January February 2013 Volume 41 Issue 1

Hoosier
Horn
A publication of the Indiana Region Classic Car Club of America
January February 2013 Volume 41 Issue 1
Hoosier Horn Volume 41 Issue 1 January February 2013
Page
INDIANA REGION CCCA
Table of Contents
Page 2 Board of Managers
Page 3 From the Director by Andy Wolf
Page 4 Autumn in Illinois by George Maley
2013 BOARD OF MANAGERS
Director
Andy Wolf
Assistant Director
Helen Vogel
Secretary
Cliff Vogelsang
Page 10 2012 Indiana Regional Meeting of the CCCA
by George Maley
Page 14 Of Brass and Classics by George Maley
Page 16 Centerfold: 1938 Packard convertible sedan
Page 24 Christmas Celebration at the Wolfsonian
by George Maley
Treasurer
Marsha Clapper
Page 28 LED lighting for Classics by Jeff Shively
Board Members
Ed Dalton, George Maley,
Mike McClelland, Jeff Shively, Steve Tarr
2013COMMITTEES
Activities
Chairman: Larry Pumphrey
Members: Marsha Clapper, Helen Vogel,
Susan Phenicie, Carol Pumphrey
Membership
Chairman: Bill Miller
Projects
Ed Dalton
Publications
Chairman: George Maley
Hoosier Horn Editor: Jeffrey Shively
Technical Chairman:
Jeffrey Shively
Webmaster
Jeff Shively
Page 29 Walt’s Wisdom by Walt Reynolds
Page 30 Editorial Musings
Page 31 1930 LaSalle convertible sedan
Page 32 1931 LaSalle roadster
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On the cover:
The stage is set for Yuletide festivities at the Wolfsonian
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From the Director
First Indiana CCCA
Event of 2013
2012 was one of the best years that the
Indiana Region CCCA has seen in quite some
time. The monthly activities were enjoyable,
thanks to the hard work of the Activities Committee, chaired by Larry and Carol Pumphrey. Of
course, without our members attending the
events, there really is no need for the events of
the club, so I want to take a moment to thank
everyone who attended a 2012 event, from the
chili dinner at the Klein’s in January to the Holiday Party at Wolfsonian in December. It is the
people who make the Indiana CCCA what it is.
No review of 2012 would be complete without a
mention of the Greensburg Grand Classic in September. With nearly 50 cars in attendance, this
was the biggest Grand Classic that the region has
hosted in many years. Larry and Carol Pumphrey, Grand Classic co-chairs, did a superb job
of organizing the event. Many members of the
Region stepped up to help out and to bring their
cars, so we are indebted to them as well.
Running a car club takes people with
dedication to make sure that everything goes as
it should. Our Board of Managers has nine such
people, each of whom can serve two consecutive three- year terms. I want to thank our retiring Board Members, Bill Miller, Larry Pumphrey,
and Mark Webb, for their hard work over the
past six years. Two brand new Board Members,
Mike McClelland and Steve Tarr will take their
places, along with Jeff Shively, who served as
club secretary from 2005 to 2011.
2013 is looking to be a year of uncertainty. A bad economy and constantly depressing news can ruin a person’s attitude. There is a
cure. Make it a point to attend more CCCA
events this year. Because we manage our
money wisely, the club can often underwrite a
portion of the cost to make the more expensive
events a little more affordable. Please take advantage of this and enjoy the camaraderie that is
unique to the Indiana CCCA in the upcoming
year.
Be sure to attend the first Indiana Region
event of the new year. For the past several
years, John and Elaine Klein have opened their
wonderful North Meridian Street house to the
club in January. Awaiting club members are
heaping bowlfuls of Elaine’s famous chili, followed by John’s magnificent soda fountain creations, made to your order. Mark your calendar
now to be at
By Andy Wolf
4343 North Meridian Street
at 6:30 pm on
Friday, January 18.
2013 National CCCA Events
February 27-March 3: CCCA Annual Meeting
March 16: Florida Grand Classic
May 4-May 26: Lincoln Highway CARavan
May 18: St. Louis Grand Classic
June 3: Hickory Corners Grand Experience
June 8: Southern California Grand Classic
July 20: Michigan Grand Classic
September 6-12: Sun Valley CARavan
2013 Concours
February 22-24: Boca Baton,FL
March 8-10: Amelia Island
May 10-May 13: Celebration of Automobiles
June 9: Ault Park,OH
July 18-21: Lexington, KY
July 28: St. John’s, Plymouth MI
August 18: Pebble Beach,CA
August 25: Geneva (IL)
September 20-22: Glenmore Gathering
October 4-6: Louisville, KY
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Autumn in Illinois
By George Maley
At the height of the autumn color, members of the Indiana Region journeyed west to Illinois on US 136 through picturesque Indiana towns and villages. The tour on old US 136 was reminiscent of the early 1950’s in many respects. The weekend was jam-packed with an airplane museum, three car collections, a memorabilia museum and fine dining at Allen Strong’s wonderful
restaurant called the Silvercreek.
The touring group departed
from Brownsburg, Indiana at 9:00 am
on Saturday, October 20. The first
stop was the Frasca Flight Simulation
Company at Urbana, Illinois airport,
where John and Rudy Frasca escorted
the group on a tour among the aircraft of yesteryear. The first plane to
greet the group was a full-scale replica of a Royal Flying Service fighter,
an S.E. 5, originally powered by a 150
horsepower Hispano Suiza V-12 engine. Other aircraft in the museum
were a Mitsubishi A6M “Zero,” a
Supermarine Spitfire Mark XVIII, a General Motors FM2 Wildcat, Stearman PT-17 Cadet primary
trainer, a North American SNJ Texan advanced trainer, and a vintage Piper Cub.
The next stop was the car museum of Steve and Susan Zumdahl in Mahamet, Illinois.
Amidst great cars old and new, our hosts provided a box lunch. We dined among the relics of the
past, from a magnificently restored 1911 Marmon roadster (NC), 1930s Classic Packards, and
modern iron such as Ferraris, Roll Royce, and Corvettes, all in mint condition. Posters on the walls
recalled great motoring events of the past. Then off to Zumdahl’s home. Steve and Susan Zumdahl are a unique couple with interesting tastes. Steve is a top authority on college-level chemistry text books, while Susan is the author of high school chemistry books. Their home in the country contains art of the American West, particularly Taos, New Mexico, accented by Frank Lloyd
Wright architectural pieces, glass cases full of women’s shoes. In one room is a 1936 Auburn boat
tail speedster, with a straight axle Corvette (NC) on display in another. The couple has traveled
extensively. Susan, the camera guru has taken great pictures of nature’s beauty. With her computer skills, she has produced hardcover books of her photographs. To finish off the visit, members feasted on a rich chocolate tort brought by Allen and Nancy Strong.
Leaving Zumdahl’s, the group travelled to the Strong automobile museum, which was magnificent in its quality and variety. From a 1913 Cadillac roadster (NC) to Classic Era Packards, it
was a feast for the eyes. Clothing and hats of the past thrilled the lady contingent. By late afternoon, it was getting near time for dinner. To the hotel the group traveled and then on to the Silver Creek Restaurant for a wonderful meal and camaraderie.
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Replica of Royal Flying Service S.E. 5
Fighter
Stearman PT-17 Cadet– the most popular
primary trainer with the USAAF during WWII.
Mitsubishi A6M “Zero” - The most popular
fighter flown by the Japanese Imperial Navy,
serving in combat during the entirety of World
War II.
A General Motors FM-2 “Wildcat” sporting a
late WWII monochromatic paint scheme. Originally built by Grumman, the production of the
Wildcat was shifted to GM to allow the
“Ironworks” to concentrate on its successor,
the F6F “Hellcat.” The Hellcat would go on to
score the vast majority of US Navy air-to-air
kills in the Pacific Theatre, over 4,000.
Call it an SNJ, an AT-6, or a “Harvard,” its still
the most popular advanced trainer in Allied
service during World War II.
A Supermarine Spitfire Mark XVIII. One of the
final incarnations of the classic 1937 design.
Early Mark II’s saved England during the Blitz.
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A fine example of Brass Era luxury,
this sporty 1911 Marmon (NC) began
life in downtown Indianapolis.
“Ask the man who owns one.” This
1933 Packard Twelve is stunning in
its light green exterior coupled with
a dark green leather interior. True
Classic Era open motoring.
Every car guy’s dream: a 1936
Auburn boattail speedster inside the
house! Hugh McKnight, Larry Pumphrey, and Tom Hartz confer while
Mike and Vicki McClelland admire
this cream colored beauty.
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Above: Steve Ortman, John Klein, and Susan Phenicie relax at the Zumdahl home, enjoying Susan
Zumdahl’s exquisite hard-bound photography books.
The Zumdahl shoe
collection is something
to behold. This is but a
portion of it, on display
in the hallway.
Below: The art of the American Southwest is a theme running throughout the Zumdahl home.
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One the last years for the four cylinder, this 1913 Cadillac roadster (NC)
looks ready to conquer the “new”
Lincoln Highway.
No serious car collection is complete
without a Cord, and Allen Strong’s
stable is no different.
Engines awaiting rebuilding and
thousands of other parts are carefully stored in one of Allen’s buildings.
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Sunday morning, the tour group mobilized again to see the Allen Strong’s warehouse of
Classics awaiting restoration. This warehouse is full of parts and is tightly organized. The facility is
separate from two other garages where he does the restoration work himself, except for the
heavy machining of engine blocks and crankshafts. He is a collector of automotive literature, particularly 1930s “Fortune” magazines. Allen normally buys Classics with a pedigree, and he takes
great delight in telling the stories of the people who owned them.
Sunday afternoon, the remaining members of the tour travelled to Homer, Illinois to see
John Pierce’s automobilia collection, with a side trip to see Cecil Harris’ collection, which features
three Full Classics®; a 1925 Cadillac four door sedan, 1947 Cadillac 75 limousine, and a 1938 Packard Super Eight Limousine. John Pierce acted as our guide and offered wonderful hospitality. Late
in the afternoon, the party was over, so the group returned to Indy.
Those members who attended were as follows: Richard and Marsha Clapper; Tom and
Paula Hartz; John and Elaine Klein driving his 1937 Packard 12 1507 formal sedan; John Madden;
George and B.J. Maley; Mike and
Vicki McClelland; Steve Ortman
driving his 1932 Chrysler Imperial
Sedan; Daniel and Susan Phenicie;
Larry and Carol Pumphrey; Jim
Rhine; Steve and Alice Tarr; Helen
Vogel; Reverend Cliff Vogelsang;
and Andy and Madonna Wolf
driving his 1938 Packard 8 1605
convertible sedan.
Hats galore!
Susan Phenicie,
Paula Hartz, Vicki McClelland,
Elaine Klein, and Carol Pumphrey
tried on examples from Nancy
Strong’s collection of vintage
headgear.
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2012 Indiana Regional Meeting of the CCCA
By George Maley
The Indiana Regional meeting of the CCCA held its annual meeting on November 4 at the
Garrison Restaurant at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis. A delicious brunch was served.
Fifty one members and guests were in attendance. They were as follows:
Dr. J.J. Abrams and guest Harriet Wolf; Stu and Claire Blair; Ed Dalton and guest, Donna Raines;
Bob and Edna Fischer; Bill and Carolyn Greer driving a 1947 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special;
Larry Haskett; John and Elaine Klein in their 1937 Packard 12 Model 1507 formal sedan; Jay Kolb;
Bill Lurvey; John Madden; George and B.J. Maley; Don and Bev McCallum; Hugh and Sally
McKnight driving his 1941 Lincoln Continental cabriolet; Mike McClelland; Shawn and Tammy
Miller in a 1941 Cadillac Series 6227 coupe; Jack and Marilyn Pecsok; Gene and Sally Perkins in his
1932 Packard 12 Model 905 coupe roadster; Dan and Susan Phenicie; Larry and Carol Pumphrey;
Bloor and Molly Redding; Walt and Ruth Reynolds; Jeff Shively driving his 1941 Cadillac Series
6227D deluxe coupe; Stephen and Alice Tarr; Phil Vickery; Helen Vogel; Rev. Cliff Vogelsang; Paul
and Patty Warrenfelt; Bob and Angela Westerman; and Andy and Madonna Wolf.
At 1:30pm, Director Andy Wolf opened the
meeting. He introduced the club’s three new Board
members: Mike McClelland, Jeff Shively, and Steve
Tarr. Director Wolf thanked outgoing Board members, Bill Miller, Larry Pumphrey, and Mark Webb.
Brief reports were made on the condition of the
club’s finance, activities, Classic Car Motor Oil sales,
the return of the “Hoosier Horn” publication, and
membership increases in the past year. 2012 was a
very good year for the CCCA. Andy then called
Larry Pumphrey and Helen Vogel to the podium to
give the following awards. Jeff Shively received the
McInnis Award given to the individual who drove his Full Classic® the most miles during the year.
The Director’s Cup went to Larry and Carol Pumphrey for being the most helpful in club activities.
The Board of Managers cup is given to the member accumulating the most points in club activities. It went to John Klein. Following the awards, Andy Wolf adjourned the meeting at 2:15 pm.
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A pair of 1941
Cadillac 6227
coupes.
Jeff Shively
Shawn and
Tammy Miller
Bill and Carolyn Greer ‘s
1947 Cadillac
60 Special
Gene and Sally
Perkins 1932
Packard 12
coupe roadster
Hugh and
Sally
McKnight’s
1941 Lincoln
Continental
Andy and
Madonna
Wolf’s 1947
Packard coupe
John and Elaine
Klein’s 1937 Packard
formal sedan
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Of Brass and Classics
by George Maley
John Gambs, a long standing member of
the Classic Car Club of America, was bitten
by the car bug when he was eight years old
while living in Columbus, OH. It started
when he saw a 1914 Saxon (NC) sitting in a
barn in Lancaster, Ohio, slowly deteriorating. His sights were set on that car. In
1914, the Saxon was the seventh most produced car in America. Built in Detroit, it
sold for $295 new. His desire for the
Saxon over the years never left him. As an
adult, he heard that a Saxon was for sale.
He called the auctioneer who handled the
sale and asked if it were complete. The answer was yes, except for the nameplate.
John knew that it was “his” car, since he
had removed the name plate when he first
saw the Saxon at the age of eight.
John’s family moved from Columbus, Ohio to Indianapolis after World War II. His father
had the DIVCO franchise, a company that made milk delivery trucks. John went to Cathedral High
School in Indianapolis. After school, he worked for Schaler and Waters, the Indianapolis RollsRoyce dealer. He furthered his education at
Notre Dame University, where he earned his
undergraduate degree, then earned a law
degree at Indiana University Law School. He
interned at Baker and Daniels law firm in Indianapolis, where he was offered a position
after graduation. However, John decided
that a smaller law firm was more suitable to
his taste. He joined the Roger D. Branigin law
firm in Lafayette, Indiana and later on
opened his own firm.
In time, the law professional started
to pay rich dividends, so John was able to
pursue the car hobby in earnest. Early in his
career a twenty acre farm with a sizable
house needing a lot of tender loving care became the building block of his hobby. The farm had several outbuildings, which now have become
the storage area for his many cars and his office for the car hobby.
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!
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John knows his cars and the mechanicals that make them tick. A goodly amount
of the mechanical restoration work is done
by him. His taste in cars is varied. He loves
the great Full Classics®, particularly original
ones with a story to tell. John also loves
Brass Era cars. He has fine examples in his
collection, including a 1910 Stevens-Duryea,
Model A, 6 cylinder 5 passenger touring (NC)
made in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. This
magnificent Brass Era classic sits next to his
desk in his office museum. John has another
Brass Era, Indianapolis-manufactured automobile, a 1914 American Underslung, Model
666 six passenger tourer (NC). This much
sought-after automobile was made from
1906 to 1914. He also owns a 1910 Thomas
4 cylinder (NC) restored to an impeccable
condition. Other non-Classic Brass Era cars
in John’s collection are a 1903 Ford, 1915
Winton, 1914 Overland, 1920 Packard Twin
Six and a 1905 Reo, which he restored entirely by himself at 15 years of age, and this
is only a partial list. Before moving to the
Full Classics® John has a full barn of fire engines, ranging in years from 1916 to the late
1930s. One of the most unique pieces is a
1916 Ahrens Fox pumper. No one should
miss this collection of true Americana.
One of John Gambs’ early fire engines–
a rare 1916 Ahrens Fox pumper (NC)
From top:
1910 Stevens-Duryea, Model A, 6 cylinder
five passenger touring (NC)
1914 American Underslung, Model 666
six passenger tourer (NC)
1910 Thomas 4 cylinder (NC)
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With the collection of Full Classics® that John Gambs has, the author has picked out only a
few to feature. Notably absent on the day of my visit is a 1932 Duesenberg in excellent condition,
which was featured in a major “Beeper” article a number of years ago. Of the major American
Classics, Pierce Arrow, Packard, Lincoln, and Cadillac marques are well represented. As to the
Rolls-Royce classics, John is restoring a 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Roadster with a Piccadilly
body. A most notable Classic is a beautiful restored 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 7 passenger
limousine originally belonging to Mrs. Alice McCulloch of Marian, Indiana. She purchased the
Rolls-Royce shortly after her husband’s death in 1923 and had it delivered to Updike Motors in
Indianapolis. Her late husband was by reputation a hardnosed banker, whereas Alice had always
enjoyed life to the fullest. She would have her chauffer drive the Rolls to the “other side of the
tracks,” where she would enjoy a good Cuban cigar while playing pool with the boys. Upon her
death, glowing reports were made of her philanthropy, but not of her pool playing skills. She died
on November 26, 1930.
John’s Packard collection is extensive. One very unusual Packard is a 1930 towncar with a
1924 Fleetwood body. When the original owner, a Mr. Birch, who owned half of San Diego California, wanted to update his 1924 Packard to a new Packard in 1930, he wanted another Fleetwood towncar body. The dealer told him that this was not possible, since the Fleetwood Body
Company was now owned by General Motors. Birch told the Packard dealer to take the 1924
Fleetwood body off and mount it on the 1930 Packard chassis, which was done at the Packard factory.
There are three other Packards featured in this article. The first is a 1932 Packard Twin Six
Model 906 seven passenger sedan which featured two sets of horns. The Federal Reserve Bank of
New York City is believed to have been the original purchaser of this car. This horn combination
was standard fare for the Chrysler Imperial line, but not for the Packard. When Packard introduced in 1932 the V-12 engine, the terminology used was the “Twin Six.” Packard had built an engine called the
Twin Six in the
“teens.”
The
Twin Six term
was dropped in
1933, and the engine was simply
referred to as the
Twelve. John has
another beautiful
Packard 12, a
dark blue 1938
convertible
sedan. The third
Packard is a 1929
Packard
Sport
Phaeton in excellent condition.
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As for General
Motors, John owns a
beautiful 1940 Cadillac
Series 75 V-8 four door
convertible
sedan.
The Ford line is represented by a magnificent 1937 Lincoln K V12 seven passenger
limousine that is all
original except for a
repaint.
John has several Full Classic® Pierce
Arrows in his collection. His oldest Pierce
for this story is a 1926
roadster with a six cylinder engine.
The
quality of the six cylinder model was the
same as the magnificent eight. Another is
a stunning 1931 Pierce
seven-passenger sedan that is all original
except the paint and
chrome. It is a masterpiece of beauty. The
last Pierce Arrow of
this article is an original 1930 Pierce Arrow
seven-passenger touring phaeton, all original except some paint
and chrome restoration. This Pierce was owned for many years by Harold Kixmiller, brother-inlaw of Jim Dougherty in the 1970s.
The last of several unusual Classics is a 1923 McFarland 6 TV 6 phaeton with bright red
paint. It is an original car except for a new paint scheme applied many years back.
As a final note, John explained that the present generation of young people is not nearly as
interested in the cars as those of his generation. Complex mechanical and electrical systems have
destroyed the ability of younger generations to tear apart and put back together. Hopefully, there
will be future John Gambs types who will keep the torch lit. Only time will tell.
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Christmas Celebration at the Wolfsonian
By George Maley
Members of the Indiana Region of the Classic Car Club of America were treated to the start
of the Christmas season on December 1st at the “Wolfsonian,” Indiana Region Director Andy
Wolf’s personal collection. Madonna Wolf planned the event, designed the colorful decorations
for the tables, and acted as the hostess for the evening. Waiters served hors d’oeuvres of shrimp
in a tangy red sauce, cheese-filled pastries, and spiced chicken on a skewer made for a festive fare
before a sit-down dinner was served with one’s choice of wine. The weather was perfect, with no
hint of snow or rain. Christmas music provided a delightful background to the festivities.
Those members in attendance were as follows. Doug and Mary Austrom; Tom and Ann
Beale; Marsha Clapper; Edgar and Joanne Davis; Dan and Debra Fawcett; Bill and Carolyn Greer;
Larry and Louise Haskett; John and Elaine Klein; Bill Lurvey; George and B.J. Maley; Gerald and
Edna Mann; Dan and Beverly McCallum; Mike and Vicki McClelland; Bill and Sonja Miller; Chuck
and Roxy Morgan; Steve and Robbi Ortman; Jack and Marilyn Pecsok; Dan and Susan Phenicie;
Larry and Carol Pumphrey; Bloor and Molly Redding; Walt and Ruth Reynolds; Helen Vogel;
Stephen and Crystal Vogel; Rev. Cliff Vogelsang; Paul and Patty Warrenfelt; Turner Woodard;
Andy, Madonna, Megan, and Harriet Wolf; Donn and Lori Wray. The Wray’s arrived in his Cord.
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Top: Bev McCallum, Carol Pumphrey, Marsha Clapper, and Don McCallum
Bottom: Donn and Lori Wray
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Top: Susan Phenicie, Vicki McClelland, Robbi Ortman, Marsha Clapper, Mike McClelland
Bottom: Ed Davis, Edna Mann, John Klein, Elaine Klein, Joanne Davis
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Top: Harriet Wolf, Turner Woodard, Marilyn Pecsok, B.J. Maley
Bottom: Harriet Wolf, Andy Wolf, Madonna Wolf, Megan Wolf
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Led lighting for Classics
By Jeff Shively
I am an ardent believer that the place for antique cars, from Brass Era runabouts to ‘70s
muscle cars, is on the open road. Of course, times have changed since these cars were new. Drivers are much more careless today than they were even twenty years ago. As a result, we must
increase our chances of survival on modern highways. One way to do this is by improving our
Classic’s lighting system. The easiest and most effective way is with LED lighting.
LEDs (light emitting diodes) have been around for a while, but have gained popularity in the
past decade. For less than $10, you can buy a small LED flashlight that fits in your pocket but will
light up the area like a spotlight. Since 2000, Cadillac has used LEDs as brake lights due in part to
their greater visibility. A number of companies offer LEDs as drop-in replacements for incandescent bulbs.
Why should you install LEDs instead of conventional bulbs? First, LEDs are much brighter
than the 6 volt incandescent bulbs currently installed on your Classic, leading to greater night time
visibility. Second, LEDs draw much less current, a few milliamps instead of 2 to 3 amps, leading to
longer generator life. Third, LEDs turn on almost instantly, giving drivers behind you traveling at
60 miles per hour an extra 20 feet of stopping room. A fourth advantage is very minimal heat
build-up. An LED might be a little warm to the touch, but it won’t burn you. LEDs have a very long
lifespan. Your grandchildren can worry about replacing the tail lights in your Packard fifty years
from now. Best of all, the odds are good that you can find a replacement for your Classic’s taillight
bulbs that will drop right in.
According to www.highspeedmotors.com , there are a number of steps that need to be followed to insure that an owner picks the correct LED unit to replace the incandescent bulbs. First
consider the polarity of the charging system. Is it positive or negative ground? 6 volt or 12 volt?
To be most effective, the LED must be pointed directly at the lens. If not, the LED will not be as
visible, because its light is focused in one direction, instead of diffused, like a conventional bulb.
Make sure the terminals on the bottom and the pins on the side match
up with the new LED bulb. If the
lens you are using is clear, white,
yellow, or amber, use White/White
bulbs. Use a combination Red/
White bulb in a red lens.
Installing LEDs in your tail
lights/rear turn signals may be the
best investment you have made in
your Full Classic® in ages. Your car
will use less electricity and other
drivers will have a better chance of
seeing you. That is a lot of peace of
mind for well under $100.
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Walt’s Wisdom
By Walter Reynolds
“Ageing”
My last article for the Horn had to do with ageing. Funny how that subject keeps coming
up! I have read some articles recently about our ageing membership and it has brought to mind a
PBS program about restorations that was on some years back. It had to do with many types of
restorations, houses and such. Part of the program was about automobile restorations. For that
segment, they went to Auburn, Indiana to the Allison Restoration Shop where they interviewed
Mr. Allison. They set a camera up in an open field, put Mr. Allison and the interviewer in one of
Joe Folladori’s Duesenbergs and filmed the car being driven down the road while recording the
conversation in the car. I only remember one of the questions from the interviewer. He asked how
long it took to restore a fine car like they were in. Mr. Allison explained that such a car was very
expensive, and a person would be well along in years before accumulating enough spare cash to
buy one. He would be even older when he could afford a full restoration. Some of Mr. Allison’s
clients had even asked him, “Do you think I will live long enough to see the car finished?” The interviewer simply said, “Oh, that’s interesting,” and moved on to another question, completely
missing the point of what had been said. Having heard that phrase a few times myself, I was rolling on the floor while they drove on!
Easy winter projects that need just a little TLC, just like the ones in Walt’s article!
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Editorial Musings
By Jeffrey Shively
For those of you who don’t know, I still live
in Greencastle. During the week, I stay in a small
house in Kokomo while I work in the museum. As a
result, I have a two hour commute each way. In
those solitary hours, I contemplate many things. On
a recent trip, I considered how I ended up where I
am a car collector, car club member, and director of
a museum.
I suppose that I was born a car guy. As a
small child, my parents hung prints of Brass-Era cars
in my bedroom. I loved my Hot Wheels cars, particularly the ’78 Pontiac Trans-Am (NC), which I had
in black, blue, and gold. In July 1981, my dad took
me to the Confederate Air Force air show at Bakalar
Field in Columbus. From that day onward, I became
obsessed with WWII warbirds, a problem that still
persists to this day! At age 8, I began studying the
1930s and 1940s.
I grew from an elementary school pupil living
in Greensburg to being a high school student in
Greencastle. At fifteen, like any red-bloodied male,
I became obsessed with driving and what would be
my first car. I really wanted something from the
1940s. There was a nice 1940 Plymouth for sale in
Greencastle, but I knew that my mom would veto
that choice. In fact my parents found just the car
for me…..a 1981 Pontiac Phoenix. Talk about the
road not taken! My best bet for an old car was
something from the late ‘50s to mid ‘60s. My mom
had loved her ’66 Ford Mustang that she bought in
’69. I like Mustangs, but I was 6’2” and 200 pounds
at 15, so that wasn’t a practical option. It took until
a week before I got my license, but I finally landed
that first car. On February 24, 1989, I brought home
a 1965 Cadillac with 64,000 on the clock. Twenty
four years later, we’ve travelled 101,000 additional
miles together.
In January 1992, I was a freshman at DePauw
University and a pledge of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Our chapter president asked me to plan a
pledge class trip to the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg
Museum, making the first of countless visits there in
February 1992. I already loved the late 1930s and
the 1940s, and the ACD Museum opened up the rest
of the Classic Era to me. That Labor Day, I attended
my first ACD Festival/Reunion. I spent January 1993
in an off-campus internship under the tutelage of
ACD Museum curator Matt Short. This month not
only made me appreciate A-C-D cars, but it changed
my career path. I had always assumed that I’d be a
history teacher. From that point on, my goal was to
work in a museum, hopefully Auburn. Nineteen
years is a long time to wait, but that dream finally
came true in June 2012 when I became Director of
Development at the Kokomo Automotive Museum.
Two final pieces of the puzzle were still missing when I graduated from college. As a senior in
high school in 1990, I had seen a pair of 1941 Cadillacs on the Channel 6 Driving Tour when it passed
though Greencastle. The search for a ’41 began in
late 1995. The black ’41 coupe that CCCA members
know was purchased the following spring in Westerville, Ohio. It took a few extra years to find the
CCCA. I joined in the fall of 1998 when I was selling
cars at Dugan Chevrolet-Pontiac in Danville. Dan
and Yvonne Sheek had initially suggested I join, but
it was a phone conversation with Shawn Miller that
finally sealed the deal. Nearly 15 years later, I am
serving as your editor and as a board member.
The point of this story is two-fold. First, it
shows just how fragile the bonds are that hold our
lives together. One decision can change the entire
course of a person’s life. Secondly, I hope that my
story will encourage you to think about your own
CCCA story. Perhaps you could write it down and
submit it to the Hoosier Horn. Other members will
see parallels in your tales and maybe learn a little
about their friends.
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Hoosier Horn Volume 41 Issue 1 January February 2013
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Hoosier Horn Volume 41 Issue 1 January February 2013
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