ourna The Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. Issue 210 May-June 2004

Dayton and Packard Museum Host Auto History Conference SAH members from the U.S. and Canada touched down in Dayton , Ohio, for the Fifth 5 Biennial Auto History Conference, held in cooperation with the National Association of Automobile Museums, on March 31st through April 3rd. The joint conference was hosted by America's Packard Museum, which is located in www.autohistory.org the restored Citizens Motorcar Company The museum sincerely believes that these fine automobiles are still meant to be driven. A highlight for me was going to lunch in a 1947 Clipper Deluxe Eight sedan and returning in a 1953 Henney 400 limousine. Dayton$ claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of aviation-also the self- starter, Inside the Stoddard-Dayton car and Delco. We were given ample opportunity to experience the city's rich history through bus trips to Dayton Wire Wheels, Carillon Historical Park and the United States Air Force Museum. SAH News 1 The papers presented at the conference covered a range of topics, including auto­ mobiles and aircraft , automobile design, early auto shows, roads and cars in the army Presenters' audio visual aids ranged from simple slides to elaborate PowerPoint presenta­ Editorial Comment 2 tions, but all managed to keep to their allotted time, much to the relief of Kit Foster and his crew of fac ilitators. President's Perspective 3 Thursdays lunch at the hotel featured jane Walker, the daughter of Willard Hess, of Hess & Eisenhardt. Ms. Walker spoke of her fathers credo, "work for formality in elegant simplicity," and described the specifications and special features of customized limousines Obituary 6 he built for presidents and other dignitaries, including the 1961 custom-built Lincoln parade car built for President Kennedy On both Thursday and Friday, conference-goers could opt Robert M. Hall, Ill for a ride in a Packard for lunch at Ridgeleigh Terrace, the former home of Charles E Ketter­ ing. Ridgeleigh Terrace was built by Kettering in 1914 and was his home until his death in Book Reviews 9 1958. Much of the house was destroyed in a 1994 fire, but it has since been restored. It was the first house in the country to have central air conditioning, designed by Kettering. Riding the Roller Coaster: continued on page 4 A History of the Chrysler Corporation Lastwagen und Zugmaschinen 1903-1997 My First Forty Cars

Letters 11

The Billboard 15

Lucky conference attendees had their pick of these fine Packards to transport them to Ridgeleigh Terrace, the former home of Charles F. Kettering, for lunch or dinner. Once there we were treated to a highly informative look at the life and genins of "Boss Ket" by Dr. Glen Hamilton, a trustee of America's Packard Museum. Photo: Tom]alrnps Enjoying the View from the Bus

me to the countryside of Indiana. This tesy of George Green. 1 encourage mem­ year it was metropolitan Dayton. 1 was bers to send in photos and details about impressed with the number of older vehicles they have made or know of that .Thomas S. Jakups, Editor buildings that have been preserved and are one-of-a-kind , made up of parts from reutilized. 1 like older buildings for their other makes, roadable and used for per­ prils History Conference in attractiveness and the way they allow a sonal use, promotion of a product or serv­ Dayton was a success any way place to evolve while still maintaining its ice , a contest, an educational project, etc. A you look at it- academically, connection to earlier times. On my bus, 1 am proud to announce that the culturally and socially. ln this issue you expert commentary on the area was pro­ SA H journal has been awarded A Golden will find a report on the conference along vided by Ben Thompson, an SAH member Quill Award for 2004 by Old Cars We ek­ with the Minutes from the spring Board and guide for Americas Packard Museum. ly. The awards were announced in the of Directors meeting. Ben obviously has a lot of affection for publications May 6th issue. While 1 may 1 especially enjoyed the afternoon his city and happily pointed out places of be the face of the journal, you members bus trips. Along with the cameraderie of interest while giving us some history of are the flesh and blood, the vital organs like-minded people gathered together, it Dayton. 1 particularly enjoyed learning of our newsletter. 1 congratulate you and gave me a chance to sit back and observe about the Toledo-Cincinnati canal. Those thank you for helping me maintain a high a new and unfamiliar locale- particularly bus trips were a real delight. standard for the journal. Now keep those the houses and commercial buildings. On the back cover you will find letters, reviews and articles coming. Two years ago the bus trips introduced Henry Miller and his Millermobile, cour- -Tomjakups

J Q~rn~lIssue 21 0 May-June 2004 ~ Officers Publications Committee SAH Journal {ISSN 1057-1973) Joseph S. Freeman President Christopher G. Foster, Chair is published six times a year by the Michael L. Berger Vice President Taylor Vinson Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. Darwyn H. Lumley Secretary Thomas S. Jakups Christopher C. Foster Treasurer Michael lamm Subscription is by membership Beverly Rae Kimes in the Society. Board of Directors Through October 2004 Membership du es are $40 per year. Michael L. Bromley Paul N. Lashbrook Past Editors Send dues, membership inquiries leroy D. Cole Richard B. Brigham and changes of address to Through October 2005 Issues 1-29 Sept. 1969-(undated) 1973 Susan S. Davis John A. Marino Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. G. Marshall Naul Arthur W. Jones 1102 long Cove Road Through October 2006 30-50 Ju ly 1973-Dec. 1976 Gales Ferry, CT 06335-1812 USA Samuel V. Fiorani Robert R. Ebert John Peckham ©2004 Patricia lee Yongue 51-59 Feb. 1977 -July 1978 Walter Gosden The Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. SAH Journal 60-87 Nov. 1978-Dec. 1983 Thomas S.Jakups Find the Society of Automotive Historians Editor, Advertising Manager Richard B. Brigham on the web at www.autohistory.org. 37 Wyndwood Road 88-117 Jan.jFeb. 1983-Nov.jDec. 1988 West Hartford, CT 06107 USA Christopher G. Foster 860-236-0125 Fax 860-232-0468 118-157 Jan.jFeb. 1989-JulyjAug. 1995 Copy Deadline for Journa/211 email: [email protected] Samuel V. Fiorani June 30th [email protected] 158-194 Sept.jOct. 1995-Sept.j Oct. 2001

2 SAH Journal No. 210 Synergy

make plans to get to the next conference, Annual Meeting of the Association in to be held in 2006. These meetings repre­ Seattle in january 2005. Given the pres­ sent a true rallying point for our Society, ent level of academic awareness of our where we so often get together in circum­ discipline (one of your President's hot stances that allow little time for the true buttons), I think it will definitely come sharing of ideas and scholarly work being to pass, in the hopes of creating a regular Joseph S. Freeman, President done by an increasing number of auto­ forum for our field of interest at that . motive historians. annual meeting. ne of the definitions of the word I would also be remiss in not More general, however, was an "synergy" in the American Heri­ reporting on several important develop­ idea that flowed through a lot of the 0 tage Dictionary is "The interac­ ments that came out of our Board conference: that of forming a permanent tion of two or more agents or forces so Meeting, held prior to the conference. "Academic Committee" (for lack of a that their combined effect is greater than First was the decision, after considerable better term) to explore a range of activi­ the sum of their individual effects. " Surely, discussion and careful consideration of a ties to promote the teaching of automo­ then, this word has to pertain to our number of good options, to make the tive history at the secondary school and recent Board meeting and biennial con­ Library and Research Center of the An­ university level. While some programs, ference held in conjunction with The tique Automobile Club of America the courses and curricula do exist (in no National Association of Automobile home for our recently-purchased Ralph small part due to several members of our Museums in Dayton, Ohio. Many of the H. Dunwoodie Automotive Research Ar­ Society), the overall feeling expressed is details of the meeting will be reported in chive. Details about its accessibility and that much more can and should be done other parts of this issue of the journal , but use by our members will be forthcoming, in this area. Apart from our own particu­ l feel as President it is my duty to report but I am delighted to report that we have lar interests, it certainly is your Presi­ on what I felt were some of the many been able to preserve this most important dent's belief that automotive history is an high points of our gathering in Dayton. tool for future enthusiasts and scholars. individual subject most deserving of in­ First and foremost it was a truly Second was the strong feeling by a clusion in the course catalogs and fields excellent set of presentations, representing majority of the Board that we need to do of study of academic institutions. Su ffice a wide variety of topics, everything from a better job in marketing for the various it to say no adequately educated Ameri­ careful analyses of the successes and fail­ awards we present annually: Although can should leave school totally unaware ures of important automotive ventures the Brigham, Cugnot, Benz and Bradley of the social and economic significance such as Reo truck and Pierce-Arrow to the competitions are regularly announced in of the automobile and its manufacturers important relationship between aeronautic our journal, the feeling was that we need in the twentieth century. Again, we will and automotive development in the early to make better efforts to reach a wider be taking action on these issues in com­ part of the twentieth century. Particularly audience in order to broaden the support ing months and will report on our fascinating (and historically timely) for me for entries. As President I will be follow­ progress. was Board member Arthur jones' masterful­ ing up on the decision to form a commit­ Finally, it remains to thank our ly documented "For Official Use Only: The tee that will look for ways we can focus hosts at America's Packard Museum for a Army goes Car Shopping," which showed more attention on these awards, both week of interesting and well-organized how quickly and effectively the motor before and after their presentation at activities-visits to the Air Force Museum vehicle was incorporated into the military, Hershey. Any comments from members at Wright-Patterson Field and the final just prior to and during the first World will be most welcome. banquet being high points-and to our War-automotive history at its best! Also, a number of ideas came up own hardworking and often unheralded As in the past, those of you who during the Boards discussion of our par­ Treasurer, Kit Foster for all the hard work were not able to attend will reap the bene­ ticipation as an affiliate member of the and time he puts into these biennial fits of the work presented in a future issue American Historical Association. One events. For those who missed it, be sure of Automotive History Review, where many quite specific suggestion was to give our to make the next one, and have a great of the papers will be published. None­ own panel presentation specifically relat­ season of motoring! theless, I encourage all of our members to ed to automotive history at the next -joe Freeman

M ay-June 2004 3 military flight began; the Air Power Gallery which presents the planes of World War 11 , Korea and Vietnam; and finally the Space Gallery, which details the evolution of astronauts' space suits, food and other gear. After a full day of presentations on Saturday we repaired to the Citizens MotorCar Company for cocktails, dinner and the presentation of the NAMMY awards to deserving museums. Our din­ ner speaker was Bill Chapin who regaled us with anecdotes about Hudson, Nash SAH News continued from page I automobiles which included Pierce­ and AMC. While we were at the museum • After lunch, Dr. Glen Hamilton, a trustee Arrows, Buicks and Mercedes. Bunched we had an opportunity to walk among of the Packard Museum spoke about together as they were we could see that the many Packards-some restored, oth­ Kettering's work with the self-starter and one would have to empty half the garage ers with that appealing patina of com­ his other inventions and also told the to get one car out. Must have been quite fortable aging-that are housed there. history of the house. a spectacle in the neighborhood when I would like to congratulate Kit Bus trips on Thursday and Friday that happened. Foster, Bob Signom, Marcia Bethel and all took us all around Dayton. The first stop A final stop Thursday, and all too the presenters for another great history on our Thursday afternoon trip was brief, was to Carillon Historical Park, conference. I can't wait for 2006. Dayton Wire Wheels. This company pro­ which tells the history of Dayton through - Tom]akups vided the original wheels for Cord, Mar­ historical buildings, artifacts and exhibits. Minutes mon and Duesenberg as well as wheels for Included in the park are the Wright of the SAH Board Meeting racing cars and airplanes, including Lind­ Brothers Aviation Center and and a repli­ Dayton, OH bergh's "Spirit of t. Louis. " It now pro­ ca of Deeds Bam, where Charles Ketter­ March 31, 2004 vides wheels for low riders, luxury cars, ing and the "Bam Gang" invented the Present: President joe Freeman, Treasurer SUV's and motorcycles. No, we were not self-starter. Kit Foster, Secretary Darwyn Lumley, given free samples. Fridays bus tour took us to the Directors Susan Davis, john Marino, From there we were brought to a United States Air Force Museum, the Paul Lashbrook, Arthur jones, Michael nondescript garage in an industrial area. largest and oldest military aviation muse­ Bromley, Robert Ebert, Automotive Inside was housed a private collection of um in the world. We walked through the History Review Editor Taylor Vinson, and Early Years Gallery, which shows how Webmaster Dave Duricy. Absent: Vice

SAH members look closely at restored wheels at Dayton Wire Wheels. The com­ pany does vintage restoration work on It was all smiles at the Banquet Dinner at America's Packard Museum. Bill Chapin, of the Borani and Buick Skylark wheels among MotorCities National Heritage Area, is flanked by Bob Signom, founder and curator of the others. Pltoto: Torn ]akups museum, and Marcia Bethel, executive director. Pltoto: Tom]almps

4 SAH Journal No. 210 President Michael Berger, Directors Sam committee believes it warranted. Hershey Tent Paul Lashbrook Fiorani, Leroy Cole and Patricia Yongue. Periodicals Kit Foster reported will be in charge once again. Preliminaries for the SAH journal and stated it is com­ Fall Board Meeting Kit Foster The meeting was called to order at ing out regularly and on schedule. On noted that the next meeting will be 9: 05 A.M. by President joseph Freeman. behalf of editor TomJakups he requested October 7th with the banquet on The Minutes of the October 9th meeting more articles of 1500- 2000 wo rds. Tay­ October 8th to be held at the usual loca­ were approved as written. j oe used the lor Vinson, editor of the Automoti ve His­ tion in Hershey, Pennsylvania. phrase, "Steady as she goes: to indicate tory Review, reported that the most recent Old Business his intentions as President of SAH . He issue was placed in the mail on March World Automotive Forum 2005 thanked Kit Foster for his continued 22nd. A total of 1,150 copies were print­ There was insufficient information to dis­ work on behalf of SAH . Sue Davis noted ed with 980 sent to members. The basic cuss this topic and it will be continued to the passing of Frank Gardner, an early expenses remain the same from issue to the October meeting. auto collector historian who provided issue and production time takes about Ralph Dunwoodie Collection Kit leadership to found the Larz Anderson eight weeks. The Board commended Foster distributed information regarding Aino Museum. Taylor for his excellent work as editor. potential host libraries, which he had State of the Society SAH Press Kit Foster reported contacted per direction of the Board. Kit Treasurer's Report Kit Foster dis­ that two copies of Mr. javelin were sold at explained the information regarding each tributed a balance sheet in which the net Hershey, but that the SAH Press is dor­ potential host library. After considerable worth of SAH was reported as $80,028.76. mant and awaiting a next mission. discussion, the Board stated a preference Membership Report Total mem­ Website Kit Foster began a report for the A.A.C. A. Library in Hershey, bership, as of March 1, was reported as on this subject when webmaster Dave Pennsylvania. President joe Freeman and 981. New memberships tend to come Duricy entered the room. Information Treasurer Kit Foster were empowered by from the web site. There has been no was provided regarding keeping the web­ passage of a motion to complete the nec­ long-term loss of membership due to the site current; new ideas are welcome. The essary arrangements with the A.A.C.A. increase in membership dues. Kit report­ Board commended Dave for his excellent Library, subj ect to the criteria in the ed he expected to have the Membership work on the website . discussion. Mo tion was introduced by Directory out by September. Silent Auction Leroy Cole has Susan Davis, seconded by Arthur Jones Nominating Committee j oe agreed to continue heading this project and passed with unanimous consent with Freeman reported that Leroy Cole has and accepts donated material on a con­ no abstentions. requested that this be his last year as tinual basis. Long Range Planning Report Chairman of the Nominating Committee. SAH/NAAM Conference Report Arthur Jones reviewed the committee Ongoing Activities Kit Foster reported that the conference report, which had previously been made Awards No reports were present­ was to commence within hours, with available to all Board members. It was ed for the Brigham, Benz and Bradley onl y a few issues remaining to be decided that to facilitate discussion of awards, which have standing committees. resolved. specific ideas or proposals Arthur will The Cugnot Committees, Darwyn Lum­ Chapter Relations j oe Freeman initiate an e-mail form to and among the ley for the English and Taylor Vinson for reported he was continuing to work on members of the Board. the non-English , reported the commit­ creating a chapter devoted to auto racing New Business tees were formed and the processes were history. The Southern California Chapter Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Agreement underway. Michael Bromley and Arthur is planning the 22nd Literature Faire. Kit Foster reported it was necessary to j ones have agreed to co-chair the Inger­ European Meeting and Tour renew the repository agreement with the soll Committee. They plan to re-state Report Taylor Vinson reported that the A-C-D Museum Library to house the and/or review the purpose of this award 9th annual meeting was a success with books previously nominated for the and bring their report to the forthcoming fifty-six people, representing ten nations, Cugnot Award . He moved he be directed meeting in Hershey for Board considera­ present for the awards dinner. The tour to resolve the issue. The motion was sec­ tion. David Lewis has agreed to continue was also reported as a success, and includ­ onded by John Marino and passed unan­ heading the Friend of Automotive His­ ed visits to Retromobile, Renault Col­ imously wi th no abstentions. tory Committee. Robert Ebert, reporting lection, and Berliet Foundation at Lyon. Basic Automotive History Joe for the Student Paper Committee , noted American Historical Association Freeman reported receiving a letter from a change in the deadline fo r acceptance Michael Bromley represented SAH at the an SAH member suggesting that SAH of papers to June 1st. He also reported AHA conference. He reported that many take the lead in the writing and publica­ more inquiries this year. Graduate and good contacts were made. tion of a book which could be used as a undergraduate papers will be combined Centennial Certificates No basic text in automotive history. John with an option for special mention if the report. Marino introduced the idea of creating a May-June 2004 5 university program in automotive history Pat Mcinturff, ]ace Baker, Tim FUalkovich , History Review, Baseball Cards Magazine with the possibility of creating a sub­ Michael jacob en, Terry Dunham, Roger and the Brazilian magazine Autos Antigos. committee to work on this idea. The idea Sherman, Michael Bromley, jessie Embry, His article, "The Pennsylvania Turnpike: met with considerable approval, but no Ron Shook, Arthur jones, Tom Saal, America's First Superhighway," was pub­ forma l action was taken. Mickey Mishne and Dean Ruffilli. lished in Automotive History Review Issue Collection Disposition Guide­ The smooth course of the confer­ o. 26 (Spring 1991) In 1994, SAH rec­ lines j oe Freeman discussed the issue of ence was due to the organizati onal skills ognized Bob with an Award of Distinc­ disposal of collections upon illness or of Americas Packard Museum executive tion for his article "Mitchell-the Car death. No action taken. director Marsha Bethel and events coordi­ You Oughta Have," which was published The meeting was adjourned at 4:23 P.M. nator Amy jump. Our invitation to Day­ in Automobile Quarterly. Submitted by ton was the inspiration and vision of Bob became a staff writer for Darwyn Lumley Museum founder and curator Bob Signom. MotorWeek Television in 1993, also serving AH Secretary A giant helping of thanks is due to Mar­ as occasional field producer and liaison sha, Amy and Bob and the members of with various associations. After four years ine Flight at Fifth History their staff who planned and carried out at MotorWeek, Bob moved west to become Conference all the tours and social functions. publicist for the Las Vegas Motor Speed­ The Society$ fifth biennial Automotive Program chair for NAAM was way and, later, the Imperial Palace Auto History Conference, sponsored jointly Wendell Strode. Thanks also go out to Coll ection. In conjunction with those with the Na tional Association of Auto­ Wendell and to NAAM president jim duties, he became host of Las Vegas Motor mobile Museums, landed smoothly on johnson for working to further the SAH- Speedway on the Air. That show eventually April 3rd after a short, enjoyable flight. AAM partnership, a networking op­ evolved into All About Cars, the program Following a theme of aviation and auto­ portunity that helps our organizations he hosted until his death. Over the years mobile connections, the conference, accomplish much more together than his writing and radio efforts earned him a titled "Off We Go in the Automobile," either could independently. number of awards from automotive press took off in Dayton, Ohio, on March 31st -Kit Foster; chair associations, including three Golden and returned to earth three days later. Fifth Automotive History Confe rence Quills from the Washington (DC) Auto­ Host for the conference was Americas motive Press Association. Packard Museum of Dayton. Obituary In recent years, Bob was the "Voice Thanks are due to all SAH presen­ Robert M. Hall III of Carlisle ," and those who visited the ters for a fine program. Presenting were (1947-2004) Carlisle Fairgrounds will remember Bob's veteran speakers Doug Leighton, Pat Bob Hall , 56, chairman of the SAH Pub­ familiar voice as that on the public ad­ Yongue, Deborah Clark e, john Marino, lications Committee during the late '80s dress system and as the emcee at celebri­ Leroy Cole, Bob Ebert and Tom Brownell. and early '90s, lost his battle with cancer ty luncheons. He also wrote a syndicated joining them as first-time presenters were and died on March 8th. newspaper column/weekly feature on He wanted to be remembered as a www.carsatcarlisle.com that was ca lled person who spent his last years doing the "All About Cars." He also regularly Society of Automotive Historians thing he loved most: writing, speaking and appeared as ABC Channel 27 TV in 22nd Annual Literature Faire experiencing all things automotive. Bob Harrisburg, as the stations "Car Guy. " inherited a life-long love of cars from his Bobs multi-faceted talents and father, who owned over 300 cars during infectious enthusiasm about all things his lifetime. He started what would be­ automotive will by missed by his many come an extensive co llection of automotive friends.He will be remembered by those books, sales literature, ads and magazines who knew him as a generous, gregarious while still in elementary school. By the person who placed more importance on mid-1970s, Bob was an active participant friendship than on material wealth. By in the collector car hobby. that definition he was most certainly a He began his professional writing wealthy man who will be sorely missed. career in 1973 as a sports stringer for the - Taylor Vinson hi~d Irwindale Speedway Baltimore Sun. In 1987 he accepted the Adapted from information provided by • Sunday June 27 associate editor position at Old Cars Carlisle Events ~ 6AMto 12PM Weekly, and his work appeared in Auto­ 818-999-1878 mobile Magazine, Sports Collector's Digest, From Our Man at Special Interest Autos, Goldmine, Car Col­ the New York Auto Show Vendor Space Available lector; AutoWeek, MOBILIA, Automotive Having written the official history of the 6 SAH Journal No. 210 ew York International Auto Show for its ond in the 1907 Peking-to-Paris Race, is lOOth Anni versary in 2000, it was heart­ designing fitted baggage for the identical­ warming to see the 2004 event, pre­ ly-trimmed luggage bay), the display viewed to the press April 7th-8th and vehicle played up the original Spyker open to the public from April 9th-18th, company's aviation heritage with pro­ honor past exhibitions in a number of peller-inspired wheel spokes, a cast alu­ intriguing ways both intentional and co­ minum "Aeroblade" steering wheel (an incidental. airbag exemption was granted for the Lincoln revives the Zephyr name with Mercedes-Benz celebrated the 50th this sub-LS entry luxury sedan. Photo: four-point safety belts), laser cut alu­ anniversary of the SL sports car with a Gregg Merksamer minum fl oor pedals, a gearshift linkage silver Gullwing standing on an exact fall" finish for the central stereo stack. consisting of exposed stainless steel rods replica of its flower-adorned display at The STS sedan launched by and twin exhaust outlets imprinted with the 1954 International Motor Sports Cadillac as a Seville successor cheered the 1914 company motto " ulla Tenaci Show in New York City, recalling the first true Knickerbockers with such cutting Invia Est Via"- "For the tenacious no time that Stuttgart had ever staged a edge amenities as Keyless Access incor­ road is impassible. " world debut outside Gennany. porating 200-foot remote starting and a Adding that only 35 Americans DaimlerChrysler took over the driver-configurable windshield display this year, and perhaps twice that number entire, 45 ,000-square-foot North Pavilion with four colors and five languages. in 2005, will be ta king delivery of a C8 of the jacob javits Convention Center to Saab USA's Product Communica­ through 13 U.S . dealers -they can mon­ erect a hilly "Camp jeep" off-road course, tions Manager Steve janisse justified the itor the construction of their car over the evoking the indoor demonstrating track company's debut of the 9-7X, to be built Internet using a dedicated "Spycam"­ where so many New Yorkers experienced on the Chevy Trailblazer platform in company CEO Victor R. Muller asserted their very first horseless carriage ride at Moraine, Ohio, of all places, by stating, that "I cannot count the people who have the first Madison Square Garden auto "We need something in that market since come up to me this week and said this show in ovember 1900. 40 percent of the people who leave Saab car was the star of the show. People think Suzuki revived another forgotten do so to buy an SUV " Aware that its air­ it's a million-dollar-car, but it's really a tradition from early New York shows-­ craft-style NC vents and console-mount­ quarter-million-dollar-car so that's good." live orchestras playing specially-written ed ignition switch might be seen as only - Gregg Merksamer music-when it debuted its Daewoo-built minor concessions to the Swedish car­ Forenza Sport Wagon to a Billy joel med­ maker's brand identity, he assured us Requiem for Oldsmobile ley with new lyrics from Corporate Magic that "the next generation version will be One hundred and seven years of auto­ in Irving, Texas, (a typical verse by jim even more distinct, and it's already being motive history came to an end in Lan­ Kirk , to the melody of "Movin, Out": worked on." sing, Michigan, on Thursday, April 29, "There's no reason just to drive a boring As New York is the media center 2004, when the final Oldsmobile rolled car-car-car-car-car-car/you oughta know of the Western world, the city's auto off the production line at G.M. 's Lansing by now/Forenza Sport Wagon is like show has always been a favorite venue Car Assembly Plant. The vehicle, an N.Y. C./Full of exciting surprises") . for small niche carmakers seeking to Alero model finished in metallic cherry Buick marked the lSOth anniver­ attract attention disproportionate to their red, bore the signatures of some 4,500 sary of David Dunbar Buick's birth in size and resources. Spyker Cars B.V of workers under the hood and trunk! Scotland and the Centennial of its first Zeewolde, The Netherlands, reviving a A low-key ceremony, perhaps befit­ production cars by heralding a $3 billion fabled name that built cars in Amster­ ting the somber occasion, was held on investment in new product with the world dam from 1898 to 1925 and secured its the grounds of the R.E.Olds Transporta­ debut of a boat-tailed, four-seat Velite spot in history with the world's first tion Museum through much of the day. convertible concept built by Bertone of four-wheel drive six-cylinder auto in The final vehicle was driven from the Italy on a rear-drive GM "Zeta" platform 1903, succeeded admirably in this plant late in the morning of the event to facilitate a production version by 2006. respect with the North American show and parked under a tent. It was the cen­ Lincoln revived the venerable debut of a low-slung aluminum space ter of attention of TV camera people and Zephyr nameplate for a new sub-LS sedan frame C8 Spyder powered by a mid­ press photographers, with flash bulbs reaching dealers in about a year, which mounted, 40-valve Audi V-8 making 400 constantly popping. looked suitably ritzy in spite of Mazda6 horsepower. ln addition to the Dark As can be imagined, it was an emo­ underpinnings thanks to a harmonica­ Ming Blue paintwork accented by Ruby­ tional event for many of those in atten­ inspired grille and pale cashmere leather colored, diamond-quilted leather seating dance. While a band played tunes from upholstery accented by blond "Harewood" (Louis Vuitton, which supplied touring the early decades of the twentieth centu­ ash and a "corrugated aluminum water- trunks for the Spyker that finished sec- ry (the favorite of the audience was, of May-June 2004 7 course, "In My Merry Oldsmobile"), a brought by collectors to mark the occa­ duce the first truly automatic transmis­ substantial group of Oldsmobile retirees sion. Here, too, a wide range of early sion. This pace-setting activity continued mingled with collectors of vintage Olds­ models was featured, dating from the in the late 1940s when, together with mobile cars and a scattering of automo­ early 1900s to the modem era. Cadillac, Olds pioneered in the introduc­ tive historians. Tears were observed in The Oldsmobile car was named tion of a modem, high-compression V-8 the eyes of at least one old-time Oldsmo­ for Ransom Eli Olds, who organized the engine (this powered the famous "Rocket bile employee as events of earlier years in Olds Motor Vehicle Company in 1897, 88" vehicle). Other innovations followed, the factory were recalled. Another per­ a year after he drove his initial gasoline­ including the front-wheel drive Toronado son, a recent retiree, mentioned that the powered car on the streets of Lansing. model in the 1960s. total service period of his father and him­ Olds was a contemporary of Charles The production of Oldsmobile self at the company extended over three­ Brady King and Henry Ford of Detroit, vehicles reached a high level throughout quarters of a century! both of whom first built vehicles in the the decades following the second World No speeches were made at the same year, 1896. Ransom Olds forged War, with well over a million cars turned event and no high-level General Motors ahead of King and Ford in producing out in 1977. However, a changing auto­ ~fficials attended. However, a display of cars in substantial numbers, however, mobile market hit the Oldsmobile divi­ various Oldsmobile models covering a and by 1903 Oldsmobile led all other sion hard in the late 1980s and 1990s, full century or more was set up by G.M. makes in volume of vehicles built. resulting in a disastrous slump in sales. in the R.E. Olds Museum. A replica of To achieve this, Ransom Olds initiated This led Lo a decision by General Motors Ransom Olds' initial creation, a crude what some historians believe was the in early 2001 to phase out production of steam car dating to 1887, anchored one auto industry's first primitive produc­ Oldsmobile vehicles. The Alero on dis­ corner of the display. Then came a tion line. play thus was the last of the line. curved-dash vehicle of the very early Ransom Olds left the company early AH was represented at the termi­ 1900s, followed by a magnificent 1911 in 1904, soon thereafter establishing the nation ceremony by Helen Earley, james Oldsmobile Limited featuring a six-cylin­ firm which built the Reo car. The Oldsmo­ Neal and Sinclair Powell. Helen, a retired der engine of 707 cubic-inch displace­ bile company was absorbed by William Oldsmobile staff person, is co-author of ment. Cars of the teens, twenties and Durants new conglomerate, General the definitive book on Oldsmobile histo­ thirties were shown, including a now Motors, in 1908, where it remained as a ry, entitled Setting the Pace. almost-forgotten marque, a Viking V-8 division until its current demise. -Sinclair Powell built as an upscale model by the Olds­ Oldsmobile for years was consid­ mobile firm in 1929 and 1930. Finally, a ered the "cutting edge" or "experimental" just Out group of more modem Oldsmobile cars car of General Motors. In the mid-to-late The Indiana University Press has just lined the center and another comer of 1920s it may well have been the first released my book, From Small Town to the room. American automobile to utilize chrome Downtown, a History of the jewett Car Outside the museum could be brightwork. In the late 1930s the division Company. (It's not about the jewett auto­ observed a line-up of Oldsmobile cars was tapped by General Motors to intra- mobile, but rather about a firm that built trolley and interurban cars.) I During its heyday, in the early decades of the 20th century, the jewett BUYING LITERATURE Car Company became one of ewark, Ohio's largest employers and occupied a Most literature is eventually destroyed. plant covering ten acres, portions of When it is no longer of interest it often deteriorates which survive. Its cars were so well built in attics, basements and garages. that many operated over 30 years in Why store it when you can sell it? regular transit service and over 20 cars We preserve it in our climate-controlled building . survive in museums, some in operating No collection is too large. condition. The Jewett Car Company was Contact the world's top buyer of all types of automotive literature. nationally known for its elegant wood and steel trolley cars for interurban and ROBERT C. McLELLAN street railway service. Over 2000 cars Mail: 9111 Longstaff Drive, Houston, TX 77031 were produced during the company's 25 E-Mail: [email protected] years of existence and were shipped to 26 Phone: 713-772-3285 Fax: 713-772-3287 states and Canada. Among the cars pro­ duced were elevated, subway and street- 8 SAH Journal No. 21 0 cars for New York City, as well as large numbers of cars for Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. In its last years the company at­ tempted to get into the truck business and came out with an attachment for Model T Fords that would convert them into one-ton trucks. It was really not cost competitive and was a failure. They also built an ambulance from scratch (al­ Boo I< though I'm sure it was just an assembled vehicle) that was donated to the French government during World War I. Revie\Ns The book is available in most book stores and at Amazon.com. - Larry Brough Riding the Roller Coaster: A History documenting Dodge Main in Hamtramck of the Chrysler Corporation, by Charles before it was razed. This means that he AMC Cars 1954-1987 Illustrated History, K Hyde, 2003, ISBN 0--8143-3091-6. has "out-Ceciled" a DeMille epic, and the by Patrick Foster was recently published Hardbound, 7 by 10 inches, 408 pages, depth of his research is on every page. by The Olde Milford Press. The book 60 illustrations. Wayne State University Subsequently he documented the jeffer­ relates the story of American Motors Press, The Leonard imons Building, son Avenue factory in Detroit as well as Corporation, which produced cars under 4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Ml the corporation's headquarters and engi­ several brand names, including ash , 48201-1309. 1-800-978-7323. neering complex in Highland Park, and Hudson, Rambler and AMC , as well as http://wsupress.wayne.edu. $34.95. he enjoyed unrestricted access to the jeep sport utility vehicles. Chrysler historical archives. This book With 2004 being the 50th anniver­ For decades the only biography of Walter was written from a typescript of well over sary of the formation of American Motors, Chrysler was the one he wrote himself in a thousand pages. Obviously Charles Patrick is offering a special autographed 1937, and the most important account of Hyde knows whereof he speaks. Commemorative Edition through his on­ Chrysler history was the series Fortune Although a comparative johnny­ line store, www.oldemilfordpress.com magazine published during that same come-lately in the industry, Chrysler has decade. This is surprising and not surpris­ arguably produced more surprises overall Reviewers Needed ing at the same time. Both subjects de­ than American automakers who have I have received over the last few months served full-length book treatment, but reached the century mark this corpora­ a number of books for review. The titles "daunting" is the word that springs to tion won't celebrate for another two of these books are as follows: mind about the immensity of the task in decades. Charles Hyde makes that case Driven. Inside BMW, the Most Admired Car each case, and Cecil B. DeMilles' "years in in the historical journey he takes us on Company in the World, by David Kiley. the making" the phrase for the time need­ in these four hundred pages. Upon fin­ Maserati Tipo 63 • 64 • 65. Birdcage to ed to do it. Vincent Curcio took up the ishing the book, I was left with just one Supercage, by William Oosthoek challenge of the man in his splendid imponderable. Had they made their Eighty Years of Citroen in the United Chrysler: The Life and Times of an Automo­ respective acquaintance, I wonder how Kingdom , by john Reynolds tive Genius, published in 2000. And now Walter Chrysler and Lee Iacocca might Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Art we have Charles K Hyde's equally splendid have regarded one another. Reading this of the Poster, by Robert T. Devlin with account of Chrysler Corporation itself. engrossing book might make you won­ Kandace Hawkinson The title is inspired. Few corpora­ der the same thing. It is tantalizing. Bentley. Fifty Years of the Marque, by tions have experienced the harrowing ups -Beverly Rae Kimes johnnie Green and downs of this last new automaker in I invite members with an interest America to remain with us today. With and expertise with these subjects to exquisite scholarship and a deft pen, Lastwagen und Zugmaschinen review the books for the SAH journal. Charles Hyde tells the story His focus is 1903-1997, by Wolfgang H.Gebhardt You can e-mail me at [email protected] the people who have made Chrysler his­ and Georg Amtmann, Special Edition or by using the address or phone num­ tory, whom he has obviously come to 1999, ISB 3-613-87199-8. Hard­ ber listed in the masthead on page 2, and know well. His research began nearly a bound, 288 pages, 430 illustrations, I will ship the book to you. quarter of a century ago, incidentally, 37 of them in color, text in German. -Tom]akups when he was charged with the task of Schrader Motor-Chronik. Published by May- june 2004 9 Schrader Verlag, P.O. Box 10 37 43, D- big size many old trucks have survived, could draw from a we ll organized 70032 Stuttgart, Ge rmany 16 Euros put aside when replaced by more effi­ archive. With the increased interest more (approx .. $20 plus postage). cient and up-to-date models, and have and more books were published dealing now been restored. Quite often these his­ also with lesser known or extinct mar­ For a long time commercial vehicles, torical vehicles serve as rolling advertise­ ques. Halwart Schrader, undoubtedly the trucks, big rigs, tippers and tractors were ments for transport and haulage opera­ most productive German automobile the Cinderellas of automotive history tors, factories and all kind of commercial historian and writer, authored some especially in Europe. Only a small group companies. books on commercial vehicles himself. seemed to be interested. Things have Until some years ago not much lit­ He also found specialists and experts of changed considerably in the last 10 or 15 erature was available on trucks and their various makes who could and would years. ln most countries there are clubs history. Some of the popular American document and write the often interesting for owners and enthusiasts of certain publications were translated and small histories of the vehicles once famous on makes or groups of commercial vehicles specialized publishers occasionally the roads of Europe. Wolfgang H. ~n the big league bracket. They have reg­ brought out new books on the subject, Gebhardt has published several books ular meetings which usually draw sub­ as we ll as on fire engines and buses. on trucks, tractors and buses. Georg stantial crowds. Car lovers began to find Quite naturally the first publications Amtmann also has authored various the big trucks historically and technically mainly covered the history of the big books on automotive history. most interesting. Amazingly, despite their marques, where usually the authors continued on page I 4 McFarland an Antique!

McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers has achieved m 1979 and remains a well-oiled, high revving antique status, celebrating its 25th machine, turning out some 270 new titles a anniversary this year. (Confirmation from year on a wide range of subjects. Check out the AACA is expected shortly.) Not some of our new models below and more to be confused with the unfortunate on the web at www.mcfarlandpub.com. McFarlan, which ascended to antique­ And if yo u're in the neighborhood June 18th, hood somewhat earlier, McFarland rolled off the line drop by our open house anniversary celebration!

Electric and Hybrid Cars

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10 SAH Journal No. 210 Blanchard chose Philadelphia, the nations capitol and largest city, as the site for his demonstration. He constructed his yellow silk hydrogen-filled gas balloon and advertised the sale of tickets to the ascent in order to defray his expenses. President Washington was invited and attended, providing Blanchard with a passport to present at his landing. On the appointed day, following a successful ascent and 46- minute flight , he touched down in a plowed field near Woodbury, New Jersey After some confusion at the landing (Blanchard spoke no English and the farmers could not read the Presidents mes­ sage) he returned in triumph to the city America's First? to Rouen. Later, as a professional engi­ The notoriety of the voyage was not We were browsing through the Colum­ neer, he developed a hydraulic pump matched by a hoped-for financial return. bian Centennial of Boston recently and system that raised water 400 feet from Although an estimated 40,000 persons wok note of the following article: the Seine River to the Chateau Gaillard. had witnessed his ascent, the thrifty Philadelphia, Aug 24 "The young genius became in­ Quakers quickly realized that it could be A Curious Carriage trigued with the flight of birds in 1781 as well observed from their rooftops as M. Blanchard has invented a Carriage and constructed an ornithopter with from the walled yard for which tickets which runs without the assistance of large wings that were flapped by the had been sold. Blanchard tried several horses, and goes as far as the best post pilot, using hand and foot levers. Of means to repair his losses and finally, chaise. An automaton in the shape of course, the machine didn't work. But with the assistance of the governor, an Eagle, chained to the tongue of the when the Montgolfier brothers proved opened an exhibit of the balloon and Carriage, and guided by traveller, who on june 5, 1783, that balloon flight was other mechanical oddities. One of these holds the reins in his hands, directs it possible, the eager Blanchard turned his was a "wheeled automaton that he called in every respect. This extraordinary attention to this more sensible and the Curious Carriage. It featured a me­ Carriage cannot only travel on all attainable means of flight. He built his chanical eagle that flapped its wings and roads, but likewise ascend any moun­ first balloon a few weeks after the Mont­ made it appear as if it were moving by its tain which is accessible to any com­ golfier success and later traveled all over own power." Once again financial returns mon carriage. The distance it may pro­ Europe giving demonstration flights. He were not sufficient to cover his debts. ceed is unlimited-as there are no was the first to make ascensions in Ger­ After brief visits to Charleston and Bos­ springs in the case that require wind­ many, Poland, the Netherlands and Aus­ ton, he returned to France in 1797. ing up. The Eagle fixed to the Carriage tria, and he wanted to be the first to sail Was Monsieur Blanchard's Curious begins its flight, the Carriage will the New World's skies as well." Carriage a hoax7 Perhaps, but would it come out of it, and stand, and run round the place, carrying two persons. The date of the issue was September VVANTED: L 4, 1793. What is this? An American self­ UTOMOBILE ITERATURE 19on-191s propelled vehicle twelve years before Oliver A Evans7 Will we need to revise all our auto­ I buy sales brochures, repair & owner's manuals, books, motive histories? How could this historic showroom items, artwork, models & toys, posters or any items event have escaped our notice so long7 pertaining to automobiles, trucks or motorcycles ... Jean Pierre Blanchard "was born at I travel to purchase collections. Petit Andelys on july 4, 1750. He dem­ onstrated early that he had an inventive Walter Miller mind. At age 12, he invented a rat trap 6710 Brooklawn Pkwy. which, when sprung, would cause a pistol Syracuse, NY 13211 USA to go off, assuring a rats prompt demise. 315-432-8282 fax 315-432-8256 Four years later, he constructed a veloci­ e-mail: [email protected] pede that he propelled from Petit Andelys May-June 2004 11 not be more charitable to recognize it as the 1925 MaxwelL Chrysler continued jalopies out of circulation had the intended America's first concept car7 It was surely what was essentially the same car as the effect and National Used Car Exchange no less inventive nor more impractical Chrysler 4 in June 1925, and our subject Week was declared a success. The wonder is than some of the conceptions being dis­ car was built three months later. The facto­ that our poor old 1926 Chrysler 4 sedan played by the major manufacturers at ry price of the sedan was $995. escaped destruction during that weeki recent automobile shows. But the value of automobiles drop­ But it survived and it was still in the -Arthur jones ped like a rock in those days--much faster back of the used-car lot at Heinz Motors in Thanks to SAH member George Albright than they do nowadays. The National Used late July It seems likely, from the evidence for his discovery of the Boston article. Car Market Report of January-March 1931 here, that that dealer still had a glut of used Quoted sections and general background shows the 1926 Chrysler Series 58 four­ cars and decided to sell them off at dirt­ on Blanchard from C.V Glines, "First in cylinder sedan as having an average ap­ cheap prices just to get rid of them. (Well, Americas Skies," Aviation History praisal value of $27! Move ahead another yes, thats speculation, too , but it fits in Magazine, September 1996. seven years and that old Chrysler is virtual­ with what we know about the used-car ly worthless! Indeed, the oldest Chryslers market in 1938.) Not a Bargain Mter All for which a value is given in the National -David Cole The item on page 14 of ]oumal 209 Automobile Dealers Association Official Used about the ten-year-old used car selling Car Guide for August 18 to September 17, Daimler Lives Again? for $5, with the invoice to prove it, is 1938 is the 1930 models, which would sell Like the death of Mark Twain, the reports indeed amazing, but I should think that at retail for $55 to $65. of the demise of the Daimler marque may as automotive historians we should be So then, why did the salesman at have been premature. able to do a little bit more than just spec­ Heinz Motors in Cincinnati allow $30 on According to the March 30th issue ulate on why this happened. that old heap in 19387 Undoubtedly, he of Autocar, Jaguar "reacted angrily" to First, we should identify the car had to do that in order to sell the new car, reports that it had killed the car, and an­ properly The invoice says it was a Chrysler or the better used car, that the customer nounced that it will introduce a top-of-the­ sedan, a fairly prestigious make, and a wanted to trade for. Salesmen were doing line model "early next year," based on the penciled notation indicates it was a 1928 this sort of thing all over the country in long-wheelbase XJ introduced at the recent model, thus ten years old when it was sold 1938 just to sell new cars. The nations New York International Auto Show. Fur­ for $5 in 1938. economy had been working its way out of ther, Jaguar intends to "eventually launch However, there is good reason to the Great Depression that was at its worst a range of bespoke Daimlers, rather than suppose that that dating is incorrect, as the in 1932 and 1933, but then, late in 1937, basing the cars on existingJaguars." serial number shown on the invoice, WC- things fell apart again, and 1938 was a Don't hold your breath. 948-R, applies to a car at least two years depression year. ew auto sales were -Taylor Vinson older. This serial number is of the "Fedco" down 40 percent from what they were in type, used by Chrysler from 1926 to 1930, '37, and dealers had to make ridiculous In ]oumal 209 Taylor Vinson wonders consisting of two letters, three numerals deals-like $30 for a 1926 Chrysler-in whether the Daimler name is dead. Ap­ and a final letter, or in later years, the order to move new cars at all . This led to a parently not so; it is dormant at the opposite of that. The Fedco system of seri­ great glut of used cars for which dealers moment but set to return next year. al numbers was totally bewildering, as the had paid far too much. The April 13th issue of Autocar progression of letters and numerals did not The used-car problem was so acute in quotes Jaguar Managing Director Phil go in alphabetical or numerical order all 1938 that the industry was forced to take Popham as follows: "... Daimler is very the time, so it takes a chart of such num­ action and National Used Car Exchange much in our thoughts, but we need to bers to identify a production date for a car Week was declared for the week of March make sure the car and the brand are right with a Fedco number. 5-12. Manufacturers, dealers and political for each other, and we're not just sticking Used-car price guides of the period figures all promoted the buying of better a Daimler badge on a Jaguar." used to carry such information; for exam­ used cars and the junkers taken in trade that He denied that the new Daimler ple, the Used Car Valuations book for week were destroyed in some of the most was based on the Concept Eight shown at May-June-July 1929, published by dramatic ways ever seen. ln many cities the the recent New York Show, though it will Brownbook Publishers. It shows that old cars were piled up and burned in great clearly have much in common with the Chryslers that used serial numbers begin­ bonfires. In one town in Ohio they were long-wheelbase XJ. ning with WC-9 were four-cylinder jobs, rolled over a cliff. In Fort Dodge, Iowa, they Of the other British makes that Series 58, built during September 1925, as were sent down a long hill to smash into Taylor mentions, I fear that Lea-Francis 1926 models. The Series 58 Chryslers others already down there. A huge advertis­ and Jensen are definitely defunct, though were the least expensive models and were ing campaign urging people to upgrade to AC is struggling on. actually a continuation of what had been better cars and get those old, dilapidated - Nick Georgano

12 SAH Journal No. 210 First with the Right Answer passenger sedan as early as 1932. In 1935 were only manufactured in Europe and My guess for the unique distinction of the a separate folder was issued on two 128- not available in the United States. 1959 Renault Fregate (journal 209, back inch wheelbase models: a seven-passen­ For those of you who are great page) would be that it was the last front ger sedan with no trunk, but a spare tire taxi buffs, you might want to look at engined-rear drive car made by Renault. on the back; and a five-passenger Traveler the 194 7 film "The Secret Life of Walter It was introduced to the French in Novem­ sedan with no jump seats, but a built-in Mitty," starring Danny Kaye. Here you ber 1950 as a new 1951 Renault. trunk. Plymouth featured a seven-passen­ will find an array of 1939 to 194 7 - Stan Smith ger sedan in their sales catalogs from DeSoto long wheelbase Sky-View taxis 1936 through 1941. A separate one-sided (i ncluding a rare 1942 model), all in More on the Plymouth Limos sheet was issued in 1941 showing the one film, in beautiful Technicolor, ply­ I was most interested in the letter from seven-passenger model with fender skirts. ing the streets of Manhattan. l got to several members regarding long-wheel­ The wheelbase had gradually increased to ride in a few of those postwar models base Plymouths. Somewhere in my photo 137 inches by that time. There doesn't in the 1940s. boxes is a set of several photos taken in seem to be any specific reference to a lim­ Finally, I have to say that I've 1~ 80 in Malmo, Sweden. They were of ousine, with division window, in any of become more interested in airport lim­ two Plymouth seven-passenger sedans, these Plymouth catalogs. ousines. They're fascinating to look at a '57 and a '61 or so, both dark blue, that One valuable source is the soft­ now, especially the pre-war Henney­ were either hire cars, taxis or formerly bound book, Plymouth Co mmercial Ve­ Packard and Cadillac versions. These taxis. I then remembered seeing several hicles Photo Archive, by jim Benjaminson, vehicles are in a different category from of these things over the years in Europe, published by Iconografix (ISB 1-58388- regular limousines. Although built on mostly Scandinavia. In 1986 I saw a 004--6). The relatively few limousines built extended passenger car chassis, they Buick Electra station wagon in orway each year, less than 100 at a time, were sold were specifically constructed to carry that was a long-wheel-base taxi model. primarily in the export market. many more passengers. They were In Sweden over the years I had seen Growing up in the 1940s, l remember used by airlines, hotels and transporta­ several '50s Plymouths, usually black or very well a 1941 Plymouth Special Deluxe tion companies. A true limited-purpose dark blue, long-wheel-base sedans, usual­ seven-passenger sedan used by the Powell vehicle. Most had four separate doors ly as taxis, and several Chevrolets, '50s as Taxi Company in Manhasset, Long Island, on each side, with room for 12 passen­ well in the same garb. They were not New York. The Powell fleet was based at the gers, a built-in trunk for luggage and common, but not altogether rare either. Manhasset railroad station. That Plymouth with or without a luggage rack on the In the early 1980s in Old Cars was in continuous use through the early roof. Airport limousines need not be Weekly there was a feature on the Chev­ 1950s. Its the only one I've ever seen. confused with some of today's so-called rolet Imperial, a long-wheel-base car made The five-passenger Traveler model "stretch limousines." for export in the 1930s, as a sedan, limo appeared in the DeSoto and Chrysler cat­ Occasionally an airport limou­ and convertible sedan. alogs for 1936. The DeSoto had a 130- sine will show up in a good 1940s A club I belonged to in Duluth, inch wheelbase and the Chrysler had a film. I've come across a 1936 Pierce­ back in the '70s owned a Hess and Eisen­ 133-inch wheelbase. These cars were Arrow, a 1940 Lincoln-Zephyr and, hardt '4 7 Cadillac airport limousine, not built for long-distance touring, for people most unexpectedly, a 1935 Dodge. the fancy interior, but straight like a bus who wanted the extra interior room and Where are you going to find one of interior, and one similar to that showed up to carry additional luggage. lt appears these today/ in a film with Fred Astaire in France dur­ that the model was discontinued in -Neil Loysen ing the '50s 193 7. I've yet to find a Dodge version of Checker also did long-bodied cars, the Traveler. ln one 1938 DeSoto catalog A 1932 Franklin Olympic? and in Europe, Saab, Volvo and Mercedes the seven-passenger sedan was shown, Nelson Bolan's Franklin Olympic was a also have done long-bodied seven-passen­ but with the notation "limousine bodies 1933. The 1933 Olympic was intro­ ger cars often to be used as taxis. also available. " The mid-1930s Chrysler duced on Nov.1 , 1932 and it is certain­ -Phil Campbell catalogs referred to their division window ly possible that some states might have models as sedan limousines. registered erroneously the Olympic as I've read the informative replies regarding just to add to the competitive mix a 1932 model. The chassis was identi­ the Plymouth limousines and seven-pas­ Chevrolet was also producing, from at cal to the Reo S series, not the Royale. senger sedans. After looking through my least 1936 to 1939, a seven-passenger The wheelbase of the S was 117 l/2 own Chrysler Corporation sales literature sedan and limousine model called the inches, the Olympic, 118. The rear end I have found some additional information Imperial. These are shown in the export ratio was 4.3 for both cars. Even with on the subject. folders. A convertible sedan was in the air cooling the Olympic weighed 100 Plymouth had a cataloged seven- range as well. As far as I know, these cars pounds more than the Reo. The Reo S

May-June 2004 13 listed at $995 but the Olympic was Book Reviews continued from page 10 My First Forty Cars, by Nelson Bolan , $1395. The sheet metal of the Royale Lastwagen und Zugmaschinen 1903- 2003, lSB 0-7864-1624-6. Soft cover, was superficially similar but not identical 1997 is in fact a combination of three ear­ 200 pages .. Mcfarland & Company, lnc. , because the Royale was on a 131- or lier books in one new volume. It consists Box 6ll,jefferson, C 28640. $25.00 135-inch wheelbase. of short introductions and condensed his­ plus postage. These companies were struggling tories, but mainly of reproductions and as was Graham. In 1936 and 1937 Reo extracts from original sales lea flets, pros­ ln an occasional feature of Old Cars suppli ed the bodies for the Graham Cav­ pectuses and catalogs. The subjects are far Weekly called "When l Was a Boy," read­ alier, identical to the 1935- 1936 Reo too complex to cover all models and to ers send in recoll ections of their child­ Flying Cloud. print detailed technical specifications and hood experiences with cars. My favorite -Paul Woudenberg developments. Therefore a selection of the is the one where the 11-year-old buys a more important aspects and models had wreck for $5, brings it home only to be The question raised by Nelson Bolan to be made, giving a good general survey told by Mom to take it back. .about the existence of a 1932 Franklin The first chapter of 95 pages covers ln his book, My First Forty Cars, Olympic is of interest. Although I haven't the story of Bussing trucks and tractors Nelson Bolan is the forever kid who never seen the February Hemmings ad he refers from the founding of the company until loses his affection for the stray car that to , it would appear to be inaccurate. the merger with MAN in 1971. Early and crosses his path. From the 1929 Chevro­ The Olympic was always consid­ later heavy conventional and COE trucks, let Coach he received as a reward for ered to be a 1933 model, which contin­ tractors and six-wheelers are shown as well graduating from high school to the 1983 ued into 1934, but this requires a brief as light and medium models and engines. Dodge van he bought for its easy access, explanation The model is a Franklin Bussing was certainly one of the most pres­ Nelson chronicles 46 years of buying Series 18 and there are three versions of tigious truck marques of Germany and the cars--none new. He does so with gentle it , known as 18A, 18B and 18C lion badge on the MAN radiators of the lat­ humor-he used his 1940 Chrysler Some of the earliest 18A cars were est models is a fitting tribute. Windsor four-door sedan to transport a actually produced in late 1932, but that The next 95 pages are dedicated to wash tub, keg and tap (talk about rear is immateriaL The only way you can tell the German conventionals of the 1950s. leg room)-but also a good deal of in­ is by serial numbers. The H.H. Franklin The wide range covers many models sight into some 50 years of American car Club has thoroughly researched the pro­ from the light Opel Blitz, Borgward and making-he is no fan the Model T and duction records. Incidentally, the first Ford trucks to the impressive heavy tip­ he claims the slant six saved Chrysler in production Olympic, a sedan, still exists. pers and long distance rigs of Krupp, the 1960s. (I've ridden in it.) MA , Mercedes-Benz, Magirus, Bussing, In his car buying elson was par­ The 18A is identified externally by Faun and HenscheL tial to Chrysler and its divisions, but his its flat hood front (I can't use the term The last part, again 95 pages, reasons for buying the cars were not as "radiator grille" because Franklin was an unfolds the history of the great German easy to fathom. He bought a 1925 Dodge air-cooled car and had no radiator.), its make Faun from 19 18 until1997. Brothers roadster because it was cute. flat straight front bumper and straight Trucks, buses, urban and special vehicles A 1962 Dodge was bought to be a spare fenders. The 18B was a midyear update. for civilian and military ultra-heavy trans­ car, upon which "he would spend only It retained the flat hood front, but the portation solutions are presented in hun­ what was absolutely necessary to keep it bumper had the dip in the center and dreds of pictures from sales literature. running safely" Other cars he found in front fender skirts we re added. The 18C Whereas the book cannot and does vacant lots, auto repair shops and used was changed to incorporate a larger not claim to offer the complete history of car lots. None would be considered sloping hood front, which was pointed German commercial vehicles over the desirable collectibles. They weren't "good and similar to that on the 1934 Airman decades, it gives an excellent and inter­ transportation." All had problems cos­ Series 19 models, as well as the 1932-34 esting general cross-section. As very little metic or mechanical, most often times, twelve-cylinder Series 17. has ever been published in the English both. Yet If Nelson could make the The Olympic was essentially a Reo language on the subject-apart from the repairs himself the car was a keeper­ Flying Cloud with a Hayes body and a out-of-print encyclopedia by Nick until it became a financial drain. Then more powerful Franklin engine. There Georgano--it should appeal to every often it was off to the junkyard. were relatively few 1934 Olympics built. enthusiast of trucks and their fascinating My First Forty Cars is a quick read, At the time the company went into history. It is very reasonably priced and but one you would probably take in a receivership in April 1934, the total in view of the hundreds of illustrations few cars at at a time. just like you would Franklin production for that year (Series the German text should not deter one when talking long-ago cars with a buddy 17, 18C and 19) was about 360 cars. from buying it. Definitely recommended. over a cold brew. - Neil Loysen -Ferdinand Hediger -Tom]akups

14 SAH Journal No. 210 some in a Silent Auction a few yea rs ago and I have the dates of the issues l need. Jim Schild, 618-281-3311, 5 Rowan Oak Lane, Columbia, IL 62236 [email protected]

Wanted Information on th e 6-hp sin­ gle-cylinder Pope-Tribune of 1903-05. It seems there were three variants: the first had a bore and stroke each of 4 in. , the gearbox in unit with the rear axle and change lever mounted on the left­ hand side of the steering column. The Wanted Original automobile manufac­ ment. Thomas F. Saal, 1488 West second had a central gear lever and the turers only to add to collection. Unis­ Clifton Blvd., Lakewood, OH 44107 radiator gilled tubes stacked vertically in sued, issued, cancelled in good condi­ 216-521-3588, [email protected] front of the bonnet, rather than horizon­ ti on. Send description or copy with tally below, as the fi rst model. The third price. Ken Yerama, 221 Freeport For Sale Complete set of SCCA news­ variant, known as the "Model 2," had Drive, Bloomingdale, IL 60108 letters 1952-1958. $40 includes postage. the gearbox now sited amidships, Also , complete SCCA Trans-Am results change lever outside the frame on the Wanted A coauthor with Japanese and for all races 1966--1979, $40 includes right, and 4112 in. x 4 in. cylinder dimen­ English language skills to work with me postage. Mille Martin, 5533 Mutiny sions. These changes are detailed in sales in expanding the brief Mitsubishi history Sands Rd , Freeland, WA 98249 catalogs, but those seem not to be dated. which I presented at the recent Automo­ Can anyone supply references for any tive History Conference into a full­ Wanted To purchase or to borrow: full technical descriptions in period liter­ fledged book, perhaps encompassing the selected issues of 1962-1965 Car Life ature7 John Warburton, entire scope of Asian industrial develop- magazines. 1 know someone bought warburton.brookwood®virgin.uet

Also, Other Automotive Related Signs 800-829-8265 email: [email protected] crop ©ollar cFaid cFril/ale Collector ~ w SERVICE

May-June 2004 15 FIRST CLASS PRESORT U.S. Postage Q.!J!:.I1~,1Issue 210 May-June 2004 PAID J Hartford, CT The Society of Automotive Historians, Inc. Permjt #751 37 Wyndwood Road West Hartford, CT 06107

MECHANIC HENRY MILLER built his red 30-inch-wide gas-powered Millermobile, fashioned after a horse-drawn buggy, at Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1970. It has a 1911 Hamilton chassis by International, a five-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine, motorcycle wheels, and it comes complete with headlights, taillights, kerosene park lamps, a bugle horn and Mustang insignia. It has been driven in parades, one celebrating Saskatchewan's 75th anniversary. George W. Green collectioJJ