October, 2020 October, 2020 Official Publication of Richmond Region Antique Automobile Club of America

OCTOBER, 2020OCTOBER, 2020 OCTOBER, 2020 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RICHMOND REGION ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA.

— OCTOBER, 2020 —

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RICHMOND REGION, AACA

See page 6-7

Joys and Humor in the Car Hobby: Finding Goldilocks

By Lisa and Brian Munsey

Thank You to all who have submitted stories, ideas, and photographs to the Gaslight, don’t stop! It makes the newsletter more interesting and a lot easier on the editor. Your first car, your first experience with an old car, family observations, etc. all of this makes great reading for club members. We can all relate to the problems of antique car ownership, let’s take the next few issues and concentrate on the fun we have had over the years. Once 2020 is over maybe we can return to outings and fun runs that will refresh us all. Keep the wheels turning and the drivers smiling, it will get better! Clif Edwards, Editor, Gaslight.

2 - OCTOBER, 2020 — Aging gracefully is like the nice way of saying you're slowly looking worse.

Fall is here!

A few club functions have occurred and what a great turnout we had for the Thursday, September 3rd club meeting 7:30 pm at Belmont Recrea- tion Center with around 25 masked members present in the socially dis- tanced ballroom, enjoying each other’s company. After status reports, we enjoyed a competitive Automobile Jeopardy Game and had a lot of laughs! Unfortunately, COVID has hit again, and the Fall ODMA tour in Winchester was cancelled. As most of you may have heard today, Hershey Region had to Debbie Nolen cancel the Hershey show on October 10th due to restrictive COVID measures in place by the PA governor. However, the great news is that National AACA has stepped in an negotiated a return to Gettysburg, PA as the location for a Special Fall Meet on November 7th. As you all may remember, a very successful Annual Grand National was held in the same location on August 22! National AACA deserves huge kudos for going the extra mile to make it happen once again! Because the site is contained, it was easy to put effective COVID controls in place with no reported issues after the fact due to exposure and is sure to be the case for this meet too. On the other hand, I am putting on my ODMA president’s hat because the reschedule of the Fall Meet is currently the same weekend as the RV Region ODMA Meet at Natural Bridge. We are working on a solution to the second conflict as we speak that I think will work well of everyone involved! You’ll be the first to know the outcome! Bob and Judy Richmon and their 1908 Curved Dash Oldsmobile and Tommy & I with our 1961 Ford Galaxie Starliner both received Springhouse Awards at the recent Greenbrier Concours de Elegance in White Sulphur Springs, WVA held on September 6th. So many beautiful and unusual examples of automobiles were present and quite the sight to see in such a beautiful setting. May other local cruise arounds have been happening as well. "Saturday, what a day, to cruise 'round with you!" On October 3, 2020 Join Hanover, Henrico, Chester- field and Colonial Heights Recreation Departments for a Classic Car Cruise ‘Round! Based on the poker run theory (but this is sponsored by Governmental agencies LOL) classic car owners will go to each stop, receive a swag bag of goodies and the antique participants that cruise into all four (4) stops by the arrival times, will be entered into the prize drawings to be held at the end of the Classic Car Cruise 'round. Participation is limited to pre-1995 vehicles. Free event but pre-registration is required. Limited number of spaces available. For more information and/or to register: https://tinyurl.com/Cruise-round (Begins 9 am-( Hanover) Hanover High School (10307 Chamberlayne Rd, Mechanicsville), travel to 10 am - (Henrico) VA Center Commons (10101 Brook Rd, Henrico), travel to 11 am - (Colonial Heights) Life Christian Academy (1221 Boulevard, Co- lonial Heights) ends 12 N at (Chesterfield) LC Bird High School (10301 Courthouse Rd, Chesterfield)). Brian Munsey and the Nomination Committee (George Duke and Jim Wilson) will also still be receiving nominations through October 15th for next evolution of leadership for Richmond Region! Our next club meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 1st, 7:30 pm at Belmont Recre- ation Center. Maybe we’ll have the most creative mask contest as we socially distance! LOL. We look forward to seeing you all then! Stay safe and enjoy the beginnings of the fall season!!! Debbie

The older I get, the earlier it gets late. — OCTOBER, 2020 — 3

Remember these?

OCTOBER  OCTOBER 1 - Club Meeting—7:30 pm., Belmont Rec. Center CLASSIC CAR CRUISE ‘ROUND-OCT. 3

Join Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield and Colonial Heights Recreation departments as we host a Classic Car Cruise ‘round. As classic car owners make each stop, you will receive a swag bag of goodies and those classics that crise into all four (4) stops by the arrival times, will be entered into the prize drawings to be held at the end of the Classic Car Cruise ‘round. Participation is limited to pre-1995 vehicles. Free event but pre- registration is required. Limited to number of spaces available. For more information and/or to register: https://tinyurl.com/Cruise-round • Start—Arrive: 9 am (Hanover) Hanover High School. 10307 Cham- berlayne Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116. Instructions and check-in cards will be given to all pre-registered classic owners. travel time 14 minutes to . . . • Stop 1—Arrive: 10 am (Henrico) Virginia Center Commons, 10101 Brook Road, Henrio 23059 travel time 37 minutes to . . . • Stop 2—Arrive: 11:00 am (Colonial Heights) Life Christian Acade- my, 1221 Boulevard, Colonial Heights 23834. travel time 19 minutes to . . . • End—Arrive: 12 noon (Chesterfield) L. C. Bird High School, 10301 Courthouse Rd, Chesterfield 23832 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 6 & 7– 2020 Old Dominion Meet hosted by Roanoke Valley Region at Natural Bridge. Registration: contact: Maynard Keller, [email protected] or 540-537-4636.

4 - OCTOBER, 2020 — Everyone my age is older than me..

Clay Fuhrman has been Reggie’s right-hand-man throughout this restoration process. By Reggie Nash I bought this car about 50 years ago in Philadel- restored my 1911 Model T, 40 Nash phia, PA at the AACA national convention. It was Special and 2 Nash Healeys. He advertised in the local newspaper and Warren has also worked on everything I Malone saw the ad. Warren came running to my ho- have owned , as well as being a res- tel room with Gary Green and John Glisson, con- toration expert he is also an artist. Due to some vincing me to dial the number in the paper with the health problems, he gave up restoring cars. When I hotel operator (no cell phones in those days). We got asked him to restore and paint this car, he though a a connection and piled into John’s car and went to while and said that he liked the car because of the the address. The car was affordable, as it needed a unusual body style and this would be the last one. I complete restoration. I say affordable because the was delighted when he said he would. Now the pic- price was less than the amount in my meager bank ture shows the great results of his handy work in the account. “Midnight Blue” body color. He hammered and Well it has been a long time and a lot of water painted all the fenders, splash aprons and radiator over the dam. Gary’s son Randy was about 7 years shell in gloss black before the body was finished. old and lived in the north west. Fast forward many It was a long battle as the first thing was to find years when Randy and his daughter move to Rich- someone who could replace 80% of the old wood as mond. Randy worked with a restorer in Virginia and woodworm had taken its toll. A friend Cary Winston, later started to run his own business. He is great at cabinet maker, machinist and whatever he needs to knowing what to do and when, how much sanding is do came to the rescue and is still rescuing me as I needed and how things go together. He eventually keep falling. These 2 people have made it possible for this rare body style car to be on its way to competition. There are 3 of these cars left that we are aware of.

(Upper left) Work begins. (Lower left) Chassis come together. (Right) Body arrives from paint shop. Clay Fuhrman and Reggie Nash work as a team on this project.

Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened. — OCTOBER, 2020 — 5

Joys & Humor in the Car Hobby: Finding Goldilocks

Our winding road through nearly 50 years of Hobby Cars have led us to many wonderful choices, and some spectacular mistakes. Due to limited storage space, we’ve always had to rotate our inventory. This has actually been a benefit; delivering great variety to us without needing a barn. The following pictures and text will walk you though some of the highlights of our ever-changing “collection.” Each vehicle is rated on our Goldilocks scale of satisfaction. We rescued our first Hobby Car from Brian’s family: a 1963 Studebaker Lark Daytona Wagonaire. This is the longest name of any car we’ve ever owned. It had a sliding roof, V8 engine, and luxury interior. It embraced many fond memories from Brian’s youth, however the car was from the same era as the introduction of Ford Mustang, Pontiac GTO, etc, and it was decidedly NOT cool. Incurable rust eventually led to giving it away. Now, of course, they're very rare and can be seen at various Concours’ & AACA Shows. Score on Goldilocks Scale: ZERO. Our next Collector “Car” was a 1971 Honda CT70H motorcycle. In a way, we owned it twice. It had a 4 speed manual transmission, room for 2 people (if they were in love), could go 45mph, and seemed to be capable of handling any dirt trail or sandy path on earth. We met MANY nice policemen on this bike, being pulled over repeatedly because they couldn’t believe it was licensed and insured. When the Gas Crisis came along, we sold it (big mistake), and luckily found an identical bike (with half the mileage) 10 years later. We try not to ever make the same mistakes twice, so we cherished and kept this one for another 30 years: it is now with our oldest son and his family. These machines are still very popular and sought after by collec- tors . . . Score on Goldilocks Scale: 10 for Fun, 2 for Magnetic Effect on Police. In the mid-nineties, two air-cooled VW’s occupied our garage. Brian bought the 1974 Thing first, on the day before Thanksgiving one year. It was covered with mold when it was brought home, and Lisa was not initially thrilled. As it turned out, it cleaned up very well, and became one of our all-time favorites. Brian and our youngest son would fold the windshield down and conduct TOP SPEED RUNS on the Interstate, with no fear of a ticket. It was an icon in our neighborhood: Men laughed, Women, Children, and Dogs would ask for rides. Lisa loved it. We never should have sold it. Score on Goldilocks Scale: 10 for Fun, 4 for lack of any protection whatsoever from the elements. The story on the red 1962 VW Convertible is a short one: bought it from a collector car shop, with a pretty big hole in the floor. You could have driven it like Fred Flintstone. Only a few months later, the car shop called and offered to buy it back for a signifi- cant profit. . . Answer: Done Deal. Goldilocks rating: incomplete. Yes, if you’re a customer of River City Diner, you may recognize the Black 1966 Honda CA160 motorcycle. Brian had one in High School, bought from a teacher who won it on the TV Game Show, Concentration. We stumbled upon a duplicate in the mid- 1980’s, and confirmed that Honda would provide parts for any of its old bikes. A new seat and mufflers made it look perfect. Wonderful classic styling, and whitewall tires, WOW. After a year of rides to the Frozen Yogurt store, we sold it. Goldilocks Score: 8. There was a huge void after selling “Thing”. It was time to search for something that we could take on long distance adventures; something that we could love like a dog. We quickly learned that M-I-A-T-A, “Miata Is Always The Answer”. This 1990 (first- year) Miata was thrilling like a motorcycle, except it had a convertible top, A/C, a radio, and it was quiet enough to mix conversation with travel. Our middle and youngest sons drove it continuously. Brian raced it in autocross, and it showed no signs of wear. “Froggy,” named for its pop-up headlights, followed us from SC to Richmond. Soon after we joined the RRAACA, Froggy became an antique. (Note: There were 2 Miatas at the AACA Grand Nationals this year). Our youngest son has now adopted him. Goldilocks Score: 9.99999

6 - OCTOBER, 2020 — By the time I had money to burn, my fire had burned out.

Written and Designed by Lisa and Brian Munsey

Yes, we had a 1927 Bugatti . . . (Kit Car). Originally built in the mid-1960’s by a very flamboyant car nut who would drive it home from work while drinking a fake martini, the car had been sitting in a garage for decades. It featured a real beer keg under the hood (as a gas tank), 2 windshields with hand- operated wipers, original Goodyear Poly-Glass tires (hard as a rock), and an air cooled VW power plant under its boat-tail rear deck. The front “bicycle fenders” would move in each direction with the wheels while turning, which was great en- tertainment to watch way down that long hood while driving. The car was totally “cool” in both appearance and sound (dual exhaust, with baffles). There wasn’t any rollover protection at all, the occupants had only a thin layer of chicken wire and foam rubber between the seat of their pants and the spinning ax- les below. It was very hard to get in or out of; perhaps impossible in an emergency (such as an exploding beer keg!). OK, here’s a confession: we never should have bought this one: Unsafe at any speed ; even when parked !!! Goldilocks Score: (Minus) 20, but it sure was cool . . . “Myrtle” the 1930 Model A. was our first encounter with a 89 year old antique car. Budd Lacy and Bob Richmon helped get it home from Winchester, VA. It was a barn-find, not running, with all 4 wheels close to fully locked up. She had a great interior, and the exterior looked very good at 10 feet away, but she needed tons of replacement parts and time to ever get her to run (or stop) again. Morris Cameron entered the picture at this point. Thanks to Morris’ friendship, time, patience, and knowledge, Myrtle was running after about a year. The old girl was full of surprises, such as once dropping most of her exhaust system on the road, giving Morris and I a steam bath during a test drive one day, and being generally “cranky” about carburetor issues. On the plus side, the kids at the Henrico Teen Summer Camps enjoyed learning about her (together with many other member’s cars), for several years. We owe Morris and Myrtle a great debt of gratitude for teaching us so much. Myrtle was made for cruising down Monument Avenue at 30 mph early on a cool summer morning. We sold her only because those mornings are so rare . . . Goldilocks Score: 10 for Education, 3 for use. Our 1964 Studebaker Commander is a true low-mileage survivor. It came off the line in South Bend, Indiana in September 1963, exactly two weeks after Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” speech. It’s in excellent condition, and achieved a First Junior Award at the ODMA annual show in 2019. Grass-roots people bought cars like this, and not many are left: 6 cylinder, 3 speed column shift, no radio, rubber floor covering, and bench seats with room for 6 people. On the highway, it softy floats without drama, as a 60’s family car should. Goldilocks Score: 8. Great car; not very exciting to drive unless you enjoy the exercise of trying to park it . . . Our latest car, a 1994 Mustang GT convertible, proves that lightning CAN strike twice in the same place. In the summer of 2019, we attended a National Mustang Show in Fredericksburg with our 2 Virginia grandsons. Myrtle, our Model A, had been sold a short time earlier, and we thought we’d check out all generations of Mustangs in one location. It was an easy decision to set our hopes on finding a 1994 GT convertible, however we discovered that it was extremely difficult to find a low mileage, unmolested (original) car in good shape. Fast forward to late September . . . We first saw Goldilocks on an auction site late last September. The auction was on Brian’s birthday (a “decade” birthday), so attend- ing it was not an option. Brian called the auctioneer (who he knows), but was una- ble to get the car pulled from the Run because it was a Client car (not owned by the auction company). It appeared that all was lost. Then, approx 10 days later, Tom- my Nolen called one evening to point out a Mustang for sale on a dealer website that looked really good. We followed up, and it was the same car from the auction!!! Tommy has a relationship with this dealer, Brian called them, and the car was set aside for us to pick it up. A happy ending thanks to a great friend, and a little luck. Goldilocks is JUST RIGHT and has a back seat for the kids!

Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. — OCTOBER, 2020 — 7

By Wyatt Williams

Most of you by now know that I've secluded myself in the mountains modifying Bavarian Motor Work (BMW) automobiles. The work is long and tedious, but very rewarding. I'm essentially taking a free college course on race car technology. My mind is being brainwashed daily with fangled modern contraptions boasting yuppy equipment such as ABS, EFI, ECUs, EGR, and DCTs. It would be hard enough getting this education in English but so much of what we do is written in German. These daily struggles I find are the easi- est parts of this transition. The hardest part of this lifestyle change come from the smallest changes like being away from my friends and family. I consider the RRAACA as much a part of my family and as such its hard not seeing all of you regularly anymore. I also miss the regular supply of analog cars that I've been deprived of since moving. I find myself glancing twice as long at an antique passing me on the highway. I find myself in parking lots looking at old cars that wouldn't have interested me just a few years ago because seeing any classic now is such a rarity. When I learned the 3rd annual Greenbrier Concours d'El- egance was going on as planned I jumped at the chance to break the modern monotony and see some of my old friends The Greenbrier and antique autos. On the morning of September 6th, my roommate Patrick and I woke up early and borrowed a "company car" to set out on the 2 hour roadtrip to White Sulphur Springs, West Vir- ginia. The trip would effectively be half as long if there was a highway to take but fortunately the "twisties" certainly didn't disappoint as we snaked our way through through the mountains in the new 2020 BMW Z4 (the BMW sistercar of the new Toyota Supra). The 400hp convertible is a delight to pilot as there's just enough manual feedback supplied to create a great driving experience while you're easily distracted by a great soundtrack of exhaust notes and turbo blowoff crescen- do. We arrived at 10am as the arms crossed for the national anthem transitioned into bourbon swaying in hand to Frank Sinatra. An endless array of classic automobiles dotted the scenic landscape as the stunning Georgian Revival resort loomed in the background. Everything from a Porsche 356 to a 70's Dodge Charger was well represented. The only con- 1940 Packard 8 - OCTOBER, 2020 — Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.

stant variable shared by the cars shown was the museum quality restorations. Every class of vehicle was tailored tastefully. Italian Sports offered a beautiful 1967 Ferrari NART Spyder as an even rarer 1930 V16 Cadillac "Madame X" seemed to keep watch over the field from its prominent position in the pre- war Cadillac class. My personal "classic" favorites included Yes, that is Bob Richmon with his curved dash. a Gary Cooper movie driven 1940 Packard Darrin (first Darrin produced), a 1929 Graham-Paige Roadster sporting a Lalique eagle, and the all impressive best-in-show 1929 Dusenberg Model J. As I made my rounds I got to bump into some Richmon (d) friend's! It was hard to initially find Bob as he wasn't wearing his trademark beaver top hat but I eventually found him with his beautiful curved dash Oldsmobile. I unfortunately missed seeing the Nolens who I didn't know were there showing cars as well. Funny enough I ended up seeing them anyway in one of my motorcycle pictures after- wards! As the the day began to wind down I started to study the four cars that truly fascinated me. Two of these cars were racecars. One being a Le Mans raced 1957 AC Bristol Ace while the other was an original 1925 Bentley 3-Litre Speed. The third favorite was a 1963 Corvette prototype owned by automotive great Harley Earl. The 4th favorite turned out to harboring a special treat. As I perused the 1948 Tucker 48 (#25) I couldn't help but pepper (and probably annoy) the present owner with ques- There is always a variety at Greenbrier. tions and comments. Suddenly, as an act of appreciation or possible tactic to close the conversation as my mouth dropped, I was graciously offered to sit in the car. As I sat in the car holding the centrally mounted wheel, it suddenly occurred to me that, silly enough, this experience would be seared into my brain as one of the happiest recent moments in my life. Maybe that's sad, but from that point since, one of my resolutions is to now give as many kids (and maybe 20+ year olds?) as possible, the chance to sit in the cool cars I will hopefully own in the years to come. It's my hope this practice can help preserve our great hobby and at the very least make people even happier with their automotive in- teractions. Isn't the goal of a hobby to make yourself and others happy? Wyatt in a Tucker

The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it. — OCTOBER, 2020 — 9

No. 2

Richmond Region AACA cars being bought and sold. Committee is George Duke, Jim Monthly Meeting Just e-mail any plus or mi- Wilson and Brian Munsey. September 3, 2020 nus to her. Nominations will be accepted for Debbie Nolen asked for the consideration through Oct. 15. Debbie Nolen our President called minutes from our August The new slate will be present- our meeting to order. meeting to be approved as ed at our November meeting. Debbie reported that Doris Glis- printed in the Gaslight. Nominations will be accepted for a son had passed since our last Kenny Baker made motion to 2 year term, 2021-2022 meeting. Prayers were asked accept and Mike Jones made President for the family. Reggie Nash a second. Vice President reported a former member Al- Mert Fowlkes gave the treasur- Secretary lison Wilson was again ers report. Mert reported we Treasurer fighting her cancer. Prayers will get refund from our busi- Also Board Members: were requested for Allison and ness license purchased from Two members for terms of 3 Walter Wilson. Allison and Henrico County for Car Show years. The Board terms are Walter now belong to the and Swap Meet 2020. staggered, the first member to Waynesboro Staunton Region. Mike Jones, Webmaster gave 2021 through 2023 and the Morris Cameron opened our report. Website has been up- second to serve from 2022 meeting with a prayer, dated with Security Pass- through 2024. Joe Guckert gave a report on our word. Brian Munsey also reported it has Car Show and Swap Meet to Password has been e-mailed to been reported that some clubs be held at St. Joseph Villa on all members. because this past year has June 19, 2021. Scot Haw- Reggie Nash reported he missed been unusual the clubs are thorne will be grading the cor- Car Club Council of Central keeping their same slate of ner field in September. This Virginia Meeting. There will officers for the coming year. st will give us more room. be 1 Annual Breakthrough Please share your thoughts We are looking for major sponsors. Car Show (Car Club Council with Brian and the commit- We also want the Ferrari and of Central Virginia Event on tee. th Jaguar Car Clubs to partici- Saturday September 26 . Bob Richmon gave a report on pate. Lisa and Brian Munsey reported Grand National at Gettys- th Joe Guckert also asked for folks to on August 29 Fun Run to burg. Great area for show. get in touch with him with Powhatan. This was can- Hotel was good. club papers and etc. accumu- celed due to weather forecast. Brian and Lisa also enjoyed the lated over the years. We will We have scheduled for Octo- show, especially the show th try to find a central location. ber 17 . Lisa reported it from their hotel window on th Debbie Nolen reported our tro- should be a beautiful run the 6 floor with air condition- phies will be on display at the with the fall leaves. ing. Andy and Mary Beth re- Belmont. The winner will be Reggie Nash announced the Mid- ported Gettysburg was glad to given a smaller award. Atlantic Pre-War Swap Meet have all the folks in town. Alice Cameron asked members to will be on October 6, 7, 8 at Reggie reported he also en- update their car list. The last Luray, VA. joyed the show. He enjoyed update was in early spring. Brian Munsey reported on Nomi- Clay Fuhrman driving his car Even though we have been in nating Committee to select on the field. Debbie reported quarantine for covid 19 some- Slate of Officers. Selected to that everyone wore their mask what there have been some the (Continued on page 14)

10 - OCTOBER, 2020 Middle age is when work is a lot less fun and fun a lot more work.

Where Did You Hear About Us? The Hobby’s Best Kept Secret

For some reason, AACA seems to be one of know about the KYANA the best kept secrets in the automotive hobby Swap Meet but have never so I have to ask, how did you hear about heard of AACA? The front AACA? I have literally asked the question, page of our flyer says in “Are you familiar with or heard of the AACA” big bold letters, “Support hundreds of times. Keep in mind that I don’t from the KYANA Region ask this question to random people as I’m AACA” along with the walking down the street or in the aisle of the AACA Duryea logo and grocery store. I ask this question at events Antique Automobile Club Fred Trusty that attract automotive enthusiasts. of America. Yes, I know Vice President Membership In 2019, the National Street Rod Associa- this was a very simple sur- tion (NSRA) asked the KYANA Region to vey but if vendors haven’t heard of AACA, manage their outdoor swap meet at the Street what about the average old car enthusiast? Rod Nationals here in Louisville, KY. I was What if we reversed the question and at an “volunteered” as the chairman. The KYANA AACA National show we asked the question, Region has a good reputation of running our “Are you familiar with the NSRA?” I wonder own swap meet in March of every year so I’m what the results would be? In an effort to bet- sure this contributed to the NSRA Swap meet ter understand why AACA is such a well-kept being a sellout for the first time. That’s over secret, I would love to hear some of your expe- 300 vendors spread out over 720 spaces with riences and comments of how you first heard nothing but old car parts and memorabilia. of AACA?” Please send me an email at No new or remanufactured parts are allowed. [email protected] or, if you would prefer, I sat at the check in table every day and as call me at 502-292-7008 the vendors checked in I handed them their registration packet, a flyer for the upcoming 2020 KY- ANA Swap Meet, an AACA tri-fold brochure and then I asked the question, “Are you familiar with AACA?” I don’t think I had over a half dozen people say they’d heard of AACA, but at least half of them had heard of the KYANA Swap Meet. Some even said the reason they set up at the NSRA Swap Meet was because they knew Ky- Check out the AACA website, a world of ideas ana was now managing it. just waiting for you! AACA.org How can car enthusiasts and vendors from all over the country

How do you know your old? People call at 9 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?" — OCTOBER, 2020 — 11

Held at Gettysburg, PA. on August 22, 2020.

(top) Reggie Nash and Clay Fuhrman with 1940 Nash 408l won Senior Grand Na- tional. (above) Cindi Nash and Lisa Munsey enjoying the show while social distancing. (right) 1903 camera along with motorcycle, where side car was used to develop film. (not pictured) First Grand National to Debbie Nolen for 1961 Pontiac Catalina and Senior Grand prize to Tommy Nolen for 1961 Pontiac Ventura.

12 - OCTOBER, 2020 The seven ages of man: spills, drills, thrills, bills, ills, pills and wills.

MASKED MEN OF 1919 & 2020

(Above) The 1918 influenza pandemic was the most severe pandemic in recent history. ... regarding where the virus originated, it spread worldwide during 1918-1919. The only survivor from the top picture was the motorcycle. (Below) The current epidemic is reaching into 2021.

And remember, no matter where you go, there you are. — OCTOBER, 2020 — 13

Debbie Nolen ...... President Andy & Mary Beth Fuhrman ..... Youth Coordinators Joe Guckert ...... Vice President Warren Malone ...... Historian Brice Woodson ...... Ex-Officio Clifton Edwards ...... Gaslight Alice Cameron ...... Secretary Mike Jones ...... Website Mert Fowlkes ...... Treasurer Reggie Nash ...... Legislative Representative Brian and Lisa Munsey ...... Fun Runs Kenny Baker ...... Director Cindi Nash ...... Sunshine Lady Term expires end of 2021 Contact: Dave Dickey ...... Director Richmond Region AACA Term expires end of 2020 P. O. Box 588 John Smith, ...... Director Ashland, VA 23005 Term expires end of 2020 [email protected]

C L A S S I F I E D 1970 Boss 302 for sale. (Estate sale.) Very good original condition, 4 spd - one repaint around 1987. Same owner since new - large amount of ser- vice records and documenta- tion. Asking $73K or B/O - car is located in Central, VA . Many more photos available. Andy Fuhrman, 804 833 1576 [email protected]

Baker said he enjoyed. Debbie (Continued from page 10) Around (Hanover, Colonial Heights, Chesterfield and thanked Clif Edwards for a Henrico Counties) Cars must great job on the Gaslight. Clif and followed the rules. It was asked for pictures and stories be 1995 or older. More info to a great facility for the show. be sent to him to be put in the Gas- There were over 400 cars. follow. light. He has covers through Tommy Nolen reported they October 1—Hershey Show February. had a great meal on Friday October 1—Fun Run to Powhatan Lisa Munsey asked if we will be hav- night. He is looking forward to October 11—Richmond’s 31st ing Steak Fry or Christmas Par- Hershey. BOPC Show sponsored by Old ty. Debbie said at present it is Debbie Nolen reported the Green- Dominion Chapter, POCI at still in a Grey area. brier Concours d’Elegance will Haley Buick Reggie drew the winner of the door be this coming weekend. If GMC located at 5500 S. Labur- prize George Field. Debbie Nolen hosted a game of Car you just want to come and see num Ave, Richmond, VA Jeopardy for our members. This the cars you can register and October 23, 24, 25 —ODMA Tour Winchester, VA hosted by the was well received. come in free. Shenandoah Region Meeting adjourned. Upcoming events: Nov 6, 7 ODMA Car Show Nation- st September 2—1 Annual Break- al Bridge hosted by Roanoke through Car Show (Hosted by the Valley Region Alice Cameron Car Club Council of Central Vir- Debbie Nolen asked what folks Secretary ginia) thought of receiving the print- October 3 —Classic Car Cruise ed copy of Gaslight. Kenny

14 - OCTOBER, 2020 I'm at the age where I can't keep up with all the things I hate.

For many automotive pioneers a dubious form of but not before transforming immortality was the reward for a lifetime spent de- General Motors into an in- veloping world changing ideas into realities. As with dustrial giant, not before Jello or Kleenex, it is as a brand name that they are losing control of the compa- John Hinckley, Legends of America remembered while their first names, as well as some ny and regaining it through legendsofamerica.com of their most astounding accomplishments, are less the creation of a company than an historical footnote. named Chevrolet, or before challenging the domi- Few who drive a Chevrolet give thought to Louis nance of Ford with a company named Durant. In Chevrolet, his role in the devel- February of 1936, Durant opment of General Motors, or declared personal bank- his racing prowess. Likewise ruptcy and ended his days with people who drive a Ford as a partner in a bowling not knowing that Henry Ford alley with lunchroom and was the man who laid the grocery store. foundation for Cadillac, that it Durant and Buick were was the Dodge brothers, Hor- not the only men to flirt ace and John, who ensured his with fame and fortune success, or that Henry pio- during the heady days neered the use of synthetic ma- when the American auto terials. industry was a whirligig The infancy of the Ameri- with an atmosphere that Car yields to passing horse and cart. can auto industry is a tangled hovered between that of a web of intrigue, tragedy, genius, gold rush and a carnival. and get rich quick schemes. It is also the story of in- Nor were they the only pioneers to become forgotten novation, vision, and eccentricity. immortals. As a case in point consider David Buick, the man Swiss born Louis Joseph Chevrolet arrived in who gave the world the cast iron bathtub with white New York as an agent for the French automobile porcelain finish, and who, in conjunction with Walter company, De Dion-Bouton. However, it was his skills Marr and Eugene Richard, engineered a revolution- as a mechanic for Fiat, and as a driver for the racing ary gasoline engine with a valve in head design for team that included brothers Arthur and Gaston, marine or farm application. This highly advanced that Louis Chevrolet developed a reputation that engine would serve as a foundational component for garnered headlines. the establishment of the Buick Motor Company in This notoriety led William Durant to retain Louis 1903. and Arthur for the Buick race team he was develop- In turn, the acquisition of Buick Motor Company ing as a promotional venue. After loosing control of was the cornerstone for a vast automotive empire General Motors for the first time, Durant again named General Motors established by William hired Louis but this time as an engineer to design an Crapo Durant. As Durant’s rocket sailed toward the engine that would power a new automobile, one that heavens, David Buick’s plummeted to the earth and would carry the Chevrolet name. after an endless string of failed enterprises he ended This too proved to be a short-lived endeavor for his days as the information desk clerk at the Detroit Mr. Chevrolet as Durant had established the compa- School of Trades. ny as a vehicle for regaining the control of General Durant would follow Buick on the road to ruin (Continued on page 16)

Two people for sure want to be 100, those who are 99 and those who are 101. — OCTOBER, 2020 — 15

(Continued from page 15) ever, as with the first endeavor, backers were seeing little return for their investment and as a result had Motors. Louis left the company and his trademarked retained Leland to evaluate the feasibility of pouring name in 1914, resumed his racing career, and de- more money into the enterprise. signed several race cars including the one his broth- Incensed by what he perceived as an affront, er, Gaston, drove to victory in the Indianapolis 500 Henry Ford stormed from the company. Undaunted in 1920. the directors reorganized the company under a name Those who gained the hollow immortality of hav- associated with Detroit’s founding, Le Sieur de la ing their names transformed into a brand were the Mothe Cadillac, and utilized the engine designed by fortunate few. For men such as Henry Leland, ob- Leland. Leland would shepherd Cadillac through its formative years, and assist with its absorp- tion into the General Motors combine, but in 1917, a dispute with William Durant led to his departure and the establishment of a company to manufacture Liberty aircraft engines. As an historic side note Leland named this company for the first president for whom he had voted in 1864, Abraham Lincoln. Production had barely commenced when the Armistice negated his government contract. Faced with mounting debts, seventy- four year old Leland swiftly transformed his factory, and reorganized the company, to pro- duce automobiles. Attesting to Leland’s reputation for quality workmanship, attention to detail, and honesty is the fact that $6.5 million dollars of scurity was their only reward. common stock in the new company was sub- Henry Leland, a pioneer in precision engineer- scribed within three hours of it being placed on sale. ing, had apprenticed under Samuel Colt and As it turned out Leland’s association with the compa- launched his financial empire with the invention of ny was relatively short. an improved clipper designed for barbers. As the Obsession over mechanical perfection, dated styl- owner of a precision machine shop in Detroit, one of ing, and post war material shortages hindered devel- his first automotive endeavors was the design of a opment as well as production. On February 4, 1922, new engine for Ransom Olds of the Olds Motor Vehi- the board of directors overrode Leland’s objections cle Company. and placed the company in receivership. Before the Leland designed engine could be uti- The company sold for $8 million dollars to lized in what was to be a new and improved Olds, a Henry Ford. His son, Edsel, assumed the pres- disastrous fire at the Olds factory made it financially idency of Lincoln Motor Company before the impossible for the company to adopt it and as a re- end of the year. sult, continued production of the highly successful With the passing of time, Leland joined the 1902 model. In retrospect, this was a fortuitous turn pantheon of forgotten automotive pioneers. He of events for the American auto industry as the di- was, however, in good company as this is the rectors of the Henry Ford Company that had hired final resting place for many of the giants from Leland as a consulting engineer were in need of an the infancy of the American auto industry, engine. men like Ralph Teetor, Childe Harold Wills, The Henry Ford Company represented Henry’s H.J. Hipple, and Howard E. Coffin to name second attempt at automobile manufacturing. How- but a few.

16 - OCTOBER, 2020 Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.