April 2015 - Horseless Carriage Club

April 2015
The Brass Lamp
Henney 1950: “What’s My Line?
By Gerald Perschbacher (LL.D)
The old television program
in the title of this article
teased a panel and its audience into guessing the line of
work a person did or some
achievement he or she accomplished. But I never
thought that notion could be
applied to my 1950 HenneyPackard. That is, until I read
some interesting items in
recent Packard books and
placed a quick email to
George Hamlin of the national Packard Club and also of
the Professional Car Society.
He is very much in-the-know
about “things Henney.”
Truthfully, I had not bothered to research the model
number of the vehicle since it
clearly was designated
“Comb. Hearse & Amb.” by
the Henney Motor Company
head office in Freeport, Illinois. What was there to really question?
Turns out that the designation
caused a degree of questioning by others shortly before I
purchased the unrestored vehicle in 1981 and became its
second owner. Mr. Hamlin
noted that the model designation of 15097 baffled certain
number-crunching folks who
had a nagging problem in trying to clearly identify exactly
what Henney meant by it.
Now we know the secret.
That became clear to me in
reading the late Robert Neal’s
book, “Packard: 1948-1950”
and his companion book
(released shortly before his
passing) “Packard: 19511954.” A quick check of
Tom McPherson’s book,
“Henney,” and several tiny
comments formed a string that
tipped the secret. Model 15097
was designated the new-model
MULTIPLE PURPOSE CAR.
And that it is. Mine has two folddown seats for attendants riding
with the ill rider who was taken by
ambulance to a hospital. Those
nifty seats fold flat with the linoleum floor. Two quick upward flips
of twin interior panels tuck casket
rollers neatly away until needed.
Continued on page 6 >>>
I should have taken a few
tips from that old TV show
and asked questions about
“things Henney.”
Top: A sneak peak at the rear interior, equipped with original ambulance gurney. The car is
awaiting refurbishing. It is too nice to restore. Bottom: The car as the current owner first
saw it in 1981 in Chaffee, Missouri.
Martin L. Hassel
(314) 232-5934
President
Peter Bitzer
(636) 256-7511
1st Vice President/Programs
Sharon Mercer
(636) 928-8672
2nd Vice President/Membership
Louis Allen
(314) 741-4158
Treasurer
Joe Yochim
(636) 947-1157
Recording Secretary
Dr. Gerald Perschbacher
(314) 849-5249
Corresponding Secretary
Directors
Ted Hamburg(2015)
Ted Baker(2015)
Bill Albertin(2016)
Al Mercer(2016)
John Clark (2017)
Ron Nelson(2017)
Ron Nelson
9826 Affton View Ct.
St. Louis, MO 63123
(314) 638-7131
Brass Lamp Editor
Don Hoelscher
(636) 939-9667
Webmaster
www.hccmo.com
(314) 991-HONK
Celebrating 71 Years
In
St. Louis!
2
The President’s Column…
Easter Show 2015…My Thoughts and a Thank-You
By Larry Hassel
O
ne of my co-workers
at Boeing, a brilliant
engineer, was lamenting the fact
that he couldn’t make it down to
see our show this year. He was
excited after seeing our 2015
poster hanging on my wall in the
office. But a buddy of his did
attend and reported back to
George…shared photos too. He
made one rather unique observation about the primary difference
between the two Easter car
shows in Forest Park beyond the
fact that one had original, unmodified and correctly restored
cars while the other show had
largely modified vehicles, collectively referred to in a generic
sense as “Street Rods.”
The difference…you’ll never
guess…maybe you will…are you
ready for this???
The HCCM Easter Show may
have had three people with tattoos in attendance…
The REAL Easter Show may have
had three people without tattoos in
attendance…
An astute observation by a show
visitor…Says it all, doesn’t it? I
had a good chuckle. Each venue
draws a different interest base, but
this somewhat innocuous observation served to reinforce what
HCCM is truly all about and our
values. It isn’t meant to be disparaging about the other show or who
attends – diversity is important and
good. We are not necessarily all
about restoring automobiles and
commercial vehicles either, but
more about keeping history alive
for generations to come. We are,
in a sense, stewards of “St. Louis
history” preservation…and St.
Louis is the epicenter of early automotive genius. It isn’t about instant gratification nor is it about
“show and go” but more about capturing a moment in time…making
an illusion of time standing still as
we travel back to a golden age
through the history we cherish and
preserve.
countless fans could see them.
Over 45 years later, the 1966
TV Batmobile is still one of the
most iconic and popular cars in
the world. This is one of those
“replica” Batmobiles.
I told him that pessimists believed that HCCM had been
dealt “lemons” and there was
this ominous prediction the show
would be a dismal failure due to
the reconstruction of the Upper
Muny Opera parking lot and unavailability for 2015. I suggested we needed to make
“lemonade” from those lemons,
and we did. We had to spend
much time dispelling myths and
providing assurances the “show
would go on.” I heard everything from “the show is cancelled this year” to: “this is the
demise of the Horseless Carriage
Club.” I saw this show as an
opportunity to scale back and
truly provide a backdrop to feature each and every car singularly…much like a diorama in a
museum. It was truly a homerun out of the park!!!
What did I really enjoy most?
You may cringe…but the
“Batmobile” made it for me!!!
Those of us who grew up in the
60s wouldn’t miss a single Batman episode with Adam West as
Batman and Burt Ward as Robin…HOLY LINCOLN FUTURA! While this car was not
truly the original George Barris
Custom “Metal” Batmobile, here
is the story about how it came to
be at our show…
“In 1955, the Lincoln division
of Ford Motor Company designed and built a futuristic concept car called the Lincoln Futura. It was built entirely by
hand in Turin, Italy at a cost of
$250,000, and like many concept cars, was never put into
production. In the mid 1960s,
George Barris of Barris Kustom
City acquired the car for $1.00
directly from Ford. Fast forward to 1965, the Batman TV
producers approached Barris to
have him build a new Batmobile
for their upcoming show. The
only catch was that the car had
to be ready for action in a mere
three weeks. Seeing the bat-like
qualities his Futura already had,
Barris knew it was the perfect
answer to the quandary 20th
Century Fox had created. In
October of 1965, the Batmobile
was completed and delivered to
Fox where it made its television
debut on January 12, 1966. The
car was such a huge success that
Barris and the producers of Batman decided to build copies of
the Batmobile in late 1966.
Barris and his crew pulled a
mold from the #1 Batmobile and
created three fiberglass copies.
These replicas were displayed at
car shows and drag strips and
also made appearances where
Aside from that…I always have
loved the Fred Caress Rolls
Royce Silver Wraith with the
classic James Bond “Shaken,
Not-Stirred” Martini on the elegant wood tray table. The dayglo green VW Campmobile display always gets me smiling as I
become a bit nostalgic, remembering these as the ultimate
camping vehicle…only missing
the aluminum Grumman canoe.
I was truly excited to see the
original Ford AC Cobra…very
rare these days. Quite frankly,
this was one of our better
shows…it was not hectic, but
almost relaxing. While our
numbers were lower, I saw a lot
of smiling faces and folks enjoying Forest Park and Easter as
it was meant to be.
I have to thank all of you that
helped out. It is truly amazing
how everyone pulls together to
produce a stellar show. GREAT
JOB!!! I heard no real complaints. I think everyone had
loads of fun and this show produced new opportunities to create a different type of event that
was actually a lot of fun. While
we were tired by the end of the
day, we were not exhausted and
I think all of us had a feeling of
immense satisfaction. THANKYOU!
We’re setting the stage for next
year…Lou has reserved the Upper Muny already, we are designing the next poster and I can
tell you the major milestone car
we’re looking at featuring will
be the 1966 Dodge Charger.
HMMMM…”The General Lee”
next to the Batmobile???
3
YOU ARE PART OF A LEGENDARY TRADITION
By Gerald Perschbacher (LL.D.), Past HCCM President
all rights reserved
There you were, at the annual Easter Concours d'Elegance (commonly called the Easter Show).
When you stepped onto the show area, you may not have known it but you became part of a legendary tradition.
Research indicates that the first St. Louis auto show was held in 1907. That show involved a parade to Forest Park which by that time was very much in the aftermath of the fabulous World's Fair
held in 1904. The 1907 drive to the park may have been in salute of the first major automotive exhibit to be held in this part of the Midwest. That took place during the World's Fair as Transportation Day. Very likely, it was the first concerted effort to display automobiles at a World's Fair.
The cars that caravanned to Forest Park in 1907 were decorated in floral finery and judged on
beauty and creativity of decorations. The cars themselves were not judged -- just their decorated
appearance.
The concept of holding a judged car-related event and display in Forest Park is still promoted by
the Easter Show and has been for as long as most people can recall. For many of those years, AAA
Auto Club of Missouri has been the main supportive sponsor.
It all makes sense when you ponder the facts. The Auto Club (in its early manifestations) was involved with the early car activities in and around St. Louis, including the 1907 Auto Show. Also at
that show were pioneers in the automobile business, such as George P. Dorris, A.L. Dyke, and
Henry Borbein. Interestingly, those three gentlemen were active members of the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri, Inc. (HCCM), by 1950. Mr. Dorris was even one of the club's founders in
December of 1944. He had made the Dorris automobile and engineered the design and production
of the St. Louis automobile.
It becomes clear that when the club wanted to have a car show, it would take a few tips from those
early car hobbyists who had regaled HCCM members about the experiences of the 1907 show and
its connections with Forest Park as venue. Sum it all up and what do you have? The 2015 version
of their dream!
The Easter Show is a Concours. That means it presents a fabulous number of notable cars that you
seldom see on the streets as regular sources of transportation. The quality of the vast majority of
these show vehicles is remarkable! Some are as near perfect as possible. Some are one-of-a-kind,
special ordered wonders. Some are sole survivors. Some were common in their days, but now are
considered legends in design, performance, engineering, and more.
The HCCM follows the Missouri rule on "historic vehicles" which means cars eligible for the show
must be at least 25 years old. It's a good rule, because vehicles that have reached that age are not
often seen on the byways and highways. When they ARE, it is a moment of past glory and excitement that the general public often enjoys.
So, the dream lives on in the HCCM. The dream of motoring's "yesteryear," the dream of "the way
it was," the recollection of a first car, a prom, or a honeymoon, the recollection of break-downs and
long trips, kids in back and an open road ahead leading to freedom and exploration.
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Easter Concours d’Elegance Judging Results…
HISTORIC 1924 - 1935 Class A
1 1931 Chevrolet AE Rich Hardt
2 1935 Ford Coupe Jerry Fryman
3 1924 Dorris 6-80 George Dorris
TRUCKS & MILITARY 1941 - 1971 Class J
1 1950 Chevrolet 3100 Charles O'Hearn
2 1956 Cadillac Flower Car Jim Barron
3 1941 Plymouth PT-125 Nick Distefano
HISTORIC 1939 - 1948 Class B
1 1937 Cadillac Sedan Charles Gallagher
2 1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Dennis Klier
3 1939 Chevrolet Master 85 Richard Bechtel
CORVETTES 1968 - 1988 Class K
1 1988 Chevrolet Corvette Leon Hill
2 1979 Chevrolet Corvette Stan Prater
3 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Felipe Eljaiek
HISTORIC 1955 - 1955 Class C
1 1955 Ford Crown Victoria Charles Stewart
2 1955 Chevrolet 210 Richard Costanza
3 1955 Chevrolet 210 Kent & Bill Zschoche
ORIGNAL & UNRESTORED 1956 -1981 Class L
1 1978 Ford Thunderbird Tom Devine
2 1966 Cadillac Coupe de Ville Douglas Birk
3 1981 Ford Fairmont Clinton Cox
HISTORIC 1957 - 1962 Class D
1 1959 Ford Fairlane Les Wheeler
2 1958 Chevrolet Impala R.T.Slanker
3 1959 Ford Thunderbird James Bouckaert
ORIGNAL & UNRESTORED 1983 -1990 Class M
1 1987 Porsche 944 Wayne Wehmueller
2 1987 Buick Regal Craig Powell
3 1990 Buick Reatta Norm Hoernschemeyer
HISTORIC 1964 - 1968 Class E
1 1965 Ford Mustang Alan & Kathi Richarz
2 1965 Ford Mustang Chuck Sulin
3 1966 Ford 7 Liter Ken Spisak
AAA SPONSORS AWARD
1920 Dorris K -4 Truck Andrew Dorris
HISTORIC 1969 - 1972 Class F
1 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Mike Steitz
2 1970 Mercury Eliminator Dennis Brady
3 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Jim Malloy
BEST OF SHOW PRE WWII
1938 Cadillac 7523 Kevin Williams
BEST OF SHOW POST WWII
1980 Chevrolet Camaro Robert Bruhy
HISTORIC 1973 - 1987 Class G
1 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Robert Bruhy
2 1983 Buick Riviera T.J. Rinn
3 1982 Buick Riviera T.J. Rinn
CLASSICS 1931 -1938 Class H
1 1938 Cadillac 7523 Kevin Williams
2 1934 Lincoln KA522 Bill Mehard
FOREIGN SPORTS 1964 -1970 Class I
1 1967 Austin Healey 3000 Phyllis Hofmeister
2 1964 Shelby A/C Cobra Ron & Doug Randell
3 1966 Jaguar XKE Gary Sudin
Left: Dennis Klier’s Class B Second Place 1948
Fleetline woody (a dealer added option)
Above: Sponsor’s Award winner 1920 Dorris K-4
truck owned by Andrew Dorris
See more photos on pages 8 and 9 and on our
Web site www.hccmo.com
5
<<< from page 1
Mine is one of them, of course,
and I knew it had to be rare when I
purchased it. Heck, just about
ANY Henney from that era is rare
by general car collecting measure,
even in a banner run. That’s because the total is divided by a dozen or so models and not evenly.
Being a late comer as the 13th
model to the Henney line for
1950, this Multiple Purpose Car
stood in the limelight of publicity
while the overall appearance was
already two years old. By 1950
Cadillac had chomped away at the
Packard lead in fine car production
and forever after dethroned that
revered marque through greater
production.
Rear rollers are on a board which
easily can be lifted, turned over,
and hidden. I always liked that
feature on my Henney. It made
the car “cool” by standards of its
day and it remains so in the present generation.
Car-loving show attendees like
vehicles that have special working
features as this. Surprisingly, it’s
been a real hunt to find if any other such vehicles survived among
the bunch that was made and sold
in the last-year run of the 19481950 styling.
It seemed curious that people
were not bothered by being transported in a vehicle with a dual
purpose personality amounting to
a hearse-turned-ambulance. OK,
let’s not joke about it. These were
serious matters then as now, and
collectors of such cars should put
a lid on the jokes. Period. Still, I
have to wonder if riding in this
Multiple Purpose Car ever caused
inner stress. Regardless, when
immediate medical attention was
needed, the afflicted was in no
condition to argue or worry any
further than the hospital.
The Henney operation had a longstanding exclusive connection
with Packard that dated from 1937
to 1954. The process worked like
this: Packard provided lengthened chassis, trim, and body parts;
Henney put its craftsmen to work
in fabricating completed bodies,
interior, and necessary extra trim
to complete each job. Henney and
Packard had an exclusive contractual partnership in the professional car trade. That includes every
long-wheelbase Packard made for
1946 and 1947.
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Henney completed 244 cars on the
Packard platform for the 23rd Series. That was paltry against its
all-time annual production of
1,941 it enjoyed shortly before.
The huge number of sales may
likely have saturated Henney’s
market. A variety of other
coach makers and conversion
companies pecked at the Henney
nest while others were out to
build their own comfortable
nests with fresher postwar styling. Those topics progress past
the point of this article, so let
them rest for now. Just focus on
the 244 made for 1950.
Model 15097 debuted at the October 1949 National Funeral Directors’ Association convention held
in St. Louis, Missouri. When this
information surfaced, I wondered
if the car I owned had been a demonstrator at that show. I may
never know for sure, but the idea
is tantalizingly worth pursuing.
Above: Original driver’s compartment—none the worse for wear Below:
Front bumper was removed to tow the car about 125 miles to St. Louis.
The exterior paint is original. Photos by Gerald Perschbacher, all rights reserved
the Henney: a multiple-purpose business with a
Multiple Purpose Car!
This vehicle sold from the Henney factory to St.
Louis Henney distributor E. J. Hoffman on May 31,
1950, on invoice 25259. That same day it was
signed over to Stubbs.
Old “15097” was in ready service by that organization from its new-car purchase date until sometime
in 1970. Perhaps it was retained thereafter as a back
up or for sentimental reasons. Conclusion: Given
the styling changes rampant in the 1950s, the car’s
demeanor simply grew too old and no other buyer
wanted it. That was then, and 1981 was a different
case since age and rarity made the car exquisitely
interesting. I like regional history, so point of sale
and point of ownership were the final hooks in the
fish’s mouth.
Here’s the crib-note story of the vehicle.
I bought the 15097 (serial # 2313-5-2297)
from Eugene L. Stubbs who managed STUBBS
Hardware and Funeral Directors, Plumbing –
Linoleum Laying, gas and Electric Appliances,
in Chaffee, Missouri. This was not unusual for
a small-town funeral home which had supplemental sources of income. Kind of matched
Cars cannot intend to raise the question, “What’s
My Line?” but those of us who research and own
the big machines are well advised to discover all we
can and enjoy the results.
Learn more about the connection between Henney and
Packard by visiting:
http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/h/henney/henney.htm and
http://genealogytrails.com/ill/stephenson/history.html
The First Auto Supply Business
By A.L. Dyke; from the Veteran Motor Car Club of America
“Bulb Horn” October 1950
In 1899 A. L. Dyke organized and incorporated the St. Louis Automobile and Supply Company, and
issued a catalog. It was said by Motor Age, Aug. 16, 1900, to be unquestionably the first supply
company of this kind to enter the field. The Automobile Review, April, 1900, said: "He was the originator of the first auto supply business in America." When first started, it operated under the name of
A. L. Dyke, then the Automobile Supply Company. Later on the business was incorporated as A. L.
Dyke Automobile Supply Company.
It is interesting to note that in those "pioneer days" Dyke manufactured and sold all kinds of automobile parts through "The Motor Vehicle Review" published in Cleveland, Ohio, May 15, 1900, pages
21, 22 and 23, under a heading “A Large Assortment of Parts". In another well-known publication
about the same time, a heading reads: "Oldest Motor Vehicle Supply House in America." On page
136 of the 1931 issue of "Chilton Automotive Multi-Guide" in "Significant Automotive Events" it
reads: "1899 First Automobile Supply Business, A. L. Dyke, St. Louis."
The idea of supplying parts ready to assemble an automobile was originated by A. L. Dyke in 1899.
It was known as "Dyke's No.1 Outfit," and consisted of engine, transmission, axles, wheels, steering
device, radiator, etc. It was the chassis less the body, which the purchaser could put together himself. This was very popular from 1899 to 1904.
More recollections of A. L. Dyke to come in future issues
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The 2015 Easter Concours d’Elegance
Above: A large crowd enjoyed the sunny day...some even in period dress. Below, clockwise: George Dorris’
1924 Dorris 6-80; Military Vehicle Preservation Association display; checking in a Shay/Camelot 1929 Ford
Model A Phaeton replica; Nick Doerr helps park a winner—a 1955 Ford Skyliner retractable hardtop.
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Top: Kids of all ages enjoyed the
MetroExotic batmobile, complete
with Adam West and Burt Ward
autographs. Middle: Paul Strassburger’s 1968 Kaiser Jeep ambulance. A peek inside Bill Mehard’s
3-window 34 Lincoln KA522.
Left: Excalibur limousine.
Photos on pages 8 and 9 by Ronald Nelson
9
In Memoriam—Walt Rests from His Labors
Walt Kleinhans went the way of mortal passing on March 30. To say he will be missed is
too simple a statement. Seeking to be pleasant to all, he was a grand friend who proved extremely reliable and helpful, brimming with sound advice and willing to put his shoulder to the
plow to do wonderful things. Heaven is graced by his endeavors. We in the old car hobby
(especially the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri) will miss Walt ... but at the same time will
be grateful for his part in our events and for his warmth, smiles, and involvement. He remains
an example for others.
When Walt’s 1924 Moon was put on the market, I quickly contacted him with surprise. Hardly
any time passed and he smiled when the car was transferred to its new owner. I will never forget his connection with the car and how he had it brought back to its production city of St Louis,
where it belonged.
Dr. Gerald Perschbacher, St. Louis, MO
April General Meeting: Don’t Miss It
The Saint Louis Connection—
The First Quarter Century 1900-1925
Automobiles built in Saint Louis
Logan College Friday April 17 at 7:30 PM
There have been over 100 manufacturers of automobiles in Saint Louis.
Come hear about many of them.
2015 SATURDAY CARS AND COFFEE
SPRING START-UP Saturday Morning, APRIL 18. 2015. 8:00 – 10:00 AM
Westport Plaza South Parking Lot, St. Louis
Everyone gathers early Saturdays, at a central location and just enjoy cars…a good reason to get out, have coffee and drive when traffic is a LOT less. It starts early, and ends early so everyone back home is happy that you
are not “killing” the whole day. Stay for the whole time, or leave when you must. Some groups are using it to
start a club “tech day” or road trip.
CARS: open to all sporting makes & marques, ALL eras and it is not a show or a concourse. Old and new sit
side by side gladly. It’s just that: Cars & Coffee.
RAIN?— If it’s raining – some might not come but there is always a gathering. It’s still a time to get out with enthusiasts away from the fray.
Westport asks that we be respectful of their property, in particular trash and littering. Clean up your mess! Absolutely no parking in handicapped spaces, and be mindful for a few weekend workers at the adjacent office buildings.
Lastly, the Starbucks Westport location played an integral part in making this happen and getting the right people from Westport management to give the final OK on this. Without their support, Cars & Coffee would have
been a harder sell to get set up. We have good choices between Starbucks, McDonalds and Bread Co, but
please keep this aspect in mind if you plan on grabbing a morning brew.
Dates for the 2015 season: April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, Sept. 19, October 17
Location: Intersection of West Port Plaza Dr and Fee Fee Rd, in front of the PARIC office building.
Sponsor: St. Louis BMWCCA
10
The Brass Lamp
The Publication of the Horseless Carriage
Club of Missouri, Inc.
April 2015
Activities Calendar
Information in this calendar is summarized. See flyers for
events —go to www.midwestswapmeets.com
SWAP MEETS
2015 CAR SHOWS, ETC.
April 18
June 5-6
June 21
September 13
September 20
September 26
September 27
Class Pack Swap, Effingham Co. Fairgrounds
Kansas City Swap, K.C. Speedway
Father’s Day Show, Mus. of Transport
Wheels In Motion
Car Show & Swap Meet, Casino Lot
Brass & Nickel Show, Mus. Transport
Oktoberfest Show, St. Charles MO
Club Events Calendar
April 17
May 15
June 19
June 21
July 17
August 16
September 18
October 16
November 20
7:30 General Meeting, Logan
7:30 General Meeting, Logan
6:30 Strawberry festival—
Intro new members, Logan
Father’s Day Car Show
7:30 General meeting, Logan
Picnic—11 AM Schroeder Park
7:30 General Meeting, Logan
6:30 White Elephants, Logan
6:30 Chili Cook-off, Logan
The Great Race Classic Car Event is coming to downtown Kirkwood on Saturday, June 20. The start is
scheduled for 9 a.m. from the Kirkwood Train Station. More details will be coming soon.
In case you missed it, the 2014 Hemmings Motor
News Great Race presented by Hagerty TV show can
now be watched anytime on the internet. The show
was a huge success, but now that the airings on television are complete it has been posted on the internet.
Two crews filmed every step of the way for the 104
teams from Maine to Florida, and what they captured
made for a compelling show. Go to the link from
www.greatrace.com.
The Brass Lamp is a monthly publication of The Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri ©2015 All Rights Reserved. Material from this
newsletter may be reprinted or shared by our club members with proper citation and written consent from the editor.
11
A Publication of the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri, Inc.
The Brass Lamp
Andy Dorris proudly displayed his Sponsor’s (AAA Auto Club of Missouri) Choice
Award while seated in the cab of his recently restored 1920 K-4 Truck
manufactured by his grandfather.
www.hccmo.com
(314) 991-HONK