THE CLUB FOR ENTHUSIASTS OF ALL AMERICAN VEHICLES UK £3.50 USA $5.50 Multicylinder www.pre50aac.com March / April 2020 - Vol 54-2 MAY

Cars for 1st, 2nd & 3rd TORQUETORQUE BACK BACK AACUK Spring Nationals Birch Coppice Sports & Social Club boom era of the fifties l tend to lean towards Watling Street , Dordon, Sale Cars named after and prefer classic vehicles of that decade, after Nr Tamworth, B78 1SY saying that I also still like certain pre 50’s and occupations post 50’s vehicles. These changing times also bring a big concern, JUNE A vehicle’s name can have a lot to do with how do we entice the younger generation into 7th how it’s received in the marketplace. Some our great hobby; speaking to other classic cars make their own identity out of made- car clubs they too are experiencing the same up names, while others rely on the prestige dilemma. Even our friends across the pond Bristol All American Car Show FOR SALE of a racetrack or the connotation of agility have the same problem, but some enthusiasts Yate Town Football Club, or speed that comes from an animal. After do volunteer to take youngsters to a classic car Lodge Road, 1936/38/39 Buick brainstorming what type of name is used most shows in their classic vehicle as an introduction Yate, BS37 7LE: often, here is a list of vehicles named after to the hobby. The US also has a foundation Pre-entry forms available online Set of side-mount occupations. called RPM (Restoration, Preservation and covers If you’re an Ambassador (AMC), you may Mentorship) that supports restoration and JULY send a Diplomat (Dodge), an Envoy (GMC), a preservation training programs for the next Offers invited Consul (Ford) or even a Courier (Ford) with generation of craftsmen. The foundation is an important message. Perhaps you’ve got based in Chicago and is dedicated to ensuring 3rd, 4th & 5th 1966 information about a Dictator (Studebaker) that critical skills necessary to preserve and ACCUK Summer Nationals that needs to get to a Senator (Holden & restore collector vehicles are not lost and Hatton Country World Rochester 4-jet Vauxhall). they promote the development of the next Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick , CV35 8XA carburettor complete The fastest way to send a sensitive document generation of enthusiasts and restorers in is via air, so you’ll need some kind of several ways, food for thought! with choke £50 plus Aviator 4th & 5th (Lincoln), typically a Pilot (). Of carriage. course, you’ll need to plot the course to your John destination. That’s where the Navigator Contact (Lincoln) comes in handy. A Navigator is From the Membership also useful on the sea, because Mariners John Slayford on (Mercury) have plenty of hazards to avoid, Secretary - Last call 07850 134 766 like pirates. In this latest edition of the Muticylinder, there The President (Studebaker)—elected every is a form for membership renewal. four years because we don’t have a Monarch If you have not renewed yet, please stay with (Mercury)—holds the highest office in the us, as the next edition of the Club Magazine Executive (Pontiac) branch. That also makes will be only sent to paid up members. them the Commander (Studebaker/Jeep) UK member £30 pa, and for overseas members 12th of all the military, not just the Navy, above £40pa. You can renew your membership by: any General (GMC), Commodore (Holden), 1 By standing order, using online banking. OFFICERS and REPRESENTATIVES Brigadier (GMC), Kapitan (Opel), Yeoman Please make payment: RALLY OF THE GIANTS. (Chevrolet), or Kadett (Opel). COMMITTEE Editor: Whilst every care is taken in compiling Sort code 40:44:41 Blenheim Palace, Multicylinder, the publisher can take That includes everything from a special Woodstock, OX20 1PP: President: JOHN MILLER Account number: 01486985 no responsibility for any effects arising operations Commando (Jeep) to obsolete units Pre-entry forms available online ALAN MURPHY Richmond House, 14 Robins Lane, 2 Send me a cheque, please make it payable Brockhill, Redditch B97 6GX therefrom. Editorial contributions such as Lancer (Dodge/Mitsubishi), Cavalier to: Pre50 AAC 41 Eastham Rake, Eastham, Wirral, (Chevrolet), Knight (Willys), and the knight’s July 31st, August 1st & 2nd Tel: 07773 849717 are welcome and will be handled with 3 By visiting the website, and using PayPal. Cheshire, CH62 9AN. assistant, his Squire (Ford). We’re not sure [email protected] reasonable care, but must be accompianed Tel: 0151 327 2470 where a Samurai (Suzuki) would fit in, other Some members will have paid for 2020 when by return postage, however the publishers AACUK No Name Show [email protected] than it would be situated somewhere below they joined, however if you have any queries Web Designer: assume no responsibility for return Stoke Prior Sports & Social Club the President (Studebaker). with your membership status, please don't Secretary: MEL LLOYD or safety of artwork, photographs, Westonhall Rd, Stoke Prior, LUKE ARNOTT hesitate to contact me. 33 Squires Leaze, Thornbury, manuscripts or any digital information But it’s not just political and military jobs that Bromsgrove, B60 4AL Holcotmoors Lodge, Hulcote, Milton Bristol, BS35 1TB supplied. The publisher accepts no lent their names to vehicles. There are plenty Keynes, Bucks, MK17 8BT. that were named after jobs that take place Tel: 01454 416933 responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, Tel: 01234 750280 in the great outdoors. Consider purchasing a John Sewell SEPTEMBER [email protected] photographs or digital material. If you 11th,12th & 13th [email protected] claim and having a go at being a Prospector send material to us for publication you NON COMMITTEE (Dodge). You might call on some help seeking Chairman & Membership are strongly advised to make copies and Secretary: your fortune from someone well-versed with STOP PRESS AACUK Autumn Nationals Social Media Secretary: to enclose a SAE. Original material must Birch Coppice Sports & Social Club JOHN SEWELL the local topography, an Explorer (Ford), LUKE PASSMORE be submitted and will be accepted solely http://www.pre50aac.com/ Watling Street , Dordon, 4 Fiddlers Green, Hampton-in-Arden, a Mountaineer (Mercury), or Ranger 3 Old Rectory Rd, Kingswood, on the basis that the author accepts the (Ford), perhaps? A local Hunter (Hillman) The password for access to the Members Nr Tamworth, B78 1SY Solihull, West Midlands B92 0EZ. Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire, assessment of the publisher as to its or Tracker (Geo) that’s familiar with the section of the web site is now Tel: 01675 442427 GL12 8RE. Tel: 07886027783 commercial value. All advertisements in land, could be useful—someone that’s been [email protected] [email protected] 1938Dodge OCTOBER Multicylinder are published in good faith. a Trailblazer (Chevrolet) in the area. Any 25th Treasurer: one of them could help Scout (International The user id stays the same at Club Historian: The publishers reserve the right to refuse JULIA RADCLIFFE-WATTS or alter advertisements at their discretion. Harvester) nearby terrain. [email protected] Meadow Farm House, Bleasby Moor, COLIN ROGERS 43 Hartley Close, Chipping Sodbury, The views expressed in this magazine are There are other careers to consider for lovers Pre'50AAC Annual General Meeting: Market Rasen LN8 3QL of the outdoors can be found on a ranch. You South Gloucestershire, BS37 6NW. not necessarily those of the Editor or the Details to follow. Tel: 07798 818 533 could help a Ranchero (Ford) by rounding Tel: 01454 318665 Pre 50 American Auto Club. [email protected] up some stray cattle as a Wrangler (Jeep) or Multicylinder is published by the Pre 50 Caballero (GMC). And who’s going to keep Front Cover: NOVEMBER Events Organiser: ONE MAKE SECRETARY American Auto Club. 13th, 14th & 15th DAVID RADCLIFFE-WATTS everyone fed if there’s no Wagoneer (Jeep) 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe Ford: CHRIS SANDERS Meadow Farm House, Bleasby Moor, For our Privacy Policy manning the chuck wagon? Tel: 01708 22272 Back Cover: Market Rasen LN8 3QL see http://www. As we embark on a new decade it’s hard for me Tel: 07798 818 533 pre50aac.com/privacy_ to believe that 1990 vehicles are now 30-years 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show [email protected] policy.php old, I’ve always considered even 1970’s vehicles to be relatively modern, so I guess it’s The NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT just me getting older! Being born in the baby 2 3 Ford Skyliner American Car & retractable hardtop engineer Truck Advertisements Ben J. Smith dies at 97 These superior reproduction adverts are from the original manufacturers printed ads that I have collected over many years. These are reprinted on the actual A3 size (16 ½ x 12 inches) paper, with exceptional high colour resolution. My comprehensive range of period adverts covers 1900’s to 1969, many of these ads are 2-page spreads, so you will receive 2 x A3 pages, providing the complete ad as it would have appeared in the original magazine. I offer totally trouble free ordering, no exchange rate to worry about, and avoiding expensive USA shipping and duty costs. My price of £20.00 includes the 2-page A3 spread, post and packaging. The list of my collection is endless, so please give me a call during the evening to see how I Ben J. Smith best known for designing the complicated but functional retractable can help you on 0117 962 2069. hardtop system that went into the Ford Skyliner, died late last month at the age of 97. I look forward to hearing from you. “He’s the last of those guys who really made an impact on the auto industry,” Smith’s son, David, said. “Very few guys did what he did, and I don’t know if you can really find John S. Warren people like that again.” (Pre50AAC member) Ben Smith first went to work for Ford in 1940 at the age of 18 as an aircraft parts inspector, wood pattern maker, and tool and die apprentice, according to his book “Skyliner: The Birth of the Retractable.” Though he stayed out of World War II on deferment while he attended what later became Henry Ford Community College, an acquaintance reported him to the draft board “so I foolishly said I want to go in” and enlisted in the Navy in 1944.

That stint lasted 17 months, after which he returned to Ford to work on the company’s Light Car program as a chassis draftsman. Assigned the task of designing the clutch and brake systems, he decided to hang them from the firewall rather than to stick them up through the floor. “I didn’t know how to do it through the floor,” he said. And while his supervisors reportedly gave him heat for the design, “I just said, ‘Hey, (through the floor) is the wrong way to go,’ and we just did it. That was in a different time and a different era.” In 1949, Smith left Ford for Nash, where he worked on the Rambler, but he claimed the people at Nash didn’t like the people who came over from the Big Three, “so they put me in my place for a couple of months” by heavily criticizing his detailing and printing work. Not long after, he departed Nash for the Fisher Body division of , where he switched from chassis design to body design and claims to have originated the wraparound windshield as part of his work on hardtops and convertible tops. Due in part to that latter area of work, Ford’s Harley Copp and John R. Hollowell, the latter responsible for the retractable development program, recruited Smith away from GM to work on Gil Spear’s idea for a retractable hardtop for the upcoming Continental Mark II project. Hollowell, a fellow Navy veteran (and Copp’s brother-in-law), knew Smith from the Light Car program, but because of the secrecy around the program, couldn’t tell Smith what he’d be doing while trying to recruit him. It took four or five meetings and a full disclosure before Smith, finally intrigued by the idea of being one of the engineers selected to actually build a retractable vehicle for production, agreed to take a cut in pay to come to work on the project. When he left GM, Smith told his boss he was leaving for a higher-paying job at Ford. Nobody would have been the wiser, except that Smith’s boss at GM sent a nasty letter to Bill Ford claiming that recruiting Smith away from GM by offering him more money than he was worth was an unethical practice. When Smith explained that he couldn’t very well have told his boss at GM that he was leaving for a job at Ford that paid less money, Bill Ford had a good chuckle out of it, and the complaint was quickly defused.

4 5 MyMy ClassicClassic 1930 77 roadster and Ronnie Barker

My Chrysler roadster was found in a shed The day started with the ‘77’ being loaded grateful of their help in discovering that the in Surrey by Colin Rogers however it was on to a very low trailer which was pulled car is featured in Series 11 episode 1 (about This photo was taken in the States prior to the car being shipped to the UK, for it’s debut viewing at the London Car Show. During in a very sorry state needing a major by a large pickup truck with camera in the 20mins into the show) restoration after a tree had evidently fallen back focused on the car. Ronnie Barker the course of production of a particular model, liberty is sometimes given (or taken) and unusual vehicles are produced. This Model The most amazing stroke of luck was 77 is one of those “it wasn't built” here generalities we so often hear about. This particular car was built with a stainless steel hood, on it crushing the rear of the bodywork. It came out of his artistes caravan dressed in a that several weeks after filming the BBC was thought to have been a show car as it gabardine raincoat and trilby hat, asked me contacted me to say that an alert viewer front fenders, running board splash aprons and rear fenders and stainless steel wheel spokes. This photo is taken after June 1930 was unique in having the hood, wings and about the car then climbed in the driver’s has seen the skit (which was filmed in black since the 1931 Chrysler Imperials in the background sport the very early production rear bumpers. headlamps fabricated in polished stainless seat and pretended to be driving whilst and white) and amazingly knew the history steel. A black and white picture of it at the being pulled along on the trailer. Later a of the car! I was soon in correspondence to Chrysler factory in the USA is shown in a few distance shots of the car along the lane find out more. George H. Dammann’s book “70 Years of required me putting on Ronnies coat and Chrysler” but no detail was known about hat before I drove. Ronnie looked about A metallurgist in Sheffield had discovered why this one off was made. I eventually fifteen stone and I was about ten stone and how to produce a malleable form of managed to buy the car and subsequently he jokingly said to me “you’ll have to put stainless steel; he subsequently decided arranged restoration of it in the early a couple of golf balls in your cheeks!” At to move to the USA where he set up a 1970’s not realising it would take about four distance I was barely visible but I did get manufacturing unit. My ‘77’ had various years to complete! A coppersmith in Wales an extra £40 for being ‘in shot’. body parts pressed in this form of stainless steel by the Chrysler factory in Detroit refurbished all the stainless steel parts. The I was disconcerted when later the director late Burt Thomas (who was renowned for and was assembled as a show model for wanted to film the part where Ronnie ran his company. Evidently in the early 1930’s incredibly skilled work on car body repairs) out of ‘gas’ and said “I wondered what else rebuilt the crushed steel bodywork which there was much skulduggery by larger steel could happen to me” he kicks the front tyre organisations to take over smaller producers included peeling the metal off of its wooden and both front wheels fall off as he walks frame which was then restored with well- and in due course the manufacturing unit away! For this the front of the car was became almost bankrupt. Allegheny Steel seasoned ash and re-fitting the repaired jacked up and the wheel nuts taken off steel back over it. The paintwork and final Corp. bought over his company and the both front wheels, the crew then tied clear metallurgist moved back to Southbourne in detail was lovingly carried out by the now nylon line to the wheels and after ‘camera retired Philip Albers. Dorset with his family, taking the ‘77’ and roll’ two people pulled the lines to bring the a large Cadillac with him. His son became At that time there were few 1930 left hand wheels off and another person dropped the a school friend of “The Two Ronnies” viewer drive, convertible cars in the U.K. and car down on the jack! and had often ridden in the rumble seat of through the Pre 50 AAC was contacted for Ronnie was great company to be with and the ‘77’. The car disappeared after several using the “77” in three film jobs requiring a when we stopped for lunch he sat with the years probably written off after the tree period American scene. These were Philip crew and me and whilst eating he asked me damage. Marlowe Private Eye, Kelly Montieth about the car. When I told him about the comedian and The Two Ronnies. In 1985 I sadly decided I had to sell the barn find and its condition etc. he put on ‘77’ as I was needing to raise money to buy For the Two Ronnies I drove the ‘77’ on a his farm yokel voice and said “I be wantin’ a a house that needed a lot of restoration. beautiful summer morning from Iver Heath, lot of money for ‘er, just a li’l work she’ll be The car was auctioned at Beaulieu Motor Buckinghamshire 95 miles to arrive at as good as nu”. Museum by Christies. The buyer having Rhinefield Drive in the New Forest by 8.30 When we finished I was thinking of what bought the car drove it back to his hotel a.m. It seems from what I was told many a great day it had been and on the journey in London and then shipped it back to his of the Two Ronnies “skits” were filmed in home, I suddenly thought I forgot to ask home in Lucerne, Switzerland where I this area and this one only involved Ronnie what the name of the skit was or when think it remains to this day. Barker so I never met Ronnie Corbett. As it would be shown. I never did find out the “77” was beautifully restored I insisted until this year when I contacted The Two This photo was one of the previous owners taken in 1955, prior to Linnel Brothers and then Vic Cheeseman ownership only I would drive it in filmed scenes. Ronnies Appreciation Society, I am most Vic Cheeseman 6 7 Hi John, A 1946/41 Hudson super 6 4 door of Australian origin put together under the name of Rushkit? Not sure of the Letters to spelling, it has the 216 engine with rear head mounted distributor. This is basically the 1939 spec.. Mike John the Editor Hi Mike, Many thanks for this interesting and rare US/ Aussie find, after doing some digging I eventually discovered the following; Hudson vehicles were imported into Australia in 1913 by a Brisbane company, McGhie Motor Company. In 1915 the Sydney branch of Dalgety & Co. Ltd became the distributor of Hudson and Essex vehicles for New South Wales. The company was also the agent for Wolseley, Daimler, and Buick passenger cars, the bodies were produced by Messrs Henderson based in Sydney. The company also did trimming, painting and the mechanical This is an original photograph of Ed's 1951 Chevrolet Styleline Coupe, when his late aunt Lizzie owned it. work. In addition to Hudson and Essex, Dalgety & Co. built Hi John, vehicle bodies for Rolls-Royce, Wolseley, Dort and Fiat, and then adding to their portfolio Dodge, Chrysler, Please allow me to reintroduce myself, I met you Erskine, and Studebaker for the whole of Australia. at the Classic Car Show NEC in November 2019. In 1926 a new company, Leader Motors Limited was You even let me sit in your beautiful award winning formed to be the exclusive distributor of Hudson and ’55 Dodge Custom Royal; it was as exciting as I had Essex motor vehicles in Queensland. The bodies were a similar thrill sitting in your car's 'cousin' when made by South Australian company Holden's Motor it made its debut in the dealer showroom all those Dear John, Body Builders in Brisbane. (In its home town of Adelaide, years ago. I did however seek you out to see if you Here is some history of the Chrysler 77 Roadster that was Holden's made motor bodies for Austin, Buick, Chevrolet, might like to hear about my Chevy as a possible owned by Vic Cheeseman. This car came from the Linnel Cleveland, Dodge, Fiat, Oakland, , Overland, subject for one of your articles. I have finally got Brothers collection in Kent; I saw it there in about 1969. Reo, Studebaker and Willys Knight.) around to putting some things together for you. So It had been badly damaged by a fallen beam in the barn please find attached a copy of an old article, with By 1927 Neal's Motors of Port Melbourne began the where it was stored, which at the time wasn’t for sale. some updates and a few photos. If you think there assembly Hudson and Essex in Victoria then in February is a possible article there please let me know and To go back a bit further, when I purchased my 77 1934 the Ruskins Body Works of West Melbourne I will send you some proper photos. Thank you Roadster in 1969 from the original owner, Mr Shaw, he secured the contract to build Hudson and again for my joy 'ride in your fantastic car. remembered seeing the stainless steel example in use Terraplane bodies for the whole of Australia. in London and told me it had belonged to a night-club Regards, cheers owner in the West End. This photo shows me at the wheel Ed Hamill, of Vic’s car before it was restored. Fast forward to 2000 John when by chance I was parked in Newant, Gloucester with my 77 when a chap appeared who said his step-mother Hi Ed, had owned such a car in the 1940’/50s, he took my name It was my pleasure meeting you at the NEC and and address details and promised to send me a photo of hearing about the great story you told me when you the car. Sure enough a copy of original photo came and it were a school boy and sitting in a '55 Dodge at the was “JT 5518” with his step-mother standing beside it, dealership when it was first launched. taken in 1955. And yes of course I would love to feature your '51 I believe this car was indeed the London Motor Show Chevy, so if you could please forward the other car and is the same car shown in the American photo on photos that would be great. A brief update on where we are as a Club. the previous page, although I could not find it listed for Cheers The finances are in rude health,and membership is increasing the 1930 Olympia Show. Incidentally the price for the steadily. John standard Chrysler 77 Roadster there was £532.00. The Club C30 is to have electric power steering fitted,with a Regards brake booster as well,to make it more driveable. Plans are well under way for the Bristol Show in June,and the Colin Rogers Turn to pages 22 & 23 ROG in July. We will also be at the NEC in November. The Annual General Meeting will again be in October. Hi Colin, to read all about Ed’s Finally, for those of you who haven't heard, the American Thank you for this invaluable information together with Auto Club International have disbanded, meaning no more the superb photos, it’s the pièce de résistance to accompany intriguing story of his inherited shows at Billing Aquadrome. Vic Cheeseman’s great article. Roll on Summer! Cheers ‘51 Chevy ‘family’ coupe Luke Arnott John

8 9 The Pre50AAC stand at the NEC 8th to 10th November 2019

1952 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup

This is a 1952 Chevrolet step side manifold. The engine is coupled to a express and cab-overs. From 1947 pickup hot rod. Jaguar IRS rear axle with a Salisbury until 1955, Chevrolet trucks were 1951 Chevrolet Suburban Delivery Van I purchased this Chevy for £500. differential. New adjustable shock number one in sales in the United What I got was a body shell and a pile absorbers and suspension complete States, with rebranded versions sold of parts and no running gear. It took the picture. At the front end a new at GMC locations. This is a 1951 Chevrolet Suburban continuous use of an automobile starting in 1934 for the 1935 U.S. me, with my good friend Rob Clarke, Camaro front clip complete with new There are three main sizes of this Delivery Van which had been abandoned nameplate in production, starting in model year, and has traditionally been 12-years to achieve the result you see springs and gas shock absorbers truck: the half-ton, three-quarter- in a barn in California for 30 years. The 1934 for the 1935 U.S. model year, and one of General Motors’ most profitable was fitted, together with new rack van was found by a car enthusiast in the has traditionally been one of General vehicles. The 1935 first generation here today working religiously every ton, and full ton capacities in short USA and we bought it from him in 2015. Motors’ most profitable vehicles. The Carryall Suburban was one of the first Saturday afternoon and Sunday & pinion power steering. In actual and long wheelbase. The 3100 It had a straight six engine & a three 1935 first generation Carryall Suburban production all-metal bodied station morning. fact every item is brand new on this designates this as a half ton truck. pickup with the only exception being speed transmission. All that was wrong was one of the first production all-metal wagons. I decided that with so many missing The differences for the 1952 model the chassis. with it was a faulty starter motor. bodied station wagons. This is the 3rd generation model and components the only sensible year were the outer door handles It arrived in the UK in basic primer with Advance-Design was a pickup is based on the Chevrolet Advance solution was to turn it into a hot Thank you to my good friend Rob were now the push button type as no rust and I have done no welding to it. truck series by Chevrolet, their first Design series of pickups. Models with rod. The pickup is painted in Kandy for his invaluable help and also to opposed to the previous turn down We changed the front end running gear major redesign after WWII. It was billed rear panel doors were designated Apple Red from House of Kolor by my wife Beverley’s total support in style. The speedometer was changed using put a Mustang II front end clip as a larger, stronger, and sleeker design “3106,” while those with tailgates completing this mammoth project. with power steering and disc brakes. in comparison to the earlier AK Series. were designated “3116.” In 1952, the OCS Paints at Northampton. The to read to 90 mph and dashboard We installed a 5.7 Litre V8 motor and a First available on 28th June 1947 these Suburban came with either a tailgate or truck has been painted this colour Advance-Design was a pickup trim was painted instead of chrome. four speed auto box. The rear axle was trucks were sold with various minor panel doors. The front bench seat was in hidden places like under the hood truck series by Chevrolet, their Mid-year Chevrolet stopped using changed from 6” to 9” and we upgraded changes over the years until 25th March split, with two seats on the driver’s side (bonnet), under the sills and under first major redesign after WWII. It the 3100-6400 designation on the the suspension. 1955, when the Task Force Series trucks and a single seat on the passenger side. the fenders (wings). was billed as a larger, stronger, and hood and changed the window and As we converted the electrics from 6 Volt replaced the aging Advance-Design The 1951 design changes: Doors now Apart from the gorgeous colour sleeker design in comparison to the wiper knobs to a maroon colour. model. to 12 Volt we rewired the van but kept have vent windows. There was a mid- the other striking visual difference earlier AK Series. First available on The original engine was a 216ci the original dials. The same basic design family was used for year change from 9-board bed to 8 boards is the lowered roof line. Rob and 28th June 1947 these trucks were straight 6 with a 3/4 speed manual all of its trucks including the Suburban, per bed. It was the last year for 80 MPH The van is painted in British racing I deliberated how much metal to sold with various minor changes over transmission. green with Blue pearl overlay lacquer. panel trucks, canopy express and cab- speedometer, chrome window handle the years until 25th March 1955, overs. From 1947 until 1955, Chevrolet knobs, and chrome wiper knob. There remove to chop the roof, 3 or 4 inches. Length 196.6” (4,990mm). The interior has been reupholstered and I chose to go with 4 inches as this still when the Task Force Series trucks we have added new wheels and tyres, a trucks were number one in sales in the were new serial number codes: JP ½ ton, United States, with rebranded versions JR ¾ ton, & JS 1 ton. left plenty of headroom in the cab. replaced the aging Advance-Design Owner: Clive Hardy new exhaust plus a new fuel tank with model. electric pump. We are still using the sold at GMC locations. The original engine was a 216ci straight As the Chevy came with no running original keys. The Chevrolet Suburban is the 6 with a 3/4 speed manual transmission. gear I fitted a brand new 350ci The same basic design family was used for all of its trucks including The Chevrolet Suburban is a full size longest continuous use of an Owner: Stuart & Claire Davies Chevy engine with 4 barrel Holley SUV from Chevrolet. It is the longest automobile nameplate in production, carburettor and an Edlebrock intake the Suburban, panel trucks, canopy 10 11 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL 1965 Chevrolet C10 Longbed Stepside

The Galaxie is a 1963 1/2 Ford Galaxie the Galaxie badge, with “500” and “500/ trunk lining and mat, spare wheel and Although it is recognised as a C10 the correct I also replaced the carburettor and master The trucks featured a 6.5-foot or an 8-foot bed. 500 XL, 2 door fastback, engine 390ci XL” denoting the higher series. The tire (and mounting bracket), trunk designation for this pickup truck is C15. cylinder. I fitted an original door mirror to the The conventional 1950s throwback model was (there were 3 versions of the 390 “regular” Galaxie 500 continued below lid torsion bar, jack, lug wrench, one This identifies it as a Longbed truck with a passenger side, this was a dealer fitted option the Stepside, The new streamlined Fleetside pickup bed 8’ 2” in length. The C10/15 also back in the day. I have painted the roof white version had a flat-panel bed with integral V8 - regular, high performance, and the LTD as Ford’s mid-level full-size horn (of the stock two), armrests, rear identifies it as a ½ ton 2 wheel drive truck. I and re-upholstered the bench seat in blue and wheel wells. In 1964 the dogleg wraparound police), 300bhp and 3 speed Cruise-O- model from 1965 until its demise at the ashtrays, courtesy lights, and dome prefer stepside trucks and the proportions of white tuck and roll. It picked up the trophy for windscreen (1950’s styling) was replaced with Matic gear box with power brakes and end of the 1974 model year. light were removed to reduce weight. the longbed version work well for this type of Best Commercial Vehicle at The Rally of the the conventional curved type which allowed steering The colour is Rangoon Red, The 1963 model was essentially This 1963½ model, the industry’s first truck. Giants in 2014. However it is not just a show for easier access. the wheels are Torq Thrust alloys, It was number 8,044 that rolled off the truck, it has taken rubbish to the recycling tip Between 1960 and 1966, truck buyers could unchanged save for some freshening and official “½ year” model, was called the and done car boot sales. and it was built in Atlanta. It is 209.9” added trim; windshields were reshaped “sports hardtop” or “fastback”. Galaxie production line at GM’s plant in Norwood choose from up to six engines. In 1963, (5,331mm) long. Ohio in 1965. Total production of 27,432 C15 In 2016, as I like my vehicles low, I dropped Chevrolet added the 140-horsepower 230 and and a four-door hardtop 500/XL was buyers showed their preference as the stepsides for 1965. It has a 230ci (3.8 litre) the front 3 inches and the rear 5 inches using the 165 HP 292 six-cylinders and dropped the The car was imported in August 2015 added. A lower, fastback roofline was new sports hardtop models outsold the straight six with a 3 speed manual column a lowering kit purchased from Summit Racing 235 and 261 sixes. The optional V-8 was the from Blairsville, Georgia and the car added mid-year to improve looks and “boxtop” square-roof models. The sports change. It has done just over 68,500 miles in the US and fitted adjustable shock absorbers 160 HP 283, which was the same engine that had restoration work previously carried make the big cars more competitive on hardtop was available in both Galaxie from new. It is 5.37m (17’ 2”) long, 2m wide made to measure by a firm in Melksham. It powered the Corvette. The 250 HP 327 V-8 out in America. the NASCAR tracks with less drag and 500, and Galaxie 500/XL trim. The (7’ 3”) wide and weighs 2,222kg (2.2 tonnes). It now has a low level stance that I was after. At was an option in 1965. returns about 20mpg. the same time I replaced the original wheels Chevrolet improved the C/K series’ weight I have always wanted a car from my reduced aerodynamic lift at high speed. “Swing-away” steering wheel became with “Baby Smoothies” with chrome bullet optional. There are no power brakes (drums all round) distribution and stability by moving the birth year and achieved this when I The 1963½ was still overweight to be or steering. However it drives and handles hubcaps and fitted a set of Diamond Black front axle rearward by almost two inches and bought the Galaxie. Since I bought the competitive in drag racing, so Ford At the beginning of the 1963 model run, really well. The colour, pale blue, is an original white wall radial tyres. increasing the load capacity of the front axle. Galaxie I have carried on the restoration produced 212 lightweight versions the 292 Y-block V8 was replaced as the Chevrolet colour for this truck. The colour of The truck still drives really well and following They reduced the pickups’ height by seven work and replaced the brakes, electrics, of the “R” code 427, in the Galaxie base V8 engine with the Fairlane’s new the engine (pale blue) also designates it’s cubic the NEC Classic Car show this year drove 3.5 inches to give it a lower center of gravity. The and work has been done on the engine. 500 Sport Special Tudor Fastback. small block 260. The 260 proved under- capacity. hours non-stop from the NEC to Lincoln. It trucks employed an all-wheel independent I bought the truck blind off eBay (USA) in didn’t miss a beat. It is a solid reliable pickup suspension system with beefed up front The body work didn’t need much but Available only in Corinthian White powered for the heavy full size Ford truck that is 54 years old. springs and torsion bars with coil springs to I carried out a general tidy up of the with red vinyl interior with a list price and was replaced midyear (coincident September 2012 and it arrived in the UK in October 2012. It is from Madison, just outside Chevrolet abandoned 1950s styling in a big the rear. body. of about US$4,200 (when a base Ford with the introduction of the 63 and Nashville, in Tennessee. way in 1960, when it introduced the C/K series The early 1960s Chevy pickups featured It has been to various shows and events, 300 was US$2,324 and XL Fastback 1/2 models) with the 289 V8. The most The truck was restored in 1993 and I have the pickup trucks. The 1960 to 1966 models were bold, straight body lines, a cab with slight including my younger daughter’s prom. was US$3,268). These cars came produced combination for the Galaxie original diary of the rebuild. I believe that it leaner, more sculpted, roomier and offered overhangs over the windshield and rear stock with Borg-Warner T-10 four- and Galaxie 500 was the 352 V8, with more power than the previous generation. window, headlamp bezels and an egg-crate The Ford Galaxie is a full-sized has spent all it’s time in Tennessee. speed, 4.11:1 rear axle, heavy-duty Cruise-O-Matic and the 3.0 rear end The C/K series was so popular that the basic grille. The body was a lesson in minimalist car that was built by Ford for model Preparing it for the first MOT required only design remained through to the end of its styling, with only modest touches of chrome. suspension and brakes. They were ratio. The total production for the Ford replacing the headlights. It passed with a years 1959 through to 1974. The name production run in 1997. Between 1960 and fitted with a fibreglass hood, trunk, Galaxie for 1963 was 648,010. couple of advisories and was registered in was used for the top models in Ford’s 1966 Chevrolet continued to be America’s Owner: front fenders, and fender aprons, November 2012. In April 2014 I replaced full-size range from 1958 until 1961, favourite pickup truck and sold 588,320 in as well as aluminium bumpers and Owner: Mark Barber the lower front panel on the hood (where 1966, it’s biggest year for sales. in a marketing attempt to appeal to the indicators are), as the corners were David Radcliffe-Watts mounting brackets, transmission cases, The light-duty 1960 to 1966 pickups came in the excitement surrounding the Space rusting, with a new panel bought in from the and bell housing. Hood springs, heater, half-, three-quarter- and one-ton versions. Race. For 1962 all full-size Fords wore States. Cost $149.95 (about £90) bargain!! 12 13 Our last night here we took a tour bus to "Navy Pier" and had a Across the road was another museum, a more historical one meal in the "gangsters quarters". rather than just cars which housed many military uniforms This place looks fantastic at night with all the skyscrapers lit and all that went with it. There was an old guy there to up, what a sight. Walked back to "Double Tree" for the last time answer questions, his nephew did 3 stints in Vietnam and Route ’66, the “Mother as we pick up our hire car in the morning. after returning home, later committed suicide, very sad (why can’t we all live in harmony). Tears fell from the old guy’s eyes Chicago is known for several things, the invention of the Zip, dealing with memories. yellow cabs, mail order, Wrigley's, Hertz, Kraft and Pinball machines. Chicago was the first place in the USA to have Road” across America electric lights and the first place to sell a hot dog in a bun. Walt Disney was born here, Nat King Cole, the Obamas and Many of you reading this may wish to drive the Route '66 Next day we took another tour bus to travel to the "Willis Tower" Raymond Chandler (author) all lived here. the same as me and some of you may have a "bucket list" of and went up on the "Sky Deck" on 103rd floor. Well, that is a achievements, this was one of mine to travel across America strange feeling standing on glass looking down 1,730 feet below, on the Route '66 (or as much as we could find) through several what a sight looking over the city. There is the usual gift shop states soaking up the views and nostalgia of years gone by. We to browse through ground level. Wandered to the Hard Rock met various people from different countries doing the same trip, Cafe, just fantastic inside with guitars and stars from the past. some on Harleys and some in cars. Here's some tips before you Popped into Hershys for something sweet, can't beat Cadbury's go, hopefully this will be helpful and not bore you to sleep. First chocolate though. tip, depending on what luggage you are taking, bearing in mind the things you may buy, is to choose the right transport, some trunks are quite small and if you have a convertible it can be worse. We met a father and son from the UK driving a Mustang convertible and they got really sunburnt. As we hired a car in Chicago and returned it to LA there was a $500 additional fee so This restored 1933 Texaco Filling Station in Dwight was take that into account. Travelling through seven states which brilliant. are Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, This early ‘50s Pontiac convertible in the “Pontiac Museum” was Arizona and California takes a while so planning beforehand stunning. is a must as there are so many fascinating things to see and each person who travels this road will have different interests Moved on to Springfield, Illinois to stay in a period motel, you and places to explore, some things will be of no interest so best must go here. It is “Route ‘66 Motel and Conference Center”. to choose what suits you so you spend time enjoying the things This place is just stacked with nostalgia, even the rooms you that give the most pleasure. My wife Susie and I took 3 weeks stay in and hallways have advertising signs from the past as on this trip, and shared the driving so we both got our share of well as the diner. Saw a custom Hudson outside, went to check it views and covered 2,800 miles. out and got talking to a couple of guys with classic cars covered up who told me there was a car show the next day downtown, First of all, some states are prone to hurricanes etc so choose well, can’t miss that can we? the best time of year to cover all states, we chose September as the best. It took Susie nearly 3 months in her spare time to plan the towns to visit, the things of interest, how long to stay This fabulous Chicago Theatre makes a huge statement of past there and where to stay over night with discussions between us architectural inspirations. evenings and weekends. We wanted a mixture of hotels, motels and if we could some period motels from the past. Buying a car was my plan but this wasn't meant to be. Ok, first up is Illinois and we blew into Chicago (well, it is Here is the first Fire Truck in Dwight, a Model “T” Ford. noted to be the windy city, whether this is due to the weather or the politicians lazy at making decisions I will leave it to you). Chicago is a great city, we loved it, stayed in the "Double Tree Chicago Hilton" and being 19 floors up had a great view. Breakfast over the road in the "West Egg Cafe" set us up for the day. The trolley buses are great here as you get told a lot about the city's history and the areas you are travelling through, taking in "Little Italy", "China Town", Greek Area" and the "Black Community" (not my words). You can hop on and off as you please to look at things you wish. One bus tour went past the start point of Route '66. Take a trip by boat on Lake Michigan Route’66 Motel and Conference Centre was fantastic. and look back at the shoreline, spectacular. Busy day finished The ’66 begins in Chicago, the adventure starts here. off in a Spanish restaurant with good food and lubrication.

Route ’66 Restaurant in Dwight. Day three we picked up our Dodge Charger (sadly not an old one) and headed out onto Route ‘66, stopped at Dwight in their ‘66 Diner for a bite to eat. Across the road was a restored 1933 Texaco Filling Station with the first Dwight fire truck inside which was a Model T Ford. Went on to Pontiac, called into the Pontiac car museum, quite a small place in American terms but the cars were great and the I found standing on the “Sky Deck” on 103rd floor of the Willis Hersheys building was far more impressive than their product place was well laid out, a husband and wife run it and they were The Lincoln Museum was very well displayed and had a Tower strange to say the least. for me. great too, definitely a place to visit. hologram show too. 14 15 Up early next day and went to downtown Springfield at the Hotel fire alarm went off at 4am, elevator was shut downso Wurlitzer playing too. Bought several things here. We passed Lincoln Capital Area. We didn’t know where to look first as there a walk down from the 15 th floor wasn’t great, 3 fire trucks a few ghost towns driving today, sad to see the demise of what were over 150 cars on show covering all ages and standards arrived and half an hour later we were heading back to our was probably thriving communities before de-commission of the were really high, many would have looked good in my garage at room. Up early again, took a cab to “St Louis Car Museum”, 66 in 1986. home, ah well move on. here they store cars for owners and also sell cars. Sadly the only Elvis stayed in room 215 at “Trade Winds Motel” took a day’s The Lincoln Museum was next and we spent 3 hours there, a lot car I liked was a ‘58 Buick wagon, a very high end car which drive from Memphis. Took some pics and glad we didn’t stay of detail about President Lincoln and his life, well worth a look had a $60k price tag which was way above my budget. Sales guy there as it really looked grim now. Stopped at “Shamrock” to with lots to see. was great and while I was waiting for my cab to go back to the see the “U Drop Inn” which was an old Conoco Gas Station and hotel he pulled the Buick out of the showroom and took me for a Cafe built in 1936. This is a fantastic art deco building and cost drive in it, how nice is that? Had a chat with a team of Kiwis on $38,000 to build, when the I-40 was built the building went the Route ‘66 Tour in 15 rental Mustangs which were all parked into disrepair and was passed to the state after the owner died, in a row outside the museum. Left St Louis and headed back however it was saved by the town in 1999/2000 and restored to to “Country Classic Cars” in Staunton, must have been around it’s former glory costing $1.7m. Headed off and had lots of Route 250 cars for sale there in 3 or 4 buildings plus a few outside, 66 driving today, stumbled across many wrecks of cars and ages from 1930s to 90s, lots of them in a sorry state. Great if trucks just left in fields to rust away - sad sight to see precious someone wants a car to restore, many were less than $10k but paint less icons from 40s to 60s lazing in the field of sunshine. nothing took my fancy but had a great time there. Texas. Just before Amarillo was the “Cadillac Ranch” which Off on the 1-55 for a 300 mile plus drive to the next destination. was commissioned by Stanley Marsh in 1974 and has ten 50’s Sat nav doesn’t recognize the 66 and trophy hunters have nosed into the ground looking like metal graffiti removed 66 signs in places so the 66 is a job to find and parts Sheas Gas Station, Sringfield Illinois looked a bit sorry for covered soldiers standing to attention. There are paint spray of it doesn’t exist as the Interstate was built in place of it. We itself, bit of tlc required. cans all around on the ground where if you wish, you can spray drove as much of the 66 as we could find and surface conditions a message or name on the cars, bizarre. Moved on to “Cadillac Marathon Gas Station in Miami, maintained to it’s original Checked out “Sheas Gas Station” looked very run down and was varied from state to state but it was great travelling on roads Ranch RV Stop and Gift Shop” nearby to look at three 59 glory. closed, met a guy outside who said the owner was ill and his son that so many had travelled to find their fortunes in the past. Cadillacs with a large cowboy statue outside. was running it, well he’s doing a poor job I thought. Walking Headed off early to “Stroud” and stopped at the “Rock Cafe” Next town to visit is “Vega” to see the “Magnolia Petroleum back to the car we called in the Lincoln Library and the “Cosy for breakfast which was built in 1937. This place was burned Station” established in 1924 on Route 66, then on to see “Dot’s Dog Cafe” for coffee, back to hotel. Had a meal in “Yesterdays”. to the ground in 2007 but the owner Dawn Welch had it up Mini Museum” and the end of the ‘Old Route 66 Mother Road’. and running again a year to the day it was burned down. Dawn Around this area there were a few Ghost Towns with deserted also owns “Mammies Market” next door and she was also the buildings and abandoned cars left by those that have moved to inspiration as ‘Sally the Porsche’ in “Cars” movie. The “Skyliner seek their fortunes elsewhere. “Adrian” was next to the “Mid- Motel and “Phillips Gas Station” (which was being restored) Point Route 66 Gift Shop” which stated it was 1139 miles each are in the same town. Moved on to “Chandler” to see “Route way either to Chicago or LA and was a cafe too. Elvis used to 66 Interpretive Centre” lots of history here and well worth a have his Special cake here which was known as “Ugly Pie”. visit. Found “Seaba Gas Station” which was very old and dis- Well, we just had to try this out, coffee and Ugly Pie was great, used. Off to “Arcadia” next to see the “Round Barn” and 66 foot we asked for the recipe to bring home but no luck, if you are that high pop bottle (over rated). Arrived in “Hydro” to see “Lucilles way then you must have some. Great place, bought more things Roadhouse” which was the original gas station built in 1927 by to bring home. “Glenrio” was next, the old part of town was Lucille and Carl Hamons, then on to “Lucilles Diner” for coffee again like a Ghost Town. These towns tend to give a mixture which is a great place to visit. When the state of Oklahoma of feelings, intrigue, imagining the time in the past when these decommissioned route 66 they struggled to make ends meet. were thriving and now the look of despair in the buildings with The place was granted a special recognition plaque in 1992 for broken motel or gas station signs. 51 years in business. Lucille wrote a book in 1997 which is her biography: ‘Lucille - Mother of the Mother Road’ sadly she died Andy Green The Ariston Café was built in 1949, closed when we stopped by. in 2000, but she was inducted into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall Next time it’s New Mexico ...... of Fame, now in the “Route ‘66 Museum” in Clinton. This is a The final part of Andy & Susie’s amazing Route 66 adventure Early next morning we headed off for St Louis found the “ brilliant place just stacked full of information and a working will be featured in the next edition of Multicylnder. Ariston Cafe” built in 1949, moved on to “Scotty’s” cafe built in 1948 but now called “Weezies” and had breakfast. We then took a while to find “Country Classic Cars” which is in Staunton, What a great sign outside the Steak and Shake in Springfield sadly it was Sunday so it was closed so moved on to St Louis Missouri. where we stayed in the “Hampton Inn” by the huge arch. It was Missouri was next, stopped at “Springfield”, filled up with gas a toss up owing to time between the arch and a boat trip on the for $59!!! Booked into “Best Western Route ‘66 Rail Haven” Mississippi. Boat trip won as weather was good and great to then went to Gray-Campbell Farmstead with the oldest house go sight seeing, this river is quite fast flowing with a fair bit of in Springfield built 1856 by James Price Gray, the house stayed driftwood floating by. Time to head to the hotel as there are over in the same family until 1950 then sold as a historic site along 300 miles to cover tomorrow. with a 2 crib barn and school house. Moved on to “Askinosie’s Chocolate Factory” had a tasting but not like Cadbury’s. Battlefield Mall next to buy bits for home and had a meal in “Steak ‘N’ Shake”. Left “Springfield” early after breakfast and headed off on the 66 to “Galena” to “Cars on the Route” which had a tow truck called Tow Maters from the movie “Cars”. Moved on to “Miami”, coffee in “Lil Cafe” then saw the “Marathon Gas Station” Many of these places just needed a photo as not much else to see. “Afton” next to see the “DX Station” which is a museum, worth a look. “Bushyhead Foyil” next to see the “Totem Pole Park” then on to “Catoosa” to see the concrete whale then on to the “D.W. Correll Museum” which had rare rocks and gems along with cars from 1898 to 1948. Another great day. Arrived in Gateway Arch Riverboat entrance to catch a great boat trip “Sapulpa, Oklahoma” and checked in to the “Super 8 Hotel” down the Mississippi. and dinner was in “Freddies” next door. Conoco Gas Station in Shamrock Oklahoma built in 1936, what a great building. 16 17 Eye-Catching Pennzoil Dealer Editor’sEditor’s Advertising Service Panel Truck ScrapbookScrapbook

This 1930 Studebaker Model GN-P, ¾ ton panel truck sits on a 115 inch wheel base with a 6-cylinder engine General Motors Truck went all out to that produced 71 BHP @ promote its "Fifth Avenue" line. Front- 3,200 RPM. end treatment was similar to Buick of same period. Hub caps read GMT Ninety years ago the way rather than GMC. commercial trucks were dealt with was much different from today. In current times Pennzoil would probably purchase a fleet of vans made by one of the big three, add vinyl wraps, the needed equipment and the trucks would be out on the street in no time. In 1930 when this set of publicity images was taken, the Pennzoil distributor in the Los Angeles, CA, went a bit upscale and purchased Studebaker Six light truck chassis’ for its sign service fleet. It is not known if the panel truck body was built by the auto and truck maker or if it contracted The service body features a pair of reverse-painted glass Pennzoil panels, a out to one of the many commercial two-tone paint job, double whitewalls, and accessory bumpers. The back of the body builders in the LA area for truck contains the tools of the trade needed for installing and servicing signs this classy-looking unit. This promotional photo features Ruth Etting, who in the 1920s and 1930s had over 60 hit recordings and worked in at Pennzoil dealers. The corporate colour scheme at the time would have been the stage, radio and film industry. She is seen here in a very exclusive city delivery vehicle, which has Massachusetts yellow, red and black, I’m guessing the fenders could have been painted red and plates. This Custom Town Panel Van is a bit of an oddity, as it is wearing 1929 Buick front end sheet metal with a the rest of the truck yellow and black together with a black fabric roof. coach built body and it appears to be sitting on a GMT chassis.

18 19 1941 Packard 160 Club Coupe

1930 REO Milk “Bottle” Full ground up (frame off) original We’ve all seen old milk trucks, but when restoration. This Packard 160 coupe is a was the last time that you saw one that Truck! wonderful looking and driving car! The actually looked like a milk bottle? This motor is the Super 8, 356 C.I. 160 hp unique creation is claimed to be 1 of 3 motor. 3 speed column shift transmission. trucks built for Berwick Creamery. It 127 inch wheel base. Motor Number: needs to be restored, but the irreplaceable D504060. 1903 Body. 1475 Chassis. parts appear to all be there. The seller All original packard parts used in the doesn’t include an asking price in their restoration proccess. Full ground up craigslist ad, but they do mention that restoration. Countless hours and dollars the truck has a clear title and that they invested. are open to trades It’s located in Wapwallopen, Pennsylvania If you look closely, you can make out the Berwick Creamery logo. I bet this was quite a sight to see back in the day. Just picture the look on the neighborhood kid’s faces when the milkman came rolling down the streets of Berwick, Pennsylvania in this thing! Heck, if it were mine, I’d be tempted to start up a delivery business just to cruise around and make everyone’s day. The restoration would most likely be more than I could realistically manage, but I want to try so badly! Researching the history of the truck and attempting to return it to its original form would be lots of fun. An old milk truck may not normally be that exciting, but I bet this one would even get you invited to all sorts of events.

This photo (right) shows a 1930 REO, with similar coach work to the un- restored Berwick Creamery bottle truck.

20 21 MyMy ClassicClassic ‘THE CHEVY’ is a Real Family Car

The very first challenge was to get THE CHEVY out of that Perhaps the grand children will one day reminisce about that spooky garage. Surprisingly, the tires inflated and actually held rainy picnic in THE CHEVY and fall in love with 'her' just as I firm until they were replaced with white walls here in did. Carrying the dream a bit further perhaps one of them will back in 1994. What do we do with the engine? One way out keep it in the family and give 'her' a loving home when we're would have been to replace it. We didn't. Billy persevered and both gone. After all it is a great family car! somehow un-seized the engine and then refurbished it. The In 2014, as a newish member of the ‘Pre50 AAC’ we took The original engine was saved. Chevy to Blenheim. To my great joy it won first place in the It took almost a year to get her up and running, but Billy did Harley Earl 1950-1954 category. it. A new gas tank, new battery, spark plugs and a few minor During 2016, one of the grandchildren mentioned in the above bits and bobs was all he actually bought for it. One thing that article asked me to drive her to her wedding! Next to the bride, we did concede to was the replacing the rusted out hubcaps my beautiful grand-daughter…The Chevy was the star of the with ones from a '53. After nursing the Chevy back to life, show. It was one of the proudest days of my life. Billy was actually able to drive it to the port. There 'she' was actually driven onto the ship for its journey to 'her' new home in Oxfordshire. When 'she' arrived on our driveway 'she' looked a whole lot better than when I had last seen 'her' in that garage, but 'she' still had a long way to go to look like that grand Chevy of '51. So Angie and I made the decision to turn her into A Grand Old Lady. We tempered our extravagance with the thought that we wanted On the fifth of November 1951 my Aunt Lizzie collected her THE CHEVY out. She seemed to always be hitting an ill-placed to keep her as original as possible. When Aunt Lizzie bought brand new 1951 Chevrolet Deluxe from the dealership. She concrete back porch that got in her way whether going to or the car practicality and simplicity were her prime concerns. No was the first person in our family to buy a new car. In fact, her from the garage. white walls, one color, no radio. Not really very grand. Chevy was the first brand new car I had ever seen. Although to So she drove her Chevy sparingly until 1971. There is still only We decided to 'sex' it up a little. We chose to paint the car two- everyone else this car is just a Chevy. To me, and every member 69,765 original miles on the clock. At that time illness forced tone. We selected the original gray to be complemented with a of our family, it is THE CHEVY. her to give up driving, but she didn't give up her Chevy. She shade of white illustrated in the original 1951 catalogue. The It was amazing. So big, so shiny, and so new! And, I was its first pulled it in the garage, and locked both THE CHEVY and the catalogue was amongst all of Aunt Lizzie's Chevy Papers. And passenger. When I sat back on the enormous front bench seat garage. No one set foot in the garage until after her death in of course, we had to have white walls. In the future we may just my feet didn't even touch the floor. It also had a fascinating 1992. splash out and finally add a radio, it will have to be an original 'new smell' to it. I was in love. I guess you could say it was 'love Two years earlier, in 1990, I had moved to England with my '51 model though. at first sight'. wife, Angie, who just happens to be English. I did go back to The grand old lady is now a celebrity in our village, 'she' was Unlike many car lovers who pine over memories of some special New Jersey, my former home, for Aunt Lizzie's funeral. At that the lead vehicle in our Village Millennium Celebrations. But my car from their youth, I'm extremely lucky. Mine is in the garage. time I also went to visit THE CHEVY. It wasn't the same car favorite recent memory with THE CHEVY took place recently Let me fill you in on how that came about. Aunt Lizzie loved her that I fell in love with in 1951. The years of dust had turned to when the family had an outing to Waddesdon Manor and rain Chevy. It was to be the only car she ever owned. However, she thick grime, all four fenders were rusted as a result of that back nearly spoiled our picnic. However, THE CHEVY came to our wasn't a great driver. She was challenged every-time she took porch, the gas tank had rusted out, as had the hubcaps and rescue when all 6 of us (4 adults and two grand children) were skirts. The tires were flat as pan cakes. Worst of all, the engine able to eat comfortably on those enormous bench seats. had seized up. But, sitting inside 'her' brought back floods of wonderful memories. My feet now did touch the floor, and 'she' still seemed huge! There was a bonus. The inside was still almost like new. In the past few years I have arrived at the conclusion that The Imagination is a wondrous thing, it still seemed to have that Chevy might not always be in the garage. Whether it will go to 'new smell' to it. At that moment I decided, as Aunt Lizzie had one of the grand kids here or in the USA, or be sold , It won’t left me THE CHEVY, it was coming back to England with me. be mine and I’ll miss it very much. So I came up with a ‘partial’ That was easier said than done. I had to return to England in solution. I was able to source out a plastic model (had to settle three days time. The easy thing would have been to sell the car for a BelAir not just a Deluxe from AMT) SO, I now have a for scrap. The best thing for THE CHEVY though, was to keep replica….Grandpa’s Little Chevy sitting on my bookshelf, AND 'her' in the family and give 'her' a loving home. the real CHEVY is still in the garage. Thus started the resurrection of THE CHEVY, and for that I The Chevy now spends most of her days ‘resting’ in the garage, was going to need alot of help. That came in the form of a very as of today there is only 70285 original miles on the clock. talented and patient friend, Billy Kappes. I think he's the best car mechanic in NJ. Without his help I think it would have been the scrap heap option! Ed Hamill 22 23 PREPRE PRE 55PRE00 PREPRE’50’50 AMERICAN AUTO CLUBCLUB 50 PRE’50 AMERICAN AUTO CLUB Station Wagons 5AAAA0CC PRE’50 AMERICAN AUTO CLUB AAC Advert AAdvdvertert Est.Est.AA 1965 1965C presents Est. 1965 presents Advert Est. 1965 presents 188 x 130 188188 xx 130130 Bristol All American Car Show 188 x 130 RRallyRRallyaaSundayllllyy 7th Juneofoooff f2020, thettthe Yatehh Footballe GIANTSG Ground,IA LodgeNN Road,TTSS Yate, 22017 20172BS3700 7LE1177 RRallyally ooff tthehe GGIANTSIANTS 22017017 SundaySunday -- ShowShow DayDay Sunday - Show Day Sunday - Show Day FForor TTraderade Stands,Stands, For Trade Stands, Rally of the GIANTSFor Trade Stands, EntryEntry FFormsorms andand nearnear by by Entry Forms and near by “Classic American Sunday 12th July 2020, EntryHotelHotel F ormsAccommodationAccommodation and near by Hotel Accommodation MagazineHotel Accommodation Car of the visitvisitYear ourour Event” website:website: visit our website: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1PP visit our website: For Tradewwwwww Stands,.pre50aac.com.pre50aac.com Entry Forms and nearby Hotel www.pre50aac.com TheThe ShowShow forfor thethe loverslovers ofof ClassicClassic American Vehicles www.pre50aac.com The Show for the lovers of Classic American Vehicles The Show for the lovers of Classic American Vehicles Accommodation visit our website: www.pre50aac.com SUNDAY SUNDAY 9th JULY FFullull detailsdetails from:from: 9th JULY Full details from: (Gates9th open JUL 9.00amY DavidDavidFull details0779807798 818from:818 533533 (Gates open 9.00am David 07798 818 533 (Gates open 9.00am WWoodstockoodstock nearnear OxfordOxford on Sunday) [email protected]@pre50aac.comDavid 07798 818 533 Woodstock near Oxford on Sunday) [email protected] Woodstock near Oxford on Sunday) The Show for enthusiasts of all Classic American Vehicles [email protected]

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GEOFF’S 13 Cars for Sale Corner Headlight News GEOFF’S Cars & Parts Gavins Wanted Editor’sEditor’s ScrapbookScrapbook BumperBumper NewsNews Headlight News Chris’s Views Keep On Truckin’ Chris’s Views

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