie’s 1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe.

In spite of all this time and effort spent on the CCCA and the Museum and the subsequent recognition, she was most proud of her two children, Candace (Robbins) Haag and the late Jamie Robbins.

A Classic Celebration of Katie’s life was held on June 29th at the Dearborn Country Club. Contributions may be made in Katie’s honor to the CCCA Museum or the CCCA Foundation.

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Reader comments on Torque Magazine are appreciated and encouraged. It assures us that someone actually reads it!

Long time Michigan Region member and historian Bruce Thomas called regarding the Walter P. Chrysler article published in the July-August 2018 Torque Magazine. Bruce spent his engineering career at Chrysler, is a recognized expert on Chrysler history and still volunteers at the Chrysler Archives in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

He enjoyed the article, but offered a number of corrections and clarifications to the article.

The legend of Chrysler's new automobile being refused entry to the 1924 New York Auto Show reported on page 19 has never been verified. Some cars were actually displayed at the show which was located some distance from the Commodore Hotel which was the hub of activity in New York. Given the poor January weather conditions in New York, Chrysler received better traffic with his display at the Commodore where everyone was staying.

Walter Chrysler did take correspondence courses through the International Correspondence Schools and may have received some type of certification, but did not receive an engineering degree. He was awarded an honorary degree later in his life.

The 1927 Chrysler Imperial Town Car in the photo on page 20 was not owned by Mrs. Chrysler and the woman in the photo is unknown. The original photo is in the Chrysler Archives and has been widely misidentified as being Mrs. Chrysler.

The tools that Mr. Chrysler made himself during his apprenticeship and treasured through his life are in the possession of his family after the closing of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.

The introduction of the Chrysler Airflow as described on Page 21, was a hit with the public and Chrysler had no problem gathering customer orders. However, during the time lag between the successful show debut and the ramp up of high volume production gave competitors time to spread rumors of poor quality and design issues which soured the public on the car.

The image on page 19 of Mr. Chrysler incorrectly identifies the Three Musketeers; from left they are Mr. Chrysler, Mr. Breer, Mr. Zeder and Mr. Skelton.

New Member Profile

Chris Bahlman New Michigan Region CCCA member Chris Bahlman is the owner of a 1939 Cadillac 60 Special Sedan. The Monterey Blue car is in original condition except for the addition of an auxiliary fuel pump and tires. He is planning on replacing some worn suspension components, but his primary goal is preservation.

Chris had the privilege of working for the Cadillac Motor Car Division from 1988 to 1999 in various engineering and planning roles including technology and powertrain planning and competitive vehicle analysis.

At that time, the Cadillac Museum was located in the mostly empty Clark Avenue facility across the street from his office. He has been an admirer of Full ClassicÂŽ Cadillacs and Packards from the 30s and 40s and he decided around 1990 that one day he would have one of these pre-war beauties.

Chris, who resides in Dearborn, has the entire history of his Cadillac and is only the third owner. The original owner, a Brooklyn doctor, purchased the Cadillac Service and Lubrication Agreement and faithfully maintained the car. The second owner did not apply the same rigor to the car's maintenance so Chris has spent the last two years since purchase "bringing it back" mechanically. The exterior paint and interior trim still look good and there is even some porcelain on the tailpipe. At 61,700 miles, it starts and runs quietly and it handled a 500 mile round trip to Lake Michigan last summer. It performed well. We look forward to seeing Chris and his Cadillac at a future Michigan Region activity.

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Your article on Walter Chrysler (Torque July-August 2018) is an excellent short summary. Nicely done. Good choice of photos.

David Schultz, Ohio

Thank you for the issues of Torque magazine, I love it. Great mix of history of the cars we love but also the events and members.

I got my 40 Buick Roadmaster Convertible Sedan and 1930 Packard 733 touring car started last week after a 7 month sit with not activity.

A friend helped me and did not take much effort. Hope you have had your cars out. Seeing your 1930 Packard 740 touring several years ago at Hickory Corners was what inspired me to buy the touring I have had since 2016. You can see a show I did with the car on the computer: Google 4 village studio, click on the watch now section and click on 1930 Packard. For some years a friend and I have done this Antique Road Test show as you will see with the number of programs we have taped.

Anyway thanks again for a great publication, the Michigan Region looks like a fun group. Tlanda McDonald seems to be really enthusiastic and is doing a super job.

Walt Gosden, New York

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Finally, a book of Full Classic® car road tests. From a mighty Duesenberg to a supple Franklin, twenty-eight road tests of some of the most desirable and some of the most obscure Full Classic cars. Road Testing Cars of Distinction puts you in the driver’s seat for a vicarious driving experience never before offered to the public.

Discover how fast a Locomobile, Bugatti or Railton are and their suitability for touring in today’s conditions. Road Testing Cars of Distinction is a 220-page book worth reading while supporting the Classic Car Club of America ®. Although available through Amazon.com, purchase a copy directly from the author and use Promo Code: CCCA for a 5% donation of the retail price to the CCCA Education Fund. To purchase, call Ed Miller (239-253-7075) or email: edpackard33@aol.com. Black & white edition $29.95; full color edition $39.95 plus tax.

Road Testing Cars of Distinction captures the very essence of pre-WWII luxury automobiles. Unlike other books, Road Testing Cars of Distinction takes a very deep dive into the engineering, driving and performance that make our Classic cars extraordinary.

David W. Johnson President, CCCA Education Foundation Former President, CCCA

September - October 2018

The Steering Column

By Tlanda McDonald It’s hard to believe that as you read this Torque edition and message, the summer will be winding down and the many car activities competing for our limited weekends will be waning. I’d like to bring a couple thoughts to the forefront consistent with my urging that everyone respond and take advantage of all our Club has to offer.

First, I was really taken with Phil Fischer’s recollections of his and Helen’s first CCCA Caravan (page 25). You know Phil has won the Regional participation award for the last couple years because he and Helen are at every event. Not only are they there, but they drive their Classic as well. For Phil to say the Caravan was the “trip of lifetime” or a real “first” communicates the joy the Club can provide. If you have never “CARavanned” with the CCCA, please give it try. I know you’ll like it! You may even get hooked.

Secondly, I’d like to commend all the Michigan Regional members who participated this past weekend in the Ohio Grand Classic traveling through Columbiana , Ohio and concluding at the Salem Country Club (full coverage in the next issue of Torque). You may recall that the Michigan and Ohio Regions have agreed to share our Grand Classic responsibilities and on alternate years each Region hosts. We had a great turn out and, again, I thank all who has supported the Ohio Region by traveling and touring there. This “min-CARavan” as it is billed is another way to enjoy the Club, drive your car and see friends. Again, try it! You’ll like it! And you may even get hooked.

Having everyone “hooked” on CCCA events and activities is what we are all about. I know you will help us on this mission.

See you along the way.

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September - October 2018