ourna The Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. Issue 219 November-December 2005
A Waterlogged Hershey The law of averages caught up with Hershey this year and made for a drenching last two days of the AACA Eastern Division Fall Meet. And it was just the beginning of what has turned out to be a sopping wet October. Undaunted by the precipitation, many SA H members found their way to the newly www.autohistory.org expanded SAH tent for refreshment and conversation. Paul Lashbrook ran a tight ship, which was appropriate due to the weather conditions. Visitors Inside liked Stan Lyman's blow-ups of Automotive Hi story Review cov ers, which really spruced up the SAH News 1 tent. Members heeded Kit Foster's call to bring their pub lished books for display. My Editorial Comment 2 favorite moment was during john jacobus's book signing for his recently released The Fisher President's Perspective 3 Body Craftsman's Guild. Several folks were gushing over a con vertible model designed by Letters 11 Ronald Will when, as if on cue, Mr. Will walked into the tent. Leroy Cole, with wife, Cora, proudly shows plaque This was truly a wooooooooo! naming him SAH Friend of Automotive History 2005. Billboard 15 moment. The fall Board meeting at the AACA Library and Research Center featured the dedi cation of the Ralph Dunwoodie Automotive Research Archive, which is housed at the Library, and the unveiling of a plaque which will permanently identify the collection. Minutes of this meeting can be found in this Also Inside: issue ofthejoumal. This wasjoe Freeman's last meeting as President and the first for new McFarland's 2005-2006 Board member joe Malaney Catalog of Automotive Books The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center was the site for the Annual Meeting of Committee Contacts Members & Gala Awards Banquet. This year, for 2006 SAH Awards. unfortunately, many of the recipients could not Deadline for Submissions be on hand to personally receive their awards. is April 15, 2006 To the acclaim of all those present Leroy Cole was named the Friend of Automotive History Info on SAH in Paris 2006 for 2005, an honor Leroy graciously shared with his wife and dedicated helpmate, Cora. SAH President Joe Freeman (l) with Now on to the awards. President-elect Mike Berger continued 011 page 4 Year-end Kudos
together this issue so much easier. in the journal the last 30 issues. Execu It also fi lled up the pages rather tive editor Steve Wilson is a welcome fix quickly There are articles, book reviews ture at the SAH tent and banquet at Thomas S. Jakups, Editor and letters that I could not fit into this Hershey It is always a pleasure for me to issue. They will be in journal 220. talk with him So thank you, McFarland elcome to another Hershey I did receive one short note that I for your longtime support of the Society issue of the journal. Inside would like to include here. David Bausch, You may have noticed the new face W you can read the award pre of All entown, Pennsylvania, wrote in that on Page 3. I welcome incoming SAH sentations that were made at the Annual the buckboard on the back cover of President Michael Berger to the journal. Banquet as well as the minutes of the journal 218 is an Orient buckboard and Mike is a keen observer of the culture of October Board of Directors meeting. that he owned it in 1948. the automobile and an excellent writer. I want to thank presenters Taylor Vinson, I want to thank the members who I look forward to his columns. Michael Bromley, Leroy Cole, Bob Ebert, have sent in photos for the back page. Finally, the SAH jou mal has been Don Keefe, Michael Berger and jim Wagner They really spice up the newsletter. I do awarded another Golden Quill Award by for making their remarks available for all need more photos and book reviews. Old Cars Weekly. I think it is a real feather the membership. Also thank you, Darwyn Enclosed with this newsletter is in the cap for the Society. So congratula Lumley, outgoing Secretary, for providing what is becoming a holiday tradition, tions to us all. the Board meeting minutes ahead of McFarland's Catalog of Automotive And to all, happy holidays .. schedule. All this made my job of putting Books. McFarland has been an advertiser -Tomjakups
Jr.t~rn~,lIssue 219 November-December 2005 Officers Publications Committee SAH Journal (ISSN 1057-1973) Michael L. Berger President Christopher C. Foster, Chair is published six times a year by the Darwyn H. Lumley Vice President Taylor Vinson Society of Automotive Hi storians, Inc. Susan S. Davis Secretary Thomas S. Jakups Christopher C. Foster Treasurer Michael Lamm Subscription is by membership Joseph S. Freeman ex officio Beverly Rae Kimes in the Society. Board of Directors Membership du es are $40 per year. Through October 2006 Past Editors Send dues, membership inq ui ries Samuel V. Fiorani Robert R. Ebert Richard B. Brigham and changes of address to Patricia Lee Yongue Issues 1-29 Sept. 1969-(undated) 1973 Through October 2007 Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. C. Marshall Naul Michael Bromley Paul N. Lashbrook 1102 Long Cove Road Stanton A. Lyman 30-50 July 1973- Dec. 1976 Cales Ferry, CT 06335-1812 USA Through October 2008 John Peckham John A. Marino Arthur W. Jones 51-59 Feb. 1977-)uly 1978 ©2005 Joseph R. Malaney Walter Cosden The Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. 60- 87 Nov. 1978-Dec. 1983 SAH Journal Find the Society of Automotive Hi storians Richard B. Brigham Thomas S. Jakups, Editor, Adv. Mgr. on the web at www.autohistory.org. 37 Wyndwood Road 88-117 )an.jFeb. 1983-Nov.jDec. 1988 West Hartford, CT 06107 USA Christopher C. Foster Copy Deadline for Journa/220 860-233-5973 Fax 860-232-0468 118-157 )an.jFeb. 1989-)uly/ Aug. 1995 [email protected] Samuel V. Fiorani December 31st [email protected] 158-194 Sept.jOct. 1995-Sept.jOct. 2001
2 SAH Journal No. 219 The Road Less Traveled
munities and act as nations. The automo ered to have happened in the distant bile was arguably the greatest technologi past, and we think of them only when cal artifact of the twentieth century; it we need to find an alternate means to has a near monopoly of the passenger provide the function they perform for us. land transportation in the United States Even university professors, on and, judging from recent reports, China whom we might think we could count that proverbial "sleeping giant"- has for such studies, have failed us in this awoken to find itself seated behind an regard. While a few have published automotive steering wheel. scholarly works on the automobile and We know a great deal about the socio-cultural change, they rarely publish ~ichael l. Berger, President automotive industry and the personalities more than one book in the area and then consider it an honor to have been behind it. Most of the significant mar move on to study something else. Thus, chosen to lead the Society of ques of the world have been the object of the author of the first scholarly work on ! Automotive Historians over the next at least one book-length study, and many automobiles and the development of two years. SAH is a unique organization, have had multiple volumes written about autocamps, tourist cabins and motels in combining as it does independent histo them. However, when it comes to inves the United States, published back in rians, university professors and auto tigating the social and cultural impact of 1979, never pursued the subject further. enthusiasts. lt is a pleasure to follow joe motorized vehicles on our daily exis Similarly, the author of the first serious Freeman, who during his tenure as Pres tence, how motorized transportation study of the impact of motorization on ident fostered new initiatives in member transformed the very institutions, activi women, published in 1991 , went on to ship, encouraged the creation of addi ties and services that define our lives, explore issues of gender in a broader tional chapters and successfully lobbied there is a relative paucity of information. transportation framework. It is almost as for greater recognition of the Society by The extent to which the automobile if once the topic has been subjected to and within the academic community. ln changed family relationships, altered the book-length analysis, it is viewed as partnership with the Board of Directors, functioning of towns and cities, affected "covered" and further research is viewed the Officers, and you-the all-important the nature and accessibility of leisure as unnecessary. This is very curious given members of the Society-! look forward activities and impacted on how medical the fondness of academic historians to to further enhancing the benefits and care is (or is not) delivered are just some WTite multiple books on the same sub satisfactions that come from sharing our of the topics that have barely been ject, each with a different historical inter joint interest in matters automotive. touched We know even less regarding pretation of the events described. Having said that, l have a few the influence of motorization on religion, While I believe the relative lack of admissions to make. The oldest car l education and minority populations, and attention to the social and culture dimen own was built in 2001. I would have need to further analyze the automobile's sions of motorization is regrettable, it difficulty differentiating one historic symbolic use in literature and film. does present an opportunity for our marque from another, let alone deter What is responsible for this state of organization to become proactive, to help mining its year of manufacture. lf l affairs7 The answer may lie in the very support a neglected aspect of automotive owned an antique car and needed a part pervasiveness of the automobile itself. history. If you know of people who have for it , l think I would rather shop for it The car is such an integral part of our an interest in how automobiles anc:l!or on Ebay than walk the Hershey fields in daily lives that its socio-cultural impact commercial vehicles have impacted our October, especially when it is raining. may be deemed unworthy of serious lives, I would ask that you reach out to Why then did l join SAH in the first study. Many assume that we know every them and explain the professional bene place, participate in a number of Society thing that needs to be known about how fits and personal satisfactions that come sponsored events and become active the automobile has influenced our from membership in SAH. I hope by the enough to be considered for office in behavior. We hardly give a second time that I leave the SAH presidency in this organization 7 thought to it, except when it refuses to 2007 that we will have permanently The answer is quite simple. l am run or needs a repair. The car has crossed the 1 ,000-member threshold and fascinated by the collective impact of become an appliance, much like the be on our way to 1,200 or more. motorized vehicles on human behavior, refrigerator, the clothes washer and the Broadening the prospective membership with their influence on how we lead our power lawn mower. Whatever social and base is one way to achieve that goal. individual lives, structure our local com- cultural changes it wrought are consid- -Mike Berger
November-December 2005 3 tented. One can enjoy the magazine with out attending any of the club meetings or participating in the tours. Yet you can "feel" the leadership and experience the tours through the pictures. Because of this publication most, like me, make resolu tions to some day join a tour. Richard and Grace Brigham, two of the founding members of our Society, we re given to the research and writing and printing of automotive history. Their early publication of "The Road to Yester day" was great in its day, but Grace acknowledges the quality and quantity in automotive publications today and is glad for it. After all , the original interest of this E.P. Ingersoll Award sound, with every noise as it is, unedited Society was to research, write, publish and The E. P Ingersoll Award is given for the and powerful, learning just how it was. correct automotive history facts. best presentation of automotive history in While I'd sure hate to be the insurer of john, as you all know, is not just the other than print media. those cars, its a remarkable experience, editor, he is personally involved in auto This years award goes to the U.K and a unique work of automotive history. motive history in the U.S. and very based film maker Tony Maylam for his -Michael Bromley involved in the Southern California six-part documentary film series "Victory Chapter of SAH. by Design," a fascinating look at the great Richard and Grace Brigham So, to the editor of Horseless Car racing marques Porsche, jaguar, Alfa Award riage Gazette, john Meyer III , I present the Romeo, Maserati, Ferrari and Aston The Brigham Award is presented to the Brigham Award for the best publication of Martin. uperbly narrated by racer and periodical which exhibits the best overall 2004. Congratulations. historian Alain de Cadenet, the series treatment of automotive history over all - Leroy Cole aired in part on national cable television. issues published during the previous cal It is avail able in full at the website endar year. A publication may receive the victory bydesign.com. Brigham Award only once in a five-year Each segment provides a formidable period. This year there were two winners. history of the car, the company, the The first is Aston, published by the Aston designers, the engineers, the races and the Martin Heritage Trust, David Burgess-Wise, drivers, from the early days through the editor. This award wi ll be presented to modern era. That alone, makes "Victory David at the Paris meeting in February. by Design" a notable product of automo The second winner is Horseless tive history But what makes the series Carriage Gazette, john Meyer III , editor. truly outstanding goes far beyond the fun This publication, which dates back to damental history we learn from it. 1939, was one of the pioneers of the club Leroy Cole with Brigham Award winner Whatever the history-telling medi publications. The Bulb Hom, Antique John C. Meyer Ill um-print, audio, film, museum or Automobile, The Classic Car and Horseless parade-one of the jobs of the automotive Carriage Gazette seem to be the Big Four of Student Paper Award historian is to bring the audience into the club magazines. Over time there has been On behalf of Sinclair Powell, chair of the car and its day Tony brings his history the ebb and flow of new editors, formats Student Paper Awards Committee of alive. He takes us straight into the cockpit, and directors, but the Gazette, under johns SAH, I would first like to express his right there with Alain de Cadenet for editorship, has stayed focused on task. appreciation for the work of the other some seriously hard-driving rides in some This publication of the Horseless members of the committee including of the most valuable automobiles around. Carriage Club of America accomplishes a Charles Blackman, David Lewis, and Craig And we get not just the sights, but the great deal--club info, always accompa Pascoe. And on behalf of the other mem sounds and the feel. There we are, looking nied by professional photos of the people bers of the Committee I would like to over Alains shoulder as he grinds the and places and participating vehicles, a express our appreciation to Sinclair for gears, mashes the pedals and flies down historical section, letters and ads. Yet it is his excellent and diligent leadership. the road. And there we are, in original not a gossip rag or a pulpit for the discon- We had eight student papers sub-
4 SAH journal No. 21 9 mitted this year, literally from around the which appeared in the August 2004 issue globe including Australia, the United of Collectible Automobile. States and Romania. Our second Award of Distinction I am pleased to announce that the goes to Vince Manocchi for his beautiful winner of the Student Paper Award for ly-executed work "Bound by Tradition: 2005 is Mr. E. Rick Clapton, a Ph.D. stu The Coachcraft Sto ry, " which appeared in dent in history at the University of Mel the October 2004 issue of Collectible bourne in Australia. Mr. Clapton's specif Automobile. ic area of interest is the history of urban Our 2005 Benz Award Winner was traffic. The title of his award-winning one of those rare treats that explores a paper is "The Fast and the Furious:The moment in time from a va riety of differ Victoria Police and Changing Definitions ent angles. It provides the reader with an of Speed and Speeding, 1900-1930." Carl Benz Award of Distinction winner insight into not only what happened , j eff Godshall The speci fi c focus of Mr. Clapton's but also what almost happened. It is a rm.per is the history of urban road speeds Freeman, Dale Wells, Leroy Cole, Kit Foster masterfully researched and presented in the state of Victoria in Australia. In his and the Board of Directors of SAH for the work, one that breathes new life into a paper he explores the evolving defini opportunity to chair the Benz Commit story familiar to many. The event in tions of speeding which led, for example, tee. It has been and continues to be, an question was the 1955 Mille Miglia and to urban road speeds in Melbourne in honor to serve the Society in this capaci though the team of Stirling Moss and creasing by 500 percent between 1895 ty and I look forward to continuing for Denis Jenkinson took the checkered fl ag, and 1920. In his carefully researched and the foreseeable future. the story actually focuses on the great documented paper Clapton takes us from I also wish to thank our Committee j ohn Fitch, who turned in a very re the days when constables on bicycles members Dennis Da vid, Keith Mathieo markable but overshadowed perform chased horse cans and cited the drivers wetz, john Sawruk and Bill Warner for ance in that race while driving a stock for engaging in what was called "furious their expertise in evaluating the nomina Mercedes 300SL. The 2005 Benz Award driving" for going 18 miles per hour to tions and declaring the winners. As the goes to Carl Goodwin for his brilliant the evolution of the motor car and motor years go by, I see this group of automo article, "1000 Miles in Half a Day," truck when speeds of 40 and even 60 tive historians continue to grow and which appeared in the September/ miles per hour could be obtai ned and evolve in their positions. Their leve l of October 2004 issue of Vi ntage Motor when being apprehended and punished expertise in the evaluation process con sport. It scored a total of 494 out of 500 for engaging in "furious driving" was tinues to inspire my complete confidence possible points. often left to the whimsical interpretation in them. In particular, I wanted to -Don Keefe of constables, magistrates and judges. acknowledge Committee member j ohn Mr. Clapton was unable to travel to Sawruk's diligence in completing his Nicholas-joseph Cugnot Award, Hershey from Australia to receive his evaluations this year. Not only did he English Language award , but we will convey it to him in an turn them in to me a month before the The Nicholas-j oseph Cugnot Award for a appropriate manner and his paper will be deadline, he did so while undergoing a book written in the English language is published in Th e Automotive History Review particularly rigorous cancer treatment presented to the work published in the Since several of the papers were of regimen. I appreciate his courage and previous calendar year that represents the very good quality, the Committee decid resolve and our Committee wishes him a most outstanding writing and original ed to give an Awa rd of Distinction. This full and speedy recovery. research in automotive history. This is goes to David Kerr, a graduate student at This year we had l3 nominations the Society of Automotive Historians' Loyola University of Chicago. He receives from a variety of sources and like last year highest honor for this type of publica a plaque and a cash prize of $200 for his I was impressed by the high quality of the tion. The Committee members may, if paper "History of Chi cago's Motor Row". submissions. In addition to the Benz they deem it warranted, also choose a -Robert Ebert Award this year, the Committee issued book or books worthy of special recogni two Awards of Distinction, as there was a tion for an Award of Distinction. Carl Benz Award two-way tie for second place. Both This year's Selection Committee The Benz Award recognizes excellence in received 4 72 out of a possible 500 points. consisted of Dave Lewis, Bob Ebert, Doug the presentation of automotive history in Our firs t Benz Award of Distinc Leighton and myself. Doug served as periodical publications, such as newspa tion goes to jeffrey Godshall for his exten chair, but is unable to be with us tonight. pers, magazines, newsletters, journals sively researched and documented arti On his behalf, 1 would like to thank Dave and other formats. cle, "1960-62 Plymouth Valiant: Chrys and Bob for their exemplary committee l would first like to thank joe ler's Unique Slant on the Compact," service, both this year and in the past.
November-December 2005 5 tory of electric vehicles and their manu Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot Award, facturers, which, as one of the Commit Non-English Language tee members noted, "could be the best The icholas-joseph Cugnot Award is book yet written on the electric car." His also given for books in a language other excellent integration of the historical and than English. On the basis of the nomi technical issues, including the culture, nations received this year, the Committee technology and economics of the electric decided that none met the criteria of vehicle, provides an unusually complete "outstanding writing and original re story of this means of propulsion. His search in automotive history" However, observations on changes in what he calls the Committee considered that two of the "user culture" as well as in technolo the nominees deserved Awards of gy are particularly meritorious and pro Distinction as books of "particular merit" vide ample support for his excellent published in 2004 Mike Berger presents the Cugnot Award analysis of why electrics ultimately did The first of these books, nominated to Kit Foster. not prevail. by Ferdinand Hediger; is Sie Bauten Autos, There was an especially strong field Carefully documented and crafted, by the distinguished German writers of 11 nominees this year. Two of the The Electric Vehicle: Technology and Expec Michael Graf Wolff Metternich and Hans works were judged to be of exceptional tations in the Automobile Age demonstrates Otto Neubauer. This work is an encyclo merit and the Committee members decid the intellectual potential of automotive pedia of engineers, technicians, designers ed to break with tradition and honor history and ought to be the point of and pioneers of the German-speaking both with a Cugnot Award. In addition, a departure for anyone interested in the automotive world in the years 1885- third book was determined to be worthy technology of electric vehicles and their 1945. Sie Bauten Autos was published by of an Award of Distinction for its non socio-historic impact. Verlag Hermann E. ieger, GmbH. traditional approach to its subject. The other recipient of the 2005 The second Award of Distinction is The Award of Distinction is given Cugnot Award is Kit Foster for Th e presented to Ford en France et en Belgique, to Lisa M. Fine's The Story of Reo joe. Stanley Steamer: America's Legendary nominated by Patrick Fridenson. The Work, Kin and Community in Autotown, Steam Car; published by the Stanley authors are Hubert Bonin, Thierry Gros U.S.A, published by the Temple Univer Museum. The Stanley Steamer is an exem bois, Nicolas Hatzfeld and j-L Lou bet. sity Press. plary piece of scholarship that is destined This is a succinct but comprehensive his Fine's compact study of the work to become the definitive work on those tory of Ford in France, primarily before ing class experience in the twentieth cen vehicles and the men who designed and its acquisition by Simca in 1954, but also tury is a model of excell ent research and made them. It is truly a treasure trove of afterwards, as well as the history of Ford careful analysis. While technically labor tanley history and lore, in which the in Belgium. The book was published by history, it succeeds in broadening our brothers Stanley and their families, mid editions PL.A.G.E. understanding of how a city economical dle managers and workers come to life in We anticipate that the six authors ly dependent on auto manufacturing a highly readable, yet extremely well and two publishers of these books will functions and affects the economic and documented, account. be at the SAH dinner in Paris next social lives of its inhabitants. Fine has Foster recaptures the romance of February to receive their awards. done an excellent job of integrating the the early automobile, particularly that of The members of the Committee times and culture of Lansing, Michigan, the steamers, and places the steam car in are Bev Kim es, Frank Gump, and Matt into the story of the workers who spent the context of an era when they were a Sonfield. As chairman, I am grateful for their lives and supported their families viable competitive force along with the significant contributions they made working in the auto industry. In so electrics and gasoline-powered cars. that led to our decisions. doing, she does more than tell the story Handsomely produced and making - Taylor Vinson of a single firm and its employees; she excellent use of photographs and illustra makes a splendid contribution to auto tions, The Stanley Steamer: Americas ] ames ] . Bradley motive history. Legendary Steam Car will be captivating Distinguished Service Award One of the recipients of the 2005 reading for anyone interested in automo The 2005 Bradley Award goes to the Cugnot Award is GUs Mom for Th e Elec tive history. As a piece of scholarship, it Stanley Museum of Kingfield, Maine and tric Vehicle: Technology and Expectations in is superb and will serve as the standard Estes Park, Colorado. the Automobile Age, published by the reference on the Stanley Steamer for In making this particular award the johns Hopkins University Press. decades to come. Committee decided to again honor one Mom has written a thorough, Congratulations, Kit and Sue. of the smaller, less well-known museums scholarly, and informative worldwide his- -Michael Berger on the basis of several factors:
6 SAH Journal No. 219 l. The Stanley Museum was select enthusiasm has inspired a number of ed on the premise that it is more than an young people, one of whom wrote on automobile museum; it commemorates hearing of the Award that "Leroy is not Yankee ingenuity at work. only a friend of automotive history but 2. It also serves to perpetuate the its best fri end." Stanley name and to demonstrate that its I will finish this introduction by influence went far beyond the widely noting that the name "Leroy" comes from known Stanley steam-powered automobile. the French for "the King." But our King 3. The Stanley family was also a Cole is a merry young soul' It is with a pioneer in photography with its process great deal of pride that Dave's Committee for developing photographic plates dry decided that this year's award should go rather than with water. Jim Wagner with Susan Davis of the to Leroy D. Cole Bradley Award winning Stanley Museum 4. Violins were another of the I want to add one more thing. It is Stanleys' endeavors. In fact, the retired Sir Winston Churchill once said that behind every great man is a !'rincipal second violinist of the Detroit remarked of his successor that he was a great woman. This is especially true Symphony Orchestra once owned one. modest man with much to be modest tonight. Leroy wrote of his wife, Cora 5. Of further interest is that one of about. Leroy is a modest man with much Cole, that he "could not have typed a let our members, Susan Davis, is the presi NOT to be modest about. First, he is a ter without her, plus her love of automo dent of the museum in Maine. successful businessman, a toolmaker by tive history helped her understand what 6. And finally, our own Kit Foster trade, who founded his own company at I was trying to do. She is the Silent has written the Stanley Steamer; Americas the age of 29 and which continues under Auction; I just pack the books and ship. Legenda1y Steam Car; which tells of the the leadership of his sons. We should She has typed thousands of letters for activities of the Stanley family. also note his spiritual role ; as pastor, he me. " Cora is also the publisher of the -james Wagner conducted the funeral five years ago of Cole Bulletin. Like Dich and Grace the Society's vice-president and his men Brigham, Leroy and Cora have dedicated Friend of Automotive History tor Richard Scharchburg. themselves to SAH. Cora, would you Every year we look forward to Dave Leroy first came to the attention of come up; I'd like for you to hand the Lewiss eloquence and elegance in present the SAH Board by making himself usefuL Award to Leroy on behalf of SAH .. ing the Friend of Automotive History In his words, he "crashed" a spring Board -Taylor Vinson Award, but, alas, the chairman of the meeting at GM I (now Kettering Univer Friend Committee sends his regrets that sity), snapping photos and later provid SAH Board Meeting Minutes he is unable to attend Hershey this year. ing copies to Board members. The Board Hershey, Pennsylvania Dave asked me to fill in for him and I am is always looking for work horses and October 6, 2005 honored to do so. I hasten to add that his judged Leroy a naturaL The members Present: President joe Freeman, Vice health is not involved; he simply lost his agreed and elected Leroy, in turn, to the President Michael Berger, Treasurer Kit hotel room and could not find another. Board, eventually to the presidency of Foster, Secretary Darwyn Lumley and The Friend of Automotive History SAH for 1999-2001 and to the Board Directors Robert Ebert, Arthur jones, Award is the highest honor that the again. Leroy has also served as director of Paul Lashbrook, Michael Bromley, Sam Society of Automotive Historians the Leland Chapter. And he has gone far Fiorani, Stanton Lyman, Susan Davis and bestows. It is "presented in recognition of beyond the call of duty in taking on that john Marino. Also present: Automotive outstanding contributions to the Society most thankless of tasks: chairman of the History Review editor Taylor Vinson, SAH and to the cause of automotive history." Silent Auction, which he has managed so ]oumal editor Tom jakups, Nominating It is a universal award in the sense that it well for six years now. Committee Chairperson Leroy Cole and has been bestowed upon distinguished With respect to automotive history, Carl Benz Award Chairman Don Keefe. and worthy members who are not Amer Dave writes that "Leroy Cole is a diligent Absent: Director Patricia Lee Yongue icans and who live in Wales, England researcher, recorder and devotee of the Preliminaries and France. But tonight the Award comes car that bears his name," as well as of The meeting was called to order at home, home to the heartland of the Buick. He is the president of the Cole 7:09P.M. by President joseph Freeman, Ameri can automobile, home to Michigan. Motor Car Club of America and editor of with a quorum of Board Members pres In fact, this year's Friend, as he once told the Cole Bulletin. He served as chairman ent. The minutes of the April 1, 2005 me, was born down the road from the of the Friends of the Library and meeting were approved as published. Buick plant in Flint. You can't get much Archives at Kettering and shares his own President Freeman noted this was his last more "apple pie" than that' And that extensive archives with researchers and meeting in office. His remarks had been pretty much sums up Leroy Cole. others who seek his assistance. His own published in SAH ]oumal issue 218,
Nove mbe r- Dece mbe r 2005 7 44 will feature articles translated from languages other than English. lt has taken longer than expected to prepare this issue due to translating issues. 1100 copies wi ll be printed. Taylor further reported that the peer review of articles is proving to be very valuable. Taylor was congratulated for his fine work by President Freeman. SAH Press: Kit Foster reported that the donated copies of Classics on the Street were sold quickly as a result of having placed a flyer with renewal notices. Kits conclusion was that a bit of promotion would sell books. The AH Press will again be dormant until another project surfaces. SAH Website: Kit Foster reported Your SAH Board of Directors: (seated 1-r) Treasurer Kit Foster, President Mike Berger, for Dave Duricy by reading a written Vice President Darwyn Lumley, Secretary Susan Davis (standing 1-r) Directors Joe report from Dave. The website continues Malaney, Bob Ebert, Arthur Jones, Paul Lashbrook, Immediate Past President Joe to be the source of most new member Freeman, Stan Lyman, John Marino, Sam Fiorani and Michael BromJey. Not present for the photo: Director Pat Yongue ships. Some discussion took place in regard to bandwidth and possible expan a "big thank you" was extended to all, man Leroy Cole reported that j oe Mala sion of the website. especially as he reported the Society is in ney (#2753) was elected to the Board of Membership Directory: Kit Foster good shape. Directors. Re-elected were Arthur jones reported the next directory will be out The By-Laws Revisions that had (#234 7) and John Marino (#2039) The next year. been published in SA H journal issue 217 slate of offi cers presented to the member Committee Reports were noted to be in effect. Treasurer Kit ship was elected, that being Michael Ber Committee on Academics j ohn Foster provided a wording of the ger, President (#0823); Darwyn Lumley, Marino reported for Patricia Lee Yongue changes which were approved by accla Vice President (#0755); Christopher (Kit) who sent a written report that was dis mation. (The correct phrasing of the Foster, Treasurer (#0889); and Susan tributed to the Board. Ralph Gaebler, revisions wi ll be found at the end of Davis, Secretary (#1770) International and Foreign law Librarian these minutes.) Ongoing Activities at Indiana University, has been added to State of the Society Awards Award winners and crite the Committee. A request was made for Treasurer's Report }(jt Foster ria can be found in the preceding cover time at the Spring Conference for the noted a bottom line decrease of $5,281. 50, age of the Award presentations. Committee to meet face to face. Discus primarily due to publication of Th e Auto Publications SAH journal editor sion brought about further suggestions motive History Review index. He suggested Tom jakups stated his appreciation to that time be set aside for all committees that the Society look at income sources to Taylor Vinson and Kit Foster for review to meet and for committees to report at avoid a drain on the reserves. The cost of ing issues in advance of publication. He all board and general meetings. liability insurance rose, as a direct conse also stated his appreciation for the vote Membership Committee Arthur quence of the increase in membership of confidence by the Board at the April Jones re-distributed the Committee report when the membership totals were reported Board Meeting. Tom noted that advertis that had been provided, in advance, via e to the insurance carrier. The total assets of ing was down, but otherwise things were mail. Arthur requested comments from the the Society, as reported on the spreadsheet going well. Board on the assumptions of the goals. were noted as $76,695.47. Automotive Hist01y Review editor Silent Auction Leroy Cole report Membership Report Total mem Taylor Vinson reported that a profession ed that the Silent Auction continues to bership as of September 30th was report al mailing service has been employed to be a worthwhile effort; it tends to have a ed as 936, which is larger than at the mail domestic issues and alleviate the good income and serves to re-distribute same time last year. Autohistory.org, the problems with the U . .PS . He will con materials within the membership. The SAH website is responsible for the largest tinue to mail the foreign issues. The use next catalog will be out in january. number of new members. of the mailing service greatly lessens the 2006 SAH/NAAM Conference Nominating Committee Chair- workload, the cost being $267.00. Issue The date and location are set, as previ-
8 SAH Journal No. 219 ously noted, for April 6-8 at the Stude Old Business In Article II the Life Member cate baker National Museum in South Bend, Collection Disposition Guide gory was removed , it had been subsec Indiana. The deadline for submitting lines joe Freeman reported that this item tion (c). The category of Active Member papers has been extended to October needs to be carried over for future dis had been subsection (d); through elimi 31st to provide for those attending the cussion. nation of the Life Member category, the World Forum of Motor Museums to New Chapters/Sections joe Active Member category has become sub respond. This will mark the 6th SAH Freeman reported a Motor port Section section (c). conference, and it will be the last that Kit is still a possibility Chapters in Eastern By-Laws of the Society of Auto will chair. To make the transition to new Europe and in Australia/New Zealand are motive Historians, Inc. as adopted on Oct conference leadership, Kit will involve possibilities as well. ober 6, 1988, and amended on October 5, interested members to assist him with New Business 1989, October 11,1990, April6, 1991, this conference. None October 8, 1992, October 7, 1993, April European Banquet Taylor Vinson Action Items 8, 1994, and October 6, 2005 reported the llth Annual SAH European l.Presidentjoe Freeman volun Article ll-Membership and Dues Sanquet will be held February 9, 2006. teered to look at the costs of liability Section !-Qualifications A number of SAH Awards will be pre insurance to see if costs could be Membership in the Society is open to any sented at that event, for which more reduced. Stanton Lyman was selected to person without restriction of race, religion, information will be forthcoming. Present assist joe, with a report to be provided at creed, color, sex or national origin. An ap plans include a tour to the famed a future Board Meeting. plicant for membership must be of good LeMans museum. 2.Paul Lashbrook moved accept character, but the Board has the right to Centennial Certificates joe ance of the Treasurer's Report, motion refuse Membership to an applicant. Freeman reported for Sinclair Powell. seconded by Arthur jones. Motion Section 2-Classes of Members o applications have been made forcer passed unanimously with no abstentions. The ociety has these classes of Mem tificates at this time. 3.The Board accepted the report of bers: (a) Founding Member. A Founding Hershey Banquet Kit Foster the Nominating Committee and certified Member is a person who was present at reported all was in order for the new the election by acclamation. the founding of the Society on October location at the Hershey Lodge. 4.President Freeman appointed 11 , 1969, at Hershey, Pennsylvania, and History Tent Paul Lashbrook Michael Bromley to contact Website who paid dues on or before that date; any reported that the increased size was well Master Dave Duricy to explore possible person who was present at the founding received He thanked the volunteers who expansion of the website, and report to and subsequently became a Member; and assisted in setting up the tent and those the Board at a future meeting. any person who was not present at the who volunteered to be hosts. Paul espe S.The report of the Committee on founding and who had paid dues on or cially thanked tanton Lyman for the Academics was received wi th the Board before October 11 , 1969. posters that were used to improve the endorsing the recommendations. The (b) Honorary Member An interior decor of the tent. Paul also Board further endorsed the idea of hav Honorary Member is a person who has thanked Kit Foster for his liaison in ing time set aside at the April SAHI arranging for the tent. Ideas on how to AAM conference for all committee improve the tent were requested. meetings, with reports to be provided to Spring Meeting Kit Foster noted the Board and general membership. that the pring 2006 meeting will be on 6.Darwyn Lumley moved accept April 5th. Suggestions were offered to ance of the Membership Committee report meet in Florida or Texas in the spring of with authorization to proceed, seconded 2007, but this will be an item for discus by Stanton Lyman. Motion passed with a sion at the next Board Meeting to be held unanimous vote and no abstentions. in South Bend, in conjunction with the 7. President Freeman appointed SAHINAAM Conference. Arthur jones, Stanton Lyman and Kit World Automotive Forum Mi Foster to review the report of the Mem chael Berger reported that SAH members bership Committee for recommendations will be involved in this event, as noted to be made to the Board. by previously distributed material. 8. As noted in "Preliminaries" SAH President Joe Freeman presents Kim Special Report Kit Foster distrib above, the Board moved acceptance of Miller, AACA librarian, with a plaque uted a list and categorization of his cur the By-laws revision wording by acclama identifying the Ralph Dunwoodie Automotive Research Archive, which rent tasks for use in potential reorganiza tion. Changes in wording are noted in will reside at the Antique Automobile tion and eventual succession. bold print. Club of America library.
November-Decembe r 2005 9 made an outstanding contribution to April 15th Is Deadline SAH in Paris: Ten Years automotive history who has been elected for 2006 Award Nominations Beginning in 1996, SAH members from an Honorary Member by the Board. ominations are now being accepted home and abroad have gotten together (c) Active Member. An Active fo r books, magazines, articles, organiza for drinks and dinner the evening before Member is a person or corporation who tions and people worthy of being hon the opening of Retromobile, the largest pays annual dues. ored in 2006. indoor old car show and flea market in Each Member has one vote. All Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot Award, France. Our tenth anniversary gathering Members have equal rights, preferences, English Language recognizes the best will once again be at the Automobile limitations, and restrictions without English Language book in the field of Club de France. The date: Thursday, regard to Class. Only Active Members automotive history published in 2005 February 9, 2006. pay annual dues. Nominations can be made to Douglas The price of the dinner is 89 euros. Article Ill-Board of Directors Leighton, Huron University College, Members coming from the U.S. should Section l- umber and Term of 1349 Western Road, London, On send a check in dollars payable to me, Directors The business, property and tario N6G 1H3 Canada to arrive not later than january 23rd, • affairs of the Society are managed by a Cugnot Award, Languages addressed to me at 1314 Trinity Drive, Board of Directors. The Board is com Other than English recognizes the best Alexandria, VA 22314. As of October posed of 13 voting Members, elected by non-English language book in the field of 28th, the exchange rate available to me the Membership, and the immediate automotive history published in 2005. was 1.24715 for a dinner price of $111. Past President for a two-year term Taylor Vinson, 1314 Trinity Drive, Please call me at 703-751-7903 ore commencing at the end of his or her Alexandria VA 22314-4726 mail me at [email protected] in january presidency. The Past President is a Carl Benz Award recognizes the for current exchange rates. non-voting Director. The President, best article in the field of automotive his Members coming from outside the Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer tory published in 2005. Don Keefe, 1149 U.S. should make reservations with, and are elected to those Offices for a term of Hampton Drive, Victor, NY 14564 arrange payment to Laurent Friry. His e two years, but serve also as Directors Richard and Grace Brigham mail address is [email protected], during their term of office. The remain Award recognizes the best overall and home address, 22 rue d'Antony, ing nine voting Directors are elected to a treatment of automotive history for a F-913 70 Verrieres le Buisson, France. term of three 3 years. A "year" is the time magazine as a whole. Jack Juratovic, Please let Laurent and me know that elapses from one Annual Meeting of 819 Absequami Trail, Lake Orion, not later than january 23rd if you wish Members to the next. A term begins at Ml48362 to come so that the ACF can make the conclusion of the Annual Meeting in JamesJ. Bradley Award recog arrangements. Sorry, but payment must the year in which an election is held. nizes outstanding contributions to be in advance, not at the door, and There is no limit to the number of terms automotive history by an organization. Laurent asks that you not send Euro for which a Director may be nominated James Wren, 5930 Glen Eagles Drive, cheques because of the fees involved in and elected. Because the Initial Board of West Bloomfield, Ml 48323 cashing them. Directors served staggered terms, only E. P. Ingersoll Award recognizes The Club, 6 Place de Ia Concorde, three Directors are elected each year. A the best treatment of automotive histo is easily reached from the Concorde Director remains in office until a succes ry in media other than print. Arthur Metro stop. We'll meet for drinks at sor Director is elected and qualifies. A Jones, 504 South 26th Street, Phila 6:30P.M., with dinner following at 8:00. Director is expected to attend all meet delphia, PA 19146 or Michael Brom jacket and tie for men. A Cugnot Award ings; however, if a Director does not ley, 6303 Rockhurst Road, Bethesda, and Awards of Distinction for books in a attend at least one Board meeting in a MD 20817 language other than English will be pre year, that Directorship terminates at the Friend of Automotive History sented at that time, and we anticipate conclusion of the Annual Meeting of Award recognizes exceptional contribu that the winners of the E.P Ingersoll Members in that year, and the Board tions to the cause of automotive history and a Richard and Grace Brigham appoints a successor Director for the by an individual. David L. Lewis, 2588 Award will also attend. Dr. Fred Sim remainder of the Director's term in accor Hawthorn Road, Ann Arbor, MI48104 eone, owner of the Bugatti Tank that dance with Section 4 of this Article. Student Writing Award recog won at Le Mans in 1937 and the 1938 Adjournment: nizes the best treatment of automotive Mille Miglia-winning Alfa has tentatively There being no further business, history by an upper-level undergraduate agreed to talk to us. President Freeman adjourned the meet or graduate student. Sinclair Powell, We are also planning a day trip to ing at 9 31 PM., October 6, 2005 8 Ruthven Place, Ann Arbor, MI the museum at Le Mans on Saturday, Respectfully Submitted, 48104-2612 Deadline for this award is February llth, taking the TGV from the Darwyn Lumley, Secretary june 1, 2006. continued on page 15
10 SAH Journal No. 219 that this typicall y takes the form of pay ing to have a component installed instead of the end user installing it him/herself. Often the teens who are interested in such modifications have little actual knowledge of how an engine works; they simply want the cool goodies under the hood. This is, however, a possible open ing for AH, CCCA and other automo tive groups. Many of you could probably think of other openings. I have given the bad; now let's devise ways to make it good. We can do it; indeed we have to. -Edwin Krampitz, }1:
"Wrong-Headed" Rants Some Observations sion, which has led to the demise of My-my, jim Crabtree must have gouen up on the Health of the Hobby many traditional hobby shops down my on the wrong side of the bed the day he jim Crabtree raised valid questions about way that sold hands-on devices such as wrote the feature essay for the September/ the future of car clubs and automotive scale model trains and model kits. October issue of the SAH ]au mal. His history research in "Writing the History Traditionally models and kits helped rather disjointed tirade not only manages of Our Hobby" in issue 218. Attracting lead to interests in the real object. to admonish automotive historians but younger members is going to be a real As young adults they face a far vehicle collectors, car clubs and generally challenge, and SAH and other groups more uncertain world , with layoffs and all folks in the "old car" culture His must figure how to meet this challenge outsourcing having become the norm. often "wrong-headed" rants are almost to survive. The days when an employee stayed with totally negative in tone and beg to be At 42, I am consistently one of the one firm and retired from that firm are taken issue with. I think the best way to younger members at the SAH banquet. over. Even a coll ege degree is no guar address Mr. Crabtree's essay is to draw For that matter, most of the adults walk antee of decent income anymore, since from the text of the essay itself and offer ing the fields at Hershey and Carlisle are many highly-paid engineering and tech a counter view. roughly my age and older. Of course, nical jobs have gone overseas to be The first statement that I feel is many of these people bring their minor replaced by low-paid service jobs with wrong is the very first one when Mr. children with them, but where are the no benefits such as paid vacations and Crabtree states, "The job of a historian is younger adults in their 20s and 30s/ even health insurance. twofold. The first is to document facts: The answer lies in the major Perhaps it's a cliche, but as a group names, dates, places, etc. The second changes in society that have occurred today's young adults are indeed unlikely and perhaps more important job is to over the last quarter century. o matter ever to attain the standard of living that interpret those facts. " who is at fault , the changes have hap their parents had in the 1970s. Without While the first of his premises is pened, so the following comments are that cushion in time and money, car undisputable, the second is very suspect. meant as observation and not as politi clubs and the hobby in general are left in While it is certainly within the realm of a cal commentary the cold. (Note also that older cars and historian to interpret findings, it is not Today's children are far more like parts have shot up in price due to specu what would be considered a mandatory ly to be raised by a single parent, usual lation, placing purchase and restoration job. Often facts and figures can be pre ly the mother, who in turn cares and increasingly out of reach.) sented and readers or listeners invited to knows little about motor vehicles. Cars Sociologists have mentioned the make their own interpretations. just are simply appliances. Even those in decline in younger people joining frater because one historian interprets a certain "traditional" two-parent households see nal organizations such as the Shriners or set of facts and figures as evidence to both parents having to work full-time even a local bowling league, so these some sort of gospel, that does not mean and often with second jobs to make phenomena don't affect just us. that another will see the same facts and ends meet, which leaves little time for Since the "Fast/Furious" movies figures and not make another interpreta an automotive hobby Children typically young adults have shown more interest tion. That scenario has taken place innu spend most of their free time playing in modifying late-model subcompacts, merable times throughout history. video games or simply watching televi- but speed shop employees have noted In the second paragraph Mr.
November-December 2005 11 Crabtree tells us he is tired of obscure japanese into the American market on all about7 Restoration standards and automotive stories and chides automotive the doorstep of automotive historians, preservation of original cars also get their histori ans to "rise to the next academic Mr. Crabtree goes on to call for a review due. Somehow he once again points a level" and presumably research and write of "our hobby. " While making a valid fin ger at automotive histori ans, repri histories that have "historical morals that point that a study and perhaps a book manding them for not doing their job, are applicable to the future. " Well , Mr. about the history of the automobi le col and blaming them for the destruction of Crabtree, I am going to confess some lecting hobby itself would be appropri original cars. thing that may just shock you. I research ate, he then takes on some big, we ll Mr. Crabtree$ last paragraph and and write automoti ve history because I known collectors and admonishes them statement is a prime example of the lectur enj oy it. Automotive history is not inter for the way that they treated and failed to ing nature of the rest of his essay. He nati onal diplomacy, anthropology, med provide for the preservation of their col wants the SAH to "give more leadership ical research or any other scientific or lecti ons for posterity. 1 remind Mr. Crab and direction to the endeavors of our poli tically significant discipline. It does tree that these and most other collections members as they explore their historical have some social significance and, to be (large and small) are privately owned . interests based on the important responsi • sure, it is much more than idle musings. The disposition of these cars is a private bility that historians have in society. " Nevertheless, to rebuke automotive his matter. He stops short of proposing legis Would someone please te ll me just what torians as mere "historical hobbyists and lation but encourages muckraking by that means7 If the interests he refers to are not academes" is demeaning and pre automotive historians to presumably dig individual, what influence would an sumes to dismiss the bulk of our work as up horror stories about the fate of auto organization like the SA H have in dictating trivial. 1 take umbrage at that presump mobiles sold at auctions. I find it implau what should be written about and how it tion but with the comfort in knowing sible that someone would pay an auction should be written. In my eyes, that is not that others also enjoy and take pleasure price for an automobile only to have it the purpose of SAH at all. The purpose of in what I do. I am sure that my writings meet the jaws of a crusher. I would be SAH is to bring together people with a wi ll never wi n a Nobel or Pulitzer be more concerned about so many antique · mutual interest in automotive history and cause the interest range is too narrow, automobiles leaving the country. to provide a forum for people of all back but I do it because I like it, not because I Car clubs are next in line for the grounds and geographical locations to intend to "change the world" somehow. whip. While the idea of a book or essay share informati on. There is also the infor After a convoluted harangue laying about the history of car clubs is a good mal camaraderie that goes with any organ the blame for the insurgence of the idea, what is the rant about marque clubs ization made up of the like-minded.
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12 SAH Journal No. 219 While there may be a few profes I consider the photos I've taken and col the claim of the Alcock-Brown fli ght in a sional automotive historian/journalists lected the same way. History needs to Vickers Vimy bomber. Some clarification among the SA H membership; the vast look at what happened in the context of of these claims might be helpful. majority of members are folks who are society, at who and what events affected The US Navy's crossing in May, enamored with automobiles and the auto what happened. 1919 was government-sponsored and mobile industry to the point that they like My current reading material is the highly organized. Three ai rcraft left to delve into the past in detail, doing new Levy bio of Porfirio Rubirosa, and Rockaway, New York , and followed a research and in many cases writing about the Edelstein bio of Curtis Turner is next route via landings in Newfoundland, the it. The interests are individual and that is up. Here are two books that grab the Azores and Portugal. Only one of the the way it should be; we didn't join the reader because the characters are so com three original aircraft landed in Pl y SAH for "direction." SAH is just fine as it pel ling and the stori es well told . mouth, England, on May 31st, after a fl y is, Mr. Crabtree. Now if you would like to Automotive bios are rarely as good ing time of nearly fifty-four hours over a take on the bloated federal government, unless the characters are interesting. total of twenty- three days along a route who rea lly has a stake in the future, this Racing drivers are often good subjects for patroll ed by more than fifty American ~ld curmudgeon will join you. books, which is why my shelf is fill ed warships which provided navigational -Bill Jepse n with them: Taruffi , Nuvolari, Donohue, and meteorological assistance. j ohn Fitch, etc. Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown left St. Let's Act Like Historians Those behind the car companies John's, Newfoundland, in their Vickers jim Crabtree makes a number of good are also interesting. Besides Henry Ford, Vi my on the afternoon of june 14th and points and raises very relevant questi ons we have DeLorean, Bugatti, Bentley, etc. landed in a bog near Clifden, on Ireland$ in his article in journal 218. His comments But we've only scratched the sur west coast, after a harrowing fli ght of six about the current status of activity as indi face. I did some research on Max Hoff teen hours. Their altitude had varied cated by magazine circulation and compa man that resulted in two articles in club from three hundred to eleven thousand ny sales si mply refl ects the demographics magazines (Alja Owner and Roundel), and feet and ice had been a constant enemy. of collectors, as those of us who grew up if not worthy of a book himself, he's cer Brown "de-iced" the aircraft by crawling wi th the cars of the 50s and 60s are aging tainly worth a couple of chapters in a out on its wings and chipping the ice off. and many are losing enthusiasm. book on how the sports car came to Alcock and Brown were thus the first to I doubt there will be many dedi America. Maybe someday I'll write that fl y the Atlantic non-stop. cated enthusiasts of the dismal cars of one, but now other business requires my The most famous fli ght of this type the 70s and 80s, perhaps even the 90s. time and this is just a hobby. was, of course, that of Charles Lindbergh Restoration of many of todays cars will Hopefully someone is making on May 20th and 21st in1927, when he be difficult and probably prove futile , as notes on the current status of the auto became the first pilot to cross the Atlan they depend on so much electronics and mobile, which may be in its fi nal decline tic in a solo, non-stop journey. The best software. It 's like Ferrari selling you an as many of us have known it. Ten years brief account of these three "firsts" is con F1 car but you have to have their crew from now, we may see books analyzing tained in Carl A.Christies Ocean Bridge: in order to run it. That says a lot for our why the American car company disap Th e history of RAF Ferry Command future, if you base it on car collecting. peared, victims of bad management (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, I worry about museums, with the which could not adjust to changing 1995) pp. 3-6. Harrah, Cunningham and Collier collec world conditions. A techno-history of -Doug Leighton ti ons being examples. How many collec hybrid technology will be needed. Prob tions will be adequately funded to stay ably a more thorough analysis of the end A Template for Success open to the public after the benefactor of the petroleum century. I was intrigued by our editors article on passes on7 If we call ourselves historians, let's page 2 of SA H journal 217, entitled Car clubs are social organizations act like historians. "Single Badge for All GM Brands?" My and wi ll persist as long as enough people -jim Hayes thoughts were, "Why not?" In France a like the same things and want to get large manufacturer has successfully used together. Here in California anything Clarification this type of marketing for 107 years. seems to thrivel on Trans-Atlantic Flights GM:S mirror image, Renault, is selling As for what automotive historians In his extensive commentary on Harold every car they can build without any should be doing, you should look at all Nockolds' book Magic of a Name, Mau dealer give-aways using this technique. histori ans. History is not just collected rice Hendry mentions early trans-Atlantic French cars are highly regarded in fac ts, but analysis of events. In fact, I do air flights , pointing out correctly that the the rest of the world. They are selling not consider encyclopedic collections of first such flight was made by the US millions of cars a yea r. To put it mildly, facts "history," just reference materials. Curtiss fl yi ng boat NC4 and dismissing the French car industry is robust. The
Nove mbe r-Dece mber 2005 13 principal players are Renault, Citroen, the line cars had the suffix stella as in sectors and average an 8-10% profit mar Talbot and Peugeot. The two countries Reinastella. gin. Those are very good numbers in the whose cars we respect the most automo These cars had big, simple engines "world car" marketplace. tively, Germany and japan, share some similar to GM power plants. They were Like Renault, these companies thing else in common. The most popular offered in four-, six-, and eight-cylinder show no interest in the largest market in auto import into both of these countries in-line L-head engines from three liters to the world , the U.S.A. At an auction, are cars from France. This is particularly 9 liters, and V-8 L-head engines from I met a Frenchman in middle manage interesting when you consider that in 4.2- 5.6 liters. Three-speed transmissions ment with an automotive background. the last several yea rs the U.S has had to with overdrive were standard. The en He likened the American automobile strong-arm the japanese and cajole the gi nes were big and torquey and didn't industry to a lumbering wounded ele Germans into importing a quota of need a four- or five-speed box except in phant. I agreed, but responded with American cars. ln my business travels I the sport versions. While in Canada in "wounded elephants can be dangerous. " see French cars soldiering on under the 1999, I drove a 1940 Nervastell a coupe. It He nodded agreement. worst conditions in Central and South was like driving a Buick Roadmaster with The condition of the U.S. auto America, Africa and, of course, all over out bouncing and wallowing. The five industry is serious. Both GM and Europe. They are obviously tough, com spring suspension system is very capable. FoMoCo have had years where they petent cars. Renault ca lled all of their cars show their stockholders' losses equal to Since they are the most common, I Renault and secondarily came the series. the gross national product of Romania. decided to learn Renaults. It wasn't easy GM took the opposite tack. Renault This can't continue. Before going hat in They are automobilia non grata to Amer always sold well. ln France they are hand to our government expecting the icans. Nobody knows very much. l re known as La Regie (the Company), while taxpayer, the customer, to bail us out, it's searched photos and literature in my Renault calls itself [automobile de time for us to seriously look at other fi les and talked to Europeans and Cana France. That would not be a selling point ways of doing business. dians who knew these cars. l even in the U.S. Would Renault ever return to For the last 50 years we have hired bought books. The cars of the teens and the U.S . market? They are already here; the best and brightest from the best twe nties were an alphabet soup of num they are called Nissan. l am not suggest schools in the US They have been well bers from 8CV to 70CV There were ing that GM could fix itself by some sort paid and have had access to the best scores of cars available during this peri of sleight of hand wi th names. It's really facilities. We have raided experienced tal od, ungainly cars with the Renault hood too late for that. ent from the Orient and Europe and paid aped by many American builders at the As for the other French companies, them handsomely, to no avail. We have time. A huge radiator flush against the Citroen, Peugeot and Talbot, they are dif been involved in joint ventures with our cowl, these cars were unmistakable. ferent kinds of companies compared to competitors in the world marketplace. In the 1930s Renault began to Renault. How are they doing7 just fine , We have watched the countries and com develop series names. The radiator thank you. In fact , their sales are "tres panies we admire firsthand. We have moved to a more conventional location. robuste." In France and abroad their apparently learned all we can absorb. It As l learned more about this company; assembly lines are humming along on is not enough. Is there something inher its people, structure, philosophy, the overtime. ently sick in the corporate culture of GM design theories and engineering, it They differ from La Regie in busi and FoMoCo? I hope not. l still buy became more and more obvious to me. ness style and technique. Renault is ag American cars, and frankly I am embar Renault was GM with a Ga llic accent' gressive and acquisitory, always looking to rassed by our performance in the world In the '30s, Renault marketed six expand by purchasing other companies. wide automobile marketplace. lines of cars. Five of the lines corre This is the same business model used by Maybe we should forget our petty sponded to the five basic cars in the GM American and German companies. The acrimony and visit a country where all lineup: Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, key to Citroen's, Peugeot's and Talbot's the players are healthy We need to visit Buick and Cadillac. Renault had an success has been a mastery of strategic France. We need to learn again how to extra car, the Celtaquatre. After 1934 alliances, where they always seem to make stylish, economical, interesting cars the vehicle was called the juvaquatre. come out on top. Talleyrand would be that people actually want to buy Where This was a small European-sized four proud. The thinking behind this seems to the car builders can make 8-10% profit cyl inder, four- passenger ca r. The rest of be it makes more sense to preserve the with factories on overtime selling every the Renault line were called Primquatre, companies' independence by establishing car and truck they can make. Monasix, Vivasix, ervahuit and Rein a strong network of international coopera We have lost something they still ahuit. The high performance versions tion. Their products are stylish, compe have. We need to find it again. How hard would have the suffix sport or grand tent and are strongly evocative of their can that be? A template sti ll exists. sport, as in Vivasport, while the top of pre-war cars. They sell well in all market -Fred Summers
14 SAH Journal No. 219 SAH News continued from page 1 o Doing Well While Doing Good Gare de Montparnasse for the hour's trip The j anuary/February issue of the journal will incl ude the latest edition of the to and from. The cost is approximately Sil ent Auction Catalog. There is still time to donate books, magazines and other printed 90-100 euros but could be lower de memorabilia for the upcomi ng catalog. The Silent Auction is a great way to clear out pending on the size of our party. For clutter in a historically responsible way. And did you know that your donations are tax this reason, all of you who'd like to go, deductible? Talk about a win-win situation. Contact Leroy and Cora Cole whether you live in the U.S. or else (810-636-7221, leroycole2@aol. com) for more information. where, should contact me at my e-mail address or home address (see second ew York City. Walter R Haessner, 1'1.~ BILLBOARD paragraph). Final details wi ll be in the executive director of lAMA , noted that Information Wanted The manufactur january/February issue of the journal. Bev entered the world of automotive ing policies instituted by Henry Leland at As for the show, this much is journalism when she took her first job Cadillac in the early years of the 20th known. The theme of Retromobile for with Automobile Quarterly in 1963, and century resulted in a car built to toler 2006 is based around auto advertising. has had an affair with old cars ever ances that made possible assembly and for the fifth year Christie's will hold an since. the replacement of parts without fi ling or auction on the floor. On the FFVE stand, Michael]ehot won a first place the scraping of bearings. His achieve the marque Rolland-Pilain will be award in the Professional Artist category ment was recognized by the award of the observing its centenary. at this year's Porsche Club of America's Dewar Trophy in 1909. Can our mem -Taylor Vinson 50th Parade celebration in Hershey, bers tell me at what date other manufac Pennsylvania, in August. The acrylic turers were able to match this level of Members in the News painting submitted was of Michael's first quality. Buick, Ford, Packard, Pierce, Beverly Ra e Kimes is the 2005 recipient Porsche, a 1954 356 coupe, and is titled others? Arthur Jones, 504 South 26th of the International Automotive Media "Fading Memory." Michael has been St., Philadelphia PA 19146, nomecos Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. painting automobiles and their owners @netaxs.com, 215-985-4 714 Bev was presented with this award on for over 35 years and is a member of the November 15th at Sardis restaurant in Guild of Motoring Artists. Photographs Wanted The Internation al Automobile Photograph Co. of Min neapolis, MN produced factory photo graph reproductions in the 1940s. Does his engaging memoir anyone know the whereabouts of the T follows a life spent nursing remnants of this company, the name of an obsession with cars. With the owner or descendants or any other occasional play in the garage of pertinent information? Walter Miller the Ford estate and an excursion 6710 Brooklawn Pkwy., Syracuse, NY Still Life to see Buckminster Fuller's 13211, 315-432-8282, fax 315-432- three-wheeled Dymaxion 8256, e-mail [email protected] with Cars among his earliest memories, John Lumley's enduring love of Auto Racing Photos for Sale Thou cars is no surprise. From those sands of 1910-1965 photos of big car childhood adventures followed sprints, midgets, track roadsters and a a lifetime spent elbow-deep in engines- ash, Hupmobile, few stock cars. The photos are from all Citroen, Triumph, Volkswagen, over the U.S. and Canada. 5x7, black Lagonda, Armstro ng-Siddeley, and white prints. Don Radbruch , 450 Bentley and more, many of Road 39G, Sagle, lD 83860, 208- them pictured. 263-5953 (daytime) e-mail radbruch 19lpp. $29.95 softcover @sandpoint.net 58 photographs, index ISBN 0-7864-2053-7 2005 Needed for Research To borrow or purchase: Motor Car Design and Pacing Three P's: Packard, Peerless & Pierce Arrow Also have many magazines for sale. McFarland Contact me for list. David Edyvean, Box 611, Jefferson C 28640 · Orders 800-253-2187 · FAX 336-246-4403 • www. mcfarlandpub.com P.O. Box 363, Rotterdam junction, NY 12150 e-mail: dkvean@capital. net
November-December 2005 15 FIRST CLASS PRESORT U.S. Postage PAID J~!Jrn~,lIssue 219 November-December 2005 Hartford , CT The Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. Permit InS l 37 Wyndwood Road West Hartford, CT 06107
THE WR-70, a one-of a kind fiberglass vehicle powered by a Volkswagen diesel engine. Built by Eugene Wright of Pennsylvania, it weighs 1,400 lbs., gets 70 mpg and goes at regular highway speeds. Passengers sit tandem fashion, motorcycle style. It is registered as a motorcycle. Mr. Wright has a patent and is seeking a manufacturer. George W Green collection