& LaSalle Club Potomac Region Caddie Chronicle April 2015

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE BY VINCE TALIANO

With winter finally over, 2015 OFFICERS: we now turn our REGIONAL DIRECTOR attention to our 24th NEWSLETTER EDITOR WEBSITE MANAGER Annual Spring Car VINCE TALIANO Show and Automobilia ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECTOR CAR SHOW COORDINATOR Auction scheduled for DAN RUBY Sunday, May 3rd.

NATIONAL DIRECTOR Once again we will be NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST JACK MCCLOW featuring 11 judging

SECRETARY classes along with a ASSOCIATE NEWSLETTER EDITOR VALLEY FORGE REGION LIAISON variety of other awards, SANDY KEMPER including a special

TREASURER Mayor’s Award to be HARRY SCOTT presented by the Honorable Emmett V. Jordan, Mayor of ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST Greenbelt, MD. Red, Hot & Blue will be on-site serving their R. SCOT MINESINGER delicious food. For more information on the show and auction, MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORS CENTRAL VA REGION LIAISONS see the flyer included in this issue. NEWSLETTER COLUMNISTS CHUCK & DEBBIE PIEL Planning is well underway for the 2017 Grand National. Ronnie

OTHER KEY POSITIONS: Hux, Jack Hotz and Scot Minesinger have been contacting both SUMMER PICNIC HOST Potomac and Valley Forge Region members and asking them to J. ROGER BENTLEY

AUTOMOBILIA AUCTIONEER volunteer to fill the various positions needed to run an event of GEORGE BOXLEY this magnitude. If you are interested in helping, either with pre-

NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST event planning and/or during the week of the event, please RITA BIAL-BOXLEY contact Scot Minesinger at 703-283-2021 or [email protected]. NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST CHRIS CUMMINGS

PHOTOGRAPHER Due to his father’s health, Scot RANDY EDISON is selling his father’s 2012 Ford AUTOMOBILIA AUCTIONEER Fusion SEL All-Wheel Drive with DERRICK FISHER

NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST 20k miles. It recently passed LYNN GARDNER VA State inspection and

NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST emissions testing, plus has a JIM GOVONI fresh oil change. He is asking $16,900, which is below blue book. CAR SHOW SPONSOR AND HOST DANIEL JOBE & CAPITOL CADILLAC If interested, please contact Scot.

NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST TOM MCQUEEN Our condolences go out to Barbara & Derrick Fisher on the recent HONORARY MEMBER NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST passing of Barbara’s father. VERN PARKER

CAR SHOW MASTER OF CEREMONIES NATIONAL CLC ADVISOR NEWSLETTER COLUMNIST RICHARD SILLS Vince Taliano Cadillac & LaSalle Club Potomac Region Caddie Chronicle April 2015

2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION CONTACT INFORMATION Apr 19 12:00 pm – 6th Annual Car, Truck & Adventure Park USA Janine Weiger at 301-865-6800 x103 or Sun 4:00 pm Motorcycle Super Show Monrovia MD [email protected] Apr 20 7:30 pm – Potomac Region Capitol Cadillac Vince Taliano at 301-258-8321 or Mon 9:30 pm Monthly Meeting Greenbelt MD [email protected] Apr 25 9:00 am – CLC Valley Forge Region Delaware Cadillac Ronnie Hux at [email protected] or Sat 3:00 pm Car Show Wilmington DE 302-745-8850 Apr 22-26 Gates open Spring Carlisle Carlisle PA 717-243-7855 or Wed-Sun daily at 7:00 www.carsatcarlisle.com am May 2 11:00 am – Landover Hills Day Parade Landover Hills MD Mike Thompson at [email protected] Sat 3:00 pm May 3 9:00 am – 24th Annual Capitol Cadillac Capitol Cadillac Car Show: Dan Ruby at Sun 3:00 pm Spring Car Show/ Automobilia Greenbelt MD 301-894-8026 or [email protected] Auction Automobilia Auction: George Boxley at 301-261-5634 or [email protected] May 9 8:00 am – 57th Annual AACA Jim Barnett Park Duane Catlett 540-533-7376; Sat 4:00 pm Apple Blossom Meet Winchester VA [email protected] May 16 9:00 am – CLC Central PA Region's 26th Kelly Cadillac Art Archambeault at 717-557-6974 or Sat 3:00 pm Annual Spring Show Lancaster PA [email protected]

May 16 10:00 am – City of Fairfax City Hall www.nvrg.org Sat 3:00 pm Antique Car Show Fairfax VA May 17 8:00 am – Spring Spectacular Car, Truck Fauquier High School Chris at 571-437-3752 or Sun 3:00 pm and Tractor Show Warrenton VA [email protected] May 18 7:30 pm – Potomac Region Silver Diner Vince Taliano at 301-258-8321 or Mon 9:00 pm Monthly Meeting Merrifield VA [email protected] Jun 6 26th Annual Howard County MD Tom Kenney at 410-239-7071 or Sat Orphan Car Tour www.orphancartour.org Jun 6 9:00 am – CLC Valley Forge Region Faulkner Cadillac Ronnie Hux at [email protected] or Sat 3:00 pm Car Show Trevose PA 302-745-8850 Jun 15 7:30 pm – Potomac Region IHOP Vince Taliano at 301-258-8321 or Mon 9:00 pm Monthly Meeting Rockville MD [email protected] Jun 20-21 4th Annual Retro Music Wine Linganore Winecellars Laura Dickey at 301-831-5889 Sat-Sun Festival & Show Mt. Airy MD or [email protected] Jun 21 10:00 am – 42nd Annual Father’s Day Sully Plantation Bill Worsham at 703-250-5474, Sun 3:30 pm Antique and Classic Car Show Chantilly VA [email protected] or www.gwcmodela.org Jun 24-27 CLC Grand National Meet Hosted Brookfield WI http://www.badgerclc.com/nationalevent.php# Wed-Sat by the Badger Region hotel Jul 11 9:00 am – 9th Annual CLC AACA Museum Art Archambeault at 717-557-6974 or Sat 3:00 pm Inter-Regional Meet Hershey PA [email protected] Jul 26 10:00 am – 12th Annual VCCA Free State Meadowbrook Hank at 410-499-6196, [email protected] or Sun 3:00 pm Region's Annual Car & Truck Regional Park [email protected] Show Lutherville MD Aug 11-15 CLC National Driving Tour Greater Detroit MI Bruce (Chip) Iceman at Tue-Sat Hosted by the Motor City Region Metro Area [email protected] or 248-703-2119 Sep 26-27 Cadillac Fall Festival CLCMRC Art Riley at [email protected] Sat-Sun Hickory Corners MI

The Potomac Region enjoyed a nice visit to USA Parts Supply on Saturday, March 28th. Thanks to Mike Cannon and the folks at USA Parts Supply for all their hospitality, and the give-away Cadillac apparel. The food was great, especially the homemade cookies!

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24th Annual Capitol Cadillac / CLC Potomac Region Spring Car Show & Automobilia Auction Sunday May 3, 2015

Car Registration: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Please read the Car Show Rules on the following page Car Show Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Auction starts at 11:30 am

6500 Capitol Drive Greenbelt, MD 20770 301-441-9600

LOCAL DIRECTIONS:

From Capital Beltway (I-495/95)

 Use Exit 23 - Kenilworth Avenue Rte 201, proceed South on Kenilworth Avenue to first exit - Greenbelt Road, Route 193  At light, proceed East on Greenbelt Road - Rte 193 (left)  At traffic light make left onto Walker Drive (TGl Friday’s Restaurant on corner)  Make an immediate right onto Capitol Drive (Dealership is on your left)

From Baltimore-Washington Parkway (Rte 295)

 Use Exit for Rte 193 (Greenbelt Road)  Proceed West on Rte 193 - Greenbelt Road  Make first right after underpass onto Capitol Drive (Dealership is on your right)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Dan Ruby Car Show Coordinator [email protected] or 301-894-8026

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Car Show Rules

 Rain or Shine: The car show will take place rain or shine. No refunds.  Safety: If a vehicle has fluid drips or leaks, the owner must bring absorbent material or drip pans to avoid slippery conditions and to protect the showroom floor or show field parking lot. The Potomac Region reserves the right to prevent any cars with excessive fluid leaks from entering the show field. It is recommended that a working fire extinguisher be in every vehicle.  Judging / Parking Rules: The Potomac Region reserves the right 1) to determine each vehicle’s judging class and 2) each vehicle’s placement in the show field. There will be no parking on the grassy areas whatsoever, due to sprinkler heads and possible rut damage. Vehicles will be peer judged by the individual owners of the registered cars. Registrants will be able to judge vehicles in all classes, including their own. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards will be given to winning vehicles in each class.  Lunch Tickets: Each registered car owner will receive one free lunch ticket. The lunch ticket will entitle the person to receive the following from Red, Hot & Blue, who will be serving food: 1) One Beef, Chicken or Pork Sandwich 2) One Side order of Beans or Potato Salad and Cole Slaw 3) One Drink including bottle water Anyone without a lunch ticket will pay Red, Hot & Blue directly at the time of their purchase.

Car Show Registration Form

Judging Classes Other Awards

Class A: 1902 – 1942 Cadillac  Dealer’s Choice Class B: 1927 – 1940 LaSalle  Best Pre-War Class C: 1946 – 1958 Cadillac  Best Post-War (Early: 1946-1964) Class D: 1959 – 1964 Cadillac  Best Post-War (Late: 1965-Present) Class E: 1965 – 1970 Cadillac  Best of Show Class F: 1971 – 1976 Cadillac  Ladies Choice Class G: 1977 – 1986 Cadillac  Mayor’s Award Class H: 1987 – 1996 Cadillac  Long Distance (Driven Cars Only) Class I: 1997 – Current Cadillac Class J: Professional Vehicles A vehicle receiving “Best of Show” or one of the other “Best” Class K: Modified Vehicles awards will not be eligible to receive an award in its respective Class Z: Display Only Class.

Registration Form Make checks payable to CLC Potomac Region and mail with completed registration form to: Harry Scott, Treasurer 14421 Aden Road Nokesville, VA 20181-3122 Name:

Address: ______

City: State: ______Zip: ______

Vehicle Registration Fee: (Up to Apr 25th: $15/per car - After Apr 25th: $20/per car)

Circle Make: CAD LAS Model: Year: ______Class: ______

Circle Make: CAD LAS Model: Year: ______Class: ______

Circle Make: CAD LAS Model: Year: ______Class: ______

Check box if you want your 4 vehicle(s) Display Only Visit us on the web! www.clcpotomacregion.org Cadillac & LaSalle Club Potomac Region Caddie Chronicle April 2015

WANTED: ITEMS FOR AUTOMOBILIA AUCTION STORY & PHOTO BY GEORGE BOXLEY, AUTOMOBILIA AUCTIONEER

Hello Fellow CLC Potomac Region members,

As you know, the CLC Potomac Region will be co-hosting its Annual Spring Car Show and Automobilia Auction at Capitol Cadillac on Sunday, May 3rd. This year we will be celebrating 24 years at the Capitol Cadillac dealership in Greenbelt, Maryland. As usual, these great spring shows will include an automobilia and petroliana auction. We invite you to attend this show and auction, and to donate items from your home or garage to make this event more interesting. Your donations make this event possible! Items needed include:

 Cadillac, LaSalle and/or automotive-related - Parts in working condition, chrome and stainless pieces, etc. - Posters, historical items, etc. - Die-cast cars, models, etc. - Books, magazines, literature, sales ads, etc.

Please look around your home and garage and contribute whatever Cadillac, LaSalle and/or automotive-related items you can. Please bring items to Capitol Cadillac late Saturday the day before or early on Sunday morning the day of the show and auction. There will be a designated drop off point at the dealership. If you wish, tag the items with your name and we will give honorable mention, or you can donate the items anonymously. Proceeds from the auction will help the Potomac Region sponsor activities throughout the year like the annual holiday party and, especially, the two judged car shows at Capitol Cadillac each year. A portion of the auction proceeds may also be donated to a worthy charity selected by the Potomac Region.

This will be an absolute auction with all items sold as is, where is, for cash at no reserve. So bidders may enjoy the car show in its entirety, the auction will start promptly at 11:30 and end at 1:30. Please come ready to bid your price on some great bargains. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to call me at 301-261-5634 (h), 410-279-3882 (c) or [email protected]. We hope to see you there. Thanks again.

George Boxley Visit us on the web! 5 www.clcpotomacregion.org Cadillac & LaSalle Club Potomac Region Caddie Chronicle April 2015

DISPLAY OF CADILLAC CONCEPT CARS AT 2015 GRAND NATIONAL STORY & PHOTO BY THE BORTZ AUTO COLLECTION

Three out of five of the most important Cadillac and LaSalle concept cars in private hands will be featured at the 2015 Cadillac & LaSalle Club Grand National meet at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield hotel in Brookfield, Wisconsin on June 24-27, 2015.

Joe Bortz, of the Bortz Auto Collection, was very honored when the CLC invited three of the Cadillac and LaSalle prototype/concept cars to attend. He indicated that for decades he has received requests from many of the members of the club to have at least one of the concept cars attend a national meet. “Having three concept cars at one meet should make many of the members happy this year,” further stated Mr. Bortz. The number of Cadillac and LaSalle concept cars in private hands is very small and this will be a very rare opportunity to see three at one time.

The first car that will be presented will be the 1956 Cadillac Valkyrie by Brooks Stevens (pictured right). Brooks Stevens was a very famous designer in Milwaukee and designed this Cadillac El Dorado concept car on a 1956 chassis, having the body built by the German body builders Spohn. The car was shown extensively in Europe, as well as in the United States. It was considered the most important international concept car at that time. It was painted in Brooks Stevens’ favorite color combination of black and white and was the feature, many years ago, at the Milwaukee Art Museum, when Brooks Stevens life story and designs were presented at this museum.

The next two cars, the 1955 LaSalle and the 1955 LaSalle , were designed by Harley Earl as his swan song as he made his plans to retire as vice president and head of the design department at . His plan was to retire in 1958 and he wanted to make his last significant contribution to with the two LaSalle’s. Interestingly enough, both cars were fitted with V-6 aluminum block, double overhead cam fuel injected engines, with independent rear suspension and flexible drive shafts. It is often said that the LaSalle Sedan is General Motor’s first compact design car. Many of the design cues from these cars were used in production cars in subsequent years, such as the sight insert on the ‘56 Corvette and the wrap around windshield into the roof on the 1959 General Motors line-up.

Unbelievably, both of these cars were junked out in 1958 at the Warhoops Junkyard in Sterling, . They lived there in their cut up and dilapidated condition until they were discovered by the Bortz Auto Collection in 1988. Since that time, the LaSalle Roadster has been completely restored and made mobile and the 1955 LaSalle Sedan is, basically, junkyard fresh. Because of the lack of major weatherproofing for the two LaSalles, they will be featured inside the hotel while the 1956 Cadillac Valkyrie will be just outside the front door of the hotel for the duration of the national meet. Visit us on the web! 6 www.clcpotomacregion.org Cadillac & LaSalle Club Potomac Region Caddie Chronicle April 2015

CADILLAC IN THE NEWS COMMENTARY BY RANDY EDISON EXCERPTS AND PHOTOS SOURCED FROM REFERENCED ARTICLES

Cadillac continues to steal headlines and garner plenty of attention from the automotive press. Below are some of my favorite highlights of late:

First up, as the auto shows made their rounds, we were officially introduced to the newest generation of stylish and powerful V-Series : the CTS-V, quickly followed by its raucous little brother, the ATS-V. Both versions continue to bring the fight straight to their German competition's doorstep, as evidenced by the recent CTS-V photos shoot and Twitter blast in front of each German competitor's HQs!

2016 Cadillac CTS-V The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V made a big splash on its home turf Formally Introduced To when it was unveiled in January at the North American Audi, Mercedes, BMW International Auto Show, but with aspirations of taking on Europe’s finest and most-powerful sedans, a debut at the may be even more important. But before View full story at they unveiled it under the bright Geneva lights, Cadillac’s European team took its new performance sedan on a little http://www.topspeed.com/cars/ sight-seeing tour through Germany. car-news/2016-cadillac-cts-v- formally-introduced-to-audi- mercedes-bmw- ar168038.html#main

2016 Cadillac ATS-V The hottest new sedan from Cadillac is almost here: the order Order Books Open books for the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V are now open. While we’ll have to wait another month or so to get our hands on one View full story at (and shake it around by the scruff of the neck), those looking to purchase their own ATS-V can now get a place in line. The order books are open, with dealers offering the 455- https://autos.yahoo.com/news/ horsepower, 445-pound-foot rear-drive beastie from a starting 2016-cadillac-ats-v-order- price of $61,460 for the sedan and $63,660 for the . books-open- 154446900.html;_ylt=AwrBJR4 HidpUx3QAyR42m4lQ?soc_src= mail&soc_trk=ma

Cadillac Unleashes its Cadillac’s booth at the Geneva Motor Show is hosting the ATS-V and CTS-V European debuts of the all-new ATS-V in sedan and coupe Performance Models in forms, as well as the third generation CTS-V. Geneva The ATS-V will arrive in Europe this fall and will be priced from €74,900 for the Sedan and €77,500 for the Coupe (prices in View full story at Germany). The ATS-V is powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbo engine with more than 450PS and 600Nm of torque, mated to http://www.carscoops.com/2015 an 8-speed paddle shift automatic transmission with launch /03/cadillac-unleashes-its-ats-v- control. and-cts-v.html

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Cadillac's new marketing campaign premiered during the Oscars. The theme, “Dare Greatly”, generated much discussion amongst a handful of our own club members as to the meaning and source of the phrase, and the perceived pros and cons of the same. The commercial also highlighted the new stomping grounds of Cadillac HQs in New York City, one of several controversial decisions as Cadillac works its way back up the global luxury ranks. But beyond that, we caught our first glimpse of the much anticipated flagship CT6 sedan, which will be officially introduced at the NYC Auto Show in April...it can't get here fast enough!

Dare to Look? Cadillac Talk about an Oscars surprise! Some of the on-stage bits at Sneaks 2016 CT6 Flagship this year’s Oscars award ceremony might seem a bit forced, Sedan Into Oscars but Cadillac’s all-new “Dare Greatly” ad campaign slid Commercial smoothly into gear during the commercial breaks. Besides showing off Cadillac’s new New York digs, inspirational “dare to ___” examples, and lots of slow motion, one of the first View full story at commercials closed on . . . drumroll . . . the automaker’s yet- unseen 2016 CT6 flagship luxury sedan! http://blog.caranddriver.com/dar e-to-look-cadillac-sneaks-2016- ct6-flagship-sedan-into-oscars- commercial/

Another introduction that has me wishing for more disposable income hit the market recently, the sleek and sporty ATS coupe. This BMW 4-Series fighter is also making its share of friends in the automotive press, even if some feel its styling is a bit too conservative, and the usual criticisms against the CUE system, which see more improvement for 2015. Beyond those small niggles, most have joined the rally cry that Cadillac has again produced another legitimate driver's car...as comfortable on the boulevard as it is carving up mountain switchbacks.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe - The new Cadillac ATS coupe is the lovely, delightfully adept First Drive Review product of a Hobson’s choice. Luxury-coupe sales are stagnant, yet here comes a new luxury coupe because there View full story at are really no alternatives. At least the new ATS coupe is a hottie that’s gratifying to drive.

http://www.caranddriver.com/re Here is the backstory: It’s so expensive to engineer a new views/2015-cadillac-ats-first- platform that no company does it for just one mainstream drive-review model. After the high-volume sedan is developed, its guts usually get stuffed into another model as quickly and cheaply as possible. That leverages the component set with yet another new product that can reach a different customer, bringing in more sales at relatively little cost.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe - Over the last few years, Cadillac has been drastically trying to Driven redefine its brand image from the old stodgy ferry of retirees in Boca to a legitimate competitor to the big German luxury View full story at players. The first real step was the CTS sedan. It was sized to compete with a BMW 5 Series, but at a bargain price. After years of success with the CTS, Cadillac decided it was time to http://www.topspeed.com/cars/ attack the biggest badge in the business, the BMW 3 Series. cadillac/2015-cadillac-ats- The new compact sports sedan wore the name ATS, and it was coupedriven- good. It has been one year since the ATS sedan arrived, and ar167660.html#main Cadillac has now graced the world with a sleek two-door coupe to tackle the BMW 4 Series.

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There have also been some interesting interviews. A live, online Q&A with Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen highlighted where Cadillac plans to be by 2020, including more details about the CT6, as well as a whole line of new engines for Cadillac, including a twin-turbo V8!

Ask Cadillac President The leadership at most automakers tend to be quiet, shrinking Johan de Nysschen violets. Only occasionally do you get one that makes their Anything multitude of opinions public information. Thankfully, Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen is not the quiet type. At all. For those that don't know, de Nysschen became the President of View full story at Cadillac just last year after a short stint running Infiniti and nearly a decade at the helm of Audi of America. http://jalopnik.com/ask-cadillac- president-johan-de-nysschen- anything-1687372646

But all that glitters is not chrome, unfortunately. Of the luxury car makes, Cadillac has been one of the few to lose sales recently, struggling to move its cars off the lots without deep price discounts, even while sales of the Escalade keep it flying off the dealer's lots at a price premium. I think a little tweaking to Cadillac's pricing strategy for now will be all that's needed to keep the upward momentum their fantastic new cars have created. C'mon, Cadillac! Keep producing world-class cars at a competitive price, and people will buy them!

With Hot Escalade, As Cadillac executives reconstruct the brand around new Cadillac Loves To Leave luxury-performance sedans and a coming small utility vehicle, Well Enough Alone a fresh system of alphanumeric nomenclature and a redefinition of what Cadillac stands for, there’s one big internal obstacle in their way — and it isn’t General Motors CEO Mary View full story at Barra. She’s onboard.

http://www.forbes.com/forbeslif It’s Escalade. The hulking, 5,500-pound is e/#/sites/dalebuss/2015/02/22/ dominating sales in America’s large-luxury-SUV segment like with-hot-escalade-cadillac- never before, earning massive profits for GM and its dealers loves-to-leave-well-enough- on each sale. Now, Escalade is benefiting from lower gasoline alone/ prices. And the company simply can’t make enough of them to satisfy rising demand.

Cadillac Has a Hard Time Cadillac’s ATS and CTS aren’t too good at convincing people to Selling ATS and CTS choose them over German premium sedans. Dealers Sedans throughout the United States are offering significant discounts on the two sedans. In some cases, the 2014 Cadillac ATS is offered with up to $12,000 off a sticker price that starts at View full story at about $33,215.

http://www.carscoops.com/201 The situation is similar with the 2014 CTS, which is offered 5/02/cadillac-has-hard-time- with a discount of up to $17,500 from the starting price of selling-ats-and.html $45,345. According to a report from Reuters, dealers have been asking for Cadillac incentives for a long time.

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“A RIDIN’ IN THE GREEN” STORY & PHOTOS BY ROBERT MEEKINS

My 1970 Cadillac DeVille Convertible was selected by the organizers of the 2015 Baltimore St. Patrick’s Day Parade to chauffer this year’s Grand Marshal, Stacie Guerin. Stepping off from Baltimore’s Washington Monument, Stacie rode high atop the crowd as the parade progressed along Charles and Pratt Streets in downtown Baltimore on Sunday, March 15th. Thousands of onlookers braved a chilly and blustery, but dry day, as marching bands, floats, and many other parade participants traced the route.

I have nicknamed my Cadillac “Greenfinz” because of its sparkling Nottingham Green Firemist paint. People love the color as much as they love the car! It’s the perfect ride for a St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“Greenfinz” was also in Baltimore’s 2011 St. Patrick’s Day Parade when we chauffeured Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. The luck of the Irish was with parade organizers then too as the day was cool, but bright and sunny.

2015 Grand Marshal Stacie Guerin with a Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake couple of Deputy Parade Marshals 2011 St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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ED WELBURN AND THE 1934 CADILLAC V-16 CONVERTIBLE STORY BY CHRIS CUMMINGS PHOTO COURTESY OF HAGERTY CLASSIC CARS

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, I was a teenager fixated on the V-16 cars that Cadillac built during the 1930s. I had become fascinated by the very concept of a sixteen-cylinder, ultra luxury car, and the thought of finding one in remotely restorable (and therefore, hopefully affordable) condition drove me to visit junkyards, write to V-16 owners, and otherwise try to locate one for my own. I had my father ask his patients from all over the state. I asked every car-obsessed person I met, and even people who didn’t care about cars. I had become reasonably certain that there were no Cadillac V-16s in my home town of Albuquerque, New Mexico, or anywhere nearby. I was, however, wrong.

When I looked through the July, 1972 issue of the Cadillac-LaSalle Club’s monthly newsletter, my eyes widened at the sight of an advertisement for a 1934 Cadillac V-16 convertible victoria in – you guessed it – Albuquerque. The asking price was $26,500, which was well beyond the boundaries of possibility, but I had to know about this car. I immediately got on the phone and called the seller, Mr. Robert Friggens. He was very nice, but he told me that the Cadillac had already been sold and would be shipped the next morning to its new owner. But if I could come over that evening, he would show it to me (and some other very special cars he owned).

When I arrived at Bob’s place in the northwest part of the city, he took me over to a tarpaulin- covered vehicle by itself in a sheltered outbuilding. I stood at the front and lifted the tarp to expose the regal prow of a gleaming 1934 V-16, with its rampant goddess ornament ready to face the wind. I had only seen one other V-16 in person (a 1930 roadster, epitome of the last styling theme before streamlining took over). This car was much different. It was the only one built of that body style, resplendent in black lacquer. From the bi-plane front bumper to the rear of the car it was a full twenty feet in length. The pontoon fenders, teardrop headlights and flowing body lines at once proclaimed speed and substance. I gawked for a while before Bob led me over to see his “keepers” including an SS-100 Jaguar, a big blue Packard convertible sedan and other jaw droppers. I left with the gracious gift of a correct accessory porcelain tailpipe tip for my 1941 Cadillac.

The memory of that encounter with a very unique mid-30s Cadillac V-16 has stayed with me ever since, and I’ve been in touch with Bob Friggens occasionally over the years. The memory was jarred back into vivid focus recently when I retrieved from the mail the Spring 2015 issue of Hagerty Classic Cars, (published by the Hagerty Insurance Company). There on the front cover was the proud nose of that same 1934 Cadillac V-16 convertible victoria (now wearing a coat of maroon paint) with GM Vice President of Global Design Ed Welburn, standing just about where I once stood when I pulled back the tarp, and looking at the car with the same kind of admiration. Ed, I remember that feeling! Visit us on the web! 11 www.clcpotomacregion.org Cadillac & LaSalle Club Potomac Region Caddie Chronicle April 2015

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO JIM BLACK? STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS CUMMINGS AND THE SELF-STARTER

Twice in 1963 there appeared in The Self-Starter an ad for a 1931 Cadillac V-16 Series 4355 imperial sedan. The car was described as having closed rear quarters covered in vinyl (in lieu of the original leather covering), and an imperial division with opera seats. The paint and the car’s interior were said to be original and in excellent condition. Everything worked, including clock, intercom and cigar lighter. The mileage was given as 23,000, and the seller (Mr. Travis B. Stewart of Atlanta, Georgia) said he had bought the car from the original owner, a corporation not named in the ad. He said that he was selling the car to settle the estate of a deceased business partner. An asking price of $1,850 contrasted with the seller’s claim of having invested $2,400 in the car.

CLC member Jim Black lived in Central Valley, California in 1963. While visiting a friend in Oregon, he spotted the ad in the April 1963 issue of The Self-Starter. He and his friend responded, half expecting that the car had already been sold. The seller provided a brochure with many photos, and Mr. Black impulsively agreed to buy the car without actually seeing it. The seller assured Mr. Black that there was no need to trailer the car, as he could easily drive it home. He also agreed to store the Cadillac until Mr. Black could get time off from work for the trip. In Mid-September, 1963, Mr. Black flew to Atlanta and began an epic journey that he chronicled in the article below that was published in the May 1966 issue of The Self-Starter.

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After reading that article, I wanted to find and speak with Jim Black to find out what happened to that wonderful V-16 Cadillac that carried him from Atlanta to California. V-16 people are interesting folks. They can tell you fascinating car stories, and if you have a V-16, you can learn a lot about the care and feeding of these amazing beasts by speaking with others who have direct experience. Moreover, only interesting people get interested in V-16 Cadillacs.

He left footprints in The Self-Starter I followed in an attempt to locate him. In the November- December 1966 issue, he offered the car he had driven home from Atlanta for sale (no price given, but the ad said “Can be driven anywhere.”). In June 1967, he offered a 1932 V-16 seven-passenger sedan for $5,750. Back in the February 1965 issue, he had a two-page article about finding, adopting, and using as his daily driver a 1931 Cadillac V-16 Series 4161-S Madame X town sedan that would later be owned by the late Don Kizziar of Altus, Oklahoma. That car had a yellow body and black fenders when it was sold from Mr. Kizziar’s estate at the Leake Tulsa Auction in 2011.

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I’ve spoken with a number of long-time CLC members. One fellow knew Jim Black and thought he had been a Greyhound bus driver. Someone else said he’d moved to Arizona. Don Kizziar had said he would find and send me a picture he had of Jim Black, but that didn’t happen before his untimely passing.

1931 Cadillac V-16 Series 4161-S Madame X town sedan Jim Black owned and sold to the late Don Kizziar, and later sold at the Leake Tulsa Auction in 2011

I recently discovered a post made on the CLC Message Forum in 2005 by Jim Black #21089 regarding a battery for a 1941 Cadillac. Mike & Nancy Book at the CLC Office provided me with an email address and phone number from 2007 (when this Jim Black was last active with the club). The e-mail didn’t work and I left a message on the answering machine but did not receive a reply.

Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to locate Jim Black or any of his family. Still, there is hope that out in CLC-land there is someone who remembers Jim Black and knows something about the V-16 Cadillacs he owned. If Mr. Black is still with us, he would be the best person to elaborate on the histories of the vehicles. If not, maybe a family member knows about them or has access to records.

The march of time, the passing of people, and the fading of memories are a historian’s occupational hazards. Still, the glimpses and clues that remain feed the universal human desire to know what happened. Does anyone know what became of Jim Black and the Cadillac he drove across the country in the Fall of 1963?

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CADDIE CLASSIFIEDS

Cars For Sale 1947 Series 62 convertible – Excellent condition – Dark blue with a tan convertible top and beautiful red leather interior – 346 V-8 engine – Exceptional ride on immense 129-inch – Harley Earl designed "Torpedo" styling, which commenced in the 1942 models and continued thru 1947 models – Equipped with power windows, seats and convertible top – Asking $109,995 – See pictures at http://www.webeautos.com/detail-1947-cadillac- series_62-for_sale-used-12165161.html – For more info, contact Michael at [email protected] or (O) (631)328- AUTO(2886) , (O) (631)339-0399 or (C) (516)729-2003 – Car is located in Brentwood, NY

1953 Series 62 convertible – Frame-off restoration – There is not a single blemish, chip, or defect anywhere! – Mechanically the car is as perfect as it gets! – Power steering, top, seat and windows – VIN# 536227664 – 68k miles – Asking $185,000 – See pictures at http://www.webeautos.com/detail-1953-cadillac-series_62-for_sale- used-13250356.html – For more info, contact Michael at [email protected] or (O) (631)328- AUTO(2886) , (O) (631)339-0399 or (C) (516)729-2003 – Car is located in Colorado

1954 Series 62 convertible – Older restoration – Paint, chrome, top, interior all done – 365 V-8 engine rebuilt - Asking $65,000 – See pictures at http://www.webeautos.com/detail-1954-cadillac-series_62-for_sale-used- 12955902.html – For more info, contact Michael at [email protected] or (O) (631)328- AUTO(2886) , (O) (631)339-0399 or (C) (516)729-2003 – Car is located in Chicago, IL

1956 Series 62 convertible – Bought at a estate sale and has been restored – New paint and chrome – 350 V-8 engine – Car is beautiful but it does need a few minor things – Drive anywhere – Asking $45,000 – See pictures at http://www.webeautos.com/detail-1956-cadillac-series_62-for_sale-used-13137266.html – For more info, contact Michael at [email protected] or (O) (631)328- AUTO(2886) , (O) (631)339-0399 or (C) (516)729-2003 – Car is located in Colorado

1957 Coupe Deville – Asking $39,995 – See pictures at http://www.webeautos.com/detail-1957-cadillac-deville- for_sale-used-12041260.html – For more info, contact Michael at [email protected] or (O) (631)328- AUTO(2886) , (O) (631)339-0399 or (C) (516)729-2003 – Car is located in Erie, CO

1957 Eldorado Biarritz convertible – Recent four year ground up restoration – Completely taken down to bare metal & repainted – Show quality restoration down to the smallest details – Rebuilt engine & trans – All new suspension – All new glass – Every chrome piece re-chromed and/or reproduced – Front grille is not original however original is available – Grille reproduced in high grade stainless steel – Sabre Wheels were restored – List goes on and on – Car has travelled a couple thousand miles since finished and drives like a dream – Asking $189,995 – See pictures at http://www.webeautos.com/detail-1957-cadillac-eldorado-biarritz-used-12856917.html – For more info, contact Michael at [email protected] or (O) (631)328- AUTO(2886) , (O) (631)339-0399 or (C) (516)729-2003 – Car is located in Adelaide, Australia 1957 Eldorado Biarritz convertible – Numbers Matching – 72k original miles – Car runs great but needs work on the following: 1) rear bumper ends, 2) convertible top, 3) windshield, 4) passenger door glass, 5) window frames, 6) weather-stripping, 8) front seat and 9) power seat switch – Asking $85,000 – See pictures at http://www.webeautos.com/detail-1957-cadillac-eldorado-biarritz_-used-13259843.html – For more info, contact Michael at [email protected] or (O) (631)328- AUTO(2886) , (O) (631)339-0399 or (C) (516)729-2003 – Car is located in Colorado

1959 Eldorado Seville – Only 975 built – 78k original miles – Persian Sand paint good - Burgundy vinyl top very good – Burgundy interior excellent – 390/345hp V-8 tri-power engine completely rebuilt – Power windows (including vents), brakes, steering, and six-way seat – New Coker 4" WWW tires w/12K miles – List goes on and on – Asking $75,000 – See pictures at http://www.webeautos.com/detail-1959-cadillac-eldorado-seville_-used-13225309.html – For more info, contact Michael at [email protected] or (O) (631)328- AUTO(2886) , (O) (631)339-0399 or (C) (516)729-2003 – Car is located in Colorado

1960 Series 62 convertible – 100% original – 18k miles – 390 V-8 engine – Fully optioned with A/C - NADA high retail is $81,070 – Asking $57,000 – See pictures at http://www.webeautos.com/detail-1960-cadillac-series_62- for_sale-used-12950093.html – For more info, contact Michael at [email protected] or (O) (631)328- AUTO(2886) , (O) (631)339-0399 or (C) (516)729-2003 – Car is located in Chicago, IL

NEW ARRIVAL 1966 Deville Convertible – 106k miles – New top, upholstery, floor mats, dash covering and floor pans – New brakes (front disc upgrade), tires, gas tank, fuel lines and exhaust system – Cylinder heads overhauled – Original warranty plate and owner's manual – Asking $12,500 – For more info, contact Glenn Wienhoff at 301-613-2016 or [email protected] – Car is located near Frederick, MD

NEW ARRIVAL 1970 Deville Convertible – Only 58K miles – Asking $21,995 – See pictures at http://www.webeautos.com/detail-1970-cadillac-deville-for_sale-used-12346828.html – For more info, contact Michael at [email protected] or (O) (631)328- AUTO(2886) , (O) (631)339-0399 or (C) (516)729-2003 – Car is located in Colorado

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2015 OFFICERS

NAME POSITION(S) PHONE EMAIL ADDRESS NUMBER Vince Taliano Regional Director 301-258-8321 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Website Manager

Dan Ruby Assistant Regional Director 301-894-8026 [email protected] Car Show Coordinator

Jack McClow National Director 301-330-5417 [email protected] Newsletter Columnist

Sandy Kemper Secretary 301-585-0897 [email protected] Associate Newsletter Editor Valley Forge Region Liaison

Harry Scott Treasurer 703-791-3278 [email protected]

R. Scot Minesinger Activities Director 703-283-2021 [email protected] Newsletter Columnist

Chuck & Debbie Piel Membership Directors 240-888-5115 [email protected] Central VA Region Liaisons Newsletter Columnists

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