This Month in the 21 CLASSIC CAR SUMMARY 1955 Cameo RUMBLER Carrier Pickup

24 CAR SHOW POSTERS LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE 2 24 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2 BISON 6 SHOW TIMES 25 SWAP SHOP 3 BIRTHDAYS 26 CAR CLUB SITES September 31 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

RUMBLER MINISTRY JAMESTOWN CALENDAR OF 3 32 Scott W. Block EVENTS

5 BUFFALO CITY TOURISM Searle Swedlund

5 BARN FINDS 1970 Mustang Mach 1

7 BARN FINDS 1970 Chevelle SS

8 SUMMARY OF A LEGEND George Barris

10 AROUND MILL HILL City Lights Supper Club

12 NEW CAR REVIEW 2014 Ford Focus

15 CLASSIC CAR SUMMARY Self-Parking 1953 Packard

Cavalier

18 CLASSIC CAR SUMMARY 1968 AMC AMX

P a g e | 2 weekend as the Stampede at the Jamestown Speedway so I expect attendance to be enormous.

This year we have partners at our show. Not only will Rod & Jeff Wilhelm be hosting and paying the brunt of the expenses, but Stutsman Harley Davidson has also jumped on board. How exciting! They will have a display of their new vehicles here and also there will be a wide assortment of show bikes here also. The Buffalo City Tourism will also have a display set up because we expect over a thousand people to be walking LOOKING TOWARDS THE through our show. RealTruck has FUTURE: told us they were bringing the “STORM TRUCK” and they also have another surprise. Yes the fixed up a Denali so they will be displaying both vehicles. The Jamestown Drag Racers will have a display with the lights and race cars. Cool! Also, Jamestown Inflatables will be setting up 3 items that we can monkey around with. There will be swap meet area also, Jamestown Gymnastics will be serving hamburgers, hot dogs, and soft drink for a free will offering and Written by Skovy our own member Ron Shauer will be DJ’ing with his School of Rock Lordy Lordy where did the DJ providing music for the summer go? Summer arrived in afternoon. Jamestown the last part of August with hot temperatures. Wow... what an agenda! Good reason to be out cruising in the evening when the weather is Set up is from 8:00 to 10:00 great. Saturday morning and the show will run from 10:00 to 2:00 that I’m getting pretty excited that day. our Car show is right around the corner. Trophies … Oh yes we have them. st On September 21 we will be st nd rd having our 3rd Annual Car Show 1 , 2 , and 3 place People’s Choice Trophies supplied by Don on the sales lot at Don Wilhelm Inc. right here in Jamestown. Wilhelm Inc. ($1.00 free will This will be on the same offering to the Jamestown Gymnastics to vote). P a g e | 3 st nd rd 1 , 2 , and 3 place Show out and send back to me. If you RUMBLER MINISTRY Stopper Trophy plus cash for the e-mail me a picture of your car top 3 spots $100.00 1st place, with pre-registration, you will SCOTT W. BLOCK $60.00 2nd place, $30.00 3rd have a picture of your car on the place. Trophies and cash supplied judging sheet that people can by Don Wilhelm, Inc. see for People’s Choice Trophy.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Best Bike Remember, there is no charge to Trophy plus cash along with this show off your car or bike. Come class for the top 3 spots $100.00 on over and have fun. Good luck. 1st place, $60.00 2nd place, $30.00 3rd place. Trophies and The meeting this month is going cash supplied by Stutsman Harley to be at the Quality Inn Tuesday th Davidson. September 17 at 7:00. Hope to see you there! Best trophy supplied by Dave Olson from the James Skovy Valley Street Machines. MEMBERSHIP BIRTHDAY: Get your cars & trucks ready. This is going to be a big show. SEPTEMBER Last year we had 83 cars in the show. This year we are shooting Steve Busche 09/03 Cars: The Love Affair to have 125 cars and bikes to Elayne Patzner 09/04 show off. Tricia Seckerson 09/08 An article in the Jamestown Sun Kim Thoele 09/09 Newspaper (August 19) was Also, Rod & Jeff Wilhelm would Pat Block 09/12 entitled, “Teens’ love affair with like to show off their new Ken Mischka 09/12 cars may be fading.” The article’s dealership remodel so while Carole Schoepp 09/12 subtitle states that almost half of you’re here at the show come on Lyman Keim 09/24 all 18-year-olds in the country in and look around the new Kim Murray 09/26 are unlicensed. facility! Miss your birthday? Please Mostly the article was about the How the show stopper is going to contact me at 701-202-7067 teens not wanting to pay for the work is 4 judges have been whereas I can update your car nor the fuel it takes to selected from our last meeting. records. operate them. It seems they The judges are from the James would rather ride with someone Valley Street Machines and they who had a “cool” car than buy all have cars they work on and one of their own. A number of show off. They will walk the lot paragraphs also had to do with and pick out the top 10 vehicles. that they were afraid to drive They will then judge them. The because they did not want their “RUMBLER” has a judging sheet car “getting wrecked”. Some on one of the back pages so you were also afraid to drive on ice. can see what points they will look But during the summer, driving at. around in “cool” cars was the only thing to do for These same 4 judges will also do entertainment. And usually, the the same with the bikes. driving around was riding with the kid with the “coolest” car. Things are going to be hectic

Saturday morning. Also on the Well, I guess, I never grew up. I back page I have a pre- still like driving around in my registration sheet that you can fill “cool” car. Do you? P a g e | 4 Well, I guess I am showing my you need faith when you can look In the article, the “cool” cars true colors, that is my age. I at Jesus Christ in the eye and were Hondas, Toyotas, Subaru grew up with Rock ‘n Roll, long touch him? Why would you need Legacy, some pickups, and if you hair, bell-bottom jeans, and hope? Who hopes for what they can believe it, Volkswagens! Uh really, really, cool, fast, cars. My already have? Nope, the Beatle’s no, I must be too old. My cool love affair is still strong. The had it right, all you need is love. cars had names like ‘Cuda, grace, beauty, curves, power, Impala, Stingray, Cobra, Road colors, and styles of the really Once again, it is time to stop my Runner, SuperBee, Ram, Viper, cool cars are unmatched. Sorry ramblings. If you disagree with and Mustang, you know, names Subaru, you simply can’t be my this article, or are offended by it, of cool animals. Other cool lover, or my car. And the Bimbo, blame Skovy. If you like it, send names were: 442, GTO, Z28, RS, well, you figure it out for him an email. Blessings SS, 911, Z-3, you know, names yourself! everyone! with letters and numbers. Still more cool names were: Chevelle, Love is indeed a strong emotion. Cutlass, Camaro, Corvette, and But if you were to sit me down Crossfire, you know, names of and buy me a beer, I would cars that start with the letter “c”. admit that I do not “love” my car. I like it a lot, but do not love it. If We never used names for our I should sell it, will I miss it? cool cars like the Honda Life Absolutely. But, it is, in reality, a Dunk, Mazda Bongo, or the piece of metal that is cold and Mitsubishi Pistachio. Never would hard. It rusts, fades, loses a cool car have the name horsepower, breaks, needs pistachio that is just too “nutty” maintenance, and quite frankly, I of a name (groan). That is totally can’t take it with me when I die. uncool for sure. How about the And all of that is okay. Nissan Prairie Joy (really?) or the all-time uncool car, the In addition, I don’t love a “what” Volkswagen Thing. And just what either. I love a “who”, a person. the heck is a Volugrafo Bimbo And that person’s name is God. It anyway? Never would I cruise is God that enables me to love around town for entertainment in my wife, my family, and my a car named “Bimbo.” You must friends. And I will admit God really, and I mean really, Google gives me the ability to really, that and see it for yourself! really, like my car. But my car cannot like me back. Nor can my I am wondering therefore, do the car “save” me from sin, death, names of cars have anything to and the devil. But I know who do with the love affair of the can, and that person is Jesus automobile fading with teens? Christ. Shakespeare said, “A rose by any other name would smell as Most of all, when I die, I will take sweet.” But Bimbo? Really? my “love” with me! The love that Perhaps if there were more cool I have in my heart will come with cars with true dual exhaust, and me when I die. Sorry Camaro cool names, with cool colors, Z28 with 450 horse, but you have maybe, just maybe, that love stay behind. You see, the Bible affair may get a little steamy teaches us that three things are once again. But Bimbo? great in life; faith and hope while Sigh….really? love is the greatest. When you die and are resurrected, you will no longer need faith. Why would P a g e | 5 rumble of the engine and smell of exhaust.

SEARLE SWEDLUND Executive Director

For those of you who read this column and own a classic, you need to know this: You can never know how much you mean to the communities and the events and the people who you BARN FINDS: drive by. The common bond between car people is clear, but 1970 MUSTANG MACH1, the love and fascination for the 4 SPEED rest of us who gawk as you drive A beautiful car never goes out of by is un-measureable. You are style. That is to say it goes well the keepers of a generation, in with everything. Vintage cars your vehicle are the stories of a turn heads and spark time gone by, and we non- conversation. Great cars bring vintage car owners get to watch life to the party and spark energy and appreciate the depth and in any event. beauty of that story as you cruise by. A few weeks back at a wedding I attended, the couple drove away We look forward to seeing you on Story and photos by dragzine.com in a 1937 Buick. It had that September 21 for the Don Wilhelm Car & Bike Show. phantom appearance of a ghost This 1970 Mustang Mach 1 was like figure from a time long ago. Buffalo City Tourism will be there to support the event and gawk at found covered in dirt and Sitting outside of the church, it surrounded by clutter unworthy became the topic and attention the beautiful machines. We are looking forward to the event and of its company on a dead end for car enthusiasts and those road somewhere in Alabama. who can appreciate a vintage the timeless style of the cars (and people) in attendance. 40,970 Mach 1s were built in vehicle. One gentleman 1970. This one appears to have proclaimed himself a Mopar guy For more details on these and original Medium Lime Metallic and not far into their other upcoming events, see the paint under the dust and dirt. A conversation the hood was raised calendar in this newsletter or 351-cubic inch engine and 4 and engine talk pursued. As the visit our new website at barrel carburetor look original couple walked out from the www.tourjamestown.com! and match the wear of the 103k church, the attention refocused miles on the odometer. The four- from the car, to the couple and Searle Swedlund, Executive speed transmission speaks the car. I imagined as they Director, BCTF volumes about this green drove away how their journey to machine's original purpose. Go the reception had to feel like a fast and look good doing it. trip in a time machine; bouncing down the streets, one with the P a g e | 6

Hood scoop, add stripes and hood pins. That equals a muscle car! Somebody needs to oil the hinges.

351-cubic inch engine, 4 barrel

carb in this 1970 Mach 1 Barn find dreams are made of 4- speeds and good original seats like these.

Barn fresh rear seats in 1970 Showing 3k on the odometer, I'm Mach 1. guessing it's 103k.

In 1970 the Mach 1s had only 2 Original 1970 Mustang Mach 1 headlights, instead of 4 like the deep dish hubcaps. 1969 models.

Call it a Fastback or Sports Roof, it’s a Mach 1 in a barn!

P a g e | 7 BARN FINDS: gas. A gravel driveway zigged up the rough outcropping of land. 1970 CHEVELLE SS When I pulled in I could no longer see the road or imagine anyone hearing me call for help, if need be. As I cautiously made my way toward the front door, I spotted the back of a 1970 Chevelle. The unmistakable 1- year only taillights flanked a legendary SS emblem on the rear bumper. Stripes ran the length of the short deck lid. A wooden door burst open on an out Story and photos by dragzine.com building away from the house. About a half dozen dogs howled loudly when the owner appeared I’m always on the lookout for from an out building. cars parked in yards when I’m driving. I’m also willing to knock on the door of a house that has a yard full of cars and trucks in all sorts of disrepair. Junkyards or junk yards, I’m not picky.

The Chevelle was our first topic of conversation. The owner purchased the 1970 Super Sport Chevelle while in high school. Its original 396-cubic-inch engine

and 4-speed were still in place. The price: $600. The year: 1976. Gas prices had put a huge dent in the values of muscle cars during the mid-1970s. That was bad news for people trying to unload muscle cars but good news for a kid wanting to burn rubber and bang gears. This blue Chevelle SS was driven hard and fast. A young driver at the wheel of one of Chevrolet’s most-fear

street machines. Drivers of Hemi- I spotted a house on a hillside powered Mopars and 454-cubic littered with 70s and 80s relics inch Chevys were ready to race among the weeds. I drove up to when they saw this blue SS. a home that looked like a place most people would be afraid to stop even if their car was out of P a g e | 8 SUMMARY OF A LEGEND: George hand painted the car in orange with blue stripes. It was GEORGE BARRIS promptly sold to purchase a 1929 Model A.

The brothers interest in cars intensified during their teenage years as they discovered "the black art" of body work by hanging out after school at local body shops, including Brown's The owner was smart enough to and Bertolucci's in Sacramento. hang on to the big block Chevy. George created his first full He had plans to restore the car custom from a used 1936 Ford but an attempt at restoration was convertible before he graduated put on hold when the owner Story and photos by barris.com from High School. This became a dad. He says he still automobile lead to their first has all the parts to put the George was born in Chicago in commercial customer. Shortly Chevelle back together, including the mid-twenties. In 1928, he after George formed a club called the disassembled front end. His and his older brother Sam moved Kustoms Car Club where the first storage situation, a makeshift to Roseville, California with use of "K" for kustoms appeared. garage under deck, is far from relatives after their parents died. ideal and he plans to rectify it They both were excellent After Sam entered WW II, soon. students especially in drama, George moved to Los Angeles No, the car is not for sale. The music and drawing. George where his talents began to Chevelle seems to be the crown pursued a passion for building flourish. He soon opened his first jewel of his automotive collection scratch-built aircraft models shop in Bell, a Los Angeles which spans his yard. Getting which led to model cars. He won suburb in late 1944. Sam joined behind the wheel of his restored competitions for construction and him after his discharge in 1945. high school is his goal. I design. They opened a new shop on hope he does. Compton Ave. in Los Angeles. The shop was known as the I was lucky to find this hidden The family gave the brothers a "Barris Brother's Custom Shop". part of muscle car history. I 1925 Buick in need of repair for Sam's natural metal promised not to divulge his name the work they did at their craftsmanship served as a perfect or location in return for restaurant. foil to George's desire to design, permission to climb around his paint, manage, and promote. cars for some photos.

This Buick became the first "Barris Brothers" . The old Buick needed much attention and their creative urges to make George began to race at Saugus it different took hold. They Speedway around 1947. But this

straightened the body and added hobby was short lived as the bolt-on accessories before business expanded and took up P a g e | 9 all his spare time. Other forces major club today that has a business in Hollywood. This began to take place, the first Hot major cruise in Paso Robles. included customizing the Rod Show produced by Robert personal cars of the stars as well. 'Pete' Petersen founder of Hot As the past forty plus years have Rod magazine. The Barris shown, this association with the brothers were asked to exhibit studios and stars has been long the only custom car in the show. and fascinating. The reaction was very positive.

Modern automotive magazines were being published which provided coverage of the custom car business. George began photographing autos professionally and writing for the magazines. He was able to promote his business by demonstrating their techniques through how-to articles. Shirley Ann Nahas, George's future wife came into the scene and was an integral part of George's success. She became a strong nurturing partner in George's life as Sam had already left the business. George concentrated on promotion as well as customizing. The two

went hand in hand. He would travel all over the country in his The Barris brothers outgrew their creations, with the name "Barris" shop on Compton and moved to plastered everywhere he could, a larger shop in Lynwood where covering car shows and the famous Hirohata Merc was appearing on TV talk shows. In born. Sam bought a new two- the late 50's Revell began making door Mercury and knew it would model kits of George's cars. AMT make a great custom. He figured soon joined with the "." it out all in his head and began Plastic model kits became the cutting it up and reformed the biggest selling toys at the time. car. Bob Hirohata admired Sam's style and brought in his '51 Merc for a full custom job. Sam finished his car so it could be shown at the 1952 Motorama. It turned out to be the sensation of the show. The movie studios had taken note of Barris kustoms on the George formed "Kustoms of Los streets and at races and came to Angeles," which was initially George for cars for their films. restricted to Barris customers and One of the first films Barris made later became "Kustoms of cars for was called "High School Original kustoms and hot rods America." The group grew out of Confidential". The success of the continued to roll off George's weekend custom runs which initial movie car venture drawing board. They were built George helps put together. motivated George to seek and decorated by the best Kustoms of America is still a P a g e | 10 fabricators and craftsmen in the business. This pool of talent Again, these evaluations are not included Bill Hines, Lloyd Bakan, for the intention for getting , , Von anybody fired or to slam a Dutch, Larry Watson, Hershel business. It is a fact finding "Junior" Conway, John and Ralph mission. Manok, Bill De Carr, Richard Korkes, Frank Sonzogni, "Jocko" Johnson, Lyle Lake, Curley Hurlbert, "Gordo", and for a brief time Tom McMullen. Many of them went on to do their own notable work. As the sixties AROUND MILL HILL began, George shifted gears and bought a new shop in North Hollywood where he designed and built award winning cars. He also became a father to daughter

Joji and son Brett. George continues to work out of this 4 STARS OUT OF 4! shop today. Meals were Lodge Prime Rib & Salmon w/Almandine Crust. Our server was Ashley Forster. Around Mill Hill is going to be a monthly evaluation of area MEET & GREET: businesses. If you are a paid 1. Convey the feeling that member of the JVSM and would you were a valued like to take part in this program, customer: please let me know 29 points 96.67% [email protected] and I 2. Seat you and deliver will add your name to the list. menus in a courteous manner: Last month, Jerilyn Gray, Craig 28 points 93.33%

Gaier, Ron Schauer, Cindy 3. Was the staff properly Schauer and Skovy went to City attired? Lights Supper Club in Valley City 29 points 96.67% and evaluated the service and food we received. SERVER: 1. Suggest a beverage or Mind you, this article is not specialty drink: written to slam and business, but 28 points 93.33% it is written to make the public 2. Appear to be aware of services the Jamestown knowledgeable about the residence are getting. menu items: 29 Points 96.67% Evaluations are based on a 0 to 5 3. Remain attentive rating. A number 5 is the best throughout the dining rating and a 0 rating is area experience: needing work. There is a total of 26 Points 86.67% 600 points to be scored. 30 4. Mention/Offer Appetizer? points per line and there are 20 Options: fields that are evaluated. 29 points 96.67% P a g e | 11 5. Were there enough deserts and took a lot of the APPETIZER: employees to take care decision making out of the loop. 1. Serve the soup or salad of guests? By looking over the menu we within a reasonable time: 29 Points 96.67% wanted to try all of it but our 29 Points 96.67% tummies would not allow that. 2. Was the order correct, 5. TOTAL POINTS: The portions were adult size and complete and properly 577 points 96.17% we appreciated that. prepared? 29 points 96.67% EVALUATION: City Lights Supper Club, you now hold our highest evaluation with ENTRÉE: We’ve been doing these 4 PLUS stars! 1. Were appropriate evaluations for almost a year condiments served? now and all I have to say is 28 Points 93.33% “WOW”. Our dining experience at 2. Check back to ensure the City Lights Supper Club will that your meal was be one that our whole evaluation satisfactory: team will remember for a long 27 Points 90.00% time. Our hats off to Ashley and 3. Offer refills on the rest of the staff for a beverage/drinks: fantastic experience! Two of our 29 Points 96.67% evaluators added comments on 4. Was the order correct, the bottom of their evaluation complete and properly sheets (never been done before). prepared? One wrote “Ashley as a server is 29 Points 96.67% amazing and friendly … Great job!” and another wrote “What a DESERT: GREAT EXPERIENCE!”. 3 of the 5 1. Mention/Offer Desert? evaluator rated 100% (never Options: been done before either). WOW! 30 Points 100.00% 2. Was the order correct, The food was out of this world complete and properly and moderately priced also. Our prepared? evaluators said they could’ve cut the prime rib with their fork and 29 Points 96.67% the Salmon was prepared just GENERAL: perfect. The wine selection was 1. Did they appear to be fair but they had all the good selections that accompanied the busy and efficient in their work? meal. 30 Points 100.00% 2. Were the tables properly How can I say this to all our bussed? readers? If you have a chance, 30 Points 100.00% get on over to the City Lights 3. Did the bartenders Supper Club for your next appear neat and dinner experience. professional in their The staff really knew their appearance? product and treated us like 29 Points 96.67% royalty. The food was 4. Did the overall dining outstanding! experience meet or exceed your It’s refreshing how Ashley expectations: Forster, our server, suggested 29 Points 96.67% appetizers, main course, and P a g e | 12 NEW CAR REVIEW: consists of configurable control Focus impresses. This screens), meanwhile, has drawn sophisticated, highly refined and mixed reviews. Upon its debut, fun-to-drive small sedan and 2014 FORD FOCUS the system was rather finicky to hatchback earn one of the use, and although Ford has highest compliments we can pay improved it through software any car: They look and feel as if updates, it remains slow and they should be priced higher. prone to glitches.

Story and photos by (edmunds.com)

What's New for 2014?

For 2014, the Ford Focus is Body Styles, Trim Levels, and essentially unchanged. Options Even if technology isn't a priority Introduction The 2014 Ford Focus is a for you, the fact that Ford offers compact car that's available in Introduced at the turn of the a choice of hatchback and sedan sedan and four-door hatchback century, the first Ford Focus was body styles, as well as a wide body styles. There are three main a pretty good car. It was fun to range of trim levels, should give trim levels available -- S, SE and drive, versatile and available in a the Focus plenty of appeal. There Titanium -- as well as the Focus wide range of body styles. But as are even all-electric and high- Electric. The high-performance the years went on, newer and performance variants. The Focus ST is reviewed separately. more polished rivals relegated it former, the Focus Electric, is to mid-pack status. Not so with propelled by a 107-kilowatt (143- The S model, which is only the current-generation Focus, horsepower) electric motor and offered as a sedan, comes with which debuted for 2012 and can be recharged in about four 15-inch steel wheels, keyless ranks among the best picks in hours from a 240-volt power entry, air-conditioning, power the compact car segment. Major source. Owners of the electric front windows, power locks and reasons to consider the 2014 Focus can keep tabs on its mirrors, a height-adjustable Ford Focus sedan and hatchback charging state via smartphone driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping include sprightly performance, an integration. (The high- steering wheel and a four- upscale interior, a refined ride performance Focus ST is covered speaker sound system with a CD and excellent fuel economy. in a separate review.) player and auxiliary audio jack.

Another key attribute is the Well rounded as it is the 2014 Move up to the SE and you get Focus' abundance of available Ford Focus still faces some 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic high-tech convenience features. serious competition in the headlights, cruise control, power One such luxury-like standout is economy sedan and compact rear windows, a trip computer, the automated parallel parking hatchback class. If you're looking Bluetooth phone and audio system that can neatly slip the at mainstream models, you might connectivity, a six-speaker sound car into a curbside spot without also want to consider the well- system, Ford's Sync voice- the driver ever touching the made Chevrolet Cruze, stylish Kia activated phone and audio player steering wheel. And of course Forte and sprightly Mazda 3. For interface, and steering wheel- there's Ford's Sync system, one electric vehicles, the established mounted audio controls. The of the first voice control systems Leaf and efficient Honda Fit EV hatchback is pretty similar but to be offered in any car. The are natural competitors. Yet even gets a 60/40 split-folding MyFord Touch interface (which in this solid grouping, the Ford seatback (versus one solid P a g e | 13 folding seatback) and a steel wheels with aero wheel Titanium, though the manual removable cargo cover. covers, low-rolling-resistance transmission is still available as a tires, rear disc brakes and a rear no-cost option. spoiler. In Edmunds performance testing, Spring for the Titanium model a Focus Titanium with the and you get the contents of the automatic went from zero to 60 SE Appearance package, the mph in 8.7 seconds -- a bit winter package and the MyFord quicker than average for this Touch packages (minus segment. With the manual, that navigation) as standard. The drops to 8.3 seconds. Titanium also has upgraded exterior and interior trim, rear parking sensors, remote start (automatic-transmission models only) keyless ignition/entry and a rearview camera.

The Titanium Handling package adds 18-inch wheels, an upgraded sport-tuned suspension, a full-size spare and summer tires. The navigation A number of optional packages system is optional for the are available for the SE. The SE Titanium. A sunroof and an aero Sport package adds sport cloth styling body kit are optional for seats, rear disc brakes and a the SE and Titanium. The leather-wrapped steering wheel. Titanium can be had with an The SE Appearance package is automated parallel-parking more expansive and gets you 17- system. inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, foglamps, ambient The Focus Electric (BEV) is interior lighting, a six-way power equipped similarly to the driver seat, leather upholstery, Titanium, although leather 60/40 split-folding rear seats for upholstery and the power driver the sedan (with a rear center seat are optional. The Electric Official EPA estimates for fuel armrest) and satellite radio. gets exclusive xenon headlamps economy stand at 27 mpg city/38 Choosing that package opens up and LED tail lamps as standard. mpg highway and 31 mpg a couple Interior Trend packages combined with the automatic that provide two-tone color transmission. These drop to Powertrains and schemes. The SE Winter package 26/36/30 with the manual. The Performance adds heated mirrors and heated Super Fuel Economy package front seats. The front-wheel-drive 2014 Ford raises those estimates to Focus has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder 28/40/33, which we confirmed to There's also the MyFord Touch engine that puts out 160 hp and be accurate in extensive package, which includes an 8- 146 pound-feet of torque. The S Edmunds fuel economy testing. inch touchscreen display, a 10- and SE models get a five-speed speaker Sony sound system, a manual transmission standard, The Focus Electric has a 107- navigation system and dual-zone while a six-speed automatic kilowatt (143 hp) electric drive automatic climate control. (technically, it's a dual-clutch motor that draws power from a Optional only on the SE sedan is automated manual) that Ford 23kWh lithium-ion battery pack. a Super Fuel Economy (SFE) calls "Powershift" is optional. The Power is sent to the front wheels package, which adds 16-inch automatic comes standard on the through a single-speed direct- P a g e | 14 drive transmission. In Edmunds phone. Ford's MyKey system, truly useful Sync voice command performance testing, the Electric which can be used to set certain system) looks classy and provides went from zero to 60 mph in 9.6 parameters for teen drivers, is some neat customization seconds, which is about the same standard on every Focus except possibilities. But in real-world as the Leaf but slower than the the S sedan. A rearview camera operation, we've found that the Fit EV. comes standard on the Focus virtual buttons are difficult to Titanium. identify at a glance, and too The EPA gives the Focus Electric often get pressed accidentally or an energy efficiency equivalent In Edmunds brake testing, a fail to respond properly. Make rating (MPGe) of 110 mpg city/99 Focus Titanium with the Handling sure to try this out on a test- mpg highway and 105 mpg package and summer tires came drive and plan on taking some combined. The EPA also to a stop from 60 mph in 110 time to learn the menus if you estimates the Focus Electric has feet, an impressive performance. buy a 2014 Focus. an effective range of about 76 A Focus with the SFE package miles between charging. But as stopped in 117 feet, which is also with all electric cars, actual range impressive considering its low- will be highly dependent on rolling-resistance tires. A regular driving style and environment. Focus SE with rear disc brakes The EPA also gives the Ford and standard all-season tires Focus Electric an energy stopped in a below-average 130 consumption estimate of 32 kWh feet. The Electric took 126 feet. used per 100 miles (the lower the kWh number here, the better), a In government crash testing, the slightly higher usage rate than Focus received four out of five the Leaf and Fit EV. With a 240- stars for overall crash protection, volt home charger, Ford says the with four stars for overall frontal Focus Electric can be recharged impact protection and five stars in 4 hours -- about the same as a for overall side impact protection. The front seats are supportive Leaf but a bit longer than for a The Insurance Institute for and comfortable over long Fit EV. Highway Safety awarded the distances. The rear seats offer Focus its highest possible rating adequate headroom, but come of "Good" in the frontal-offset, up a little short on legroom side and roof strength tests. compared to the accommodations in the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta. The Interior Design and Special sedan's 13.2-cubic-foot trunk is Features on par for this class, but the While the handsome exteriors of hatchback model is still the better this sedan and hatchback might choice for the practical-minded. hook you initially, it's the upscale The latter provides 23.8 cubic cabin that will reel you into the feet of space with the 60/40-split Safety Focus fold. The interior is rear seats up and 44.8 cubic feet Standard safety features include attractive and quiet, and the with them folded down. The antilock brakes (rear drums on S materials are among the best in Focus Electric hatchback, and SE; rear discs on others), this class. However, the layout of because of its rear-mounted stability control, front side audio controls is a little battery pack, drops to 14.5 cubic airbags and side curtain airbags. complicated, even on the lower feet behind the rear seats and The Ford Sync system, which is trim levels. 33.9 cubic feet total. available on all Focus models, also includes an emergency crash It doesn't get much better with Driving Impressions notification feature that the optional MyFord Touch The 2014 Ford Focus feels like a automatically dials 911 when system, either. The large European car in the way it's been paired with a compatible cell touchscreen (combined with the P a g e | 15 tuned to provide both sharp CLASSIC CAR SUMMARY: Packard’s. Using a series of handling and a refined ride. This hydraulic pumps and lines, gears, is one of the more entertaining SELF PARKING 1953 and the Packard’s left rear tire economy cars to drive around and continental spare tire, turns, particularly if you've got PACKARD CAVALIER Walker came up with his own the Titanium model with the unique system for easing the optional Handling package. Yet parking procedure for car the Focus is also smooth riding owners. Apparently nobody bit on and quiet on the highway. the idea, leaving Walker’s prototype, his personal 1953 The 2.0-liter engine isn't quite as Packard Cavalier, the only known much of a standout, but it offers example featuring the patented above average performance and system. fuel economy. The five-speed manual transmission works well enough and gives the car a Story and photos by Angelo Van Bogart (Old Cars Weekly) sportier feel, though we wish it had a 6th gear to lower engine speed while cruising at higher Editor’s note: We found this car’s speeds. current whereabouts, securely in possession of an Old Cars Weekly reader again. See the update The automatic has that extra below for more information, Using a series of hydraulic pumps and gear, though buyers should note including how the car survived a belts, the rear tire is lowered until it that it's technically a dual-clutch recent fire. raises the Packard’s rear wheels off the automated manual and thus ground. behaves a little differently from a traditional automatic. It People have found parallel occasionally allows the car to roll parking to be a pain for back slightly on hills and can be generations, so Brooks Walker reluctant to let the car creep set out to solve the problem. He forward when parking. But most wasn’t the first, but he was drivers will acclimate to its quirks probably among the last before engineers gave up on the idea. and appreciate the fuel economy and acceleration benefits that In the 1950s, when Walker was Once the rear wheels are off the ground, come with it. patenting several of his self- a giant gear behind the continental tire parking system ideas, industry turns via belts and braces that are set in was racing into the future, and motion by the passenger side rear tire. By You won't find any such issues exposition crowds loved the putting the transmission in “Drive,” the with the 2014 Ford Focus right rear tire spins against a wooden wizardry and gadgetry Electric. Its electric motor and wheel that is part of the self-parking showcased during the prosperous system. The wood wheel transfers motion direct-drive transmission result in postwar economy. The through the system to the continental silky smooth power delivery. automobile was among the most tire, which then pushes the Packard Acceleration is impressive at low towards the curb. When the transmission futuristic machines, both in speeds, but tapers off is put into “Reverse,” the Packard pulls appearance and appointments, away from the curb. Because the car’s considerably as speeds rise. Ford and it’s for this reason that the transmission and rear wheels are utilized put in extra effort at making the lack of success of Walker’s self- in the system, the brakes can be used to Focus Electric quiet, and indeed stop the continental tire from spinning, parking system is so puzzling. this is one of the quietest small making the system easy for a novice to use. cars you'll find. Handling is noticeably dulled compared to a In 1953, Walker modified a new non-electric Focus, but compared Packard Cavalier sedan from his As late as the 1970s, Walker was to other EVs, the Focus Electric California business, Walker still developing a parallel-parking makes a good showing. Research, and made it into one system for cars, and his last of the most famous postwar known effort was on a Saab P a g e | 16 sedan. At that time, he still driver had to do was lower the owned several 1950s cars car and turn it off. sporting variations of his self- parking device, including an early-1950s Ford station wagon, a 1957 Oldsmobile station wagon, and a 1951 Cadillac Series Sixty Special. All of these cars were modified from beneath By using a Packard, Walker knew to allow a tire to be hidden under his target audience for the self- the car until it was lowered in the parking device. He also knew process of parking the car. Each that the device should be easy to of these devices necessitated use, so that any white-gloved Willie and Michael Mehn’s Packard was in cutting out part of the bottom of good, original condition when they debutante would be comfortable purchased it, so the car only underwent a each car, and, in the case of the using the system when parking sympathetic cosmetic restoration. The station wagons, mild her Packard in front of interior was left in original condition. modifications were required. For Bloomingdale’s for a day of instance, the third seat was perfume sampling and evening- made to face rearward (which gown shopping. To engage the Walker boasted to be the first self-parking feature, my lady person to implement) and the simply flipped one of three dash- rear fenders were extended so mounted switches to lower the that the gas tank could be hidden continental tire, which descended in the driver’s side fender. via the hydraulic pumps until the car’s rear wheels were lifted off What set the Packard Cavalier the ground by the spare tire. apart from Walker’s other self- Once in the air, and with the car parking cars was the fact the running, she then could shift the Packard used the tire of the car into gear so the right rear tire continental kit to move the car spun. While the tire spun, it from side to side. This spark of turned a wooden wheel that genius brought Walker closer to started a series of belts into his goal of making the self- motion. The belts spun a giant parking system a bolt-on kit that gear on the back of the could be applied to any car continental spare tire, which without changes to its basic turned the tire left or right, structure. depending on which gear the car These controls, mounted under the was in. If the lady of the house instrument panel, engage the self-parking put the car in “Reverse,” the device. Packard’s tail section moved the car away from the curb. When After demonstrating this exact she selected “Drive,” the car procedure at several auto shows turned toward the doorman in 1953, Walker kept the Packard waiting on the curb. Because the in order to maintain the patent self-parking system used the on (and secrecy of) the self- Packard’s drivetrain, the brakes parking device. While he drove also worked to stop the the Cadillac Sixty Special for Looking under the car at the back of the continental spare tire from more than 100,000 miles with its continental spare while in the “down” turning once the car was in under-the-trunk unit, he drove position, the gear at the back of the spare the Packard far less often. Today, tire can be seen, as can the lifting position. Before she grabbed her supports for the car, hydraulic pumps, hand purse to hit Bloomingdale’s it sports only 48,000 miles. and belts. women’s department, all the P a g e | 17 The unique Packard has only remarkably well-preserved. The ensure the system would work passed into two other collections paint had suffered chips over for many years. since Walker sold it in the 1980s. time, and since Michael is a A friend of Willie Mehn of Berlin, professional painter by trade, he Today, the Packard’s unique Wisconsin, found the Packard in and Willie decided a car as hydraulic self-parking setup will a barn while he was looking at majestic as the Packard was allow the car to, literally, run in another car and convinced Mehn deserving of a repaint. Not ones circles, just as Walker intended. he needed it. After conferring to do anything only partially, all with his grandson, Michael Mehn, of the chrome and stainless trim UPDATE: the pair agreed to purchase the was removed, and only those car as a team. pieces that needed buffing or Jack Swaney of Pennsylvania saw rechroming were attended to. the article and wrote to say his Even the weather-stripping was father William Swaney purchased in excellent shape, and it was the car December 2005 and still reinstalled after the car received has it. its fresh coat of light blue paint. “We have rebuilt the brake system, replaced all five tires, reupholstered the front and rear seats, rebuilt the cylinder and valve for the rear tire and the car now works great,” Swaney wrote. “On June 29, 2012, there was a fire outside the building where it and other cars we own were Mechanically, the car was also in stored. The fire spread to the fine condition, with the exception inner wall of the building. The of the self-parking system’s fireman did a great job and only hydraulic components. one car was a total loss. The Packard suffered damage and “The car would go up and down, had to have the front end, roof, but there wasn’t enough pressure and left front door [repaired], to lift it, because the hydraulics plus some chrome damage. leaked,” Willie Mehn said. “We are planning on using [the self- parking system] at car shows, so we went through the whole thing.”

In addition to rebuilding the Since the car remained in hydraulic pumps, new belts and Walker’s personal California- hoses were also installed to based collection, it was

P a g e | 18 CLASSIC CAR SUMMARY: one of these and I said, ‘Whoa, is paint, and Pieczynski later that one of those new Camaros?’ replaced the matching red 1968 AMC AMX And my buddy said, ‘No, it’s a carpet. Beyond that, however, Rambler!’ I thought, ‘No way, the mighty little AMC is largely they never made anything that untouched. “It was pretty much sharp!’” as you see it. It’s a low-mileage car. It had 30-some thousand miles on it and it’s still got the same paint on it as when I bought it,” Pieczynski noted. “The guy before the guy I bought it from painted it in his garage, believe it or not! I use dry wash

on it, and I tell ya, that’s a great product. I’m not one to hawk Story and photos by Brian Earnest (Old Cars Weekly) products, but it does great. You Not long after that, a father of never hit it with water. We all knew one of those kids one of Pieczynski’s classmates, when we were young. You Dr. James Sevenich, bought a remember him — the ornery little new AMX, and Pieczynski became runt that nobody messed with permanently smitten. “I got to even though he was kind of a ride in Doc’s car, and I just said shrimp. He was a little crazy and I’ve got to have one of these. a little bit off, but he was tough When I finally got one, I said, I’m as nails. never going to let it go. From the time I rode in Doc’s car, I really, That was the AMC AMX — the really wanted one.” sawed-off little ruffian of the muscle car world in the late About 30 years ago, Pieczynski 1960s. What the pint-sized finally spotted a red 1968 AMX “When I bought it I think it was bruiser lacked in stature it more for sale at a used car lot in painted about five years before than made up for in guts and Schofield, Wis., and he talked his that, so that would make it about attitude, and the American wife, Maggie, into letting him 35 years ago, and it still looks automobile landscape has always have his toy. “We had just sold a pretty good.” been a little more colorful Mustang convertible that I had because of it. restored… so I had some extra money. So we went up to The little AMCs were largely Schofield and there it sat on a lot overlooked by the buying public that’s now a McDonalds. A guy during their 2 ½-year production was selling it on consignment for run from mid-1968 through 1970. his friend, and I just looked at it Only 19,134 AMXs were built in and I always wanted an AMX and all, but there were a few guys I looked at my wife and said, ‘We like Gregg Pieczynski of Plover, either buy it now or it’s going to Wis., who got on the AMX be gone,’” he said with a laugh. AMX was short for “American bandwagon early and never left. “I’ve had it ever since.” Motors Experimental” and was “When I was a kid I remember part of AMC’s plan to overhaul its the first time I saw one of these. The car is a splendid, very image and attract young car I grew up in Stevens Point [Wis.] original survivor with only 46,000 buyers who were in the market and I was walking with a buddy miles on its odometer. At some for high-performance machines. of mine on Main Street on a point in the 1970s, the AMX was For that mission, AMC turned to Saturday afternoon, and I saw given a new coat of Matador Red designer Dick Teague, who P a g e | 19 wound up creating the first steel- The 390 AMXs quickly earned a Reclining bucket seats, carpeting, bodied, two-seat American reputation as one of the rowdiest wood-grain interior trim and E70 production model since the 1957 machines on the road, and x 14 Goodyear Polyglas tires Ford Thunderbird. Pieczynski said they live up to were all standard on the AMX. that billing even today. “I’ve Also included were a four-speed The first AMX was a non-running done a few bonsai runs in it in gearbox and heavy-duty fiberglass concept car that let my younger days. It’s scary. It’s suspension. The ’68 AMX was auto show attendees know that scary fast, it really is,” he said. base-priced at $3,245. Each ultra-conservative AMC could “The car is so light that if you example built in calendar year design a car with pizzazz. A later tach it up and dump the clutch, 1968 had a metal dashboard running model had a “Ramble you better be ready, because plate bearing a special serial Seat” in place of the rear deck. there will be instant smoke off number from 000001 to 006175. the back. It really has awesome However, the first 550 cars, The AMC Javelin pony car bowed power and torque. which were assembled in 1967, in the fall of 1967 as a 1968 did not have this feature. model. The two-place AMX — which was a foot shorter in wheelbase and length — came out as a 1968-1/2 model. It was unveiled to the press at Daytona Beach and the Chicago Auto Show in February of ’68.

In February 1968, on a test track in Texas, race driver Craig Breedlove established 106 world speed records with an AMX. About 50 special red-white-and- blue “Craig Breedlove” editions were then built. The AMXs came standard with a 290-cid/225-hp V-8. From there, Many other owners probably buyers could take one step up to “I got a kick when one of the drove their AMXs just as hard, the 343-cid/280-hp V-8, or go for owners who had the car before although Pieczynski figures his the real white-knuckler — a 315- me, Jerry Mullins … he looked at car was one of the lucky ones lb. 390-cid power plant that gave the car and was so happy that that were treated fairly gently. the little a 10.8 lbs.-per- somebody took care of it, and he He’s not sure, but he believes the horsepower ratio. said, ‘That car was not the car to car at one time had a hotter cam be driving if you had a beer or installed, although the original The short 97-inch wheelbase cut two, because that car would kill cam was still in it three years ago the 390-powered AMX’s curb you!’ when he finally took the engine weight to 3,205 lbs. Car and apart for the first time. Driver found this combination “The [short wheelbase], it makes good for a 6.6 second 0-to-60 it tougher if you really get on it, “I pulled the motor out because it mph time. The 390 AMX did fish- because that back end wants to developed a small antifreeze leak tail down the quarter-mile in 14.8 come around really quick. It gets on the back of the head. These seconds at 95 mph with a top a little squirrelly. I couldn’t cars were known for that. From speed estimated at 122 mph. imagine that car in the the factory they leaked,” he said. wintertime!” “So I was concerned about the antifreeze leak and I pulled the P a g e | 20 engine out and had it on an works, and it did. I got lucky and electric because vacuum, when engine stand and had it upside it worked. It had sat in a box for you step on it and it’s raining, down and had the oil pan upside 30 years and it worked. your wipers stop. down and I found chunks of metal in the oil sump. And I Pieczynski also put new seat “But it’s quite a combination — thought, “Ohhhhh, where did this cushions in the two front bucket 315 hp, no power anything, and from?” I figured it just had to be seats and fixed his cracked drum brakes.” a cam bearing, so I turned it steering wheel, but otherwise back over and, sure enough, it repairs have been few and far was a cam bearing just ready to between in his three-plus go. decades of owning the car. Of course, there weren’t a lot of “I pulled the original cam out of bells and whistles that could fail it, so one of the original owners on his car. It was ordered as before me must have pulled the pretty much a bare-bones muscle original cam out and then put a monster, with a few peculiar performance cam in there, and exceptions. then somehow bumped that rear It all adds up to an appealing bearing. I did pull stock cam out little package for adrenaline of it, so I went through the whole junkies and guys like Pieczynski motor and I was glad I did. Brian who have an appetite for and Dave Layden rebuilt it for me something a little offbeat and and I can’t give them enough different. He’s noticed his AMX credit. They are a couple of big has begun to earn a lot more AMC guys from Stevens Point respect from the mainstream and they know these engines crowd as the years go by, and he inside out and it runs beautiful hears plenty of tales from others now — absolutely great.” who survived rides in a car that famed automotive scribe Tom Cahill once described as “harrier than a Borneo gorilla.”

“The most common comment I get, is something like, ‘You can have your Torinos, or you can have your Chevelles, but I knew a guy that had one of these, and that thing would smoke ‘em.’” he chuckles. “And when you get Pieczynski was able to get all of smoked by a Rambler … ohhhh, the “pollution stuff” from a “This car was kind of an the shame! previous owner and he has anomaly. I can’t believe the guy returned the car to stock form. “I who ordered this car – he “But I’ve always loved the car. I went to his house and he had all ordered absolutely power know a lot of guys are into it for this stuff in boxes — he had the nothing,” he laughed. “No power an investment and that type of smog pump, the resignator, and brakes. No disc brakes. No power stuff. I was always a guy that, all the original tubes for the car. I steering. No engine-robbing you know, buys what you like just went, “Wow!” . I couldn’t power, but he ordered a tilt and that way you don’t care believe it, so then when I put it wheel! It’s got an AM radio and about the price. You’ll always all back together three years ago, vacuum wipers. A lot of people love it.” I said I’m gonna put all the don’t realize, you could could get pollution stuff back on and put it either electric or vacuum back to original and see if it [wipers], and I’d rather have P a g e | 21 experience restoring an old car, setting haulers ever built, and had never owned one, and had their low production numbers and no clue how rare a Chevrolet relatively brief 3 ½-year Cameo Carrier pickup was. production life makes them even more desirable. That’s not to say Ralph wouldn’t have taken the plunge and Ralph would love to take credit bought his “barn find” 1955 for knowing how cool and pickup anyway, but all things collectible his truck would considered, he’s kind of glad he become when he first stumbled didn’t know what he was working upon it, and for being ahead of on when the whole saga first the curve when it came to going began. all-out on a pickup restoration. That wasn’t really the case, “When I first bought it, nope, I however. He just wanted was totally clueless,” Ralph something to work on, and a chuckles. “Now it’s a big deal! barn-find ’55 Cameo came along at just the right time. “I had never restored a car before, and I had it all in pieces “I had joined a car club and I and I said, ‘Well, it’s too late was looking for something and a now, it’s gotta start going back lot of guys had trucks, so I together,’ so I’d take a piece, thought, you know, I’d go with sandblast it, prime, pack it away, the flow,” he said. Still, he had to and I just kept doing that piece be talked into the deal by his by piece. Pretty soon I got to the boss at Parsons Chevrolet of frame, and then it was just like a Antigo. “The frustration started in big Lego set — just start putting about 1988 — that’s when I everything back together one bought it,” he joked. “It was CLASSIC CAR SUMMARY: piece at a time… I guess when it actually traded in to where I was done, I still really didn’t worked, at the boss’ Chevrolet 1955 CHEVROLET CAMEO understand how important it was dealership. At the time I was looking for something to do, and CARRIER PICKUP or how rare they were, but as I started getting into it more and he said, ‘Why don’t you buy this more, I kind of found out.” and finish it?’ Yeah right!’

“So I bought it and it was probably a good three-year restoration and then it was back on the road.”

Story and photos by Brian Earnest (Old Cars Weekly) In the collector truck world, the handsome Cameos are near the Jeff Ralph is grateful now that he top of the heap when it comes to took the “ignorance is bliss” collectability and all-around approach to his first foray into appeal. They were some of the Before he bought the truck from the collector vehicle hobby. The most ground-breaking and trend- Antigo, Wis., resident had no real his boss, Ralph had been the one P a g e | 22 tasked with pulling the Cameo And when I got it all apart it was the Cameo, but extra-cost out of the shed where it had like, what did I do? [Laughs].” goodies on the other Chevrolet been sleeping for years. He’s not trucks. sure how long it had been since the pickup had moved, but it The windshield pillars in the one- clearly had been in hibernation piece cabs — which were the for an extended stretch. “When I same as Chevrolet’s other “Task went to get it in Antigo, with my Force” line of 1955 models — assistant at the time, we went were forward slanting. Inside was over with a wrecker and it was in a two-tone red-and-white “oak a little wooden garage with bark” pattern. Red and white was double sliding doors, and it took the only interior option, and it a big crow bar and pipe and was the only exterior choice for everything to get the doors slid 1955, too. Like the first-year open. And it was piled up from Corvettes of 1953, you could get the dirt floor over the top and on any color Cameo you wanted, as the other side, and there were long as it was white, with red two vehicles in there. There was trim. In subsequent years, more an old Pontiac in there, too. It colors would be added. had been sitting for years. It was pretty much a barn find. It was in a little two-stall rickety wooden garage.” That Ralph gets plenty of attention with his bright white — Chevrolet called it Bombay Ivory — pickup is no great surprise since that’s what General Motors had in mind when it unveiled the beautifully sculpted Cameos in 1955. The Cameos have been called the first-ever “luxury” pickups, and while that might be a stretch by modern pickup standards, the Cameos were certainly a step up in style and design from anything blue collar truck buyers had seen before.

The trucks had an abundance of chrome — for pickups, anyway — styling borrowed from Chevrolet’s The 6 ½-foot cargo beds rode on Once Ralph decided to take the passenger cars, and their slab- 114-inch-wheel base chassis and truck himself, the fate of the side fenders were decidedly shared the same 5,000-lb. Gross Cameo changed and the pickup different from anything else on Vehicle Weight rating as the less- began to slowly be transformed the truck landscape. Not only fancy 3100 and 3200 Series half- from a presentable weekend were the rear flanks flat, they ton trucks. The standard factory- hobby hauler to a stunning show were constructed of fiberglass issue power plant was a 235-cid truck. “I actually went back and and lined with a traditional steel six-cylinder, but a more attractive re-did a lot of the stuff that was and wood cargo box. The tailgate option for many was Chevy’s new done. I was just going to do it as was also made of fiberglass with 265-cid V-8. An automatic a driver, but I actually went back a steel plate inside. Chrome transmission was also available at and took off every nut, every bolt bumpers, chrome grille and full extra cost. and completely disassembled it. wheel covers were standard on P a g e | 23 For all their good looks and other the truck had been sitting, it and get a couple hours of sleep endearing qualities, the Cameos could have been worse, he said. and come back to work. I did were not big showroom winners “It was actually not quite a almost everything accept the and were discontinued after the basket case. It was better than major paintwork. All the little 1958 production run. Only about average for a Wisconsin truck. parts, the interior, putting it all 10,000 were built in all, including We did have to [fix] some of the back together — that was all 100 a reported 5,220 for the debut sheet metal and some of that percent me. Probably the 1955 model year. Perhaps it was was replaced. There was a lot of toughest part was getting the their high $2,150 base price, bodywork. The bottoms of the doors back on and getting them which was about 25 percent fenders, we had to put patch to fit. I swear they grew!” more than a base Chevy half-ton panels in. The box sides needed that did them in. Perhaps they to be done because of the were just too “pretty” for a fiberglass and then the wood had working-class machine. Whatever to be replaced, and even more so the case, when the new Chevy the chrome. The chrome was Fleetside pickups arrived halfway probably the worst of everything. through 1958, the Cameos were history.

Collectors and truck enthusiasts have certainly not forgotten them, however, as Ralph found. He showed off his pickup at the 2013 Iola Old Car Show in July, and as is often the case, he found people asking him “how much?”

“Just today there was a gal running down the road after me yelling ‘I want to buy it!’ No ma’am, it’s not for sale. And I have guys calling all the time on the phone wanting me to sell it,” Ralph laughed. “There’s no way I would do it, not at this time, unless it was some really big ridiculous number.”

“Everything was farmed out on the chrome. It was actually Ralph spent plenty of long hours painted at the dealership where I over a three-year period worked. After work we could go rebuilding his Cameo from the in the booth and paint some ground up. Considering how long parts, go home about midnight P a g e | 24 Amazingly, the Cameo has all its “Around town it’s great and you original glass. The six-cylinder get all the people looking and engine and three-speed manual waving. At shows you get a lot of transmission have both been people who know what it is rebuilt, but both are original to coming up and looking at it. It’s the truck, which had about pretty cool.” 55,000 miles on the odometer when Ralph got it and now shows about 67,000.

From what Ralph can piece together, the truck has bucked the odds and survived all these years living in northern Wisconsin. It was built in the first month of production at the Janesville, Wis., plant and had previous owners in both Antigo and Rhinelander in the northern latitudes of the Dairy State. Although it was fancier than most trucks, being that it was a 2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Cameo, Ralph’s truck was a very 09/13 Brainerd International low-option example. It was 09/15 Season Finale ordered with radio delete and has Brainerd, Minnesota basically no factory options. 09/13 Heartland Park “Compared to some of the other & ET Finals ones with the V-8 and 09/15 Topeka, Kansas automatics, this would have been 09/13 Brainerd International to CRA Superbike Racing considered bare bones,” Ralph 09/15 Brainerd, Minnesota noted. “I wish it had the V-8. It Stutsman Harley Davidson would add to the value a little 09/14 Big on Pig Fall Open House more. And the automatic would Jamestown, North Dakota be nice during the parade stuff.” James Valley Off Roaders 09/15 Races @ Jamestown 1:00 Ralph can only grin and shake his Jamestown, North Dakota James Valley Street head now thinking back to how little he knew about his gorgeous Machines 09/17 Monthly Meeting Cameo when he first began Jamestown, North Dakota tackling its restoration. He is Jamestown Speedway reminded frequently how 09/20 42nd Annual treasured the trucks are these 09/21 Stock-car Stampede days. “It’s driven to shows, about Jamestown, North Dakota an hour away. Anything further James Valley Street than that I like to haul it because Machines it’s just easier. It’s got no power 09/21 Don Wilhelm Inc. steering, no power brakes and 3rd Annual Car Show Jamestown, North bias-ply tires. It’s kind of a Dakota handful, and everybody on Oahe Speedway today’s roads is doing 75, 80 National Open Test-n- 09/20 miles an hour. You get a little Tune scared. 09/21 Stc/SStk Combo Drag Sled P a g e | 25 09/22 Finals Class Races Jamestown, North Dakota 1977 Camaro Z28. 454 BB, Pierre, South Dakota Stutsman Harley Davidson 450hp, posi, ps, Pb, Disc James Valley Off Roaders 11/29 Operation Black Friday changer. Completely restored. 09/21 Races @ Enderlin 1:00 Jamestown, North Dakota 99% original except the digital Jamestown, North Dakota Stutsman Harley Davidson dash and hood (needed a Top End Dragways 12/14 Holiday Open House different one for the Big Block). TintMasters Street Legal Jamestown, North Dakota 09/21 Day James Valley Street Approx 6600 miles on the

09/22 2 Day Event Machines "restore". Same owner since Sabin, Minnesota 12/17 Awards Banquet 1983. $19,900. Cruise & Supper Jamestown, North Dakota Scott Block 09/22 Custom Cruisers 701-269-3119 Aberdeen, South Dakota For Sale: Top End Dragways SWAP SHOP 09/28 Mid-West Wild Bunch 1990 CADILLAC 09/29 Sabin, Minnesota DEVILLE 08/02 Brainerd International to Bracket Drag Racing 08/04 Race 6 Brainerd, Minnesota Top End Dragways TintMasters Street Legal 10/05 Day Sabin, Minnesota Oahe Speedway 10/05 Fall Finale Shootout For Sale: 10/06 Fall Finale Class Races 1977 CHEVROLET Pierre, South Dakota Runs and drives great, excellent Top End Dragways CAMARO Z/28 454 highway mileage, very good 10/12 Bracket Weekend condition. New tires, 152,000 10/13 Sabin, Minnesota miles, straight body, no rust. Swap Meet Asking $2900 or best offer. 10/13 Roadsters Twin Cities Contact: Jack 612-849- Dave Olson

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Shopping Event P a g e | 26 CLUB SITES For Sale: 1964 Buick Skylark Coupe

No Engine. Have transmission and all the rest of the drive train. Great restoration possibilities. Asking $1000 or best offer. Taylor Vining 701-269-3205

1964 Buick Skylark two door. 300 V8. Gold interior and exterior. Asking $4000 Leo Goll

701-223-3114 For Sale: WIDE ASSORTMENT OF PROJECT CARS Call for list

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For Sale: 1971 CHEVROLET K1500

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