Feature Vehicle of the Month: 1930 Model A Sport Coupe Volume 3 No. 2 The Official Monthly Publication of the Ford & Mercury Restorer’s Club of America February 2007 Continued on page 5. by Louis Ironside Continued on page 10. Entrance to the 1932 Ford building. Phil seems really captivated! Special Grand National Roadster Show Edition I n 1954 a friend’s father had a 1930 Model A Ford that he used as a second family car. As a car crazy eight year old, I drooled over that car and couldn’t figure out why our second car was an un-inspiring 1949 Ford. I vowed, at that young age, that I too would have an old car someday. In that same year of 1954, a young married man named Carl Bell also wanted an old car and found a 1930 Ford Sport Coupe in Grand Bend, Ontario. It was mopped in red paint, the clutch was gone, but the friendly farmer only wanted $25 Canadian for the car. is was a terrible choice for a fellow with five children but the price was right so Carl tied the front bumper of the Model A to the rear bumper of his 1953 Plymouth with rope, and proceeded to tow the Model A back to Troy, Michigan. Fast forward to 1963: I was in High School, now owned a 1932 Ford, and had joined the local Model A car club. at fall Carl let me drive his Model A Sport Coupe to the Model A gathering at Greenfield Village. He had just purchased a touring car which held (sort of ) his seven children. I was hooked! I had to have a Model A to go with the ‘32 I already owned. e following summer I found a 1930 Model A Tudor for sale a mile from my house. So now two old cars graced my parents’ small back yard! I got that car running and, with the help of a J.C. Whitney catalog, actually got it semi- restored. In 1966 Carl was going into the hospital for a serious heart operation, and needed to sell some of his car collection. I couldn’t afford the I t is called, “e Grand Daddy of em All”, and whether you agree with that or not, the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) in Pomona California is certainly something to behold. is year the featured car was the 1932 Ford; and, to celebrate the occasion of the The Grand National Roadster Show by The FMRCOA “Roving Reporter”* * Also known as Louis Ironside! California “Dreamin” by Mike Fontana W hen Phil Lyon asked me if I would go with him to California for the 75 th year of the 1932 Ford, I said “Yes” before he could Continued on page 8.
Transcript
Feature Vehicle of the Month: 1930 Model A Sport Coupe
Volume 3 No. 2 The Official Monthly Publication of the Ford & Mercury Restorer’s Club of America February 2007
Continued on page 5.
by Louis Ironside
Continued on page 10.
Entrance to the 1932 Ford building.
Phil seems really captivated!
Special Grand National Roadster Show Edition
In 1954 a friend’s father had a 1930 Model A Ford that he used as a second family car. As a car crazy eight year old, I drooled over that
car and couldn’t figure out why our second car was an un-inspiring 1949 Ford. I vowed, at that young age, that I too would have an old car someday. In that same year of 1954, a young married man named Carl Bell also wanted an old car and found a 1930 Ford Sport Coupe in Grand Bend, Ontario. It was mopped in red paint, the clutch was gone, but the friendly farmer only wanted $25 Canadian for the car. This was a terrible choice for a fellow with five children but the price was right so Carl tied the front bumper of the Model A to the rear bumper of his 1953 Plymouth with rope, and proceeded to tow the Model A back to Troy, Michigan.
Fast forward to 1963: I was in High School, now owned a 1932 Ford, and had joined the local Model A car club. That fall Carl let me drive his Model A Sport Coupe to the Model A gathering at Greenfield Village. He had just purchased a touring car which held (sort of ) his seven children. I was hooked! I had to have a Model A to go with the ‘32 I already owned. The following summer I found a 1930 Model A Tudor for sale a mile from my house. So now two old cars graced my parents’ small back yard! I got that car running and, with the help of a J.C. Whitney catalog, actually got it semi-restored.
In 1966 Carl was going into the hospital for a serious heart operation, and needed to sell some of his car collection. I couldn’t afford the
It is called, “The Grand Daddy of Them All”, and whether you agree with that or not, the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) in
Pomona California is certainly something to behold. This year the featured car was the 1932 Ford; and, to celebrate the occasion of the
The Grand National Roadster Show by
The FMRCOA “Roving Reporter”*
* Also known as Louis Ironside!
California “Dreamin” by
Mike Fontana
When Phil Lyon asked me if I would go with him to California for the 75th year of the 1932 Ford, I said “Yes” before he could
Continued on page 8.
The Rotunda Times
Page 2
The Rotunda TimesPublished by:
Ford and Mercury Restorers Club of AmericaP.O. Box 2938 Dearborn, Michigan 48123
www.fmrcoa.org
Newsletter StaffEditor Steve Rohde 734.717.5444 [email protected] 2955 Bateson Ct., Ann Arbor, MI. 48105
The Ford and Mercury Restorers Club of America, Inc. newsletter, “The Rotunda Times”, its contents, Club logo, articles, and artwork are the property of the Ford and Mercury Restorers Club of America. No changes, additions, deletions or reproductions are permissible without the written approval of the Ford and Mercury Restorers Club of America, Inc and its duly authorized representatives.
FMRCFORD AND MERCURY RESTORERS
CLUB of AMERICAP.O. Box 2938 • Dearborn, MI 48123
2007 OFFICERS President Bob Guetschow 248.328.9113 Vice President Art Cervi 248.553.8897 [email protected] Secretary Phil Lyon 734.422.0595
The Ford & Mercury Restorers Club is a hobby organization whose purpose is to foster and promote the acquisition, preservation and
The FMRC Membership Advantage!!!!!!
Your Board officers and Editors take extra effort to bring you FREE Classifieds and Schedule of Events
found within your monthly newsletter. Take advantage of these benefits your membership provides. Post your schedule where you can refer to it easily. Submit your ads at a meeting or mail to Phil Lyon, our ad editor. For more information on becoming a member go to http://www.fmrcoa.org/ or write to:
FMRC Membership SecretaryP.O. Box 2938
Dearborn MI 48123Dues are $25 before & $30.00 after DEC 31
Editor’s Message
This month I’d like to thank Mike Fontana and Louis Ironside for the reports about their recent trips to California and to the Grand
National Roadster Show in particular. I’d also like to thank Louis for the Feature Car article about his Model A, and for volunteering to be a permanent Staff Contributor (the “FMRCOA Roving Reporter”). Louis is a great writer and we welcome him!Thanks also go to Bill Timoszyk for the Show & Tell, Terry Worful for her New Members’ column, and Brian Saylor for his thorough job with the meeting minutes. My condolences go to Phil Lyon and his family. I personally met Aaron Poirier last month and thought that he was a fine young man.Please do keep materials/leads coming. In this regard, I’d like to thank the member who gave me the article about the $5.5 M Cobra (p-12) at the meeting. (Please put your name on articles you give/send me so I can acknowledge you!)I’m still running low on feature vehicles so please help!Just give me a call (734.717.5444), email me, or put something in the mailbox. We can work on articles together and it doesn’t take much time on your part! Typically, it really doesn’t take more than a 10-15 minute conversation to get great material for an article. Consider the 20th of the month as a deadline for getting announcements or other materials to me for that month’s newsletter. In this manner we can get the material in and to the printer so you have it before next month’s club meeting. Finally, don’t forget to visit our website www.fmrcoa.org where you can read these newsletters in color and see more event pictures. In fact, my intent will be to email the newsletter to you soon too!Thanks for your support!
Ronald Stratton1312 CatalpaRoyal Oak, Michigan 48067248-545-46921941 Ford Tudor
Jeff Wagar2153 Trenton Dr.Ternton, MI 481831937 Ford Coupe1948 Ford F1 Stake Truck
John Walker (Joy)22702 GregoryDearborn, MI 48124313-562-6081
First on the agenda, I have to announce that due to a change in circumstances we are moving the swap meet dates to July 21st
and 22nd. We found that competition with the Iola, Wisconsin swap meet was going to take away a number of our anchor vendors. We could not risk any potential damage considering the current swap meet climate in general. We will have an updated flyer ready at the next meeting.
We will also introduce our new club card at the next meeting. Check it out! An example is shown elsewhere in this newsletter. This card will serve a dual purpose: to give club information to potential members and also as a membership card. There will be a place provided on the card for the member’s name. I am hopeful that when any of you meet a candidate for membership that the card will serve as a tool to recruit them. Several cards will be issued to all members.
I must now move on to the sad news regarding our community. First, it is my duty to inform all of you that fellow club member John Hill is suffering from cancer and is being treated in Florida. John has great difficulty in talking so he would like your contact to be in the form of cards and letters. For those of you that wish to do so, please send them to John Hill, 4237 Radiant Lane, Lot #374, Zephyrhills, Florida 33541. I have sent a card on behalf of the club. We all want to send our hopes and prayers to John during this difficult time. Secondly, it is with great sadness that I announce that fellow club member Phil Lyon’s grandson, Aaron Poirier, was killed in a snowmobile accident on February 20th. Our hearts go out to Phil, and to Aaron’s parents, Mike and Barbara Poirier.
After having passed on such sad information, I’ll try to say something positive. So, while I am writing this message, I am looking out the window at the nice sunny day and about 40 plus degrees, and can’t help but feel that spring is around the corner! I know we are all ready for spring and have had enough snow and cold.
We will be having Jeff Leetsma, curator of the Automotive Hall of Fame, speak at the next meeting. So….don‘t forget, our next meeting is Wednesday March 7, 2007 at the K of C hall, at 7pm.
Till Then,
Bob Guetschow
In Memoriam
Aaron Joseph PoirierNovember 25, 1988 - February 20, 2007
Aaron died on February 20 at age 18 as the result of a snowmobile accident. He was a senior at Livonia Churchill High School.
Aaron is survived by his loving parents, Michael and Barbara; his brother, Travis; his grandparents, Daniel and Marilyn Poirier and Philip and the late Joan Lyon; his special great grandmother, Shirley Poirier; his best friend Kyle Jastren; and many other loving relatives and friends.To further honor Aaron’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to the Otsego County Animal Shelter, 200 E. 7th Street, Gaylord, MI 49735.
The Rotunda Times
Page 4
Dramatic interior with horsehide-covered headrests.
Photo of Mustang concept car taken at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Continued on page 11.
March 7 Club Meeting
March 9-11 AutoramaMarch Garage Tour TBAApril 4 Club MeetingApril Garage Tour TBAMay 2 Club MeetingMay 5-6 ACS Relay for Life Car ShowMay 28 Memorial Day ParadeJune 6 Club MeetingJune 10 Carnival of CarsJune 10 Wilson Barn ShowJune 16-17 Motor MusterJune TBA Downriver CruiseJuly 11 Club MeetingJuly 21-22 FMRCOA Swap Meet and Car
ShowJuly Club Picnic TBAJuly 28-29 Telegraph CruiseAugust 1 Club MeetingAugust Dearborn Homecoming TBAAugust 18 Woodward Dream CruiseSept. Overnighter TBASept. 5 Club MeetingSept. 7-9 Frankenmuth Auto FestOct. 3 Club MeetingOct. Color Tour - TBANov. 7 Club MeetingDec. 5 Club MeetingDec. 8 Christmas Walk-Greenfield
Village
2007 FMRC Meetings & Events Calendar
Below is the tentative table of meetings & events for 2007. New information will be posted each month
as events and dates are “firmed” up. Bold font represents club sponsored activities. Also, if you have an idea for a Club event, please let a Board Member know!
Viva La Mustang: The New Mustang Concept Car by Giugiaros*
The 2005 Ford Mustang captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans and future owners when the all-new model debuted. But
the proportions and design of Ford’s first purpose-built muscle car in 30-plus years caught the eyes and sparked the imaginations of a pair of the world’s leading coachbuilders in Italy as well.
“When we saw the new Mustang, we knew two things: It was the best we’d seen since the original, and we had to get our hands on one,” said Fabrizio Giugiaro, styling director of Italdesign – Giugiaro S.P.A. “We still believe it’s important to show the automotive world pure exercises in style that interpret key models reflecting the history and image of important brands.”
So in early 2005, Giugiaro pitched J Mays, Ford Motor Company’s group vice president, Design and chief creative officer, on his idea to do an Italian job on the beloved Mustang. The result: Mustang
by Giugiaro – a one-of-a-kind concept powered by Ford Racing technologies, marking the Italian coachbuilder’s first reveal at the inaugural November Los Angeles Auto Show.
*Adapted from http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.
The Rotunda Times
Page 5
A “barn-fresh” ‘32 Roadster.
Edsel Ford’s Boat-tail Speedster.
Rear view of one of the German Fords.
RoadsteR show cont. from page 1 75th anniversary of that model, one building was devoted to only 1932 Fords. To walk into a room that contains over one hundred 1932 Fords in every style and condition is truly awesome. A panel of “experts” had picked seventy five of what they felt were the most significant 1932 Fords from the last seven and a half decades. And, while I am sure not everyone would agree with all the choices, to see cars that had been hidden for decades was really a special treat!
Those chosen few included: The American Graffiti coupe; the Gray Baskerville roadster; the pale blue roadster built in Detroit in 1953 by Tommy Foster; the Touring of Dick Scritchfield; and, of course, The Little Deuce Coupe by Clarence “Chili” Catallo who was also
from the Detroit area. I can’t list all seventy five here -- but trust me when I say the group was outstanding!
Other 1932 Fords included two with custom bodies by Ford of Germany. The custom boat tailed speedster once owned by Edsel Ford which was recently discovered in a Connecticut junk yard and several “barn fresh” 1932 Fords that had managed to remain hidden
from restorers and rodders for the past 70 plus years were displayed basically “as found.” There were plenty of cars in the show other than 1932 Fords, but they were simply the “icing on the cake” so to speak to this 1932 Ford lover!
The GNRS covers seven buildings at the Pomona fairgrounds, and there were more than seven hundred cars on display in the buildings
and scattered around outside in various displays. There was also a vendor midway area and quite a few outdoor eating establishments. Of course, bright sun and warm temperatures made this January show a little more hospitable than the same timeframe in Detroit.
Next month another report from the left coast trip……
www.fmrcoa.org
Meetings first Wednesday of the month in Dearborn.Michigan’s biggest Swap Meet in July!
P.O. Box 2938, Dearborn, MI 48123
23663 Park Street
Michigan Ave
Telegraph
Park St
O’Kelly
K of C23663 Park Street
Michigan Ave
Telegraph
Park St
O’Kelly
K of C23663 Park Street
Michigan Ave
Telegraph
Park St
23663 Park Street
Michigan Ave
Telegraph
Park St
Michigan Ave
Telegraph
Park St
O’Kelly
K of C
N
Outer D
rive
Map to our monthly meeting location!
_____________________________ Member
New Club Card Designed
As mentioned elsewhere in this newsletter, a new club card has been created by Brian Saylor, Bob Gueschow, and Steve Rohde.
The two-sided card can be used to recruit new members as well as given to potential advertisers and other stakeholders. These will be distributed soon.
Front side of card with web & mailing addresses.
Back side of card with space for member signature.
The Rotunda Times
Page 6
“I was born on May 30, 1958, in Detroit and teach high school art
at a Career Prep Center School.
My first car ws a 1967 Pontiac LeMans.
I started collecting cars about 15 years ago with the purchase of a 1970 VW camper bus.
My other hobbies are collecting antique radios, and outdoor sports.
I joined the FMRCOA so I could network information about Ford cars.
I do own a 1955 Austin Saloon which is right hand drive.
Meet the New Membersby
Terry Worful
Ron Straton
A Note from the TreasurerFebruary has been a slow month. Dues have continued to come in. Steve Rohde, Treasurer
The Rotunda Times would like to feature your old car or truck in an upcoming issue. We are interested in how
you came about finding your vehicle of choice, and what you have done to enhance its beauty, and / or mechanical condition. Simply mail or email us your article accompanied with a photo to:
The FMRC meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Knights of Columbus Patrick O’Kelley Hall in Dearborn
(313.278.5600). Refreshments are served after the meeting!
Come and bring a friend!
Please note that anyone that Terry has missed in the New Member’s Column since last May shoud contact her at the meetings or email her at [email protected] .
When you hear of the death of a member or their spouse, please get all the information including: Funeral Home & Address Viewing Times & Dates Service Time & DatedThen notify the webmaster Jim Crawford (313.724.9117 or [email protected] )
orCall Vic Hollingshead (248.474.4356)
In this manner we will be able to better inform other Club members.
The meeting was called to order at 7:11 pm by President Bob Guetschow. Secretary Phil Lyon is still in California and
hopefully has been enjoying warmer weather!
The head count taken by Terry Worful totaled up to 76 in attendance including members and guests. We had a few guests and new members present. Al Ingram, Ron Stratton, and Ray Crout, received their badges. Guests were brothers Ernest and Carl Sanders with a ‘73 Torino, ‘76 F-100, ’55 Ford Pick-up and a ’69 Falcon -- two cars each. These guys fit right in with this crowd!
Our speaker for the evening, Jose Velasquez, was a “no-show”. He currently makes Ford promotional items and has the authority to use the Ford logos.
Bob commented on the new obituary page in the newsletter. Sadly, it has been used too much already. Jim Crawford and Vic Hollingshead start the immediate communication of passing that is subsequently published in the newsletter.
The swap meet flyers are now available! Please make sure to get some and pass them out whenever possible to spread the word about out meet. Some swap meet changes were announced. There will be no admission/registration charge for Car Show cars -- the cost will be the standard $5 per person for everyone. Hopefully this will boost the attendance and help with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the ’32 Ford. Although standard trophies will not be given to FMRCOA Members, a separate set of judging classes for Members will be created. Jerry Radtke wanted to know if a Ford tractor could be entered into the show. Jerry seemed to
December Meeting Minutes of the
FMRCOAFebruary 7, 2007
76 members & guests in attendance!
have some type of tractor fetish that evening!
A new club card was discussed. The new cards will have meeting information, the website address, and a map to the meetings. They are to be used to pass out when you are at meets or other functions when you want to inform others about our club. These will replace the old membership cards. Some discussion of the deletion of the membership cards has prompted the new card to perform a dual role (see page 5). There will be enough cards for everyone to have a few to pass out. A quick vote of the attending membership indicated that this was a better use for a club card.
The prior minutes were accepted from the floor. The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Art Cervi reported on the dinner dance. The magic show and George Young’s Game Show Party were entertaining. George’s technical difficulties were eventually found to be just a loose wire. The centerpieces of little early pedal cars were very cool and Art and Suzanne had the most creative way to determine who won those centerpieces! Overall, the evening was a definite success!
Newly reprinted appreciation certificates were passed out. The new key FOBs were announced and made available to everyone who didn’t have one.
All new members are encouraged to get with Terry Worful at or after a meeting for inclusion in her New Member’s newsletter column.
Bill Large made an announcement about the Eyes on Design show coming up on Father’s Day. Don Olson indicated that the John McMullen Collection will be coming up at an RM Auction on June 9.
Tour possibilities to some interesting places were presented: a 5000 sq. ft O-gauge RR, and a fabrication shop.
We are currently up to 273 members new and renewed, SUPER! Also, according to our Club Historian, Dave Cheklich, we have now surpassed the 1700 cumulative members mark since the club’s founding in 1968!
Joe Newland read an old article from the V8 Times about the restoration of a 1939 Ford that was in very poor condition. He read the story of the trials and tribulations of bringing this classic ride back to life. Joe read the article without naming the author until the end…..Phillip Lyon.
In ‘Car Talk’, Lowell Reams indicated that there was a Battery Tender alternative available through Ace Hardware for $26. Don Olson FINALLY finished his 36 roadster body. Cole spoke about the Pomona show and about the collection of ’32 Fords presented there. Mike Fontana continued the Pomona story with the sites from the Nethercutt, Peterson, and NHRA museums.
Show and tell and the raffle wrapped up the meeting and it was adjourned.
Brian Saylor, Board Member
The Rotunda Times
Page 8
Original Petersen Car.
CalifoRnia cont. from page 1
“Hop-up” Phil!
Salt Flat Roadster.
A ‘32 Custom from the ‘50’s.
finish asking! We arrived in California on Thursday, and we were picked up at the airport by Phil’s brother-in-law, Dave. We stayed with Dave and Phil’s sister, Barb, and I was treated like part of their family!
Off we went to the Pomona Fairplex early Friday morning -- and it was better than you could ever imagine! Just picture seven buildings
full of some of the most famous ‘32’s to ever hit the salt flats, dry lakes and hot rod shows across the country. We visited the show again on Saturday, and it was even better because now all the streets were full of rods too! Every type of ‘32 ever built was there! We met Cole Grandy and Dave Lukkari and Cole took about 60 rolls of film. It was great!
Our next venture took us to Los Angeles to the Petersen Museum (www.petersen.org) to see one of the best collections of famous cars of all types. There were two floors full of unique vehicles such as the Pierson brothers’ car sitting outside of a hot rod shop. We got an even better treat when Phil asked the museum manager, who was
standing in the hall, where we might find the 1929 Niekamp roadster. The Niekamp roadster was the first winner of the “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” award in 1950 (see next page). He told us it was in the basement in storage, got his keys, and took us down to
see about 100 more of the most famous cars such as Tucker’s own Tucker, Roosevelt’s limousine, Chip Foose’s 50 Mercury, and the first Riddler winner - a black roadster from Detroit. (It was a Road Knight’s car, by the way.) This was a better show for us than the cars upstairs!
We also visited the NHRA museum in Pomona. What a place to visit! Our last visit was to the Nethercutt Museum (www.nethercuttcollection.org) in Sylmar, north of LA where we saw about 160 of the finest big cars ever built. What a beautiful place to see along with the other priceless collections -- and all for free!
Well, I’m on the plane now and heading back to the cold weather. If you can ever get out to Southern California it is well worth the trip. Ten days is not enough time out there. We’ll have a slide show at one of our future meetings for you to see.
The Rotunda Times
Page 9
the 1929 foRd niekamp RoadsteR*
February Show & Tell:Nice Mix!
by
Bill Timoszyk
February’s Show & Tell included a nice mix of items.
Tom Mehlhose brought a 1970/80’s toy model of a circa 1914 Model T panel truck used as a Ford dealer promotion. He also displayed an early 1950’s dealer giveaway: a customer orientated paper shop towel from the former Ford dealer in Dundee, Michigan.
Cole Grandy showed his souvenirs from his recent trip to California where he attended the Grand National Roadster Show commemorating the 75th year of the 1932 Ford (see front page). Displayed were a belt buckle, pins, a key fob, and hot-wheels
patches.
Jerry Worful brought in Ford script tools: an open end and an adjustable wrench, and a 1933-1936 spark plug wrench together
with some older Autolite sparkplugs.
Harry McAuliffe brought in a Marvel Carburetor that fits a flathead Ford V-8. Made in Flint Michigan, this is a rather unique piece.
Gerry Radtke brought in two childhood cap guns: a “Dick” (as in Dick Tracy), and “Bobcat” ones. Recently found by his mother, both guns were clean and in operating condition. Gerry stated that today’s caps don’t seem to have the same “bang” as the older ones. I say there are a lot of things today that don’t give us the same thrill as they did five decades ago!
We are hoping that someone brings in pocket warmers next month!
This hot rod was the first-ever winner of the “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” trophy at the Oakland Roadster Show in
1950. Constructed by Bill Niekamp in 1949, it used parts from many different cars. Components include a 1927 Essex frame, a modified 1942 Mercury V-8 engine, a 1939 Ford rear axle, and 1949 Plymouth taillamps. The belly pan, hood panels and nosepiece were hand-fabricated in aluminum. Although intended for street use, performance modifications on this car enabled it to achieve a top speed of 142.40 miles per hour at El Mirage dry lake in July 1952.
From http://www.petersen.org.
The Rotunda Times
Page 10
touring or 57 T-Bird; but, with the help of my grandmother, bought the 1930 Sport Coupe for the tidy sum of $600. I then sold my Tudor for $250. So, for an outlay of $350, I owned a cute little Sport Coupe.Carl survived the operation, and over the years we became close friends. He was in my wedding party, and traveled to Hershey with me every year until his health gave out and he could no longer go. Carl often joked that if he had known he was going to live, he wouldn’t have sold his cars! To this day, in our Model A club, my Sport Coupe
is still referred to as “Carl’s car.”Over the 41 years I have owned the car, I have made quite a few changes from Carl’s amateur restoration in the mid 50’s. The body and fenders were stripped and repainted a few years ago in dark blue with black fenders. And, the mechanicals were rebuilt for safer driving. Two years ago I sprang for a new LeBarron-Boney interior and freshened the chrome. One change I made in the mid-90’s was the installation of a 2000cc Pinto engine adapted to the original transmission. This was done without any modifications to the chassis, so it can be put back to original with no difficulty. Carl hated that change, but did agree that it sure ran nice. With the Pinto engine, the car will cruise all day at 65 mph…not that you would ever want to with mechanical brakes! My adult children grew up in the rumble seat of that Model A as we went on tours and outings, and it is now part of the family just as my 1932 Ford is. It seems like only yesterday that I was nineteen and driving that Model A. Now, 41 years later, I still get a thrill when I take it for a ride!
Louis & his car in 1966 just after winning the Oak Leaf Chapter of the Model A Club annual economy run.
1931 Ford Deluxe Sedan Advertisement
featuRe VehiCle cont. from page 1
The Rotunda Times
Page 11
Tom VonMeyer & Tammy
mustang cont. from page 4
“It seemed only fitting,” said Mays. “This design study reinforces the global appeal of Mustang, yet it’s right at home in L.A. – America’s most enthusiastic performance and muscle car market. Plus, design icon Giorgetto Giugairo’s offer to work his magic on Mustang alongside his son underscores the timelessness allure of Ford’s most iconic car.”
Design aficionados will remember that the senior Giugiaro – who last year celebrated his 50th anniversary in the business by designing a custom-made Ferrari, the GG50 – created the 1965 Bertone Mustang. The car, which was unmistakably Italian in its interpretation, became the first European-styled car to make its international debut in America following the end of World War II.
The senior Giugiaro’s portfolio includes concept and production designs for nearly every automaker in the world – from Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Volkswagen to Mazda, Lotus and Bugatti. Since joining ItalDesign, the family firm, in 1990, Fabrizio Giugiaro has helped deliver key global designs as well, but American automotive icons have long captured his attention.
He designed the Chevrolet Corvette Moray, unveiled in early 2003, and was eager to expand the collection of Giugiaro-interpreted American metal.
The vibrant orange concept is wider than the production version. The Giugiaros added 30 millimeters to the front, gradually expanding the width by a full 80 millimeters toward the rear, which is typical in Italian design.
With its longer hood and the trunk barely visible, the car looks more of a fastback in side view. But details throughout reinforce the freedom and rebellion synonymous with Mustang. Fabrizio Giugiaro’s favorites include:
The interior – including a dramatic instrument panel that sweeps the width of the car and seat cushions and backrests elaborately upholstered in dark brown mottled horse hides.
The single curved glass panel that bridges the windshield and rear window, serving as the concept’s roof and provides unfettered vista views.
Its dramatic doors, which are hinged at the base of the upright A-pillar and open vertically at the touch of a button.
Bespoke taillights, which are three separate elements as found on the 1964 Mustang – but reinterpreted into a more dramatic arrow shape that links to the louver panels that replace the rear side windows.
The visible curl that sweeps into the crest of the concept’s carbon fiber fenders, hinting at tail fins that defined American cars of the ‘50s.
The sporting-but-elegant unique 20-inch rims, fitted with 275/40 tires on the front and larger 315/35 tires on the rear.
As its wheels and tires suggest, the Mustang by Giugiaro is more than just a tribute to Mustang design. It also is an exclamation of the car’s heritage of performance.
The concept features a powertrain and chassis enhanced in conjunction
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Rotunda Times
Page 12
This 1966 Shelby Cobra sold for $5.5 million recently at a Barrett-Jackson Auction. This was the record price for an American car.
Model A generator, points & condenser for a 1949-53 V8, 4 speed Saginaw transmision for a SB Chevy, and a 5 Speed Dodge transmission for a Dakota 1988-92. Ray Crout. 313-291-7717.
41 Ford Commercial gas tank and 6 bolt sending unit. John Stasiewicz. 586-286-3265.
Rebuilt 350 Chevy engine complete w/Holley & adapter to Ford trans. $1200. Mike Hilber. 248-651-0437.
(4) ’46-’47-’48 Mercury 15” wheels. May fit ’41-’42 Mercury. Use on ’40-’48 Fords and run modern tires. Good condition. Wheels have old tires on them. You pick up in Westland, MI. $100. Jim Ullery. 734-729-3284.
’49-’51 Ford NOS LH (driver’s side) fender. Correct service fender for all 3 years. No parking light or side ornament holes. You make your own holes ar required. Original red oxide primer and ink stamped part
•
•
•
•
•
•
February 2007
Classified
For Sale
with Ford Racing – which is responsible for Ford Motor Company motorsports development and operations. Ford Racing improved on the already-robust 300 horsepower all-aluminum 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engine in the production Mustang GT. The powertrain upgrades deliver an estimated 500 horsepower, complete with a boost level of 11 psi from the Ford Racing supercharger.
Under the car, the FR500C-inspired chassis tuning is accomplished with a tailored Ford Mustang GT Racing Handling Pack. The changes give the car a lower stance while sharpening handling response. The car rides approximately 1.5 inches lower than the production Mustang GT.
“The Mustang by Giugiaro drives as good as it looks,” said Fabrizio Giugiaro. “After taking it to the limits on streets outside of Turin, I can honestly say this car was well worth the 30,000 hours of blood, sweat and tears that we invested to create a modern performance classic.”
The Rotunda Times
Page 13
Wanted
ClassifiedJanuary 2007
For Sale 1927 Ford model T wire wheel rolling chassis no engine or
transmission $500, 1932-34 1 ½ ton Truck rolling chassis engine not frozen no wheels or tires $500, Versialle disc brake rear end $250 Roger Hodyka 517-282-4738
Fresh 460 BBF (no overbore), Performer RPM intake, .550/.560 hydraulic cam, Cobra Jet aluminum heads, new rods, pistons and crank, 750 CFM Holly carb. Complete engine from carb to pan, damper to flexplate $5,000.00. Brian @ 734-753-3788 or [email protected]
52 to 54 Ford set of fender skirts $150 1990 to 1997 new airfoil $50 Hank Dawson
810-731-3184
Holly and Ford 2 and 4 barrrel carbs rebuilt $80-$110 including kit for most carbs. Rebuilt Holly 4V carbs $110-$170 Mike Riemenschneider 734-459-1348
1979 Chevy Impala 350 cu.in. engine, 2bbl carb, auto trans, good engine for hot rod, drive home $350 Dave Galida 734-261-5277
1935-1936 Ford Radio Bill Timoszyk 734-421-2076
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
number (OA-16006-D) on inside of fender. Excellent condition. $600 firm. You pick up in Westland, MI. $100. Jim Ullery. 734-729-3284.
Home for sale in Shelby Township with HUGE 1100 sq. ft. garage, attached & heated. Home is 2004 sq. ft., pristine with all updated rooms. Great schools,close to shopping and entertainment, located on a private court. I am building and must sell. Asking price is well below the improvement value. $279,000. Call for details. 586-254-2941.
1983 Mercury Grand Marquis LS. Excellent condition. Excellent interior. Exterior, no rust. Original owner. 56,000 original miles. Loaded with options. 4 door sedan. Vinyl roof. $3500. 989-792-2705. (Paid ad.)
Huge garage & basement sale for FMRCOA members. Jim Bernadic’s collection of tools, parts, and literature including welders, engines, etc. Also bids will be taken on a 1976 Cadillac Coupe DeVille with 35k miles, a 1946 Ford street rod, and a 2000 S10 pickup. Furniture, appliances, etc. will also be sold. March 28-30 9AM to 3PM at 354 W. Wattles Rd. in Troy. Geri Bernadic 561-312-8863.
Flathead Ford speed equipment. 1940 Ford V8 60 engine & speed equipment for same. Harry McAuliffe. 313-534-5974.
Flathead Ford speed equipment. Stasiewicz. 586-286-3265.
8 inch Ford rear end 330-370 gear ratio. Lynn Goodwin 248-684-0984.
Quarter panel front molding for 1959 Ford custom300 2dr or Ranchero Part# 29076 right & left. Also 83-88 S 10 T5 5 speed trans. Gary Sharkas 734-525-3652.
AM-FM radio for a 1964 Falcon. Jerry Laho. 734-637-0280.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Rotunda Times
To:
SERVICE DIRECTORY: PLEASE SUPPORT THESE BUSINESSES!
FIRST-CLASS MAILU.S. POSTAGE
P A I DWESTLAND, MIPERMIT NO. 55
Ford and Mercury Restorers Club of AmericaP.O. Box 2938Dearborn, MI 48123
