Volume 16 Issue 7 July 1, 2016

My Pride And Joy

Hank Dikkeboom’s beautifully restored 1937 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe By Rick Miller, originally appearing in the November 4, 2010 issue of the Milton Courier. This may be the computer information age (or is it the portable digital device age?), but drawing a line across a clean page is still the first step in creating new design, be it digitally or on paper. A designer may bend a line one way or another based upon an object's purpose, de- Welcome to the sign trends or more artistic influences. It's that purely creative process that has given us Northstar News, the many classic automobiles, including the Lincoln Zephyr, produced by Ford from 1936 monthly publication of to 1942. the Northstar Region An outstanding, restored 1937 Lincoln Zephyr coupe resides just north of Milton, Wisconsin in Hank Dikkeboom's shop. Zephyr sedans were built in greater numbers, of the Lincoln and but the curves of the early coupes epitomize the design concept best. Surviving coupes Continental Owners like Dikkeboom's are a rolling tribute to an entire, pre-war design movement. Club. We value your The 1920s saw the birth of a popular design style now known as Art Deco. The opinions and appreciate worldwide Art Deco style was so popular that it affected all areas of design in the 1920s your input concerning and 1930s, including painting, graphic arts (advertising), architecture and industrial de• this newsletter and the sign. New York City's Chrysler and Empire State buildings are arguably the best-known operation of the club. examples of Art Deco architecture. This is your club. A parallel design movement was Streamline Modern, or simply streamline, where

(Continued on page 2)

This Issue Contains

Feature Story 1 Directors Message 4 Club Information Page 2 North Star Board Meeting Minutes 5 Editors Message 3 Northstar Region Events 17 Trivia 3 NORTHSTAR NEWS Board Of Directors - 2016

Title Name Phone Numbers email Term Ends Regional Director Bob Johnson H(651)257-1715 [email protected] 2017 H(952)473-3038 Secretary Roger Wothe [email protected] 2017 O(952)583-5339 Treasurer Matt Foley C(612)280-4930 [email protected] 2018 Activities Director Jay White H(952)432-5939 [email protected] 2017 Director Bob Roth H(763)475-1429 2017 Publications/ Dave Gustafson H(952)435-1919 [email protected] 2018 Membership

Director Tom Brace H(651)644-1716 [email protected] 2018

Director Eric Chinquist H(612)781-7622 [email protected] 2018 Director Richard Eilers H(218)393-5747 [email protected] 2017

Members and guests are welcome to attend the Board Meetings. Our meeting location will be printed elsewhere in the newsletter, as it often will be held in conjunction with other club events. Articles and other information for the newsletter should be sent to David Gustafson, Editor, at 308 Brandywine Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337.

Pride and Joy Continued...

(Continued from page 1) shapes were influenced by aerodynamic principles, at least as they were understood at the time. Some of the 20th century's greatest de- signers were products of this era, including Raymond Loewy, Virgil Exner and Milwaukee's Brooks Stevens (Loewy and Stevens were two of the original 1944 founders of the Industrial Designers Soci- ety of America). The merger of the Art Deco and streamline styles began pushing designers' pencil lines in dramatic new directions in the pre-war years. Objects of everyday life suddenly sprouted aerodynamic shapes even if that object, such as a toaster, wasn't supposed to move. And the arcing, aerodynamic lines of pre-war planes, trains and automobiles like the mass-produced Zephyr or custom built French Delahayes continue to inspire. Just this month, for example, Mercedes Benz is giving media previews of its restyled-for-2012 CLS se- dans, which go on sale next spring. Inspiration for the car's "new" styling direction with bulging rear fenders and fastback styling is Mercedes' own prewar streamliner: the 1937 Autobahn Cruiser. The 2012 CLS was designed in the U.S. by Hubert Lee, director of Mercedes' Glendale, California design studio. Commenting on his latest design, Lee told Autoweek magazine, "It's like art; if you do what's expected, it's not special." The 1934 Chrysler Airflow was an unexpected and dramatic attention-getter as the first American production car to use form-follows-function, streamlining techniques as a basis for design. Chrysler had built a wind tunnel in Highland Park, Michigan, and the Airflow's basic shape came about after engineer Carl Breer, with cooperation (Continued on page 6)

2 NORTHSTAR NEWS

Trivia from the Editors Message July 2016 Internet June is in the rear view mirror. We be hosting a Lincoln car show on Sat- now have the two hot months, July and urday, July 23 and our North Star August to look forward to. Be sure members will be attending in-force. that you take some time out to enjoy Other interesting activities are also the evenings as they can be some of the planned for this four-day tour, includ- best parts of a summer’s day. If you ing stops for food, which is almost as are fortunate enough to have a con- good as looking at old cars. For more vertible, the time behind the wheel information and to sign up for this tour, Cabs with the top down in the early evening contact Bob Johnson at 651.257.1715. 1917 - 1982 can be the most pleasurable part of In August, some of us will be mak- owning such a car. Stock up on the ing the journey over to Hickory Cor- Checker Taxi was experiences of the nice days now, so ners, Michigan and the site of the Lin- an American taxi you can remember them coln Heritage Motor company. It used the some six months from Car Museum and to now, when you are in- celebrate their second produced by Checker side freezing your back- annual homecoming. of Kalamazoo, Michi- side. The joys of living The host will be the gan. in Minnesota. At least Road Race Lincoln The "Checker", par- we don’t have to suffer Register, one of the ticularly the 1958–82 through 100+ degree four founding organi- Checker A series se- days and nearby forest zations of the Lincoln dans remain the most fires like many of our Museum. All four famous taxi cab vehi- friends that live in the clubs, Lincoln Owners cles in the United southwest part of the Sweet Olga enjoying a nice Club, Lincoln Zephyr States. The vehicle is United States. summer day checking out all Owners Club, Road comparable to the Lon- In July we will be the pretty flowers. All girls Race Lincoln Register don Taxi in its nation- touring Iowa and Mis- love flowers and Olga is no and Lincoln and Conti- ally renowned styling, souri, first visiting exception. nental Owners Club which went largely Boone, Iowa and the have been invited and unchanged throughout home of the iconic Mark II convertible. many members, along with their fine its use, and also for its This Mark II was created especially for Lincolns will be in attendance. It will iconic status. Mrs. Eleanor Clay Ford from a car be a good chance to see some very Motorized taxi shipped to Derham Body Company in unique Lincolns and take in a bit more cabs began to appear Pennsylvania, and is the only factory of the Hickory Corners complex. on the streets of major authorized convertible for which docu- Also in August, there will be a cities beginning in the mentation exists. This interesting “Gathering of the Faithful”, a meet early 1900s. Particu- Mark graced our show fields when we sponsored by the Lincoln Zephyr Own- larly in Chicago, sponsored the LCOC Mid America at ers Club from August 18 – 20 in Red where numerous rail- Bloomington in 1992. We will eventu- Wing, Minnesota. We urge our mem- roads had terminals, ally make our way to the great me- bers to get a meet packet, register for there was considerable tropolis of Moscow Mills, Missouri, some of the events, go and support our need for on-demand, home to the infamous collection of friends in the Zephyr Club. Some point-to-point chauf- very unique automobiles owned by our great cars and even greater people will feur-driven transpor- longtime member and good friend, be there. You surely will have a good tation. Hotels, depart- Dick Koop. As we are fond of saying, time. ment stores, and office every car has a story, and Dick has Till next month…. buildings embraced some great stories to tell about those David, Marion and Sweet Olga, the (Continued on page 4) who reside in his collection. He will Samoyed.

3 NORTHSTAR NEWS (Continued from page 3) the amenity, but often Directors Message by Bob Johnson July 2016 limited access to their Can you believe that July is almost here! The facilities to a single cab annual car show at Morries, Back to the 50’s at the company. Kickbacks fairgrounds and the Mid America National Meet in were common, and the Dayton, Ohio are already history for this year. It is system favored larger time to get ready for our July car shows, we have operators, who had the two in July for your enjoyment, one local in Maple financial resources to Grove and one in Moscow Mills, Missouri, hosted "play the game". by Dick Koop. Please get your Lincoln out and see By 1920, there were if you can find a route that is road construction free two dominant taxi-cab and enjoy the summer cruising our highways. companies operating in We started our car show season with our 8th annual Memorial Day week- Chicago: and end car show, on Saturday, May 28, at Morries Ford Lincoln, in Minnetonka. Checker Taxi. Yellow The weather was cool, damp and with rain forecasted. We were a few cars Cab Company was short due to the threat of rain, but we still had a fun day. founded in 1910 by John The first event for July is the Maple Grove Days car show on Saturday, July Hertz who subsequently 16th. We will meet at Perkins, 11801 73rd avenue North in Maple Grove at established his own cab 8:00AM for breakfast. Perkins is just south of 694 on Hemlock, take the Hem- manufacturing business lock exit off 694. If breakfast and 8:00AM are too early for you, we will meet in 1917. Checker Taxi did at 9:00AM, at Perkins and then drive to the show and park together to make the not own its own cab ultimate fashion statement with our beautiful Lincolns. The show is 10:00AM manufacturing com- to 3:30PM with a $5 entry fee. The show entrance is at 8001 Mainstreet in Ma- pany, but principally ple Grove. used Mogul Cabs, manu- Our second event for July is a road trip to Moscow Mills, Missouri, with factured by Common- stops along the way, including Boone, Iowa to see the custom Mark II converti- wealth. ble, originally commissioned by the Ford family and now owned by the Geop- pinger family. We will depart the Twin Cities, Thursday, July 21 and stop for lunch at 12:45PM at the Saints Avenue Café, 1312 South Story Street, Boone. After lunch, we will drive a short distance to visit Geoppinger’s. Leaving there, we will continue on to Ames, Iowa and spend Thursday night at the Holi- day Inn Express, 2600 East 13th St, Ames. Call 515-232-2300, for reservations and ask for “Lincoln Club”, room rate which is $109 plus tax, and will honored till June 30. Morris Markin, a Friday morning, we will depart Ames and travel to Moscow Mills to visit clothier from Chicago, with Dick Koop and see his most interesting collection of underappreciated Illinois, became the automobiles known to mankind. Saturday, July 23, we will have our 14th an- owner of 'Markin Auto- nual out state Lincoln car show at his garage and we should see other LCOC mobile Body', an auto- members with their Lincolns from Missouri and Illinois. Dick has also set up body manufacturer visits to other collections and nearby fine dining establishments. based in Joliet, Illinois To reserve rooms for Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23 contact Holiday following a default by Inn Express, 1175 Technology Drive, O’Fallon, MO. Call 636-300-4844 for the owner on a $15,000 reservations and ask for the “Lincoln Club “room rate of $103 plus tax. If you personal loan. The facil- need help call Bob Johnson 651-257-1715 or Dick Koop 608-239-2840. This is ity made bodies for Com- an ala carte tour, attend whatever you want to, all four days or just part of the monwealth Motors, tour. It will be fun and we will look forward to seeing you on the tour. which marketed the ve- We have added a special Train Day, Saturday, August 27, to view Bill Jur- hicles to cab companies ing’s, outdoor garden railway, the Falls Creek and Boulder Rail Road, dis- (Continued on page 5) (Continued on page 6) 4 NORTHSTAR NEWS (Continued from page 4) under the trade name Northstar Monthly Board Meeting Minutes 'Mogul'. Commonwealth Motors was on the BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING verge of bankruptcy but had an order from June 9, 2016 Checker Taxi (a pri- vately owned cab com- Regional Director Bob Johnson called the meeting to order at Morrie’s Ford Lin- pany by George Hilsky coln Minnetonka Dealership at 7:00pm. Board members present were Bob John- in Chicago and New son, Bob Roth, David Gustafson, Jay White and Roger Wothe. Another member York City that had no present was Mary Johnson. The minutes of the previous meeting and the agenda affiliation with of this meeting were approved. Markin at the time). Markin acquired Com- DIRECTORS’ REPORTS monwealth Motors via a stock swap, and Regional Director Bob Johnson reviewed our local club activities: merged it with Markin Automobile June 17-19, Back to the Fifties, Minnesota State Fairgrounds Body, forming Checker June 16-20, Mid America Meet, Dayton Ohio Cab Manufacturing in July 16, Maple Grove Days Car Show, meet with Jay at Perkins at 8:00am order to honor the con- July 21-24 Koop’s Outstate Car Show (July 23 10:00-3:30pm) tractual commitment. August 10-14, Second Lincoln Homecoming, Hickory Corners MI Checker cabs were August 27, Train day at Bill Juring’s Outdoor Garden Railroad manufactured in Joliet for two years, then LCOC National board election, Dick Koop, Steve D’Ambrosia, John McCarthy, production was shifted Dick Nelson, and Stacy Roscoe are all endorsed by the North Star Region to Kalamazoo, Michi- LCOC. Please vote for five. gan. The sturdy Checker cabs gained Lincoln Museum Endowment fund raising needs our support. They will raffle a the acceptance and new Lincoln sedan to help raise funds. loyal following of Checker Taxi opera- North Star Region will be hosting 2018 Mid America National Meet; the loca- tors in Chicago. tion was moved to Twin City area—more convenient for both National and Re- Markin began buy- gional Members. Our hotel search area will be in the I-394 and St Paul area. Our ing up Checker Taxi main Driving tour, we will be able to again view Morries Car Museum. Bob operators' licenses in Johnson and Matt Foley will be Co-Meet Chairpersons. Please think about what 1924, gaining full con- you can do to help with this event. trol of the company in 1937. Markin followed Treasurer Matt Foley has passed onto Bob that the Treasury stands at $2,615.83 Hertz's business plan with all bills paid. in having drivers open doors for the fares, Membership and Publications Director Dave Gustafson reported that there are and outfitted each about one hundred forty renewed memberships. He still needs “My Pride and driver with a uniform. Joy” articles. Checker became the first cab company to There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm. The next hire African- meeting will be held at Morrie’s Ford Lincoln Minnetonka, July 14 at 7:00pm. American drivers and (Continued on page 6) Respectfully submitted by Secretary Roger Wothe. 5 NORTHSTAR NEWS

(Continued from page 5) the first to require More Bob Johnson More Pride and Joy that drivers pick up all fares, not just Euro- (Continued from page 4) (Continued from page 2) pean-American ones. played in his yard, at 3410 Owasso St, from Orville Wright, had conducted a Competition for Shoreview, MN, 55126, 10 AM to series of wind resistance tests on scale fares in Chicago was 12:30PM, then drive to a nearby loca- models. fierce in the 1920s, and tion for lunch. But the Airflow was a resounding, drivers began ganging We are still waiting for The State commercial flop. It was undoubtedly up on one another be- of Michigan to approve and license forward-thinking and admired, but tween fares. The fight- The Lincoln Motor Car Heritage with its curving, waterfall front end ing between the two Foundation to hold the 2016 raffle of a and fender skirts, most consumers of cab companies esca- 2017 Continental Sedan. The dates the day thought it weird or just down- lated to the point for drawing will change to sometime right ugly. where Markin's home in November this year. Yes, we will Ford was also in the streamline game. was firebombed, which still do the raffle. More details Auto manufacturers were still contracting prompted Markin to shortly. with independent coachbuilders for car relocate Checker Cab Our latest Region Project, blue bodies, and a few of these firms even had Manufacturing to polo shirts for $25 and white baseball in-house design teams in order to generate Michigan. caps for $10 are now available and eye-catching drawings with hopes of lur- Hertz had sold the will be for sale at all our Region ing more volume business. controlling interest in events and car shows. We ordered 24 Edsel Ford had contracted with Briggs his Yellow Cab Com- shirts for men and 24 shirts for Manufacturing Company to supply stand• pany to the Parmelee women, the men’s shirts have a ard Lincoln bodies, and within Briggs was Transportation Com- pocket. We reordered and have re- Dutch-born engineer/designer John pany, but in 1929, af- ceived more men’s medium sized Tjaarda, another streamline disciple who ter a suspicious fire at shirts to meet future requests. had emigrated to the U.S. in 1923. Tjaarda his stables killed his The North Star Region will be had worked at GM under Harley Earl, the prized race horses, hosting the 2018 Mid America Na- man credited with inventing the art of auto- Hertz sold his remain- tional Meet. The location was moved motive design. Tjaarda's signature aero ing shares of Yellow to the Twin City area—more conven- shape was that of a teardrop on its side Cab to Markin, who ient for both National and Regional with the point at the rear. subsequently acquired Members. Our hotel search will be in Under the sheet metal Tjaarda fa- another one-third in the I394 and St Paul area. For our vored placing engines in the rear and hav- the company from main driving tour, we will be able to ing four-wheel independent suspension Parmelee, thus taking once again view Morries Car Museum. instead of conventional straight axles and control of both Parme- We are looking at the month of July leaf springs. A July, 1931 issue of lee and Yellow Cab. In because some of our members have "Modern Mechanix: Yesterday's Tomor- 1940, Parmelee children in school and might otherwise row Today," proclaimed a streamline (including Yellow and be precluded from attending a Septem- Tjaarda conceptual drawing as a Checker Cab) became ber meet. Bob Johnson and Matt "Streamlined, rear-engine car designed the largest cab com- Foley will be co-meet chairpersons. for the American market." pany in the United Please think about what you can do to Tjaarda penned a teardrop-shaped States. help with this meet. concept of a Lincoln Zephyr that, like the Prior to selling the As always, keep the journey con- Chrysler Airflow, also had a stubby, wa- Yellow Cab company, tinuing in our marvelous Lincolns. terfall-like front end. In 1933 Briggs pro- Hertz had sold his taxi duced a full-size wood Zephyr prototype -cab, truck, and coach that was displayed in Detroit and New (Continued on page 7) Bob and Mary Johnson….. (Continued on page 7)

6 NORTHSTAR NEWS

(Continued from page 6) manufacturing arm in Pride and Joy Continued... 1925 to General Motors. Continued from page 6) The list of auto manufacturers that com- GM wanted to sell part York at "Exhibition of Progress" road pletely folded in the pre-war period reads of the acquired business shows. The mockup was also sent to the like a "Who's who" of great American and made an offer to 1934 Chicago World's Fair, the luxury marques, and includes Duesen- Markin, but Markin de- "Century of Progress International Ex- berg, Franklin, Peerless, Pierce, Cord, clined. Rather than position," where it took its place along- Auburn and Cunningham. eliminate the capacity of side other American dream cars like Many of these high-end luxury cars Yellow Manufacturing, Cadillac's V-16 limousine. of the day were essentially one-off cus- General Motors entered The "Century of Progress" expo was toms subject to the options and whims of the business in New York City as Termi- also a coming-out party for perhaps the wealthy owners. But at auto giants like nal Taxi Cab. General most famous Zephyr, the Burlington Ford, Edsel (and father Henry) knew the Motors operated Yellow Route Railroad’s Zephyr train (Merriam- Lincoln brand needed to expand its mar- Coach as a subsidiary Webster defines Zephyr as "a gentle ket reach downward and add a lower- until 1943, at which time breeze"). The polished, stainless steel priced, mass-produced car to its model the company was "Silver Streak" became an icon of portfolio in order to survive. merged with GMC Truck streamline design, and is now on perma- The Zephyr, in addition to being the Division, and manufac- nent display at Chicago's Museum of first Ford with streamline styling, was turing shifted from Chi- Science and Industry. also the first car in company history to cago to Pontiac, Michi- To gamer maximum publicity for its have unibody construction instead of gan. debut, the Burlington Route Zephyr set body-on-frame. A second "taxi war" speed records and hit 112.5 mph on ex- It was another idea favored by Tjaarda. broke out, with Checker isting rail during its "Dawn to Dusk" Edsel and his old man nixed the rear Taxi Co and Terminal dash from Denver, Colorado to Chicago engine idea and other advanced engi- Taxi Co operators fight- on May 26, 1934 (Ironically, while this neering thought, so by the time the car ing it out in New York article is being written, Wisconsin's was developed for the marketplace it City. To end the dispute, Governor-elect and his army of lawyers was front-engine, rear-drive with solid New York Mayor Jimmy are working overtime to kill a nascent axles and leaf springs. It also retained Walker created the New high-speed rail industry in the state). Henry's penchant for mechanical, cable- York Taxi Cab Commis- actuated brakes (Duesenberg had been sion (now called the New using hydraulic brakes since 1921). York City Taxi and Lim- The glaring exception to the norm ousine Commission), in the car's mechanicals is the 267 cubic which issued a limited inch, 75-degree, V-12 engine. Edsel number of cab operator felt a V-8 wasn't prestigious enough permits, called for even a modestly priced Lincoln. To "medallions", and man- keep costs for a new engine lower, dated that cabs have Wherever the Lincoln Zephyr was Henry insisted on using as many parts seating for five passen- displayed Ford questioned people view- from the existing V-8 as possible. gers in the rear compart- ing the concept and found most liked it, Thus, the new engine inherited some of ment, which favored though only about 50 percent were inter- the same overheating and crankcase Checker and a handful of ested in a rear engine. Those questioned ventilation problems of the flathead V- other manufacturers also liked the idea of a smaller, less ex- 8s. The engine's peak horsepower of that built automobiles pensive Lincoln, which was part of 110 was achieved at 3,900 rpm, which which met this require- Ford's business strategy for the Zephyr. was high for the time. Dikkeboom said ment. Over the next Due to the Great Depression, the some buyers, unaccustomed to higher- three decades, Markin market for luxury cars had collapsed. (Continued on page 8) (Continued on page 8) 7 NORTHSTAR NEWS (Continued from page 7) More Pride and Joy was involved in the for- Lincoln archives in the 1940s. mation of "Checker Taxi" (Continued from page 7) It had been rear-ended while parked or "Checker Cab" compa- rpm V-12s, contributed to engine prob- in 1986, and then languished in storage. nies in a number of ma- lems by constantly tooling around at The damage helped Dikkeboom in ac- jor U.S. cities. low revs. "People didn't drive them hard quiring the otherwise good condition, At one point, Markin enough or fast enough," Dikkeboom in- original Zephyr for a very good price. sold Checker Cab Manu- sists, "These cars are not meant to be facturing to E.L. Cord, lugged." Dikkeboom also purchased a rusted but bought it back again The Lincoln Zephyr V-12 owner's and decrepit '37 Zephyr to serve as both in 1936. Markin and club gives a good-natured nod to poten- a parts car and reassembly guide. Cord were friends, and tial engine issues by naming its news- "The first thing you need to do after Cord bought up in- letter "Blue Smoke." Noting that the before you restore a car is get a parts terest in Checker, he re- Chrysler Airflow was a sales failure, car," Dikkeboom advises, "And take tained Markin as com- Edsel wanted a major styling revision at pictures. Lots and lots of pictures." pany head. Meanwhile, the front of the car, and gave the in- Thanks to Zephyrs being highly the large, heavy Checker house task to another styling legend-to- prized by both collectors and hot rod- Model T, introduced in be: Eugene T. "Bob" Gregorie. The V- ders, he was able to recoup some of 1932, featured an 8- 12 required a longer nose anyway, so his initial investment by selling the cylinder Lycoming en- Gregorie replaced the stubby, waterfall body from the parts car to someone gine, the same one that hood and grill with a vertical grill at the with a hot rod project. powered the classic front under a more pointed hood. Cords at the time. The alterations gave the Zephyr a Checker had used Lycom- more conventional front face, yet the ing 6-cylinder engines lines flow gracefully all the way to the since introduction of the back of Tjaarda's teardrop shape. If any- Checker Model G in 1927. thing, Gregorie's revisions pulled the Prior to that, most whole look together and made it a clas- Checkers had been pow- sic design that evokes motion ered by 4-cylinder Buda when sitting still. engines. When the 1936 Zephyr debuted in November 1935, prices started at $1,320 for the sedan and $1,275 for the Dikkeboom took his time to com- coupe. The previous model year Lin- plete a full restoration, and believes coln sold only 1,434 cars, but the the painstaking, attention to detail Zephyr immediately proved out Edsel's process is part of the reward of own- strategy, and sales vaulted to 14,994, ership. four-fifths of the brand's 1936 produc- "Some of these guys, they buy The 1935 Checker tion. 1937 would see peak Zephyr pro- their cars done," Dikkeboom com- Model Y featured attrac- duction with 29,997 units. ments on other collectors, "They don't tive front end styling Dikkeboom purchased his well- get their hands into it." that could have been in- optioned 1937 coupe in 1996. It was But then not everybody has a shop as fluenced by the Cord just the 26th 1937 model off the assem- well equipped as his. The former voca- 810/812, or the 1933-34 bly line. The car's first owner was pur- tional education teacher has an array of Ford V8. The Y model portedly Parker Pen founder George machines that can repair or fabricate al- continued in production Parker, but paper verification has been most any needed part. until 1938. For 1939, elusive. Dikkeboom said he likely Dikkeboom took care to restore the Checker introduced a could have traced the owner lineage if it car to original, factory condition as much brand new model, the weren't for a fire that consumed some (Continued on page 9) (Continued on page 9) 8 NORTHSTAR NEWS

(Continued from page 8) Model A. From that Pride and Joy continued.. time, all future Checkers (Continued from page 8) ternal frame tubing. would carry the "A" des- as possible. He looks down on the "resto- Driving the car is straight forward ignation, usually with a mod" trend of wealthy, muscle-car col- enough, though one needs to be number. lectors swapping out original components aware that despite weight savings of The 1939 Model A with modem pieces, correctly noting the the unibody design, Zephyrs still featured a retractable end result is neither an original car nor a topped 4,000 pounds, so stops in the roof section at the very vintage driving experience. 1930s needed more forethought. back of the greenhouse, Like many restorers, Dikkeboom's The fully mechanical drum brakes distinctive stylized head- one exception to originality is a modern, haul the Zephyr down well enough, light lenses, and unusual base coat/clear coat paint process because and pedal feel is vintage normal. Dik- open-sided front fenders. The rear roof section of its superior durability. Still, he was keboom attests to being able to lock could be opened if pas- able to find a 1995 Ford Midnight Red up all four wheels when the cables sengers desired an open- paint chip extremely close to Lincoln's are properly adjusted. air ride. The open-sided original Royal Maroon factory color. The In part because of the car's mass, the fenders in front de- car's flanks also sport authentic, bumper- three-speed manual transmission is tracted from the car's to-bumper pin stripes that draw eyes to mated to a short 4.33:1 rear axle for styling but made fender the shoulder line, and full skirts on the good take-off; thus, a driver will quickly repairs easier for fleet rear fenders. be looking for second gear. Third is owners. Beginning in For a coupe the Zephyr has a surpris- used primarily on the open road. 1939, Checkers were pow- ing amount of luggage capacity. With no The shifting experience is similar to ered by the well-known back seat, the interior offers flat-floor that of 1960s pickup trucks, and 60 mph Continental "Red Seal" storage that can accommodate several full will have you wishing for another gear. inline six-cylinder en- -size suitcases, and more bags can be Surprisingly, Dikkeboom's coupe was gine, until the engine stashed in the front of the trunk, accessed not equipped with a popular overdrive was discontinued in by flipping down the hinged, spare wheel option. He made another concession to 1964. Starting in the and tire. originality and installed a period-correct 1950s, Checker offered an unit, which makes the car more prepared optional overhead valve for long-distance driving. version of the Continen- Like any engine with 12 cylinders, tal six. the Zephyr is a picture of smoothness at any rpm and never strains. It's easy to see how, as Dikkeboom asserts, original owners may have had a tendency to keep revs too low, allowing deposits to build up in cylinders and on Gauges are stacked in the center of valves. the dash panel--similar to modem Mini Zephyrs restored to this standard now During WWII, Coopers—so a matching, left-side glove bring six-figures, but Dikkeboom has no Checker, like other compartment is in the dash in front of the plans to cash in. He's currently working American automakers, large steering wheel. The lack of power on his next (he says his last) restoration: a switched to wartime pro- steering is a reminder why steering 1951 Ford Woody wagon. duction, building mate- wheels of the day had to be so wide, and And with a 6-year-old grandson al- riel needed by the U.S. there's no turning the front wheels unless ready a budding car guy, this particular Armed Forces. After the the car is in motion example of 1930s design will likely be a war, Checker cars, al- Dikkeboom's coupe also has prized part of the Dikkeboom family for though mechanically leather seats, an uncommon option, many years. (Continued on page 10) which are accented with chrome, ex- 9 NORTHSTAR NEWS

(Continued from page 9) similar to the pre-war Morries Car Show models, were styled like Our 8th Annual Morries Memorial Our people’s many late 1940s sedans. Day Lincoln Car Show, Saturday, choice Award for The new model, intro- May 28, was scaled down a bit due to best of show, first duced in 1947, had a 127- forecasted rain and cool weather. place award went to inch (3,226 mm) wheel- Even though the weather wasn’t the Bill Juring, Shore- base and featured unit nicest, we still had 20 Lincolns that view for his silver body construction. This well represented our North Star mem- 1969 Mark III. Our basic design continued in bers. Had the weather been a bit more second place award production until 1956. cooperative, there probably would went to a 1978 The 1956 through 1958 have been another 10 – 15 Lincolns Town Car, belong- A8 Checkers featured Bill Juring single headlights, 1953 along with their owners show up for ing to John and First Place taillights, and the fun and festivities. It was not a Dorothy Palmer, a thick, single-bar grille. complete washout, as the rain did hold In 1958, quad headlights off until 2:00PM when the awards Barnum. Our became legal in the U.S., were presented and the door prizes third place award and Checkers featured were given out. went to a 1984 the quad headlights from Continental cus- that time forward, along tom limo, with a new egg-crate brought by Ray grille insert. Parking and Jeanine Nel- lights were housed in son, Princeton. each far side of the grille During the show, insert. Taillights were discussions be- also changed to the fa- tween Ray Nel- John and Dorothy miliar vertical chrome son and Jack Palmer strip housing dual red Opportunity abounds! Not for the Fletcher resulted Second Place lenses. Early models also faint of heart, this total restoration in the sale of this featured a single sepa- project will require large sums of cash very unique Lincoln to Jack. The rate bumper-mounted along with a great deal of time to only reason Ray drove this car to our backup light. Another complete. A 1937 Lincoln K, very show was both their 1948 Continental change between the A8 rare, but most people I know would and their 1957 Mark II leak when and later models is the not have enough sand left in their driving in the rain. They wanted to rear window. Originally hourglass to finish this restoration. come, so they drove their limo and the flat in the A8 with a title changed hands. It was a win for thicker "C" pillar, the We had two great Lincolns shown everyone, and the 84 gets to stay in rear window on later for the first time, Eric Chinquist, Min- the LCOC. models wrapped around neapolis with a 1962 Continental Con- Our long distance award was pre- a thinner roof-line, af- vertible and Jack and Marilyn sented to Jack and Marilyn Fletcher, fording improved all- Fletcher, Poplar Grove, Illinois, with a driving a 2012 Navigator, from Poplar around visibility. white 2012 Navigator. The oldest Lin- Grove, Illinois. For 1960, Checker in- coln at this show was driven by Roger North Star Region members pre- troduced the A9 series and Barb Wothe, Wayzata, with a sent and who were bereft of Lincoln taxi, as well as for the 1942 Continental Convertible. The were Harvey and Faye Oberg, Nick first time, a passenger newest Lincoln was a 2015 MKT Lentsch, Fred Syrdahl, Matt Foley, sedan to be marketed to driven by Dave Gustafson, Burnsville. Tom Brace, Bob Gavrilescu and Bill the general public, the (Continued on page 11) (Continued on page 11) 10 NORTHSTAR NEWS

(Continued from page 10) A10 Superba. For 1961, Morries Car Show continued. the Marathon sedan and (Continued from page 10) were in- Holaday. troduced, upscale ver- We want to sions of the Superba. The again thank Superba was discontin- Morrie’s, with ued in 1963, and from a special thank that time on, the taxi- you to Frank cabs were designated DeGradi, Gen- A11, the Marathon be- eral Manager, came the A12. Luke Hoff- Ray Nelson’s 1984 limo, now owned With the cancellation by Jack Fletcher and Jack Vanatta’s of the Continental inline mann, New Zephyr. Two very different, but very six-cylinder engine for Car and Lease Manager and nice Lincolns. 1965, Checker switched to Frank DeGradi their staff for Chevrolet overhead- Morries GM valve inline 6-cylinder all the work to engines, with the small- make this such a great car show. block Chevy 283 and 327 Morries went out of their way to V8s optional. Starting in make everyone feel welcome. Our 1970, Checker used the special thanks for the donation of ubiquitous 350 cubic-inch door prizes, the big tent, a nice lunch small-block Chevrolet V8 and for letting us use their conference as an option, which was room for our board meeting. available until the end of We look forward to doing the production. GM phased Ninth Annual Classic Lincoln Car Roger Wothe’s 1942 Continental. out the Chevy inline six Show in 2017, again on Saturday, Restored to absolute perfection, we in 1979. Starting in 1980, May 27, Memorial Day weekend. are truly fortunate to have such a both Chevrolet and beautiful car in our North Star Re- Checker offered a new gion along with it’s very nice owner. 229 cubic-inch V6 as the standard engine, with a small-block 305 or 350 V8 as optional. The standard trans- mission for the Checker since the 1930s was a conventional 3-speed manual. In 1956, Checker Al and Kathy Longley’s 1958 Conti- offered a "Driv-Er-Matic nental convertible. Al looks great Special" which featured behind the wheel. a Borg-Warner auto- Third place winner, Ray Nelson and matic transmission and long distance winner Jack Fletcher an overhead-valve Conti- are celebrating their awards. Ray is nental inline 6. By 1970 even happier, because he found a ea- GM's Turbo Hydra- ger buyer for his 1984 Lincoln cus- Matic 400 transmission tom limo, Jack Fletcher. Everyone became standard on all (Continued on page 12) went home happy. 11 NORTHSTAR NEWS

(Continued from page 11) Checkers. North Star Welcome Wagon Starting in 1959, by Francis J. Kalvoda, Willmar MN Checker began producing 320-235-5777 [email protected] passenger car versions of Our 36th Annual Willmar Car the taxis to the general Show was a success with lots of vehi- public. The first of these cles and sunshine. LCOC members models were labeled "A10 John and Dorothy Palmer were there with their wonderful red ’53 Ford F-100. Superba" and the line The F-100 hauled home a trophy! John and I talked to a young man (still in included a sedan as well high school) at the cruise the night before the show. He was driving a recently as a station wagon. Su- acquired nice original ’72 Lincoln Town Car on Craigslist. He did not think perbas were built from he’d bring it to the show. He did not think it was good enough. John and I 1960 through 1963. A more luxurious model must have convinced him otherwise because he brought the car to the show, called the "A12 Mara- and was talking to people about his car throughout the day. Our car hobby will thon" was introduced in survive if we encourage younger people to take an interest in these older com- 1961, and remained in fortable and affordable cruisers. production until 1982. To That brings me to our new young LCOC member this month. Many of us consider anyone under 50 as ‘young’. He definitely fits that category since he the public, Checker cars th were advertised as a celebrated his 18 birthday in April and just graduated from St. Paul Central roomy and rugged alter- High School. We welcome Nick Lentsch, 1466 Schletti Street, St. Paul, MN native to the standard 55117, [email protected], 651-387-2201. Several of Nick’s family American passenger se- members have owned Lincolns including his grandfather who had a ’65 Conti- dan. A Marathon sta- nental Convertible. Perhaps you can help Nick find a nice modestly priced tion wagon (Model Mark III or a Mark V or a ’77-’79 Town Car or Town Coupe. Nick is currently A12W) was also offered, working for the City of St. Paul but will be attending college in the fall pursu- but buyers preferred ing a business degree with an emphasis in real estate. I will let Nick tell you style and power over about his car and why he focused on Lincoln for his choice of ride. practicality, so the “Mine isn't the nicest one on the Checkers saw limited road but it serves its purpose! I've had sales with the public. it for nearly two years now and never As U.S. Federal been stranded. It's a 2000 Signature safety rules increased Series Touring Edition. Meaning it has throughout the 1960s a different set of wheels and 355 rear and 1970s, Checkers kept end. My Lincoln has nearly 190,000 pace and despite having miles on it doesn't leak any oil, surpris- the same basic body de- ingly; but burns some oil. I grew up sign, Checker enthusiasts around a few panther platform cars, my can often identify the step dad having a ’94 Signature Series, year of a Checker based my uncle with a ‘97 Cartier and on its safety equipment. grandma with an ‘03 Mercury Ma- For example, starting in rauder. I’ve always had an interest in cars, old and new. I attended back to the 1963, amber parking/ 50’s with my dad's family every year so that could have been a big help too. directional lights were When I got my license at 16 I started doing more research on older cars and used up front. 1964 mod- starting to save for one. Having grown up around and liking full sized ford els introduced lap belts cars getting a vintage Lincoln seemed like a great fit.” in front, energy- Lincolns have been a good fit for all of us Lincoln enthusiasts. It is a joy to absorbing steering col- drive a fine reliable comfortable automobile. Keep America Beautiful, DRIVE umns came in 1967. 1968 A LINCOLN. Enjoy your summer… with a Lincoln and with each other. (Continued on page 13) 12 NORTHSTAR NEWS

(Continued from page 12) models featured round LCOC Director Elections side marker lights on Your North Star Board of Directors endorses the following candidates for the fenders along with shoul- position of Director serving on the LCOC board. Please consider voting for der belts, and 1969s in- the following: troduced headrests for Steve D’Ambrosia, Dick Koop, John McCarthy, Dick Nelson and Stacy Ros- front outboard seating coe. positions. These fine gentlemen will work hard on behalf of our members and will do 1970 began the use of their very best to build an environment within the LCOC that will make our full-size Chevrolet steer- organization more appealing to both our existing and future membership. ing columns and steering Your vote will be appreciated. wheels. 1973 and 1974 models replaced the chrome-plated bumpers for larger, beam-type units that were painted aluminum and protected the lights in a 5-mph im- pact. The 1975 and later models were labeled "Leaded Fuel Only," and 1978 introduced the new delta-style Chevrolet steering wheel. In the 1970s, power steering and power-assisted front disc brakes became stan- dard. In 1978, the wind- shield wipers became parallel-action. During the late 1960s and 1970s, Checker sold a few specialized versions of the A11. These in- cluded the Medicab and the Aerobus. The Medi- cab was introduced in 1969 and was designed to function as an ambu- lance, or transporter for wheelchair-bound pas- sengers. The rear doors were large enough to al- low a wheelchair to en- ter the car, and they swung open almost 180 degrees. This car also featured a raised roof, and facilities to lock a (Continued on page 14) 13 NORTHSTAR NEWS

(Continued from page 13) wheelchair to the floor For Sale - Some Great Lincolns when in motion. The Aerobus was a stretched Vannessa is a 1977 Mark V. Dark Cordo- version of the A12W Sta- van with Cordovan Leather inside. 19,000 tion Wagon. It accommo- miles. 460 engine and drive train perform as new. Complete cosmetic and mechani- dated up to 12 passengers cal refresh. $13,500 and was marketed as an airline shuttle. Despite its reputa- Marilyn is a 1977 Continental Convertible tion as a basic taxicab, (Andy Hotton conversion) Cinnamon Gold with White Leather. 23,000 miles $35,000. luxury, limousine-type 460 engine, runs and drives perfectly. You Marathons were also would look good behind the wheel this sum- available mostly in later mer. years. The A-12E model, specially built for the wife of the CEO of the company, remains in Jenny is a 1977 Continental Coupe. Dark brand-new condition Red with Red Leather. 71,000 Miles with less than 50 miles $10,000. Runs and drives super good, has 460 engine. Has Continental Kit. on the odometer. Checker limos offered vinyl roofs with opera windows, power-assisted accesso- Big Red is a 1977 Continental Convertible. ries, and luxurious up- Red with White Leather interior. 75,000 miles $22,000. Lots of mechanical refresh holstery. work completed, excellent driver, 460 en- gine. Paint and chrome are very good, convertible top is new. Interior shows some wear and a few small items need repairing.

The last Checker on dis- play at the Gilmore in Hickory Corners, MI.

The final Checker A11/A12s were manufac- tured in 1982, when Laverne and Bessie are 1979 Mark V Collector Series. Laverne is Diamond Blue Checker exited the auto- with Dark Blue cloth interior. All main options including moon roof. Runs and drives mobile manufacturing OK, 81,000 miles $2,800. Needs tires and a few parts, most of which are available. business. The company Bessie is Midnight Blue with a Dark Blue Cloth interior. 82,000 miles $2,200. Great continued operation at interior, nice chrome, Moon Roof. Runs and drives OK. Laverne and Bessie should be bought together, their needs and strengths match nicely. Pair is priced at $4,500. partial capacity making parts for General Motors Not shown, but also available is a 1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. Green with a until January 2009 black and tan interior. Rare working sunroof. Excellent driver, working A/C. Shows and runs very well. 87,000 miles, $11,000. when it declared bank- ruptcy. For more information and pictures, call Perry Bush at 920.729.4981 or 920.205.1295 From the internet.. Email: [email protected]. Call today, as these cars need new homes now. 14 NORTHSTAR NEWS For Sale All Good Lincolns

FOR SALE: 1997 Lincoln Town Car - Signature Se- ries. Show Car - 1st Place 2012 LCOC Mid-America National Meet. Pearl White ext. Lt., Gray inte- rior. Absolutely looks and drives like new. 76,000 miles. In heated storage, rust free. Serious offers only. Rolland Toenges, 952 938-6200 or [email protected]

For Sale: 1978 Mark V. White with blue, full padded top. Blue leather interior. Ex- cellent condition, both inside and out. Smooth running 460 makes it a pleasure to drive. Air blows very cold. Truly would be a joy to own. 54K miles, they just don’t get much better. Fairly offered at Call Dennis Owens at 612.269.6482 to talk more about this Mark $9,950. and the price.

Ken Sampson is offering two cars for sale. 1948 Continental Cabriolet RestoMod. Needs to be finished. Steve Kastl was the former owner-builder, who passed away a few years ago. The car features a Cadil- lac 500 V8 with a For Sale…. 1937 Lincoln K 2 window TH400 transmission. sedan. This car is one of three known Many more changes. This is a well-built car and has been a show winner and a and runs out very very reliable tour car. It has a high well. $9950/best offer. speed rear end and has been com- pletely restored to a very high stan- 1983 Mark VI. Dark Walnut color, saddle tan velour interior. Ex- dard. It has won the Edsel Ford trophy ceptionally clean, never out during the winter months, only driven during summer and has been a runner up to the Bell months. No rust award. I am offering the car at ever. Maintenance $59,500 and am looking for good records available. home with someone who will enjoy it This is a nice run- as much as I have. If you are inter- ning car that needs nothing but a new ested, please call Tom Brace at (651) owner. $4,450/best 644-1716 or offer. Contact Ken email: [email protected] at 612.418.4047

15 NORTHSTAR NEWS You May Be Interested in these Items for Sale

For Sale: 1998 Mark VIII, 65K miles, no winters, Bright Toreador Red Metallic, light tan leather, ready to enjoy and show, $9500. Charles Hanson, 320-596-2210. Mark VIII file photo

For Sale: 1978 Lincoln Mark V, powder blue, dark blue vinyl top and blue leather interior, 460 V8, new tires and only 55K miles. Dennis Filley, 320-354-3730, Spicer, MN.

For Sale: Complete set (6 volumes) of 1971 Ford For Sale: 1966 Mercury Park Lane four door. Factory Service Manuals for the complete Ford Line Has breezeway window, white, factory A/C, 410 including all Fords, Mercurys, Lincoln Continental V8, very nice reliable car and consistent show and Continental Mark III. Never been used and look winner. $7500/offer. Deb and Gary Schott, new. $250 and that includes shipping. Call John 612.232.0835 Winsted, MN Brown, Warsaw, MO Call 913.553.65355 email: [email protected]

For Sale: 1948 Lincoln Continental Coupe. Rebuilt and balanced V12 engine. New dark green paint. All chrome replated. New tires. New brakes and exhaust system Radiator and gas tank reconditioned. Trunk carpeted. The Lincoln has a good working overdrive unit and runs and drives as new. Lots of ex- tra parts with car. $14,000. Call Ted Anderson at 763.561.8143

For Sale: 1968 Lincoln Continental 4 dr Northstar Region grille Sedan. Green with green cloth interior and badges are now available. nice green vinyl top. Needs engine work and To obtain yours, contact TLC. Stored in my garage for years. Harvey Oberg at Bring a trailer and $1500. 651.739.9754 Bob Schmidt, Willmar, 320-235-4106

Now Available - Lincoln Caps and Shirts Mens shirts with pockets, Ladies without. All Sizes, one price $25, Caps, $10.

1994 Lincoln Town Car Executive with rare Light Santa Fe Metallic Clear Coat and matching leather interior, 113K miles, full power, moon roof. Second owner for past 16 years. Always garaged and never driven dur- ing the winter. Asking $9,500. Call Richard Magner at 651.351.2855. Call now, operators standing by. Bob Johnson Email: [email protected] 651.257.1715, email: [email protected]

16 Preview of Coming Events

July Maple Grove Days Car Show, Saturday, July 16, 2016 14th Annual Out State Lincoln Car Show, July 21 – 24, 2016. Featuring a driving Tour to Dick Koop’s, Moscow Mills, Missouri. Call or email Bob Johnson for more information.

August Lincoln Motor Car Museum, Second Annual Lincoln Homecoming, Hickory Corners, MI. August 10-14, 2016. All Lincoln, Ford, Mercury and Edsel owners Are invited to participate. Hosted by the Road Race Lincoln Club. LZOZ-Central GOF Central Chapter Meet, Lincolns on the Mississippi. August 18, 19, 20, 2016, Red Wing, MN. Contact Bruce Nichols 608.225.5600, or email: [email protected]. On line registration forms available at lzoz.org Train Day, Saturday, August 27th, view Bill Juring’s garden railroad, the Falls Creek and Boulder Rail Road, displayed in his yard, at 3410 Owasso St, Shoreview, MN, 55126, 10:00 AM to 12:30PM, afterwards, we will have lunch at a local restaurant to be determined.

September 9th Annual Luther North Country Lincoln Car Show, Saturday, September 17, 10 to 2 PM. LCOC Western National Meet, September 7-10, 2016, Denver, Colorado, Hosted by the Rocky Mountain Region.

October Annual North Star Potluck and Auction at Morries in Long Lake, MN, Sunday, October 23, 2016 Eastern National Meet, October 12-16, 2016, Attitash Mountain Resort, Bartlett, NH, New England Region Hosting.

November Year end Sunday Brunch at Dangerfield’s in Shakopee. Sunday, November 13th at 11:30 AM, Board Meeting at 10:30 AM

BACK ISSUES OF THE NORTHSTAR NEWS ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE ON THE NORTHSTAR LCOC WEB SITE. www.northstarlcoc.org Click on publications. Issues are in PDF format and may be printed on your color printer.

17 North Star Activities

Join us at the Maple Grove Days Car Show, Saturday, July 16th, 2016. Early birds will meet at Perkins, 11801 73rd Ave North, Maple Grove (South of 694 at the Hemlock exit) at 8:00AM for breakfast. At 9:00AM, we will depart Perkins for the show at 10:00AM and park together as a group. The show entrance is at 8001 Mainstreet in Maple Grove. We will be meeting and greeting fellow car enthusiasts and trying to sign up members.

July 21 - 24, Northstar LCOC 14th Out State All Lincoln show, Moscow Mills, MO. Four day road trip to Kansas City, MO and St. Louis, MO and points in- between. For more details, see the two page supplement in the May newsletter or call Bob Johnson, 651.257.1715. email: [email protected].

Lincoln Motor Car Museum, Second Annual Lincoln Homecoming, Hickory- Corners, MI. August 10-14, 2016. All Lincoln, Ford, Mercury and Edsel owners Are invited to participate. Hosted by the Road Race Lincoln Register. For more information call Bob Johnson at 651.257.1715. Online registration packet: www.lincolncarmuseum.org/2nd-annual- lincoln-homecoming

Lincolns on the Mississippi Red Wing, Minnesota, 18-20 August, 2016 Come Join the Zephyr Club in historic Redwing, Minnesota for a few days of Zephyring, featuring some very nice Zephyrs, great people and inter- esting activities. There'll be plenty of car talk, of course, but also local tours to areas of historical and local interest.

For a meet packet, go to the LZOC web site: www.lzoc.org/calendar/GOF Central XXII - Red Wing, MN/GOF Central XXII - Red Wing, MN.htm

Contact Bruce Nichols 608.225.5600, or email: [email protected].

Anoka Classic Car Show, Saturdays, 5:00PM - Dusk, Downtown Anoka, through Sept. 17. Victoria, MN Classic Car Night, Wednesdays, 5:00PM - 8:00PM July 6, 20th, Aug 3, 17, 31 and September 14. Historic Downtown Hastings Cruise-In Classic Car Shows, July 9, July 23, August 6, August 20 and September 3. Open to 1976 and older models. 5:00PM to 9:00PM Saturdays. Henderson Classic Car Roll In is a free weekly event along Henderson's Main Street Every Tuesday night from May - September the streets will be lined with 250+ vehicles and 100+ motorcycles, with a different variety every week. Visitors from all over the region show up and walk, enjoying music, vehicles, atmosphere and food. 6:00PM to 9:00PM 18