sign in sign up
<<
Home , Audi, August Horch, Auto Union, Horch, Trabant, Volkswagen

Volume 57, Issue 7 57, Issue Volume Aug. Gulf Coast Region, Houston, Texas — Sept., 2015 Sept., The Antique Expression

An AACA Award Winning Newsletter

Horch broughthad to in help get him the brewingwith investorsand stockholders drivingchampionship. But trouble was wonHorch equivalentthe of the world durableand fast automobiles; in 1906a attainedreputationa for highquality, standably.Thecompany grew steadily and was calledthe producedthe firstautomobile of own. his It automotivebusiness in 1899. 1901,In he for youngGerman engineer who, afterworking August (pronouncedHorch Hork his own his namefor any other auto venture. partners, wasHorch prevented from using settlementlegal with his formerbusiness squeezedout of, own his company. And a in a After dispute, 1909, in orhe was left, companyoff ground.the Caroline LogoClub ? Big Anniversary Numbers thisissue: Inside

Perhaps ithave could been, been different.history justaif had bit Karl Benz ’ s s

foryears, started own his called a HORCHinstead called

somewhatunder Why isn Why

- uh) wasuh) a

ByReinthaler 8 7 3

- ’ t your AUDI

TheGerman SupremeCourt ordered infringementof their company name. suedby former his associates for Automobile Worksand were promptly formed and the some and of associates his went out (using REO own his initials), Horch company.mobile While Oldsstarted eponymouslyanother named auto- foundHorch waya in 1910 to form nameanotherfor automotive , foundedand prevented using own his was forcedout of companythe he whostarted Oldsmobile. Just Oldsas pioneer,motive was similar to of that another auto- theseIn regards, Horch Original Original Horch Horch logo

Ransom E. Olds Continuedonpage 2. ’ s careers arc

, ?

The Antique Expression

(Continued from page 1) pressed into service as a supplier to the German Horch to rename his new firm. The new partners military. The company paid a terrible price for being held a meeting at the home of one of them, on the losing side. The company’s remnants after which was held in the evening when the host’s WWII made a variety of small and econ- teen-aged son was doing his Latin homework at omy under the DKW badge. the dining room table. . The partner’s argu- ments were rapidly getting nowhere, when the boy finally burst out, and exclaimed, “Call the new car AUDI! Which means Horch in Latin (& in English: to listen). The name was enthusiasti- cally received by the partners, and remains today on the car.

Horch stayed at the helm of Audi for a decade, but at age 52, he retired from its board of management in 1920. Eight years later, Jorgen : Horch, DKW, , Audi Skafte Rasmussen, a Danish businessman who Horch, the man, became a university professor after had just acquired the American Rickenbacker the war, and lived until 1951. The main Horch automobile brand and the German steam car factory in ended up in East German hands, maker, DKW (Dampfkraftwagen), also bought and a small Horch-badged automobile was produced Audi. By 1932, thanks to the economic vagaries there, 1955-1958; after that, the Horch brand was of the Great Depression, there was another odd discontinued, and the factory began producing the convergence in the industry as several money- infamous . Mercedes-Benz actually acquired losing German auto companies merged in an what was left of Auto Union in 1958, but then, in effort to stay alive. turn, dumped the parts it didn’t want on in 1964. VW tried to stamp out any remnants of Wanderer, another small German marque, and Auto Union, but a few employees of the old company the original Horch company merged with the remained, and they refused to let the beloved mar- Audi and DKW ; the result was called the que die. Secretly, they developed a new car. To Auto Union. Its logo, emblematic of the make a long story shorter, that car found its way to merging of the four companies, became four market in 1968 as the . So, that is how Audi interlocking rings. And, in a final irony, August was reborn. Horch was asked to return and become a member of the company’s supervisory board. But why revive the Audi name, and not the more storied Horch? The East Germans still claimed the Although the company produced vehicles rights to the Horch name, even though they’d badged as the “Auto Union”, automobiles with snuffed out the brand a decade earlier. But that the Horch name – its logo was a capital “H” with claim became moot when the Wall fell, and the letters HORCH atop it, like jewels in a crown was reunited in 1992. – were also produced. These vehicles – few in So there, that’s why your Audi doesn’t wear a Horch number and marketed only to a very exclusive logo. But maybe, in its soul, it really is a Horch. clientele – were meant to compete against the Mercedes-Benz 540K and similar cars. World War II interrupted the whole enterprise.

Auto Union, which was making some of the most amaz- ing racing cars of

all times, was (Continued on page 10)

Page 2 Volume 57, Issue 7

BIRTHDAYS in August From The President Lee Brown 8/1 Leon Ahlers Tonya Ornduff 8/1 Pam Ahlers 8/2 Here is an interesting thought to pon- loving and knowledgeable friends Laura Charleson 8/2 der: what if I wake up tomorrow who will gladly assist in the fair and Mike Stargel 8/3 Bea Erwin 8/9 morning, dead? A recent article in equitable disposition of our assets, Audi Reinthaler 8/10 the Antique Automobile by West Pe- and then there are the cursed jackals June Crane 8/11 terson prompted this, as he dis- and buzzards who, upon reading a Jerry McCurry 8/14 cussed the work involved in sorting death notice, will pounce upon the Troy Dehne 8/20 through and cataloging the parts col- grieving relatives to try to turn a Julie Collins 8/24 lection of a deceased friend. Good quick buck. I know (or hope) that Norma Moore 8/26 piece, however, in my opinion, he did you love your heirs, but they may not Linda Tucker 8/28 Bill Womack 8/29 not carry it far enough. We can talk be as savvy as you on the value of Mike Peterson 8/31 about how our cars are to be sold or your cars, parts, and other collect- go to certain people, but what about ables, so to aid in the process of the mountain of parts you have squir- valuation, leave written estimates, BIRTHDAYS in September reled away? Sometimes these are updated yearly, on the true dollar worth as much as the vehicles which value of your items. Also include a Patrick Mahoney 9/2 they fit. I have seen instances (one list of anything which has been prom- Ron Stein 9/3 in this club) where a Swell Old Boy ised to anyone, family or not, and the Ann Bartlett 9/4 (SOB) came in and swore with all agreed-on price. If your family is not Bill Seward 9/6 sincerity to the family that "he prom- comfortable selling your things, ask a Mary Ann Derby 9/9 ised me that car and those parts" friend or fellow member who has Jim Johnston 9/11 almost before the decedent was knowledge of the items for help, and Jean Beerbower 9/13 Donna Romeo 9/15 even buried. It’s chilling how callous offer compensation. Auction houses James L. Simmons 9/15 some people can be in these situa- usually get ten percent and Diana Forbes 9/30 tions, especially when there are no more. Finally, upon the death of a written instructions, just fuzzy recol- serious hobbyist and you are now in lections and outright chicanery. charge, lock the door to the shop See you August 10th! This hobby can be both a blessing until an inventory can be made, pric- and a curse; we are blessed with ing can be determined, and out of respect, don't hold the sale until the AUGUST Anniversaries deceased is at least comfortable in his or her new surroundings. Ted & Evelyn Hiesser 8/6 (60th!!!!) th Charles & Patricia Logan 8/8 (55 !!!) Don’t forget! & Elaine Bullard 8/10 (42nd!!) th The Antique Expression Don & Mary Lou Boggus 8/26 (55 !!!) Michael & Caroline Calistrat 8/26 (58th!!!) Publication Changes Average this month is 54 years!! Wow!

SEPTEMBER Anniversaries After this August-September issue, we will have an AE for October-November, published in Oct. and then one in December, also covering January. We will be Ben & Jean Beerbower 9/3 (66th!!!!) Herb & Barbara A. Wahlberg 9/8 (41!!) sending a postcard to remind you of upcoming club Ollin & Nell Willis 9/12 (57th!!!) meetings and events in the interim months. Michael & Bonnie Peterson 9/30 (61st!!!!) Average this month is 56 years!! Incredible! AE Publication dates: August, October, December. Get your news in early, especially dated information. Page 3 The Antique Expression Secretary’s Column A.A.C.A. Gulf Coast Region

Secretary’s Report black crepe paper on the bank also made Oreo Truffles. They were AACA Gulf Coast Region statement, stand around it shaking so delicious and popular that I didn’t General Meeting our heads, and say how natural it get a chance to try them until young 8 June, 2015 looks. Hazel Hernandez kindly shared the Meeting Minutes: Jo-Kat bounty with me. And Bonnie The meeting fun hadn’t even started D’Ambrosio made the motion to Peterson wasn’t scheduled to bring before Bonnie Peterson began approve the prior minutes; Tom refreshments; but since she was the filling me with homemade cookies. D’Ambrosio seconded the motion, Cookie Lady at her church for years, What a gal! By the time the meeting and the crowd gave their unani- I guess the spirit moved her. Bonnie rolled around, I had visions of mous approval, complete with made the most wonderful sugar sugarplums dancing in my head raucous cheering and loud cookies and some absolutely from the elevated blood sugar. With applause (not really). delightful cookies with jelly in the that background, here’s what your center. I don’t know what those are secretary recalls about our June Sunshine Report: We’ve already called, but I’ll call them “Jelly meeting. heard about Bill Wahlberg’s Bellies”. After the meeting, Bonnie Cadillac surgery (eye hear he’s asked me if I was watching my Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance doing well). Ferrell Moore also told weight. I assured her that I was and - Bill Wahlberg couldn’t make it to us that his bride, Norma, has had a that I couldn’t watch my weight if I the meeting, so John Doerfler pacemaker installed. We’re not couldn’t see it. Tahl Rozycki heard offered tonight’s invocation. John talking about a 1950 Hudson this exchange and told me I looked didn’t have a prayer of a chance of Pacemaker, either. This is the real like I was in shape because “round” getting his words out, however, deal, and we were happy to see is a shape! before President Leon Ahlers told Norma with us at the meeting. his first ever presidential joke: Bill You’re looking great, Norma! Where We’ve Been isn’t here because he had cataract I don’t recall hearing anything about surgery. When Bill went for his eye Refreshments: where we’ve been as a group, but exam, the doctor told him, “Bill, Jo-Kat D’Ambrosio, Diana Chuck Crane did talk about the you’ve got cataracts!” Bill replied, Forbes, and Bonnie Peterson national AACA meet in Auburn he “No, doctor. I’ve got a ’39 Ford and were really good to us tonight. In attended in May. That’s probably a ’66 El Camino, but no Cadillacs!” addition to the delicious and spicy why Chuck missed our May meeting. After the laughter subsided, John chips, -quiches, and the lovely Chuck also spoke about the offered his usual, quiet, high-quality vegetable trays with celery, carrots, upcoming national meet in Houma, prayer. At the end of the prayer, I and cauliflower, there was a colorful Louisiana. He says that it’s a great heard someone in the back say, bowl of red and green grapes. I only opportunity for GCR members “From your lips to God’s ear.” had a few carrots and grapes who’ve not shown a car to go to a Following the invocation, Leon led because my 100-year old next door nearby national meet and to compete us in the Pledge of Allegiance. neighbor says they’re all sugar and for a Junior award. Then, by the time that I shouldn’t over consume our Club hosts the national meet in GCR Reports them. Texas in 2016, we’ll be able to Treasury Report: Treasury Report: compete for a Senior award. Thanks Treasurer Tom Timmins reported Thankfully, however, substitutes for for the wise counsel, Chuck. that we’ve got money in the bank these sweet fruits and vegetables and that we even made a little were available. For instance, Diana Where We’re Going money on the Texas Tour. Yet, Forbes brought those wonderful The Thomas Ranch: On June 20, despite our sound financial footing, I Lacey’s Almond and Dark Choco- we’ll visit Bill Thomas’s ranch for its believe the low interest rate the late cookies. If you’ve ever had Diamond Jubilee Celebration. James bank pays on our savings is getting them, you won’t forget them. The Bartlett gave us all the juicy details, to Tom. Lately, he assumes the air chocolate is melted between two including the fact that Bill is providing of a respectful funeral director when toffee wafers - just what the doctor barbecue and Mexican food for lunch he talks about our accounts. I get ordered! But don’t think that these and a pipe organ concert. Bill would the feeling he wants us to drape special store-bought cookies kept also like members to bring their old Diana out of her own kitchen. She (Continued on page 5) Page 4 Volume 57, Issue 7

(Continued from page 4) and lots of other upgrades. He’s used Officers cars to participate in a parade at the trailer only four times since he President—Leon Ahlers 2:00PM. Thank you for your bought it new in 2010. Call Dean and 144 Deer Lake Rd. generosity, Bill. make him a fair offer. By the way, Dean Huffman, TX 77336 originally bought the trailer because 281-324-9393 The Glidden Tour: Chuck Crane told he’s hard of hearing. You see, Diana us that the 2015 Glidden Tour will be told him not to buy the trailer and to just [email protected] held in Oklahoma for the first time rent one when he needed it; but Dean Vice-President...Javis Boudreaux since 1910. If you’ve got a 1942 or claims he heard her tell him to buy it. 11015 Overbrook Ln. earlier car, Chuck wants you to get to Let’s see if he hears her when she Houston, TX 77042 Oklahoma sooner! takes custody of the checkbook! Finally, 713-953-1620 Javis Boudreaux said a friend of his October 22-24, 2015: Tom Timmins has a 1941 Lincoln V-12 for sale. [email protected] was as proud as a rooster to say that Secretary … Albert Ramos the 2015 Austin Bantam National Other News to Amuse. 2330 Robinhood Meet will be held near Houston in Dean Forbes gave us two announce- Houston, TX 77005 League City. ments for car shows and events that will 713-248-7687 have passed by the time you read this, Christmas: Christmas in June? Yes. but here it is anyway. First, Dean told us [email protected] It’s time to start planning, and Ev about the “Off the Rail” Summer Street Treasurer … Tom Timmins Timmins has arranged for us to Dance & Cruise-In to be held in Sealy, 2120 Lundy Lane have our annual Christmas Texas on Saturday, June 13. Next, Friendswood, TX 77546 Luncheon at Brady’s Landing on Dean told us about the Professional 281-388-1967 Sunday, December 13, 2015. Even Car Society’s (PCS) Annual Concours though Ev booked the reservation in d’Elegance Show & Shine. This is part [email protected] the first week of June, our booking of PCS’s 2015 International Meet and Directors filled the last slot available for the will be held on Saturday, June 13 from James Bartlett - 281-255-6770 Christmas luncheon season. 10:00AM to 4:00PM at the National Wayne Bartlett - 281-351-2167 Museum of Funeral History right here in Pate 2016: Tom Timmins José Gonzalez-Jaureguí - 281-556-0042 hot-’n-humid Houston, Texas! The Ron Stein - 713-521-3450 announced that we’ve already PCS’s web site defines a professional Evelyn Timmins - 281-388-1967 reserved our spaces for Pate 2016. car as “a custom bodied vehicle based on passenger car styling and used in Tonya Ornduff— 832-492-5553 New Members - There were no new the funeral, rescue, or livery services. Pate Swap Meet Representatives members to greet tonight, but we did Such vehicles may be hearses, flower Sam Romeo 713-862-4026 get to greet a recent member from cars, service cars, ambulances, 2014 whom we’ve not seen in Robert Wheeless 281-380-4969 , or cars which are specially several months. Patrick Mahoney Sunshine Representative built to combine two or more of these is the member, and we last heard Barbara Wahlberg 713-465-3539 different functions [such as] combination from him when he wrote a great hearse-ambulances, - Refreshments Cover Car story about his 1965 Mus- ambulances, or invalid coaches.” Sandra Johnston 713-340-0709 tang last year. Patrick also has a Newsletter Co-Editors 1950 Champion. Former GCR member Robby Markman, Julia Sharon 281-934-1455 his brother Jeffery, and I went to see the Cars & Parts - Mike Peterson sold PCS group on the evening of their Evelyn Timmins 281-388-1967 his 1971 Plymouth Satellite. We saw Houston arrival on June 9. What a its new owner driving it on the Texas wonderful group of people they are. I Tour in April. Tom D’Ambrosio met members from upstate Illinois, REFRESHMENTS bought a 1947 Lincoln that Michigan, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, has spent most of its life in a and Texas. The PCS member who AUGUST museum in Michigan. He’ll bring it to arranged the Houston meet is a Lynne Boudreaux our 4th of July event on July Houston Arson Bureau Investigator. I Dot McCurry 3rd. Dean Forbes did not buy a car, don’t have a digital camera or a SEPTEMBER but he’d like to sell his 20-foot open phone with which to take pictures, but Lisa Griffin aluminum trailer. It’s customized I’ve asked some of the PCS folks to Tonya Ornduff with a 4-foot hitch section complete with a big tool box, an anti-sway bar, (Continued on pg. 6) Thank you to all who provide this. Page 5 The Antique Expression

(Minutes- Continued from pg. 5) send me some. If they do, I’ll write something about the Comments from the Editor meet or ask one or two of them to let us have an article I Incidentally, the National Museum of Funeral History is a fascinating venue. I recommend a Club trip out there. TECHNICAL ARTICLE

Luck of the Draw Since one or two of our members give up their bingo This edition we were fortunate enough to have a night to attend the meeting, we try to make up for it by closing our meetings with two drawings. This gives the really nice, long technical “session summary” in “bingoistas” a chance of cashing in on their car club at- our newsletter. My only trouble was getting it all to tendance. You’re probably thinking this sounds just like stay looking good in our format. So, our center Wayne Bartlett, but it isn’t. The first drawing is for $10, and every member who attends the meeting and stays insert is this month’s technical article, prepared by through the drawing is eligible to win this prize. Treas- our own Tonya Ornduff, based on their recent PAS urer Tom Timmins asked Hazel Hernandez to select Texas Region session on COACH BUILDING: the winning ticket. After a prolonged inquiry, no one claimed it. The combined intelligence of the group con- The Art of Metal Shaping. Hope you enjoy it. cluded that the hapless winner left early, so Hazel drew another ticket. And lo and behold, last month’s winner, Jo Kat D’Ambrosio, was also this month’s winner! Con- COMING UP IN OCTOBER gratulations, Jo Kat! I think I heard her say, “Bingo!” in an undertone when her number came up. “The Rest of the Story”: or Chapter 2. The second drawing was for the cumulative cash prize We will have a delightful follow-up story from Bill that grows by $10 every month until someone wins it. Seward about his 1931 “Special K” Lincoln. Any member’s name can be chosen, but the member has to attend the meeting to claim the prize. During the Look for it on the cover. meeting, we said the prize had grown to $50, but we were wrong. It was $60. And next time we have a draw- ing it will be for $70, which is my way of saying that Bill Palmer chose the wrong night to stay home and watch Mini-Report—National Meet re-runs of My Mother The Car. Even though Bill was absent, his wife, Julie Wagner, was in attendance. Just wanted to remind you of our hosting the Central Divi- When Tom announced Bill’s name, Julie uttered an oath sion Fall Meet on Oct. 20-23, 2016, at Moody Gardens in in a tongue unknown to westerners in this modern era. Galveston. She seemed to be expressing profound disappointment at the loved one’s absence. “That money could have Chair Robert Wheeless is working out a preliminary draft filled up the tank of my new Mercedes!” Julie was over- heard lamenting to Tahl after the meeting. I guess in this outlining the meet events. There will be needs for chairper- case, Bill’s absence did not make Julie’s heart grow sons for various segments and also workers to execute the fonder. plan. Most recently the logo for the event was approved by National and the next project will be to draft a budget. If you Adjourn - This meeting ended early - around 8:20 PM, so a lot of folks continued visiting in the parking lot. Ash- have any ideas regarding what we could be doing or where ley and Lisa Griffin and their daughter, Hazel, visited we could be going, we could use your suggestions. Just with other members; Tahl Rozycki, Julie Wagner, contact Robert. In the near future, if you are called to help John Doerfler, and I told amusing stories to each other; out, we hope you will respond affirmatively. We know we and Ron Stein revealed that Kat Blakeslee has taken up beekeeping and has a new hive. Javis Boudreaux can make it good in overheard us and thought beekeeping meant were talk- Galveston! ing about a Plymouth SuperBee from the . He got stung on that one. And don’t forget As it was — Albert L. Ramos Houma coming up!

Page 6 Volume 57, Issue 7

Logo, Different Logo, or No Logo GCR AACA Storage

In the past, I have suggested that our club adopt Our GCR historian, Joe Vogt, is gathering records an “Official Club Logo,” that can be utilized in the and files to preserve our history dating from this printed form, as Club banner/flag, an embroidered region’s founding in 1959 to the present time. patch, or a lapel pin. (Evelyn mentioned she used our jacket printing logo to get an extra 5 points for For starters, the Timminses and Moores have the AE.) coughed up copies of The Antique Expression from the years in which they were editors. I first presented the idea of a logo to our club’s Knowing that many GCR members are pack rats Board a few years back, first while serving as a Di- and may have old car stuff dating back to the rector, and again as President during the discus- sions of our Club’s hosting a National Meet. So beginning, we need the help of such members who here is my suggestion for a club logo. are willing to admit as much. To fill the gaps, Joe specifically needs copies of AE for the years 1959 through 1985 and from 2001 through 2004. We have only one copy of each AE from 1990 through 1995, so it would be helpful if those could be acquired, as well.

Also needed are membership directories printed prior to 1986 and from 1998 to the present.

Any historical information is welcome – Pate and other swap meets, tours, photos, reminiscences, AACA national magazines – anything that should be saved for the record. Think of all the closet The design is a spinoff of the logo that has been space you can clear up. Contact Joe at 281-496- designed for the 2016 National Meet. That Na- 7138 or me at 713-771-4062. tional Meet logo was conceived thru the work of Ferrell Moore our 2016 National Meet Chairman, Robert Whee- less, with the help of a business associate, Cyn- thia Bowen. This is just my suggested design. Christmas in AUGUST?? The Club Board should decide to move forward Our Christmas Lunch will be on Sunday, Dec. 13 at Brady’s with a chosen design or nix the idea completely. I Landing. Since it is always nicely decorated, we won’t have personally would encourage other suggested de- to do much, but I would love to have a small team get this signs. If you have one, or any ideas or comments, together. Items we will address are the table centerpieces, send them to the Board of Directors. favors, Toys for Tots, nametags, registration, entertainment, etc. If you would like to help, please let me know so I can So hey hey hey Club Members, what do y’all think plan a meeting. of having an “Official” club logo for our club? If you think we should, voice that opinion at the next club meeting!!!!

Jim Johnston

Here’s A Good One A friend was telling me that he had never worked a crossword puzzle, but he was working for one and married to another.

Page 7 The Antique Expression

Caroline’s Car The Antique Automobile Club of America When I asked Caroline what she would like to receive on her (82) birth- day, she, without a second thought said, “A new car.” She felt that she Is a non-profit Organization had to explain her wish. “All my life you made me drive “previously dedicated to the preservation, owned” cars, and most were “antiques.” restoration and Once in my life I want to know how does it feel to have a brand new car. maintenance of automobiles and automotive history. I am a strong believer in Buy American! So we looked at Fords, and It is the country’s oldest and based on many suggestions, and on the results of actually testing various largest automotive models, we selected the Escape SE. It happened that Joe Meyers had on historical society. the lot exactly what Caroline wanted: burgundy color (Ford calls it Sun- Meetings at set), and NO sunroof. We bought it and are excited about it; what a Tracy Gee Center wonderful car! It cannot compete with my 1985 Lincoln Town Car for 3599 West Center Dr., comfort but we do not mind. Houston, TX 77042

Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. To my surprise, the “lawn mower” is very powerful, and 2nd Monday of each month, extremely economical. Why do I call it “lawn mower?” It has four Except for February, July cylinders and only 1.6 liters ! But it is turbo-charged, and surprisingly and December, when powerful. special activities are scheduled.

I did not drive a modern car; my cars are, and always were, The Antique Expression antiques. Because of this I was, and continue to be, amazed by the many Is the official bi-monthly computer features the Escape SE has. There are so many “mini SUVs” Publication of on the road, from the luxury Cadillac, to the mundane Jeep. Maybe all Gulf Coast Region, A.A.C.A., Inc., have the features Caroline’s Escape SE has; I do not know. Houston Area, Texas, And is distributed to all members in But her car has TWO monitors: a large one for the back-up camera and good standing. for the GPS, and a small one for “information.” My eyes opened wide when I saw a miniscule picture of the Escape, where the lights work, the Co Editor: doors open or close, and two trip computers that show more information Julia Sharon I know what to do with! PO Box 280 Brookshire, Texas And imagine my surprise the first time at the gas station, when I saw that 77423-0280 there is NO filler cap to unscrew! The back door opens and closes at the Phone: 281-934-1455 touch of a button and the back fold forward to increase the capacity of the storage area. Also, the storage area is provided with a cover, to Co Editor: hide what is there, and to protect the food from the sun! There is a 120 Evelyn Timmins volt outlet and two 12 volt outlets. 281-388-1967 [email protected] There is so much more I can say about this wonderful car, but I imagine 2120 Lundy Ln. other people will say: my SUV does all these as well. Maybe so, but Friendswood, TX 77546 Caroline’s car is made in the U.S.A. and we love it!

Mike Calistrat A good political speaker is a Here’s a good one……. man who can work his audience up to a point of becoming The difference between success and failure is no greater than the difference enthusiastic without saying between Can and Can’t. anything.

Page 8 Volume 57, Issue 7 3rd of July Fun!

Underlined items are club (GCR AACA) sponsored activities. About 65 club members en- joyed (?) the heat that only a Aug. 10 GCR AACA meeting in the Tracy Gee Center. 7:30 P.M. July celebration can bring. We Aug. 21 Last date to submit anything for a mini-issue in Sept. really did enjoy the Park in Katy that the Doerflers rd Aug. 30-Sept 4 AAA Revival Glidden Tour, Oklahoma City, OK reserved for our July 3 picnic this year. Our lunch was Sept. 14 GCR AACA meeting in the Tracy Gee Center. 7:30 P.M. catered barbecue and trim- mings from Rudy’s and lots of Sept. 18-20 Original Southwest Swap Meet, Decatur, TX: 940-271-1005 good complementary dishes

rd from our attendees. Sept. 24-26 West Texas Region AACA: 53 Grand Ole Tour. Abilene. Contact: Cathy Dawson 432-520-3018 . Registration-$250 per couple or $125 single, plus hotel. About 9 antique cars were also www.WTRAACACLASSICMEMORIES.COM present with John Sweney and Mike Stargel winning the Sept.29 Deadline for Antique Expression articles for Oct. issue. drawing for their 1932 Cadillac. The Moores brought their Oct. 11 2nd Annual Brotherhood of Congregation Emanu El Classic & daughter Patsy and her Collectable Car Show Lenny Holzband 713-823-9369 children also, but alas, the car only got them all to within 2 Nov. 5-7 AACA 2015 Central Division Fall Meet, Houma, LA miles of the destination. Some quick help from club member Nov. 9 GCR AACA meeting in the Tracy Gee Center. 7:30 P.M. Jonny Keifer helped Ferrell get Nov. 13-14 Bastrop Area Cruisers 10th Annual Veteran’s Weekend Car his car to a shop. After lunch, Show: bastropareacrusiers.com we played several games of BINGO with prizes going to the Nov. 18 Deadline for Antique Expression articles for Dec. issue. winners.

Dec. 13 Noon-Christmas lunch at Brady’s Landing. Info and signup in Thank you, John and Dena next issue (Oct.-Nov.) Doerfler, and all your helpers.

See pictures on page 12. May 19-21, 2016 63rd Texas Tour, Abilene, TX Hosted by Golden Crescent Region AACA.

Public Car Outings……….

Friday evenings Pearland Antique & Classic Auto Show Cruise Night at Lowe’s parking lot at FM 518 & Pearland Parkway, beginning at 6 PM

Saturday evenings cruise in at Chick-Fil-A in Home Depot’s parking lot, 5 PM, Hwy 146 and FM 2094 in Kemah

Third Sat. of the month, Houston Ride ‘N Shine sponsors free car meet from 8-10 AM. at La Centerra Mall in Katy. Facebook.com/ houstonridenshine

Last Sat. morning of the month: Coffee, Cars, and Books from 8 - 10 AM in Barnes & Noble parking lot on Bay Area Blvd.

Page 9

The Antique Expression

Audi (Continued from page 2) I could not pronounce my given name of Traude (one rolls the R) and I had an uncle called Aumi, so I think I made up my name of Audi and everybody knows me by that.

Yes, I was born in Vienna, Austria, my mother’s hometown, but she married a German and moved to Halberstadt (north of ). My father’s family had several high end clothing stores, similar to Lord and Taylor. During the war my father ended up at the Russian front. In 1944 I was staying with my Grandmother (OMI). Her house was hit by a phosphorus bomb. A German soldier finding refuge in her cellar, grabbed me and ran upstairs through the flames. He ran down a street along a brick wall, while planes were shooting at us. I can still see, smell & hear it today.

In 1990 Pete and I were driving our 1919 Model T Touring car through Europe, after the Wall had come down in Berlin, and we ventured into the former . We did make it to Halber- stadt and we found out, that my Omi’s house was still in rubble!!! except they put a fence around it, plastered with all the propaganda of that time. We discovered the brick wall also! Because one sits so much higher in a Model T, we could look over the After WWII, from August, 1945, the military top of the brick wall & I finally found out what was administration was taken over from the US by behind it— “A Cemetery!” the Soviet Army. The Auto Union factories of Horch and Audi were disassembled by the Rus- My Omi could afford a Horch in 1936, sians; Auto Union relocated itself to , which she enjoyed tremendously. The Nazis , evolving into the present day Audi “confiscated” the car in the late 1930”s and there company. In 1948 all large companies left, were was nothing one could do. My Omi never saw her expropriated by the East German administration. Horch again, as everything burned down during With the founding of the German Democratic the war and nobody in the family retained any Republic –DDR- in 1949 in East Germany, the proof that we had ever owned the Horch. I dearly difficult post-war reconstruction began. In 1958 hope that it survived and was ‘liberated’ by an the Horch and Audi factories were merged into American soldier, and is in someone’s collection the automotive plant where the today. I do remember the US Army arriving in Hal- compact Trabant cars were manufactured. These berstadt and everybody was happy (and it was my small cars had a two-cylinder, two-stroke engine. introduction to chocolate!), but then the Russians The car was the first vehicle in the world to be took over and everybody was scared. My Father industrially manufactured with a plastic coated was somewhere at the Russian Front and my paper mache car body. The former VEB Sachsen- Mother, not knowing if her husband would return, ring manufacturing site was acquired by Volks- decided to flee to Vienna as she did not want to wagen in 1990 (thus once again having the same live under Communism. We had no papers and we owner as Audi), and has since been redeveloped did this all illegally by whatever means possible, a as an engine and manufacturing very scary journey, including a lot of walking and site. (The Sept., 2012 AE has our cover story on going over mountain ranges to finally getting to our 1961 Trabant.) Salzburg County where the family chauffeur met us and drove us to Vienna (Yes, with false papers). (Continued on page 11-Audi) Page 10

Volume 57, Issue 7

Audi (Continued from page 10) that amount, so regretfully, I never saw the I wasn’t raised with antique cars, but more than fabled Horch! thirty years ago, married into the hobby. Consider- ing that I was also marrying into becoming step- I wandered around and took about 850 plus pho- mother to a very large crowd of children, and even tos of all the beautiful automobiles. And then I becoming an instant grandmother, the old cars saw him, my countryman, fellow Austrian, the were the least of my worries. Pete represents the ex- of California Arnold Schwarzeneg- largest Antique Auto Insurance company of the ger. We had never met, and I almost missed World called J. C Taylor and attends 25 to 30 an- him, as I was used to the cinema screening pic- tique car shows and swap meets a year, and after ture of a giant, and he is perhaps 5’8” tall in the braving several of these, I decided that this was abundant flesh. “Szervus, Arnold,” I called out, not my thing. His favorite color is RUST which is and he looked up, smiled and waved (and, I’m definitely not mine! sure, wondered, “Gott in Himmel, who is that Austrian Blond ?”) and called back, “Szervus.” His However, when Pete announced several years ago mother brought him up with good etiquette. He that he was going to Pebble Beach, California to at- then got lost in a crowd, but my day was made. tend the Concours d’Elegance, I decided that I could make an exception and attend that meet, es- pecially as the featured car was to be a 1939 Horch! Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is un- questionably regarded as the most prestigious auto- motive gathering. They also stretch a point, and raise the prices of everything from motel rooms to Coca Cola by about 500% and manage to live with it. The Horch was locked up in a special auction tent, and that was where I was headed to immedi- ately, while Pete was working the show. At the heavily guarded auction tent, I was denied entrance until I purchased a bidder’s ticket for another $100. Our tickets to the Concours had already cost twice

The 1939 Horch 853A Special by Erdman & Rossi which Audi did not get to see sold at auction on Aug. 17, 2012, for $5,170,000!

Published photo Page 11 Ann S Eady Award Winning Editors The Antique Expression

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!! Bonnie & Mike Peterson brought grand-children, Erin and Cole, both students at Texas A & M. July 3rd Picnic Son Brian & wife Donna were there also. Peckham Park, Katy

Waiting for all to arrive.

Moore grandchildren were there too! Lined up at the buffet Ferrell & Norma had 3: Jaylynn, Gracie, and Grayson, hiding in back.

Enjoying the visit among friends & family

Can you guess who this member is?

Photos in this edition from Ferrell Moore, Mike Peter- son, Bill Seward, Audi Reinthaler and Tonya Ornduff.

Page 12