The Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. JournalIssue 243 Electronic Edition January-February 2010

Railway Inspection Car Photos These images are two of a series sent by SAH President Susan Davis. It is hard to imagine modern railroads using luxury marques for the purpose today.

www.autohistory.org Inside Letters 3 Obituaries 5 Adrian Ryan Mystery Image Frederick D. Roe Albert Mroz sent in this image to place before the members, with virtually no information available. The caption reads “Rose’s Auto, Rose City, Mich.” with William B. Close no date and no photographer’s name visible. Rose City is located south of the Grace R. Brigham Huron National Forest boundary and west of Rifl e River State Recreation Area at the crossroads of County Road 22 and M33 in Ogemaw County. What is known about the town is that it was founded in 1875 by Allen S. Rose, and the original Book Reviews 8 name was Churchill. When the railroad arrived in 1892, the name changed to Maxwell Motor and the Making “Rose City” but incorporation did not occur until 1905. This would place the of the Chrysler Corporation date of the photo at 1892 or later. As for the image, it is heavily retouched by hand, a relatively common practice for the time. If the image shows an The Eight-Cylinder DuPont authentic motorized vehicle, the construction appears artisanal at best, or an Ford in the Service of America optimistic jumble of parts at worst. Commentary is invited.

Editorial 10

Date Reminders

March 24 - 27, 2010 SAH Spring Board Meeting and Eighth Automotive History Conference Tupelo, MS

Jan - Feb 2010 1 ight years in the making, The Greatest Auto Race Eon Earth is now available on DVD, telling the story of the 1908 New York to Paris auto race.

Through never before seen photos and exact running replicas of the Thomas Flyer, German Protos, and Zust, the story of these brave men and their machines is told as they travelled 22,000 miles in 169 days.

With stunning cinematography and cutting edge computer graphics, we look at the hardships and accomplishments of such heroes as George Schuster, Lt. Hans Koeppen, and the popular Italian, Antonio Scarfoglio. Mastered to HD, this 95 minute program has already garnered numerous NEW YORK TO PARIS - 1908 awards.

Use PayPal and order online at www.thegreatestautorace.com or send your name and address with a cheque or Money Order for $35.44 ($29.99 + $5.45 S/H) to The 1908 Great Auto Race Film Company Ltd., #202, 10816A-82 Ave., Edmonton, Alberta. Canada. T6E 2B3

JournalThe Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. Issue 243 Jan - Feb 2010 Offi cers Publications Committee SAH Journal (ISSN 1057–1973) Susan S. Davis President Thomas S. Jakups, Chair is published six times a year by the J. Douglas Leighton Vice President Christopher G. Foster Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. Robert R. Ebert Secretary D. David Duricy Patrick D. Bisson Treasurer Donald J. Keefe Subscription is by membership Steve Wilson in the Society. Board of Directors Allan Meyer Through October 2010 Membership dues are $40 per year. Paul N. Lashbrook Stanton A. Lyman Past Editors Send dues, membership inquiries Judith E. Endelman Richard B. Brigham and changes of address to Through October 2011 Issues 1–29 Sept. 1969–(undated) 1973 Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. John A. Marino John Heitmann G. Marshall Naul 178 Crescent Road David M. Woodhouse 30–50 July 1973–Dec. 1976 Fairport, NY 14450 USA Darwyn H. Lumley, ex-offi cio John Peckham Through October 2012 ©2010 51–59 Feb. 1977–July 1978 Steve Wilson Leslie Kendall The Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. Thomas S. Jakups Walter Gosden 60–87 Nov. 1978–Dec. 1983 Find the Society of Automotive Historians SAH Journal Richard B. Brigham on the web at www.autohistory.org. Allan G. Y. Meyer, Editor, Adv. Mgr. 88–117 Jan./Feb. 1983–Nov./Dec. 1988 P.O. Box 1948 Christopher G. Foster Vashon, WA 98070-1948 USA 118–157 Jan./Feb. 1989–July/Aug. 1995 206-304-3872 [email protected] Samuel V. Fiorani [email protected] 158–194 Sept./Oct. 1995–Sept./Oct. 2001 Copy Deadline for Journal 244 Thomas S. Jakups March 1, 2010 195–236 Nov./Dec. 2001–Sept./Oct. 2008

2 SAH Journal No. 243 Electronic Edition almost unknown make in many places. obtained through interviews of heirs Talking about Audi AG, I exchanged a and relatives. In this case, the sons Letters lot of information with them because of Baron Von Oertzen and Baron From: Dr. Paulo Cesar Sandler they had scarce data about the Vayder-Malberg, and relatives of Adolf São Paulo, Brazil Brazilian attempt to make DKWs by a Rosenberger, aka Alan Roberts. Even local now defunct Brazilian enterprise, Mr Ludvigsen’s book does not have Until now, I was the only Brazilian Vemag. Production began in 1956 and this information—neither did Porsche member of SAH. I am not aware if lasted until 1967; the car was highly AG. I also exchanged info with them, you know anything from my books regarded here. anyway. about our history, because they were published in Portuguese—a language Anyway, I have other books, on Simca, The other books deal with VW. The most people do not know! I have published in 2005, and the Chevrolet next one is on Karmann-Ghia and its many contacts with people from Opala, a local version of the Opel Brazilian factory, again, with original America and Europe. I must tell you launched in 1966, designed in Detroit research. I am at your disposal. that my own profession is outside my by C. Mackichan and I. Ribicki, when deep interest, love and dedication GM still was GM. to automotive history. (If you are From: Michael Lamm interested, my books on medicine are Perhaps you are acquainted with Stockton, CA on the Internet—some of them were some papers of mine, published by published in England and France.) Collectible Automobile, on Brazilian To make a long story short - my wife, cars which originated in America. JoAnne, and I moved to Los Angeles One of my books is about the DKW As you perhaps know, Brazil never in late 1960, and she, being from DKW - A grande historia da pequena had an indigenous auto industry, Boston, had never learned to drive. maravilha, Ed. Alaude, São Paulo, but foreigners began to erect some You know what that means in L.A., so 2006. This translates to your more factories here, and created the local she decided to learn. understandable language as DKW - market. For a time some factories, such The great history of the small wonder, as Willys and VW, had local styling We owned, at that time, a 1955 a pun with one of the names given departments and even engineering DeSoto that I’d inherited from my to this car, Das Kleine Wunder. DKW branches, which developed alcohol- mother. Large cars frightened Jo, was the fi rst Brazilian-made motor fueled vehicles, now commonplace. especially the prospect of having car. Fully illustrated with rare photos to parallel-park the DeSoto during and text still unobtainable in any I must assure you that when I fi nally her DMV driving test, so she began other place, it is highly acclaimed by found a publisher, I gave a strong looking around for a driving school the local book market, as well as by push to this kind of publication here, that used smaller cars. Audi AG offi cials. The book had the on auto history, which is beginning attention of Mr. Karl Ludvigsen, who to catch on. A few more authors are To her delight, she found one that came across it in a manner unknown appearing. used DAFs, and when she heard to me, I do not know him, and he sent that DAFs also had automatic me a letter commenting on it, with I will launch more books soon: one transmissions, she signed up congratulations. After all, DKW is an about Dr. Porsche, which contains immediately, because she had no original research still unknown. This intention of learning to drive a stick. may sound incredible, considering Thanks to the DAF, she had her the subject, about the origins of Prof. license within a few weeks, and she’s Porsche’s initial consulting offi ce, been partial to small cars ever since.

Jan - Feb 2010 3 Letters organizations and towns and cities in Based on a 137-inch wheelbase Britain, America, Canada and India. chassis, it featured Wolseley’s patented compensated cantilever This picture of an ambulance built rear suspension designed by Alfred for the “Friends in Boston” was based Remington, Wolseley’s Chief Engineer. on a Wolseley M7 24/30hp motor car These ambulances saw active service chassis powered by a six-cylinder in France and Belgium, operating engine with a bore of 90mm diameter so close to the front lines that many and stroke of 130mm. were targeted by enemy guns.

Via Doug Stokes Duarte, CA

(From Bruce Hand) This man Mr. Meyer bought that fi rst DAF from a guy by the name of Jerry Hill, who collected a bunch of small cars. I sold the car to Jerry many years before and in fact drove that same car from Manhattan Beach to Beverly Hills (Precision Volkswagen) to work every day for over a year and a half. During my days at Precision as a mechanic, Bob Estes asked me if I would please service a few of these DAFs because he felt a certain obligation to the customers, having sold them the cars. This was from 1967 thru 1971. During this time I purchased the DAF. Now I know that the DAF frame and engine in the museum was my car. ttt thethe timetime ofof American American As a side note, one night Bob and I AA involvement in World were having dinner and he told me War I, motor vehicle manu- he’d bought $200,000 worth of parts facturing in the United States from the DAF factory and when these was widespread and diverse, little cars wouldn’t sell, he had a and the market was expand- meeting with the DAF representatives ing rapidly. The histories of and convinced them that the cars 225 companies that manu- weren’t suitable for the US market. factured cars, trucks and The factory boys agreed and bought motorcycles for the civilian all the parts back !!! And that my market during the wartime friend is ‘The rest of the story.’ What period are summarized in a small world. this book, with illustrations P.S. The Toyopet went to Japan and and specifications of at least was retored and put in the Toyota museum. one representative 1917 or 1918 model accompanying From: Norman Painting each entry. Birmingham, UK 428 pages $45 softcover (7
10) This photograph may be of interest to 246 photos, bibliography, index ISBN 978-0-7864-3967-6 2010 you. In the First World War Wolseley Motors Ltd., at their Adderley Park Works in Birmingham, made many ambulances, and aircraft, paid for McFarland by donations from individuals, Box 6¡¡, Jefferson NC 28640 • Orders 800-253-2¡87 • FAX 336-246-4403 • www.mcfarlandpub.com

4 SAH Journal No. 243 Electronic Edition Obituaries Bathurst in the 1960s, a Ford Cortina Adrian Ryan driven by Mr. Ryan crashed over the Frederick D. Roe (1942-2009) old wooden fence on top of Mount (1921-2009) Panorama – an event that helped to The Australian motor industry bade convince him that he might be better Long-time SAH member, former farewell one of its genuine all- suited to the commentary box. offi cer and Friend of Automotive rounders when hundreds of mourners History Frederick Dix Roe passed turned out for the funeral of Adrian His work career included a couple of away on November 12, 2009 in Edward Ryan in Melbourne on. Mr. stints at the VACC, fi rst as advertising Holliston, Massachusetts. He had Ryan, 77, who died October 17 after a and PR director from 1973 to 1978 – a been in declining health since short battle with cancer, had a career job that included editing the VACC suffering a stroke earlier in the year. spanning more than four decades in Journal – and more recently as a the industry, most notably with Ford consultant publicist for the Melbourne Born February 5, 1921, he grew up Australia, the Victorian Automobile International Motor Show through his in Greensboro, Maryland, a small Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and Park Road Media agency, from 1996 town on the eastern shore. An Repco. Mr. Ryan added his public to 2004. He also spent 14 years with automobile enthusiast from earliest relations pizzazz and writing skills Ford Public Affairs, where he helped memory, he went to New England to numerous motoring events, from to launch important new models such as an adolescent to attend boarding major Ford car launches to the 1979 as the EA Falcon. school, and told stories of taking the Repco Around Australia Rally and the train to New York for the auto show Melbourne International Motor Show. In later years, Mr. Ryan’s encyclopedic and returning with his typewriter His enthusiasm for motor racing was knowledge of the motor industry case full of literature. probably only exceeded by his love and Ford in particular was put for all things Ford, starting with his to good use in running the Ford At Phillips Exeter Academy in New beloved restored red Ford Mustang Australia Archive—reputed to be Hampshire he found a number of convertible and 1965 Falcon Squire the best such library of company kindred spirits, and automotive ‘woodie’ wagon—one of fewer than records and images in the Australian interest groups formed in the 100 ever made. When he wasn’t motor industry. Ford Australia dormitories. Later, at Massachusetts working at his various day jobs in the communications manager Sinead Institute of Technology he found motor industry, he was immersed in McAlary said Mr. Ryan would be similar kinship with classmates and numerous other motoring activities, missed by all who knew him at Ford. nearby Harvard students. Among including writing for Racing Car “Apart from running our archives and them were founders of both the News and many other publications in being a huge help to the current PR Veteran Motor Car Club of America Australia and overseas, broadcasting team in almost any way we could and the Sports Car Club of America, weekly motoring programs on ever ask of him—including doing his and Fred was an early member of Radio Bay FM (Geelong) and 3SR most recent TV interview for us only both. His tales of car hunting and (Shepparton) and getting involved three weeks before he died—Adrian collecting in pre- and early postwar at various car club and historic car was a lovely man to work with and Massachusetts became the stuff of events. we’ll miss him dearly,” she said. legend, and his occasional lectures were very popular. In 1939 he For many years, Mr. Ryan was the Among the 500-plus mourners at his bought a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost voice of motorsport at Victorian race funeral at St Dominic’s Church in from the Boston Rolls dealer for circuits, providing knowledgeable East Camberwell were many former $125, though he had to write home trackside commentary for race fans work colleagues, rivals and members for the money. The car served as his at Sandown, Calder, Phillip Island of the media, along with family and primary transportation for several and Winton, as well as Bathurst. friends, including many former motor years. Other interesting cars passing He even lent his talents behind the racing and historic car colleagues. through his hands included a Crane, microphone to TV broadcasters at Among former Ford representatives a 1908 Renault, a Zedel and Amelia various networks over the years. were retired directors Ian Vaughan Earhart’s Kissel Gold Bug. and Mike Jarvis. Eulogies were given In the 1950s, he ventured on to the by his son Richard, older brother It is for Duesenberg, however, other side of the safety fence to Barry and racing colleague and friend that he is best known. He wrote race, forming a race team, Ecurie Bryan Thomson. Mr. Ryan is survived in the introduction to his seminal Shepparton, with racing driver Bryan by his wife of 52 years, Claudine, 1982 book Duesenberg: The Thomson, who went on to become children Andrea, Richard, Stephen Pursuit of Perfection: “I am clearly one of the stars of Australian motor and Michelle, and 10 grandchildren. a Duesenberg enthusiast and can sport from the 1960s to the 1980s. At —Ron Hammerton remember every one I ever saw Jan - Feb 2010 5 William B. Close (1930-2009)

in my boyhood in the thirties, so Club and was a director of the Larz William Bell Close died March my interest goes way back, but in Anderson Auto Museum in nearby 10, 2009 at his home in Signal this book I have tried to view the Brookline, where he also served on Mountain, Tennessee, after a long and subject with some objectivity and the collections committee. courageous battle with cancer. realism.” Indeed he did, for the Bill was born July 3, 1930, the son book, a sequel to the early work of I met Fred early in my tenure as of Louise Bell and Clarence Barton J.L. Elbert, is recognized today as the editor of SAH Journal and Automotive Close of Jackson, Tennessee. During authoritative source, remaining head History Review. As I recall, it began his teen years, Bill’s family moved and shoulders above subsequent through correspondence, but after we to Signal Mountain. He graduated coffee table tomes. Interestingly, met in person at Hershey we became from The Baylor School for Boys in Fred never owned a Duesenberg. fast friends. We lived not far apart, so Chattanooga in 1948. In 1950, he Once I noticed “Duesenberg” next every few months we would meet for married his high school sweetheart, to his name in an early directory lunch to share our recent adventures, Sarah Jane Mathes. He received a of the SCCA. “Oh,” he said. “I was new books and literature. For urgent business degree from Vanderbilt overseas during the war and had questions he was just a phone call University in 1952, and was later a sold my cars. You had to own a away, and his encyclopedic memory member of the Army reserve. recognized sports car to belong, so for cars was a resource called upon they ‘assigned’ me a derelict Model by many. He had lived through the He owned The Close Company, a A Duesenberg that sat under a tree formative years of the principal clubs, residential and commercial builder on a friend’s farm.” in particular VMCCA and CCCA, and and developer with projects in remembered who had owned which Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga An Army veteran of World War II cars (not just Duesenbergs), what and Atlanta. Bill was active in both in Europe, where he received the they’d done to them, and what was the Chattanooga and Signal Mountain Purple Heart, he worked as parts correct and what was not. It was fun communities. He was Elder Emeritus manager at a Hudson dealership to accompany him to car auctions, of First Christian Church, the founder after leaving the service. He where the high rollers would all sidle subsequently began publishing a up to him and usher him to a front- SAH members are invited to join car magazine, Modern Motor Car. It row seat, the better to get his advice the Classic Car Club of America survived through fi ve issues before it when bidding became hot and heavy. (CCCA) became apparent that he could not founded in 1952 to promote the compete with a man named Petersen Automobiles were not his only preservation and restoration of who had launched several successful interest. He had a keen appreciation distinctive motorcars built between titles on the West Coast. for aviation, industrial history and 1925 and 1948. technology. He also studied local The club publishes its Bulletin eight He joined SAH in March 1971, and regional history and architecture, times a year and the quarterly Classic becoming member number 127. and maintained an avid appreciation Car magazine. He served the Society as secretary for jazz. The latter was so important The club maintains a museum and and treasurer at various times, and that he would pass up old car events research library on the grounds of more recently as a director and chair when his favorite trio was playing the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory of the nominations committee. He locally. Corners, Michigan. edited Automotive History Review For membership details contact the club from 1980 to 1984, issues 12 through Predeceased by his wife Barbara, at either of the addresses below. 16. He received the Nicolas-Joseph Fred is survived by two sons, Cugnot Award for the Duesenberg Frederick W. and Donald W. Roe, book in 1983, and was recognized their spouses, fi ve grandchildren in 1993 as a Friend of Automotive and four great-grandchildren. He is History, the Society’s highest honor. also survived by a sister, Genevieve A longtime member of the Classic Flickinger. A quiet and modest man, Car Club of America, he edited the he generously shared his knowledge New England Region’s magazine and experience. We are all the better 1645 Des Plaines River Road, Suite 7 for many years. He was a founding for having him as our mentor, our Des Plaines, IL 60018-2206 member of the Rolls-Royce Owners teacher and our friend. —Kit Foster (847) 390-0443 www.ClassicCarClub.org

6 SAH Journal No. 243 Electronic Edition Grace R. Brigham (1909-2009) of the local Habitat for Humanity, a Grace Reid Brigham, SAH founder Brigham Award recognizes excellence co-founding member of the Signal member, Friend of Automotive in periodical publication in our fi eld Mountain Lions Club, a member of the History and widow of co-founder over all issues in a given year. They Signal Mountain Historical Committee, and long-time editor Richard were also jointly honored as Friends the Chattanooga Home Builders Brigham, died in Columbus, Ohio, on of Automotive History in 1985. Association and a board member of the December 3, 2009, just ten days short National Home Builders Association. In of her 100th birthday. Grace had the patience and 1995, Bill was the fi rst inductee into the concentration for work of intense Homebuilders Hall of Fame. The daughter of James and Julia detail. She compiled many indices, Obetz Reid, Grace was born including early ones for the Bill enjoyed hunting, fi shing and December 13, 1909, in Mobile, newsletter and for AHR. Her lasting boating, in addition to collecting and Alabama. She attended Barton work is the Serial Number Book restoring antique automobiles. He Business College in Mobile, for U.S. Cars 1900-1975, published developed his love of antiques while and lived in Toledo, Ohio, and by Motorbooks in 1979. A modest- researching Sarah’s grandfather, Walter Fankton, Indiana. After moving looking paperback on rough paper, L. Marr, Buick’s chief engineer from to Marietta, Georgia, she and her it contains a wealth of information 1903 to 1915. Bill was fortunate to husband operated the Brigham vital to the acquisition, restoration own the only existing 1903 Marr Auto Press, a printing and publishing and purchase of old cars, and used Car. He joined SAH in October 2001, company. When Dick Brigham and copies of the out-of-print volume becoming member number 2591. Marshall Naul conceived the idea have become quite pricy. She also of a formal organization uniting the wrote several chapters of a history of He is survived by his wife of 58 years, many independent practitioners of the Society, which were published in sons Paul Mathes Close and William automotive history, she took on much Review issues 29, 31, 33 and 37. Barton Close, daughters Elizabeth Bell of the unglamorous behind-the- Meerdink and Sarah Marr Crowell scenes work. She was instrumental Grace was a founder and member Brown, nine grandchildren and ten in the creation of the fi rst newsletter, of East Unitarian Church in Atlanta, great-grandchildren. He is also survived now SAH Journal, for the Society Georgia, and a past member of by a brother, Louis Barton Close. in September 1969, before the fi rst Toledo Church. In addition to her Interment was at Duck Pond Cemetery meeting was held that October. husband, who died in 1995, she in Chattanooga Memorial Park, In 1974, she and Dick started our was predeceased by her son Harry followed by a memorial service at First magazine, Automotive History Review, David Brigham, daughter Jeanette B. Christian Church. Contributions in his and it was she who suggested the Gruesen and sister Mary Gressley. She memory may be made to Chattanooga title. The Brighams were jointly is survived by a son-in-law, Henry A. Habitat for Humanity, 1201 East Main recognized as pioneers in publishing Gruesen, two daughters-in-law, Judy Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408, or First automotive history when the Richard Fitch and Blue Brigham, and seven Christian Church, 650 McCallie Avenue, and Grace Brigham Award was grandchildren: Stephen Brigham, Chattanooga, TN 37403. —Kit Foster created in their honor in 1990. The Amy Krontz, Laura Bice, Kristen Frye, and John, Henry and Mitchell Gruesen. She also leaves 14 great- grandchildren. A memorial service is planned in the spring. She will be interred beside her husband in Forest Cemetery in Toledo.

After Dick’s passing, Grace moved to Columbus, Ohio, to be near family. Failing eyesight had kept her from corresponding with old friends in recent years, but she remained active and independent, moving to assisted living only in the past year. Grace was, in many ways, the mother of SAH, and the Society owes much of its early success to her dedication and perseverance. —Kit Foster Jan - Feb 2010 7 Book Reviews

The Eight Cylinder duPont, by Stan Smith. 120 pages, 108 sepia- toned photographs and illustrations, with two color endpiece insertions of reproduction duPont literature. but growth might have been stronger ISBN 978-0-615-25419-7. Hardbound, with access to the broader industry. 8-1/4 x 10” (landscape). Published by the author and available from him Maxwell history is neatly divided in at Smithandson Acres, 111 Linden half by its disastrous involvement in Hall Road, Boalsburg, PA 16827 USA. the United States Motor Company $100.00 including tax, packing and combination assembled by Briscoe shipping in USA. Inquire regarding whose business methods closely overseas orders. modeled those of his friend, Billy Durant. The holding company SAH member Stan Smith has made it Maxwell Motor and the Making of collapsed within two years and his life’s work to learn as much as he the Chrysler Corporation Maxwell was the sole unit to survive could about the duPont automobile, by Anthony J. Yanik. 189 pages, 23 and be reorganized. Maxwell and the luxury car built from 1919 to 1932 black-and-white photographs. ISBN Briscoe resigned to be replaced in Wilmington, Delaware. It is our 978-0-8143-3423-2. Wayne State by Walter Flanders, the brilliant good fortune that he has compiled the University Press, Detroit 2009. $35.00 manufacturing executive and alumnus fruits of his labors into a book on the of Ford and E-M-F. During his fi ve- greatest of these, the eight-cylinder So much as been written about the year contract Flanders quickly nursed Models G and H, the automaker’s fi nal early history of Ford Motor Company the company back to health while fl ourish from 1929 to 1932. and General Motors, we might be correcting its ineffi ciencies. Eastern excused from assuming these two plants were sold off to centralize It begins with an introduction to the were alone responsible for the manufacture in the mid-west and models, describing their development development and popularization of models reduced to a single low-price and production history. A more-or-less the American low-price car. It is good line. Although Flanders left Maxwell chronological explanation, by body to be reminded that there were other in good condition, the company style, follows, describing the 200-plus talents that arose at the beginning was soon overcome by the postwar cars built, and the book concludes of the century to cut new paths that recession of 1920. Once again it found with eight brief biographies of the would be followed by the rest of the itself, like General Motors and Willys- principal participants in the enterprise. industry. Overland, in the arms of its creditors. An appendix lists, by chassis number, This time, Walter Chrysler was the each of the cars, its description, Maxwell Motor and the Making of the knight errant and the outcome of the shipping date and destination, fi rst Chrysler Corporation tells the story story is well known. owner and additional details. of Benjamin Briscoe and Jonathan Maxwell, a pair of Detroiters without Author Yanik has given us a The illustrations are mostly period formal higher education whose thoroughly researched work with photographs, from when the cars were ambition led them to the fl edgling good balance between business new. They have been lightly sepia- automobile trade. They met through history, product development and toned for effect, but retain clarity and their association with Olds Motor motorsports which Maxwell exploited contrast of the originals such that the Works, that incubator of so many to good advantage during its early minute detail craved by historians future rivals. Briscoe was a successful years. It is enriched with detail from has not been compromised. The sheet metal fabricator and parts company records now located in the overall production quality is excellent, supplier to various car manufacturers; Chrysler Archives. Fortunately Yanik and today’s short-run publication Maxwell received his training in did his research years ago since technology has allowed a modest the shop of Charles Brady King, those archives are no longer open to print run within the author’s means, builder of Detroit’s fi rst car, and later historians. The chapter on Flanders with further printings feasible when designed the Northern runabout. makes the book in some ways a demand requires them. Although Over its twenty-year history, Maxwell sequel to Yanik’s The E-M-F Story, expensive when considered on a cost- typically placed in the second tier the defi nitive work on that company per-page basis, this technique has the of producers and annual sales never but now out of print. Readers are potential to make much more history exceeded 75,000. Most of its plants advised to avoid disappointment this available to enthusiasts of limited- were located in the east far from time. Those who wish to have a good production marques. Stan is to be Detroit parts suppliers. A virtue was understanding of the development commended for blazing a trail in this made of this by the stated policy of of the American automobile industry regard; his book is an exemplar of internal manufacture of components need to own this book. —Arthur Jones how it can be done. —Kit Foster

8 SAH Journal No. 243 Electronic Edition Ford in the Service of America: refi ned and manufactured, and land largely owned by Henry Ford for Mass Production for the Military their number and cost. What could soybean farming. The plant enclosed During the World Wars have been a stultifying array of a fl oor space of almost 4¾ million by Timothy J. O’Callaghan, 206 pages, facts takes on a life of its own and square feet, and was equipped with an 70 photos, appendices, notes, cumulatively becomes “the story.” To assembly line over a mile long. bibliography, index. ISBN 978- the extent there is a hero, it must be 0-7864-4485-4. McFarland & Co., Charles E. Sorensen, whom Henry Ford’s second best-known wartime Inc., 2009. $35 softcover (7 x 10). Ford designated as the chief of war product was the ubiquitous jeep. www.mcfarlandpub.com, 800-253-2187 production (and who became another But did you know that there was an casualty of Harry Bennett in 1944). amphibious version called the “Seep?” World War II now lies approximately Let’s take the B-24 Liberator bomber Gliders, tanks, and squad tents were two-thirds of a century in the past. It and its Willow Run assembly plant some of the other materiel produced. must be incomprehensible to those as the best examples of Ford at war. And, as the author notes, Ford wasn’t not alive then, that there was a time Consolidated Aircraft Corporation the largest producer for the war effort. when virtually all the resources of our developed the B-24, but it was not One wonders whether the “arsenal of domestic life were directed towards thoroughly tested nor production- democracy” would be up to a similar a single goal, victory over clearly engineered when Ford undertook task today. identifi ed enemies. its mass production. To convert Consolidated’s hand-assembly to an Flawed with anti-Semitism and, in Preparedness for the eventual confl ict assembly line, Ford sent 200 engineers many ways, a narrow mind, Henry began slowly in 1940. There was and production men to the factory in Ford was nonetheless a believer in fear even before Pearl Harbor of a San Diego for four months to make diversity. By 1914, it was company German air attack from hidden bases an up-to-date set of plans. Thirty policy to fi nd jobs for the blind, deaf, in countries south of the United States thousand drawings were re-made and amputees, both civilian and and from enemy planes operating from for the fi rst Ford-built B-24. From veterans, and by World War II, nearly aircraft carriers off the coastlines of then on, O’Callaghan records “only half the blacks working in the Detroit the US. Even though Henry Ford was another 10,000 drawings were required auto industry were employed by Ford. anti-war (after all, there were Ford to cover changes for the next 490 plants and facilities in England, and bombers built to the introduction of The genesis of the book is noteworthy. Germany and seven other European the B-24H model, and only 20,000 In the early days of WWII, Henry Ford countries under Hitler’s control), he more drawings were required to the asked Charles LaCroix, the assistant became fully engaged in rearming for end of production.” Then, there were director of Greenfi eld Village, to write the national defense. The story of the the drawings required to break down Ford’s history of the war, but Henry Ford Motor Company’s contributions production tasks to their simplest died before the work was published. to the war effort in 1940-45 is the in order to develop each worker’s LaCroix’s eight volumes summarizing principal theme of Ford in the Service individual assignment. The reader has the contents of 42 archival boxes have of America: Mass Production for the a mental picture of sleepless nights been available to researchers but this Military during the World Wars, by as these changes must have been is the fi rst work dedicated specifi cally Timothy J. O’Callaghan (while Ford priorities. Surely, the engineers and to this area of Ford history. These participated fully in defense production production men should be regarded archives were the primary research for World War I, the limited duration as silent heroes on the home front, tool for O’Callaghan, now 79, who of US participation, 19 months, meant sacrifi cing time for the war effort. served in Ford in management for 40 that the company’s manufacture of years. His personal recollections of the Liberty engines, Eagle Boats and tanks Overall, each B-24 contained a total war are bound to be poignant as he was just ramping up by the time of the of 465,472 parts and rivets. Workers to dedicates the book to the memory of Armistice). assemble them had to be found, hired, his brother, killed on Okinawa when housed, and trained. At the peak, O’Callaghan was 15. He has written O’Callaghan’s story is factual and 43,369 were employed at the Willow two books about Ford’s aviation straight-forward: what the products Run assembly plant, 39 per cent of ventures, as well as other aspects of were, and how they were developed, them women. Willow Run was built on Ford history in periodicals.

This is a commendable book. When I received it for review, my fi rst thoughts were that it was of little personal interest and that I should pass it on. But the more I browsed through it, the more interesting and signifi cant it seemed, and I soon was immersed from cover to cover. It has its share of typos, some unforgivable (e.g., “Lindburgh”) but not enough to question the accuracy of what O’Callaghan reports. —Taylor Vinson

Jan - Feb 2010 9 from the SAAB 9-3, current 9-5 Editorial and powertrains which would be incorporated into BAIC vehicles. The Brink The statement did not specify if the Generally I do not like to comment “current” 9-5 was the 2009 model on “current events” until after the fact. or the recently shown 2010 version. In the year 2009, however, there was December 18, regarding the bid from so much turmoil in global events, Spyker Cars, GM announced, “during commentary is unavoidable. At the the due diligence, certain issues time of this writing on the last day of arose that both parties believe could December, three established brands, Above: 2010 SAAB 9-5. Below: circa 1955 SAAB 92. not be resolved. As a result, GM will Pontiac, SAAB and Saturn are slated Images from the Editor’s collection. start an orderly wind-down of Saab to be phased out. Opel/Vauxhall operations.” Nick Reilly, President was to be sold, but in November of GM Europe carefully stated that GM announced it would retain the an “orderly wind-down” is not a brands and restructure GM Europe bankruptcy or forced liquidation. operations. Two mass-market brands So it is an unforced liquidation, are to come under ownership by then. These gyrations remind me of enterprises located in the People’s the three-way tug-of-war between Republic of China. According to a Volkswagen, Rolls-Royce plc and Ford Motor Company press release BMW regarding Rolls-Royce Motor dated December 23, 2009, Volvo Car December 1 and Bob Lutz took his Cars and Bentley. Corporation is in the process of being place at the podium the next day. acquired by Zhejiang Geely Holding Lutz emphasized that he would only I had wanted the Saturn division Group Company Limited, or “Geely.” address future products, and that to succeed from the fi rst time it HUMMER was in the process of being he would be doing his “Mr. Tefl on” was announced in January, 1985. If acquired by Sichuan Tengzhong routine providing non-answers to General Motors could actually create Heavy Industrial Machinery Co., Ltd, questions about the boardroom a whole new brand from scratch, or “Tengzhong” as of June 2, 2009. events of the previous day. Eight building the cars in a new greenfi eld automotive brands were missing factory, I believed there might be These changes were already from Los Angeles: Infi niti and Nissan, hope for the United States auto anticipated earlier in 2009, based on Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, industry. Technical details of the cars statements from GM, Chrysler and Pontiac, Saturn and HUMMER. in 1990 were of interest, such as a Ford regarding restructuring plans. At Chrysler had a lot of open space large compound-curved rear glass the Vancouver, BC, International Auto around the edges of its display, or use of unstressed plastic exterior Show in the fi rst week of April, for and virtually no all-new or updated panels similar to the Endurafl ex™ example, GM had displays featuring models on show. material on Pontiac’s Fiero. Saturn’s all the current brands, including policy of fi xed pricing appeared to be Pontiac, Saturn, and HUMMER. SAAB SAAB had been for sale for most of a relief from the need to haggle with was present at the show, as was 2009. During the summer Koenigsegg Volvo. Chrysler displays emphasized was in negotiations with GM to trucks and proposed future electric purchase SAAB. This arrangement vehicles. By November, 2009, at would put SAAB back in Swedish the Seattle Auto Show, there were hands, to the relief of many car no displays for Pontiac, Saturn or enthusiasts. By the time of the Los As you might expect from a club publication, the SAAB. The show itself was noticeably Angeles Auto Show, the SAAB Horseless Carriage Gazette is chock full of exciting four-color photographs showing brass-era automobiles smaller than the previous year, with personnel on the stand looked in action. First-generation cars don’t get out often but, one entire hall closed for the 2009 visibly worried. GM had announced when they do, it is a real privilege to be along for the show. that Koenigsegg Group AB had ride. History buffs will enjoy a feature or two in each terminated their purchase agreement Horseless Carriage Gazette about marques both The Los Angeles Auto Show began eight days earlier, on November popular and obscure. In addition, more than 240 black in the fi rst week of December, 2009. 24. The Dutch manufacturer Spyker & white images from the pre-1916 era were used as illustrations in the six 2007 issues. Cars announced a bid for SAAB on SAAB was present with an example Membership is $45 ($55 outside of the USA). of the 2010 9-5 on display. Fritz December 3 during its auto show There is no better place to connect with nearly 5,000 Henderson, CEO and president of GM press conference. December 14, GM enthusiasts who appreciate pioneer vehicles than in the was scheduled to give the keynote announced that Beijing Automotive Horseless Carriage Club. We’ll be honored if you decide to join. address the morning of December 2. Industry Holdings Co. Ltd (BAIC) had Horseless Carriage Club Henderson resigned his position on closed a deal to acquire technology PO Box 62, Bakersfield CA 93302 888/832-2374 or [email protected]

10 SAH Journal No. 243 Electronic Edition in design and consumer perceptions. The Hyundai Equus displayed at the Seattle Auto Show was the size of a Mercedes. Allard, a revived marque, showed a new bespoke car with independent rear suspension, inboard Left: 1991 Saturn S-series showing non-structural body disc brakes and a vintage appearance. panels. Above: 1985 Saturn prototype. Editor’s collection. doubt. The website’s home page in On a fi nal note, one particular news December boasts “Final Closeout” 0% item could have brightened my whole for 72 months plus $1500 cash back day. On September 7, 2009, the on all Pontiac models or $6500 cash Independent State of Samoa, formerly back on all models. A 1965 Pontiac “Western Samoa” offi cially changed Catalina sedan was the fi rst U.S.-made from right-hand to left-hand traffi c. car I owned. I remember fondly the According to the Associated Press, the effortless highway performance and fi rst hours of the traffi c change went towing capability, the slightly cracked smoothly with a high police presence transparent steering wheel rim and and a three-day ban on alcohol sales. the red Chief Pontiac high-beam Samoa would be the fi rst nation to the dealer, as negotiation tends to be indicator. I was less fond of the fuel change traffi c direction since the culturally awkward in the U.S. When consumption and the single-circuit 1970s and the fi rst in this century. GM created the EV-1 program, it was conventional 5-lug drum brakes. Of particular note is that the total logical that the vehicles be handled land area of main islands Upolu and through the Saturn distribution Oldsmobile and Plymouth both Savai’i plus several outlying islands is channel. Inevitably, the notion of had protracted phase-outs at the only 1133 square miles. There was no what makes a Saturn distinctive beginning of the decade. Daewoo’s mention of how many miles of road became diluted over time. The L- presence in the U.S. was folded into are on the islands. The motivation series cars featured steel exterior GM’s import stable, to the chagrin of for changing traffi c direction was that body panels for a start, and by the Daewoo dealers. Naturally, these small the expense of importing cars from 2009 model year, Saturn appeared Daewoos now make up the entry-level New Zealand and Australia is much to be Opel’s distribution channel in Pontiac and Chevrolet models. lower than importing vehicles from the U.S. The Saturn Vue Hybrid up the United States. Buses now have to the 2007 model seemed to be a Amidst all these overly earnest and entry doors on the traffi c side, but return to Saturn features, or were gloomy statements, several bright resolution of that issue remains to they gimmicks? The Vue Hybrid had spots do appear. Ford Motor Company be seen. My personal experience of the plastic exterior body panels, CVT was quick to point out to all and the South Pacifi c islands is that cars transmission, and hybrid powertrain. sundry that they took no federal in general do not last long in the salt It should have been a perfect Saturn, bailout funds. Alternate fuels, electric air, ultraviolet light exposure and but its appearance was boxy and propulsion, and fuel cell vehicles are unrelenting moisture. Unfortunately, undistinguished. In June, 2009 GM making ever-stronger appearances. three weeks later on September 29 a announced that Penske Automotive This variety is reminiscent of the turn magnitude 8.0 MMS earthquake south Group had entered talks to acquire of the last century. Tesla, Nissan and of the islands caused a tsunami which Saturn. By the end of September, Mitsubishi have been strong boosters struck the shore with 20- to 30-foot Penske had pulled out of the talks. As of plug-in electric power. Fisker waves. with the Saturn brand, it seemed like showed their Karma plug-in hybrid a good idea on paper. that was conceived from the outset In all, nearly everyone I know as a luxury vehicle. Korean brands would rather forget 2009. In terms of I do gnash my teeth at the summary Kia and Hyundai have improved automotive history, who is going to closure of Pontiac. The hints were markedly over the past ten years, both remember if we don’t? —A. Meyer there at the beginning of 2009, and by the end of April, there was no

Above: 1926 Pontiac Model 6-27. Center and right: proposed Pontiac Solstice Coupe. From the Editor’s collection. Jan - Feb 2010 11 First Class Presort JournalThe Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. U.S. Postage Issue 243 Jan - Feb 2010 PAID The Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. Permit #1 P.O. Box 1948 Whittier, CA Vashon, WA 98070-1948

The Brink. See page 10.

1965 Pontiac Catalina. At the end of 2009, every appearance is that the Pontiac, SAAB and Saturn brands will close. Pontiac is being summarily ended by GM. Illustration by Art Fitzpatrick and Van Kaufman from the Editor’s collection.

12 SAH Journal No. 243 Electronic Edition