Cadillac & LaSalle Club Northwest Ohio Region News

November 2015 Volume 8, Number 11

NORTHWEST OHIO REGION

In this issue… Officers, Board Members ...... 2 Festival celebrates Waterville history...... 2 President’s Message...... 3 GM, Fisher Body, Cadillac lived patriotism..... 4–5 Activities Report; Trivia—by George! ...... 6 Membership Report ...... 6 CLC/NWO monthly meeting July Minutes and Treasurer’s Report...... 7 Topless in Toledo...... 8–11 Wednesday, November 11, 6:30 e Editor’s Inbox...... 12–15 Rosie’s Italian Grille Daytrips suggest coming attractions...... 16 606 North McCord Road Membership Application/Renewal ...... 17 Toledo Classified plus stuff that fits no place else ...... 18 CLC/NWO Region Festival celebrates Waterville history 2014 Elected Officers and Board Members by Elden Smith President/Director...... William Shepherd CAR SHOW THAT I ENJOY YEARLY 8310 Garden Road Maumee OH 43537 occurs during the Roche de Boeuf Festival 567-277-6215 in Waterville. September 26 was the forty- [email protected] A second annual edition of this popular street fair. V.P./Activities Director...... George Louthan 1321 East Beverly Hills Drive e Toledo Blade of September 21, 2010 said, “e Toledo OH 43614 festival name, Roche de Boeuf, is French for “Rock of 419-754-4454 [email protected] Beef” or “Buffalo Rock,” which commemorates a large Secretary...... Philip Vrzal rock in the Maumee River near Waterville. It is an 3401 Swan Ridge Lane often-photographed local landmark. Read more at http: Maumee OH 43537 //www.toledoblade.com/South/2010/09/22/Roche-de- 419-867-2110 Boeuf-to-celebrate-Buffalo-Rock.html#bK8GUEOepw [email protected] pskR3X.99.” Treasurer ...... Andrew Shepherd 8310 Garden Road is month’s cover is a well-known photograph Maumee OH 43537 attributed to Waterville resident, Andrew Weills. Below 419-349-5692 is an older graphic imported from the Internet. It lacks [email protected] a photographer’s credit, but the Waterville Historical Membership Chair ...... Andrew Shepherd Society submitted it to the google website, Roche de 8310 Garden Road Maumee OH 43537 Boeuf. Is explains some significant facts about the rock. 419-349-5692 e Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce can provide [email protected] information about this year’s event. Plan for next year— News Editor...... Elden Smith 4541 Gilhouse Road September 24, 2016. Visit http://watervillechamber.com/ Toledo OH 43623 roche-de-boeuf-parade-and-festival/. 419-754-3923 [email protected] Member at Large ...... Robert W. Stahl 8991 East Mulberry Road Blissfield MI 49228 517-486-4818 [email protected] Member at Large ...... Tom Tapp 2550 Eastmoreland Oregon OH 43616 419-346-3573 [email protected]

APRIL 13-16, 2016

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 2 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 3 NOVEMBER 2015 President’s Message by William Shepherd S YOU READ, AND/OR EXPERIENCED being the club Secretary, please first-hand, it rained at the annual Taylor let me know. Responsibilities Cadillac show. Rain was intermittent include taking minutes at each A of our monthly meetings, and throughout the morning, punctuated by serving as a vote tabulator at occasional clear skies. I finally learned that various judged car shows with cleaning off the car would only generate more which CLC/NWO is involved. showers, so I eventually quit doing that. One Likewise, if you are interested high point of the day was a visit by former mayor in running for any other club Mike Bell and some of his family members to officer position, let me know and I will get your name on the ballot. enjoy the classic old Cadillacs in attendance. Plans continue for our Inter Regional meet, which e next day included a couple of car shows, one of is being held July 28–31, 2016. e host hotel is the which was under the direction of CLC/NWO member Holiday Inn French Quarter, located in Perrysburg on Fred Schaefer. I attended that show along with son US 20 close to the I-75 interchange. e contract with Andrew and his family. the hotel has been signed, and the required deposit Son Jeffery went to a different show for which we had made. Club members are being placed in positions of previously made a commitment. He took the ’67 Series 75 responsibility for the event—some have volunteered, sedan that had been at the Taylor show the day before and others persuaded by a little arm-twisting. ere is much won the award for its class in the much reduced show field need for manpower, and if you have not yet committed attendance. Jeffrey almost made it to the Sunday car show any time to the event, be assured that your “tour of as the car stalled out and refused to restart about a quarter duty” will be kept reasonable. of a mile from the destination. So off to the second show Membership renewals continue to come in—a gentle I went to try to figure out the problem with the car, or get reminder if you have not yet renewed yours. An updated a tow if necessary. It turned out to membership roster will be be nothing more than a loose wire available at the start of the New to the distributor. Jeffrey quipped November meeting Wednesday, November 11, 6:30 Year to any CLC/NWO member that the car ran reliably for ten who wants one. e Blade’s years, only to earn its first car Rosie’s Italian Grille 606 North McCord Road downtown holiday parade occurs show trophy and promptly turn in November on Saturday, the into an old car diva. Note that this is a dinner meeting, and 14th. I have not yet heard from Club officer elections will be at an earlier time than we usually meet. any Blade representative, but I do held at the November meeting December know that Taylor Cadillac is one for the upcoming two-year term ere will be no December meeting. of the sponsors. In light of that starting in January. All of the fact, if you own a classic Cadillac current officers are running for 2016 Winter Meeting Dates convertible you might want to another term, with the exception Winter meetings are on consider donating some of your of Secretary Phil Vrzal who has Saturdays at 1:30 time for that holiday event. Uncle John’s Pancake House decided to step down from that I’ll see you on the Cadillac road. position. If you are interested in 3131 Secor Road (near Central Avenue) Toledo January 9 February 13 March 12 April 9

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 2 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 3 NOVEMBER 2015 General Motors, Fisher Body, Cadillac lived their patriotism by Elden Smith URING THE TAYLOR CADILLAC SHOW, September 19, Steve Taylor called my attention to a historic Fisher Body Drole: producing aircraft and tank parts during World War II. is came as a complete surprise to me. To access the information, I turned to my computer and googled “Fisher Body and World War II.” A wealth of information appeared on the screen. Not just Fisher Body but all of General Motors and the entire US auto industry flooded my consciousness. In my naiveté, I knew that Cadillac built staff cars for Eisenhower and other high-ranking US officers, but I had no clue about Fisher Body involvement in aircraft and tank bodies. Here are a few facts that might have escaped other folks in seventy-five years. Many tank engines and transmissions came from Cadillac. Two Cadillac V-8 engines of 110 hp each and two GM Hydramatic Transmissions powered M5 and M26 tanks. Folklore sometimes claims that the tanks had V-16 engines, but that is incorrect. From sources by David D. Jackson, I learned that each “Series 42 Cadillac V-8 346 cubic inch tank engine, at 4,000 rpm produced 110 hp and at 1,200 rpm could produce 244 ft-lbs. of torque.” Tank bodies also came from Fisher Body. Reading further, Jackson reports that e “Enola Gay” and “Bockscar,” now located at the Air Force Museum in Dayton—the two B-29s that dropped atomic bombs on Japan to end the Second World War—were built in Omaha with Fisher Body components. e photographs are part of the websites listed here. Online readers might google the following topics or follow the links provided below. e U.S./American Automobile Industry in World War Two/WWII, An American Auto Industry Heritage Tribute, by David D. Jackson • http://usautoindustryworldwartwo.com/ Fisher%20Body/fisherbody.htm • http://usautoindustryworldwartwo.com/ Fisher%20Body/fisherbodyaircraft.htm • http://usautoindustryworldwartwo.com/ General%20Motors/cadillac.htm ese sources also mention GM-built engines, artillery components, shell casings, aircraft instruments, bomb noses, rocket fins, and more—the list is endless. Every

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 4 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 5 NOVEMBER 2015 General Motors, Fisher Body, Cadillac lived their patriotism (continued)

General Motors division supplied wartime needs for every branch of the US military forces. e topic is too huge to do justice to Advertising policy it here, so the best information is that offered online or in the Each month, the final page of out newsletter public libraries of the region. provides two columns for advertisers to list In the October issue, I neglected to mention how to calculate automotive items. ese include engine displacements on a pocket calculator or a cell phone. • CLC/NWO member items for sale and Here is the leftover information that should have appeared on • Items for sale by friends of members. page 14 of that issue. Members of this club may advertise without • To convert cubic centimeters (cc) into CID: a time limit unless a restriction for space Multiply the cubic centimeters by 0.06101=CID. becomes necessary. Example: 4300 cc x 0.06101=262.37 CID. 1 cc=. 061 cubic inches e second category lists items offered by friends of club members. A CLC/NWO • To convert CID into cubic centimeters (cc): member vouches for the honesty of the seller. Multiply the CID by 16.39=cubic centimeters. Again, listings will be available without time Example: 262.37 (CID) x 16.39=4300 cc. limits unless too much time passes. 1 cubic inch=16.39 cubic centimeters In either case, the editor hopes to keep the • To convert cc’s into liters: Divide the cubic newsletter content—including the classified— centimeters by 1000=engine in liter size. interesting to readers. Example: 4300÷1000=4.3L. If you know individuals who would like to list I just watched an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage on CNBC an automotive item in this newsletter, please (Wednesday evenings at 10:00). Ed Welburn, General Motors tell them to contact the editor. Commercial Vice President of Global Design*, was Jay’s guest as they explored or business listings will not appear in this Bill Mitchell’s Pegasus (below). (For GM design history, see the list section. A paid advertisement option is below.) Car folks of all ages and genders might enjoy this CNBC available to businesses. look at collector cars and history hosted by Jay Leno. Consult your guide to ascertain the channel of your television signal provider. * To quote the July 2011 issue: It seems remarkable that, in slightly more than 100 years. General Motors has had only six people at the helm of the design department. Here is the list. Harley Earl...... 1927–1958 Bill Mitchell...... 1958–1977 Irwin (Irv) Rybicki...... 1977–1986 Charles (Chuck) Jordan...... 1986–1992 Wayne Cherry...... 1992–2003 Ed Welburn (right)...... 2003–present

Edward T. Welburn, Jr. Photo source http://www.gm.com/

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 4 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 5 NOVEMBER 2015 Activities Report by George Louthan, Vice-president, Activities Director ELL IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE we are In the next few months, you will see Wtalking winter when it seems like yesterday several articles from me regarding how we were talking about the upcoming cruises and we should honor our hobby and not let it fall into oblivion. activities for summer 2015. I know some of you have put your pride and joy away for the winter Have a great gobble day and don’t overeat. See you at the next meeting. but some of us, (including me), hold out for that rare good day left for a drive with the old car. Trivia—by George! e Eldorado will probably be mothballed in October question December as a last resort. In 1915, Cadillac’s big announcement was the V-8 engine. What other engineering achievement was overshadowed Our last scheduled activity was the Fall Crank Down by the V-8 in 1915? Tour through the Oak Openings Preserve, the Maumee October answer State Forest, to Archbold and the Barn restaurant at In 1915, Cadillac offered high and low beam headlights Sauder’s Museum. We missed the peak colors by a for the first time. It was achieved by adjusting the light week but the temperature was moderate and the four reflectors from a lever inside the car. Other cars offering participants with associates enjoyed the trip accented this had to be adjusted from outside the car. by a wonderful and delicious Mennonite buffet at the November Trivia restaurant. We were almost too full to drive home. A Model changes for automobiles were common throughout welcome short walk to the bakery netted a take-home the years—some lasting for several years and some lasting package of goodies for some. Sorry if you missed it. for only one year as the 1958 Chevy Impala. e in- Speaking of activities, I am open for suggestions for between years were usually cosmetic changes such as grill next year. Back in 2008 when we started this region, treatment and side trim. the prime interest seemed to be touring the old car, Retooling cost of major body parts had to be spread over which I am a great fan of, but recent attendance for this several years to justify the cost. is was a juggling act of suggests otherwise. I will be concentrating my efforts cost versus staying ahead of the competition. e longest on the upcoming Inter-Regional Meet at the end of July runs were before and after World War II, between 1941 and will have limited time for other plans. If you have and 1948. If you discount the war years of 1942–1945, a suggestion for an event in 2016 or would like to chair that equals four years. Cadillac probably holds the record one, please let me know, I’m all ears. A crank up tour in of not retooling the styling of one particular model for a April or May would be a great opportunity to step up. period of nine years. Can you name that model and the e Great Lakes Inter-Regional Event in 2016 that our years it was produced? region is hosting has taken some shape. Bill Shepherd has Membership Report booked the Holiday Inn French Quarter in Perrysburg by Andrew Shepherd as the host hotel and an outline format for the event Ten current members have not renewed for 2016. I will has been approved. e dates are ursday, July 28, send reminder letters in November. George Louthan through Sunday, July 30. Next month we will post a list indicated that a few former members might be interested of functions that region members will have to fulfill. is in renewing their memberships I will reach out to them. will give you all ample time to volunteer your services to help where you feel your talents best fit. Some of you will Also, the club has expressed that we include an associate be contacted by Bill Shepherd or me to chair a certain column on the roster with the name of the associate. I function. I hope you will seriously consider helping. How have included all known associates from the national an event is managed is a reflection on the host region directory and from the renewal forms sent to me. and I want our region to shine. With no National event Currently, 17 members do not have an associate listed. scheduled for the Mid-Western States Area, we feel this I will reach out to folks during meetings to see if an will be well attended. update is needed.

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 6 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 7 NOVEMBER 2015 Minutes of October 14 meeting by William Shepherd The meeting, held at Byblos Restaurant on Reynolds Road, then be accessed to inform and entertain the readers. He was called to order at 6:55 by President William Shepherd. requests that all submissions for the newsletter be in hand by Thirteen participants attended the meeting—nine members October 23. He also asked members to consider becoming and four associates. Five Cadillacs were driven. the “Sunshine Chair” to express sympathy or congratulations as appropriate on behalf of the CLC/NWO to CLC/NWO • Appreciation for the ’49 Cadillac engine project completed members who may have undergone significant events. by Bob Stahl Sr., Bob Stahl Jr., George Louthan, and additional contributors was expressed. The project was CLC Museum Representative Alan Haas reported that the nicely executed and now resides at the CLC Museum at the Museum has received a couple of sizable donations recently. Gilmore Museum complex. Financially, the Museum is on firm footing and has retired much of its debt early. He also noted that the CLC Museum • The Taylor Cadillac Dealership and its employees were has an agreement with the Gilmore Museum by which CLC thanked for their continuing support and for being the Museum cars not on display can be stored within buildings on location of our annual public car show. the Gilmore property. • Elections for the upcoming two-year terms will be held The meeting adjourned at 8:30. at the November meeting. President William Shepherd asked that anyone interested in running for a club officer position should contact him. Existing officers will be put Revision of September meeting minutes on the ballet unless they express a desire to not run. Club Previous (incomplete) Secretary Phil Vrzal had previously indicated that he would • The CLCMRC loan of $250,000 has been reduced to not be able to serve as the Secretary for the upcoming term. $114,000.The plan is to pay off the remaining balance and continue to expand. In addition, CLCMRC has • The contract for the Inter Regional has been signed with sponsored a $1,000 a philanthropic scholarship at the the host hotel, The Holiday Inn French Quarter. The Gilmore High School. required $200 deposit has also been made. The date of the Inter Regional is July 28–31, 2016. Corrected by Alan Haas to clarify the intent of statement • The CLCMRC loan amount approved was for $250,000. Activities Director George Louthan reviewed the manpower However, due to close monitoring of the building needs for the Inter Regional. Key people have been put in construction and cost containment, only $200,000 was place, both as a result of last spring’s board meeting and needed. The lighting was also upgraded to more efficient volunteers solicited at this meeting. Some areas such as LEDs and Wi-Fi installed throughout the building while registration and hospitality will require many people to remaining within the original budget. The original contribute for needed staffing. George sent out the call for $200,000 loan has a current balance of $114,000. The volunteers. Many are still needed. George described both plan is to pay off the balance as soon as possible. the national publication schedule and timelines needed for maximum publicity for our Inter Regional, and additional It has already been noted that in order to tell the considerations such as commemorative T-shirts, required Cadillac story more completely, it would be very hotel rooms, etc. George covered planned activities for the desirable to expand the square footage of the building. Inter Regional and also discussed the remaining club activities To further comply with the educational aspects of the available yet this year for CLC/NWO members. George museum’s 501(c)(3) tax status and in support of the mentioned a Concours that the Inverness Country Club wants Gilmore “At Risk High School Student Automotive to start and sponsor. Those in charge at the Inverness don’t Education Program” the possibility of establishing a have a background for such an event and may require the scholarship program has also been discussed. help of the CLC and other area car clubs to be able to pull off this Concours. Treasurer Andrew Shepherd gave the Treasurer’s report. After paying the $200 deposit required by the hotel for the upcoming Inter Regional, the CLC/NWO has a balance of $1692.32

Interim Membership Secretary Andrew Shepherd indicated –Treasurer’s Report he is working with the President to update the membership by Andrew Shepherd roster. Membership renewals continue to come in. A few Balance September 21...... $1,529.09 active members have yet to renew, along with some members Newsletter expense ...... ($47.17) who are not seen very often. Interregional meet hotel expense ...... ($200.00) Newsletter Editor Elden Smith reported that the November Deposits from dues ...... $358.00 newsletter is progressing. He indicated that a wealth of Balance October 23 ...... $1,639.92 information can be found at various online sites, which can

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 6 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 7 NOVEMBER 2015 Topless in Toledo: a photo essay of old and new by Elden Smith NSPIRATION COMES FROM MANY SOURCES. While sitting in the Taylor Cadillac waiting room, II picked up a publication, “Treasures of Toledo.” e Toledo Blade published this in 2014. It appears that the Taylor Automotive Family sponsored it. Five beautiful cover photos inspired me to drive around Toledo (top down) to photograph some of my favorite places and pieces of local architecture. Next time you are in the Taylor waiting room, pick up a copy of this publication. Not only are the pictures beautiful, the back page tells much of the Taylor philosophy—an important lesson for many folks. is top-down photo tour happened under crystal-clear blue skies on Sunday, August 23, while on my way to lunch at e Docks (off Main Street). Some pictures were not in the car, but rather from the vantage point on my outdoor table. In view of the approach of winter when tops will not be down, I publish this to tantalize readers. I did not identify the photos so that readers may view the pictures without my commentary.

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 8 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 9 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 8 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 9 NOVEMBER 2015 Topless in Toledo, continued

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 10 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 11 NOVEMBER 2015 Topless in Toledo, continued

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 10 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 11 NOVEMBER 2015 The Editor’s Inbox To: Elden Smith Unfortunately, Packard ran out of both time and money From: Kevin Luedtke to get themselves turned around, and in 1956, only In the correspondence between you and Alan Haas, it 28,835 Packards and Clippers were made before the was implied that there was a Packard connection to the curtain came down. e last Detroit-built Packard was a former Hudson-Cadillac stamping plant on Conner Patrician sedan, assembled on June 25, 1956. Avenue, located just north of Harper and I-94. After the property reverted to Chrysler … upon Packard’s Packard’s last assembly plant was actually a completely departure, it was decided that there was no market for the different facility, located south of Warren Avenue, which plant. It was torn down between 1959 and 1960. is the other side of I-94 from the Hudson/Cadillac site. e site is still mostly empty today, save for a Wendy’s e Packard facility started out as a Briggs Manufacturing and a recent strip mall along the southern property line. plant built during World War II for defense work, and To: Kevin Luedtke was used to build Packard bodies after the war. When From: Alan Haas Chrysler purchased Briggs in 1953, Packard was given the anks for the info on the Packard “transition years.” opportunity to lease or purchase this plant. As Packard I defer to your expertise on Packard history. It is my had many demands upon its capital at this time, they understanding that Cadillac purchased the single-story chose to lease. plant north of I-94 from Packard when all Packard Packard had already signed this contract with Chrysler operations were moved to South Bend. And that the deal before the Hudson plant was even available. was brokered by CLC/NWO member Fred Cauffiel. Is Chrysler continued to provide bodies through the end that not true? of the 1954 production run. When Packard took over I recall another old unused purported Briggs plant south the plant, they decided to move their final assembly of Warren between Connor and St. Jean. It was a long operations there as well. ey thought that Conner narrow six (?)-story building that ran from Warren would be more efficient, since most of its roughly 1 south along St. Jean nearly to Mack. However, I believe million square feet was on a single floor, as opposed to the plant you refer to as the Briggs/Chrysler plant that the 4 to 6 floors of the East Grand Boulevard plant. produced the Packard bodies in 1953 and 1954 was on However, the Conner Plant was never designed to house the northeast corner of Mack and Connor—correct? automotive final assembly operations, and the facility was e other building was unused for years and demolished a disaster for Packard from the beginning. 55,247 units in the 1990s. Prior to the demolition, there was a small of the greatly-revised 1955 Packards and Clippers were Chrysler engine plant and the Viper assembly plant on the produced, but quality problems and production delays Mack end of the site. e Viper assembly was moved to dogged the company for the entire year. the Outer Drive/Conner plant in the late 1990s. e site now features a new engine plant that covers the entire mile long site. I understood that the Cadillac plant on Connor north of I-94 had been owned and used by Packard for 1955 and 1956 model year final assembly. Was it not used by Packard for that purpose? If not, where were Packard bodies produced and where was Packard final assembly completed for the last two model years in Detroit? I was not clear on that—based on the wording of your reply.

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 12 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 13 NOVEMBER 2015 The Editor’s Inbox, continued To: Alan Haas To: Kevin Luedtke From: Kevin Luedtke From: Alan Haas Yes, to my knowledge, Cadillac bought nothing from I was mistakenly under the impression Packard “after the fall.” As I stated, the plant on Conner that the Hudson/Cadillac plant was north of I-94 belonged to Hudson and was sold by used by Packard in 1955 and 1956 successor American Motors Corp. to Cadillac in 1956. If after Hudson moved to Kenosha and Fred has information on another Packard building that before Cadillac bought it. I spoke Cadillac did purchase, I would … love to hear about it, as with Fred Cauffiel and he definitely it might reveal a new facet of lesser-known Packard history. brokered the sale of that plant. Do you know whether the Briggs had a cluster of factories in that Conner Creek plant stood idle for the approximate four years between industrial area. e six-story one you refer to became the time Hudson vacated it and Cadillac purchased it? Chrysler’s Mack Avenue Stamping. Where were the 1955 and 1956 Packard bodies (http://www.allpar.com/corporate/factories/mack- produced? In the same Briggs/Chrysler plant as the avenue-engine.html and http://www.allpar.com/ 1955/1956 final assembly? corporate/factories/briggs.html). To: Alan Haas From: Kevin Luedtke e Briggs plant that built the Packard bodies on the Hudson automobile production ended in Detroit after west side of Conner, south of Warren, roughly opposite the 1954 model run. e only operations continuing East Warren and East Canfield. It would have been the Detroit after that time was some defense work, and roughly four or five blocks north of Mack Avenue. engine assembly, which produced the 306 inline six for is building produced the Packard bodies through the the Kenosha-built Hudsons in 1955 and 1956. (All 1957 1954 model year. e bodies were then trucked over to Hudsons received the new AMC-built 327 V-8.) East Grand Boulevard for final assembly. Unless there was defense work occupying at least a portion Once the 1954 model was built out, the former Briggs of the Hudson stamping and body plant, then it would plant was revamped to also house Packard’s final assembly have been idle between the end of 1954 and the time that line, leaving the Boulevard complex to produce just the Cadillac bought it. components like smaller stampings, chrome plating e Briggs plant that Packard ended up leasing was … operations, etc. e new V-8 and Twin Ultramatic the same one that was providing its bodies prior to the transmissions were brought in from the new plant next to purchase of Briggs by Chrysler. According to documents the Packard Proving Grounds in Utica. e V-8 engine uncovered by researcher Robert J. Neal in the Packard block castings were now purchased from Lakey Foundry Motor Car Company board minutes, several of the big in Muskegon. presses that Briggs used for the Packard body business had e only factory buildings Packard owned north of been built in-place, and would have been impossible to Harper/I-94 were part of the foundry and forge complex at move to the East Grand Boulevard plant, or to any other Strong Street and Sherwood. ose were idled after 1954, facility. It looks like Chrysler … had a gun to Packard’s most likely for two reasons. Packard probably didn’t have head to either buy or lease the Conner Avenue plant. the technology to cast the new V-8 block, and it didn’t Neal wrote in his book, Packard 1951–1954, the VP of have the capital to invest in updating it. e other Packard’s manufacturing operations did a study on reason was that the coming expressway was going moving final assembly operations to Conner, and to cut off the existing utility tunnels that carried found that they would achieve an annual cost steam and electricity from the Packard power savings after a 30,000 unit breakeven point. plant, and once again, Packard just didn’t have Packard signed a five-year lease for the plant, enough money to do everything it needed to paying $834,000 a year. All 1955 and 1956 do—which by this point, also included having Packards and Clippers were stamped, welded, to save Studebaker from itself. painted, and assembled at Conner Avenue.

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 12 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 13 NOVEMBER 2015 The Editor’s Inbox, continued Even though they vacated the property in the summer of 1956, Studebaker-Packard continued paying the contracted lease until it expired in 1959. At that time, Chrysler had no use for the plant and they could not find a buyer for it, so they demolished it. To: Kevin Luedtke From: Alan Haas I knew that all Hudson operations moved to Kenosha after the 1954 model. However, I was not aware of the details of the Briggs/Chrysler plant use and deals. anks for the information and clarifications.

ree of the guys that put the most work into the 1949 Cadillac Engine project—Robert W. Stahl, Robert C. Stahl, and George Louthan. e engine looks great in the museum.

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 14 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 15 NOVEMBER 2015 The Editor’s Inbox, continued To: Elden Smith basketball players as backseat passengers. It gets From: Bob Morrow (Mr. Bentwrench) too complicated to go into which series had I read your editorial regarding the fastback and which, and is probably best left alone. (is also hardtop body styles with interest. As an ex- applies to the 2-drs somewhat.) e night of newsletter editor, I know how hard it is come my H. S. graduation, my buddy and I went to up with articles month after month that are Moonlight Gardens in Coney Island in his dad’s interesting and also entertaining—you do both. 1948 Buick Roadmaster fastback. Great car. at article brought back memories, because, e Pontiac Bonneville was introduced in 1957 as an old fart, I remember those cars, rode in them, and as a convertible only. is was their first muscle car, owned some. Like you, I had to look up a few to make 347 cu. in., 290 HP Tri-Power V-8. Fuel injection was sure my memory was correct. So I hope you don’t mind also available but not as popular as the Tri-Power, due me nit-picking, as I know you strive for accuracy. to the price and complexity. ey issued only one to As to the fastbacks existing ’41–’52, if you were referring each dealer. In 1958, it was available as a hardtop and only to Cadillac, not quite. If you were referring to the convertible. I owned a 1958 Pontiac 370 cu. in. Tri- whole GM line, right on. Cadillac’s last fastback was ’49 Power 315 HP, stick. at was really fast!! e entire (probably due to the popularity of the Coupe de Ville) Bonneville lineup DID begin in 1959. Buick made it the ’41–’52 gamut (ugly and slow as they It always seemed strange to me, if the NTSB was so were from ’50–’52). Oldsmobile halted after ’50, except concerned with safety, why was the last Cadillac 2- for the entry level ’51 88, which was identical to the ’50 dr hardtop 1973, while the last 4-dr hardtop 1976? and was discontinued mid-year. Pontiac lasted through Wouldn’t there be a better chance for a crowded 4-dr ’52. Chevrolet didn’t start until ’42 and ended in ’52. than a 2-dr? Well, so much for memory lane. at was In this period, 4-dr fastbacks were also available, but when styling took precedence over government mandates. only in some models/series; i.e., Cadillac 61 series, anks for the memories (apologies to Bob Hope). Chevrolet’s Fleetline. I always thought they looked neat, is was my ’58 Pontiac hardtop. (Famous phrase—wish although probably not too practical, at least for hauling I had it back!)

Feedback from readers regarding any material that appears in our newsletter is always welcome.

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 14 NOVEMBER 2015 CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 15 NOVEMBER 2015 Daytrips suggest coming attractions by Elden Smith NSPIRED BY GUY FIERI AND HIS PROGRAM “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” John Nagel and I took five daytrips. Preview of coming attractions: Ie following outline from the July issue of this newsletter George Loutham offers insights describes the intent of these tours. about Auburn Festival in the “Here is the idea/plan. December issue. 1. Take your Cadillac of any age/model out of the garage. 2. Drive far enough to leave the county you live in. 3. Go to a diner, drive-in, or dive (not just a fast food establishment down your street). 4. Have breakfast or lunch (many of them close by mid-afternoon). 5. Take pictures, if you can. 6. Send a brief report of your travel to me for this newsletter. Include a food review if you wish. 7. Enjoy some time in your Cadillac!” I broke the rules three times. • Not all of the dining establishments are diners, drive-ins, or dives. • I did not leave Lucas County to take pictures for “Toledo with the top down.” • e “Topless in Toledo” transportation was the daily-driver, a 2012 Camaro. Here is a review of my 2015 daytrips. • June 14: Dena’s Family Restaurant, Monroe...... July issue • July: GM’s Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Polish Village Cafe ...... August issue • August 6: Marblehead Lighthouse, Port Clinton 1812 Island House ...... September issue • August 23: Toledo with the top down, Real Seafood ...... November issue • October 16: Irish Hills, Jerry’s Pub (Wampler’s Lake, Onsted MI) .... December issue All lunches were excellent—a couple were a bit “pricey.” If you count the CLC/NWO April Crank-up Tour to the Piatt Castles in Logan County in the May issue, the tally comes to six trips covered in six newsletter issues. Dave Macy, a “Chrysler Guy,” was my travel companion on our rainy day trip to the Castles. Unfortunately, so far, no one has accepted my invitation to submit a report of daytrips with pictures, so my travelogues have had to suffice. My last daytrip of 2015 will show up in the December issue. e previous invitation still stands: if you have a story of an interesting place and pictures to share, please send them. e story does not need to be lengthy. My mailing address and e-mail address are on page two.

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 16 NOVEMBER 2015 Northwest Ohio Region of Cadillac Lasalle Club Inc. Membership Application/Renewal

Name

Associate Name

Address

City/Town State/Province Zip

Home Phone_ Cell Phone

Work Phone Email

CLC Membership Number* Check: 1 Year $30 2 Years $58 3 Years $87

Check appropriate box(es) for era of Cadillac/Lasalle owned. (to see specific models by owner, reference national directory)

❑ 1903–1915 ❑ 1960–1969

❑ 1916–1929 ❑ 1970–1979

❑ 1930–1942 ❑ 1980–1999

❑ 1946–1959 ❑ 2000–Present

Make check payable to: Return to: Andrew Shepherd Northwest Ohio Region of CLC 8310 Garden Road Maumee, OH 43537 *National CLC membership required. Find application form at: http://www.cadillaclasalleclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/CLC_membership_application.pdf

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 16 NOVEMBER 2015 Classified plus stuff that fits no place else— • 2007 Cadillac DTS. Champagne w/tan leather, • 1977 Olds Toronado. All original from Washington 85,000 miles, new tires, Florida car until July 2013, State—rust free, second owner. New tires, alternator, $10,000. Alan Haas, 419-472-5396. fender fillers. No leaks. A dream to drive. $3,500 or • 1968 Cadillac Camper built by Superior Coach best offer. John Nagel 419-508-0242 Company, Hamburg NY 472 cid motor, Turbo 400 transmission, 3.73 Dana 70 series rear end. New crankshaft, lifters, timing gear, timing chain, radiator. ree-battery system—one car battery and two deep-cell batteries. Refrigerator with small freezer, 3-burner stove. Twenty gallon pressurized water tank, 30-gallon wastewater tank, bathroom with toilet, 30-pound LP tank. Furnace. Sleeps 5. Call for more information. $12,500 OBO. Call Bob Stahl at 517-486-4818.

• 1978 Seville. e description sounds like a “barn • 1941 NOS DELCO find.” e car has not been driven in a number of years. unopened ignition parts $60: e 350 gas engine has been converted to carburetor. points, condenser, rotor, distributor cap. • NOS TRICO WS washer pump e body is complete with some rust. It could be had , bottle, and bracket for about salvage value. Prefer it go for parts rather than in original box. Fits ’56–’58 Cadillac, Buick, and Olds. scrap it. Call 248-939-6732. Paul Peters, South Lyon Pump is perfect and has little paper note for adjustment. MI. CLC/NWO reference: Alan Haas. e finishing touch for a show winner. $325. • 3 WS washer glass jars ’40s–’62, $25 each. • 1951 Cadillac Series 62 4-door sedan. Original • 1967 dash pad, black, no rips, tears, or stains. $400. interior, new jet-black paint, new tires, rebuilt engine. Pick up only. (Shipping would kill it!) Runs great. $25,000 OBO. CLC/NWO reference: • Also have a 40-year collection of owner’s, Fisher Mike MacAllister for Len Gallagher (419-478-1140) Body, shop manuals, and sales brochures. Not all years. or Pat Gallagher (419-392-4170). Picture below. • All plus shipping. Phone Bob Morrow 513-793-2425. Email [email protected].

• Indoor car storage available. Two locations in Whitehouse and West Toledo. For all questions, call Andrew Shepherd at 419-349-5692.

CLC/NWOHIO REGION NEWS 18 NOVEMBER 2015