BOB AND HELEN HOGES ONE-DAY OUTING REPORT
BY ANNIE LUGINBILL
Outing Date: October 27, 2013
Destination: Havencrest Castle, Savanna (Illinois, not Savannah, Georgia, sillies!)
Details: A group of CTCC folks including Tom and Judy Bruin, Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill, Len and Mary Keil, Larry and Karen Kelly, Jerry and Doreen Michna (accompanied by Doreens mom), Jerry and Pat Peterson, Ken and Kathy Smizinski, Len and Irene Vinyard, and Bob and Sue Wenderski met Bob and Helen at the Wasco McDonalds bright and early Sunday morning and headed west to the eastern bank of the Mississippi to visit Havencrest Castle in Savanna; along the way we were joined by Debra Powless, who was chauffeured by Jared, her son, and then we met Pete and Marylu Kramer in Savanna.
The Hoges had arranged for a great tour of the one and only Savanna Castle - Havencrest Castle, which had been originally called Hillcrest and was built in the early 1900s by Savannas Greenleaf family as part of a bet to see which of the towns elite could construct the fanciest home. The Greenleafs won, having TWO indoor water closets, hot and cold running water, and electricity in a time when these were uncommon. The family remained there until the 1940s, when Mr. Greenleaf and then his wife died, and their children moved away. The building went through a number of changes until in 1976 Alan and Adrianne St. George purchased the home and began a lifelong process of expanding and decorating it in what one writer has termed the manner of American Aristocracy. The couple were fulfilling their credo "Reality is for those who lack Imagination" and they increased the number of rooms from 22 to 63, with each having a theme such as The Fragonard Music Room, The Chicago Conservatory, and The Medieval Hall. They did all the work themselves without an architect or a designer; Adrianne was the inspiration while Alan was the creator of these rooms, which blend fantasy and reality. As rooms were completed, the two held extravagant parties, balls, and fundraisers (Adrianne was the founder of the areas Humane Society, and the building housed not only the couple but six of their dogs). The St. Georges were deeply devoted to each other, and in every room there are representations of the two, whether sculptured, painted, or created in stained glass by Mr. St. George. (Side note #1: We actually had the pleasure of being personally welcomed by Mr. St. George at the original entrance to the building, courtesy of Bob and Helen!) Mrs. St. George passed away in 2006, leaving her husband devastated. After a mourning/ healing period of five years, he returned to working on their beloved home and, in a completely different vein, created a room containing contemporary art as opposed to the period/fantasy themed rooms.
We split the day in half; first we toured a number of rooms, next we ate lunch in the castle dining room on their amazing dishware and then we completed our tour. We were able to view 22 of the home's 63 rooms (Mr. St. George and others also live there so there were rooms not open to the public) and were quite impressed by the details everywhere, from moving butterflies in the conservatory to a face in the painted clouds of a ceiling. Our primary guide was Michael Dunavant, the curator, a young man with a golden voice who has spent time performing on Broadway and who was persuaded to play the piano and sing for us; he was ably assisted by Mrs. Jean Ferris and their cohort Ryan. (Side note #2: Michael and Jean persuaded Alan to open his home to the public in July 2013, and the St. George dream of hosting parties, weddings, birthdays, and other events is being realized.)
The tour was truly an experience that we won't soon forget and our hats are off to Bob and Helen for a wonderful time!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Havencrest Castle
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Des Moines Convention
Region 2 Convention- "Thunder in the Heartland"
Let me tell you a story about the 'Birds in Des Moines, IA, for the Classic Thunderbird Club Region 2 Convention called "Thunder in the Heartland" Aug.21-25. 2013.
It was a hot and steamy Wednesday morning, when 4-T-Birds, earrying Bill and Liz Werth, Ed Levin and Rose Kovalenko, Larry and Karen Kelly, Jim Wilson and one Chrysler Sebring, carrying Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill,. whose 'Bird was out sick, headed to the McDonald's on Rte. 53 and Butterfield Road to start our trek to Des Monies at 8:15 am. Three more 'Birds joined us at the DeKalb Oasis: Len and Mary Keil, Tom and Judy Bruin and Lloyd and Joan Schellin.
We stopped for gas and breakfast/lunch at the Village Inn in Davenport. IA. It was free pie Wednesday and no one could resist. When lunch was over and everyone was paying their bills, our jokester, Tom Bruin, took the large bowl of candy suckers off the counter and began passing it around to a table of elderly women playing cards, while waiting for their meal. They laughed joyously and helped themselves to a piece or two and so did we.
As we continued our journey, we stopped at a rest area to stretch and get something to drink.. While
there. Lloyd, Judy and a few others were sitting at a picnic table under a tree, when suddenly a very slinky visitor made its appearance. Everyone scrambled like it was a boa constrictor, but it was only a garden snake slithering around minding its own business.
We arrived at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel at about 4:30 pm . It was time to register for the Convention and our hotel rooms. It was a long day. Ed and Rose (brave souls) drove all the way with the convertible top down. We hooked up with Ken and Kathy Smizinski. who drove from Missouri. and had arrived a bit earlier than the rest of us. Although everyone was tired, we were also hungry and decided to walk across the road - about 2 or 3 blocks - to Chill's for Mexican food. As the 15 of us waited for our table(s), Tom Bruin, once again, decided to entertain us by handing each or us a kid's menu and crayons to keep the group occupied. Once seated, the food and margaritas were abundant.
Thursday afternoon there was a Fashion Show in the hotel atrium. It was a short presentation, but Judy and I managed to buy something to enhance our wardrobes. Afterwards, while our men were cleaning and polishing the T-Birds. Kathy Smizinski invited all the ladies to her room for some "juice" - which consisted of Bloody Marys and Margaritas. Needless to say, we were not missing our men.
At 7:00 p.m. that night we had our traditional Pizza Party outside on the pool patio of the hotel. It was a beautiful night with lots of laughs, libations, conversation, and silliness.FUN! FUN! FUN! The rest of our club members. Mitch and Pat Mitchell, Bob and Kathy Lindsten. Gordon Gluf'f. Mike Puvlak, Mary Jane and Dave Osborne and Bill and Sharon Jurkonie joined us. Bert and Jane Eisenhour also joined us later.
On Friday morning, those who were judging or had cars being judged were outside doing their thing. At 8:30 am the girls went on the Taste of the Heartland Bus Tour. While on the bus, our tour guide played some games, where if you answered a question correctly, you would win some Mardi Gras beads. Whoopee! We won some.
Our first stop was at the American Machine Shed Restaurant for enormous cinnamon rolls and coffee. They have a cute store front where some purchases were made by many. Alter our breakfast, we continued on the bus to the Last Village area in downtown Des Moines. We walked the quaint streets lined with various little shops and. of course, did some shopping.
Back on the bus, we headed to the heart of downtown Des Moines, to the top of the Ruan Building for lunch, with a breathtaking view from the 34th floor. Lunch was delicious with salads, mushrooms, nuts, berries, cheeses, fruit, soup and desserts. While we were waiting for our turn at the buffet. Annie gave each of us a cute book mark, unique to each one of us: Kathy and Rose was "she who loves to travel;" Karen, "she who loves her dog;" Judy, "she who is a free spirit:" Joan, "she who has a great attitude;" Mary, "she who loves her cat." Very sweet and thoughtful of Annie.
After lunch, we traveled to West End Architectural Salvage. There you will find four floors of antique furniture, vintage lights, hardware and building materials, stained glass, etc., etc., etc.. located in a downtown warehouse. They also have a coffee shop on the first floor with various types of coffee, cookies and cakes to purchase and relax. The West Hnd Salvage is very well known from the IKJTV television show.
Our last stop on the tour was to the Jasper Winery near Gray's Lake, to sample wine pairings with Iowa cheeses and locally made chocolates. The people at the winery made an excellent presentation. We all had our share of the tastings and were ready for our return to the hotel. But. before leaving, Kathy and Karen bought a couple of bottles of wine to take home.
That evening, our group split up for dinner. Some of us drove to Nick's Steakhouse, while others decided to eat at restaurants near the hotel.
On Saturday, there was a large group of beautiful Thunderbirds thai caravanned to the Karl Kustoms facility. It is a modern 65.000 sq. ft. building housing JR. Motorsports, a machine shop, an all-wheel-drive chassis dyno, engine dyno (a computerized engine dynamometer that accurately measures torque and RPM and then can calculate horsepower), two high tech paint booths, upholstery shop and assembly areas, for all their restoration and street rod production work. They also produce the Karl Kustom Corvettes, where they "rebody" the C-6 version of the Corvette to resemble either a 1967 Corvette Roadster or the iconic 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe. Their Tearn Leader. Dave Carnock. explained each room in detail and answered questions. It was very interesting to see the transformation of these cars and how beautiful they looked.
After visiting the Karl Kustoms facility, we drove to Dennis Albaugh's for a private tour of his unique collection of 145 plus Chevrolets. His collection is not open to the public, only toured by private arrangement. Dennis Albaugh is a highly respected businessman who houses his World Class display in a custom-designed, climate controlled facility under the parking lot of his Corporate Headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa. Among the cars is a vast collection of automotive art and collectibles.
This is an absolutely beautiful display of Chevrolets, with a plaque describing each car's features, options and rarity. Everyone was in awe of this fabulous display and thoroughly enjoyed being there.
After the morning of touring we were ready for lunch. Tom consulted his smart phone and 11 of us ventured to Ray's BBQ. This place was jammed. It was right next to a motorcycle shop where they were having a rally of some sort. There had to be about 100 motorcycles gathered in the parking lot. We were lucky to get in the restaurant and chow down. After lunch, we went back to the hotel to get ready for the Awards Banquet that evening.
The banquet started with cocktails at 5:30 pm. Around 6:30, we entered the dining room to find our tables and to be seated for dinner, which was served at 7:00. On one wall, there was a giant video screen showing all the beautiful Thunderbirds that were at the Convention.
During dinner, it was announced that the centerpiece on each table, a Hurricane glass centerpiece with candle, would go home with the person who had a green ticket under their plate. After dinner - there was the presentation of awards. As the winners were announced, each owner's "Bird and name was shown on the big screen. Beautiful job.
I am proud to say that many of our CTCC members received awards this year. Congratulations to each and every one of the winners,
Sunday was an early start, eheek out and on the road at 7:00 am. All packed and ready to go. we said farewell to Des Moines and were homeward bound. We made one stop for gas and had breakfast at an off-the-road diner. As Karen said, "At $5.99 for breakfast, how could you go wrong?" With our bellies now full, we said our good byes to each other and were on our way.
ALL IN ALL THIS WAS A GREAT CONVENTION!!!
- Rose Kovalenko
Picnic 2013
CTCC - 2013 ANNUAL PICNIC
Joan and Lloyd Schellin welcomed 43 CTCC members and guests into their home on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Seventeen Thunderbirds parked on the grass across the road from the house and created a colorful tableau. The huge pole barn was the perfect place for the group to enjoy fellowship and a delicious meal comprised of pork chops and hamburgers grilled on the biggest grill we've ever seen and accompanied by the many hot and cold side dishes brought by members. Dessert starred Mary Keil's version of
In Pete Kramer's absence, Tom Bruin conducted a short Business Meeting, during which the calendar of upcoming events was reviewed and Lloyd was presented with a "flying pig" hat.
During the afternoon, picnickers played lawn games and sat under the trees enjoying each other's company. Lloyd gave rides in his huge tractor (see the photo of Judy Bruin's demonstration of how huge).
We met Joan's brother and also our newest members, Lydia and Charlie Freund, who came from Mundelein. Dan Mrozek brought his friend, Arlene Figlia. Dan's son, Dan, brought his little dog (who unhappily suffered two broken legs at the end of the day while jumping out of Dan's vehicle, but is OK). Also attending were: Joel & Annie, Art Hahl, Ron Pavlak, Ed Levin & Rose Kovalenko (who brought a delicious salmon that Ed caught in Lake Michigan), Bonnie Thelen. Jim Wilson, Madeline Zambon, Andersons, Bakakoses, Bruins, Hoges, Keils, Kellys, Kraatzs, Michnas, Petersons, Smizinskis, Vinyards, Werths and Wolfes. Donations for the People's Resource Center food pantry included $65r 130 items, one watermelon and 48 cans of pop - thank you everyone! While it was a long way to drive, it was a beautiful day with gracious hosts and a lovely setting. Thank you Lloyd and Joan for your hospitality
- Liz Werth
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Spring Fling
Open Invitation to Classic Thunderbird Clubs to join us as we host a convocation of early 'Birds in Springfield, Illinois
No Concours, No Judging, Just FUN and FELLOWSHIP
May 2-5, 2014
Crown Plaza Hotel, Springfield, IL
Group Rate is $108/night
Reservations: 1-800-589-2769 Code: E2Y (Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland)
- Group activities being planned include tours of Abraham Lincoln heritage sights, cruising to a few of the historic venues in Springfield and Sangamon County, Illinois. including some of the last remaining portions of historic Route 66.
- Group Banquet Sunday evening.
- Free time for shopping and sight-seeing on your own
Hosted by: Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland
Please RSVP to Len or Mary Keil
815-759-8763 - or - lenkeil@sbcglobal.net
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
GREAT RACE- 2013
GREAT RACE - 2O13 - '57 T-BIRD We were so excited to meet you and wanted to thank you and your wife for making the long drive to meet us. As you know, we were rookies and had no idea what to expect. Boy, were we taught a lesson in life. In Minneapolis, MN, we encountered 70 mph winds and rain along with 12,000 cars and 100,000 people - as well as the 99 cars in our rally. At every stop, the people were fabulous and waved American flags and gave us much needed water or cold rags! The temperature along the route down the Mississippi to Mobile was almost 100 degrees - and even higher in the car. A lot of time we were served BBQ, but 1 guess that's what you eat in the south. Getting from the finish line to the finish city after 8 or so hours in the car might take another hour, and then the car was on display, which made for a very long day. But all in all, it was an experience we will never forget. Did I mention we are still speaking and only got lost 4 times in 2100 miles? Not bad, arid as far as we are concerned, we FINISHED the Great Race. The only (mechanical) problem that we had was the risk of over-heating. We should have put an aluminum radiator and (electric) fan in before the Race. Not knowing how hot it was going to be, and how long you had to sit at some towns, made it difficult. Our tires are new radials, with only 2,200 miles. Again, it was a pleasure to meet you and ail of the other lovely people who came out to support us. Sincerely, Marcia and Fred Danovitz -Car # 34 Editor's Note: See the rear cover of the July issue of Bird-News for a photo of the Danovitz 1957 Thunderbird. Car #34 finished in 62nd place (out of the 99 starters)- not bad for a rookie team! A '64 T-Bird was a DNF (Did Not Finish). [It was dubbed the "Flatbed T-Bird]
President's Report
PRESIDENT'S REPORT Meteorologically at least, spring has flown and won't return until next year, and another summer is underwater - oops! - I meant to say underway! The floods we have experienced in early summer seem to be the worst ever - but according to the State of the Climate" website, through April 2011, we have received more rainfall than through April 2013. Is this possible? The good news is that we appear to be gaining ground against the drought which has plagued the Midwest in recent years -except this past week when we have experienced high temps, and drought conditions. As the hot weather approaches - remember the following bit of information from Ken, during our Tech Sessions: "Use only Conventional Green Antifreeze coolant from Auto-zone or Car Quest. Do not use Extended Life if you have a cast iron block" - as most of us have. (See: June 2013 Bird-News) In the latest Early Bird (July-August 2013), there are a number of interesting articles: 1. Congratulations once again to Bert, for receiving the Golden Quill Award "Regional Sub Compact". Page 4 2. "Don't Leave Home without Them" Page 20 This list suggests items you should take on a tour. Wow!! If we took the "Need, Nice and Extra" items, our trunks would not even carry it all with no room for luggage. Thank God for Ken and others for the "First Aid Kit" they bring along on our Tours. Incidentally, our Board has developed the "Tour Attendees Guide" - available on our Website, which deals with some of these items. Page 20 3. Thanks to Bill and Liz, for their article on C.T.C.C.- Past, Current, and Future Activities and Events. Page 51 4. "For The Birds" Central Illinois Area Mitch and Pat Mitchell (members of C.T.C.C. and FTB) and other FTB members joined us for lunch and the museum visit during the first leg of our Spring Tour to Decatur. Page 53 5. 40th Annual Birds in the Dells - Door County If anyone is interested in tagging along to Door County with the Fox Valley Thunderbirds of Wisconsin on September 13-15. Sign up and registration deadlines are fast approaching. Page 64 Last Saturday, we went on our annual Day Trip to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. It was their "Swashbucklers" theme event, and we had three wenches in our group. My favorite show was the "Greatest Show on Earth" also known as the "Mud Pit". If you like the Three Stooges, you'll love this show and 1 loved it! Must be a guy thing. Several of us saw it. Look lor the Complete Event report. Shout outs to Annie and Joel for coordinating. The Board is in the process of obtaining C.T.C.C. window flags to be used by Non-Classic Birds at the rear of the caravan to indicate to the non-caravan cars to not cut into our group. Thanks to Bill and Liz, for heading this up. Please review our C.T.C.C. Calendar on Page 2 for Events for future events. RSVP with each coordinator as soon as possible, and make an effort to attend as many events as possible. Remember -the C.T.C.C. is Your Club - Get Involved! Stay Healthy and Drive Safely - President Pete
Search for Dream Tour Cars
FORD'S AMERICAN DREAM CAR TOUR In 2000 when Ford announced that it would begin building the 2002-model Thunderbird, Americans in major cities across the country had a chance to win one of three 1950s era classic Thunderbirds as part of a special tour designed to build on the excitement of the car that has become a national icon. Beginning Memorial Day weekend on May 27, 2000, three mid-1950s era white, two-seat roadsters began a tour driving through the streets of 144 cities and towns as a part of Ford's "American Dream Car Tour." The tour kicked off in southern California, south Florida and the greater New York area. It continued through August 20. People spotting one of the classic white Thunderbirds sporting the American Dream Car Tour logo could enter a sweepstakes and could win one of three vintage cars. The observers could enter online or mail a letter stating information on the day, city and approximate location they saw the car. The sweepstakes winners were announced in October. Dealers were not yet taking orders for the new 2002 Thunderbird. However, the American Dream Car Tour was the first step in Ford's marketing efforts for the new car. Two of the Dream Cars (white '55's with red interiors) were restored for this promotion by Justin Minter (Amos Minter's son) and his crew in Dallas. A third Thunderbird was purchased from Prestige Thunderbird in Santa Fe Springs, CA. The winners of these cars were Kirn Marsella of Greenwich, CT, Griggon Barry of Springdale, AR and Jeff Peck of Deltona, FL. Where are fhese cars today? -Dave Tulowitzky | Trail Bird News 2012
Bristol Renaissance Faire-
CTCC MEMBERS RETURN TO
SHERWOOD FOREST
The T-Birders made quite a stir at the Bristol Renaissance Faire on Pirate Weekend July 17th. Once again, CTCC swooped in on the quaint renaissance-like village that comes to life for just a few short weeks each summer, with myriad entertainers, merchants and entertainers all plying their skills, trade and wares in period correct (but fashion-backward) attire. In attendance were Judy and Tom Bruin, Doug and Soon Rogers, Ed Levin and Rose Kovalenko, Len and Mary Keil. Pete and Marylu Kramer, Bill and Liz Werth. Annie Luginbill and
oel Greenberg, and Andy Rominiecki. Tagging along for the fun in full pirate regalia (but in a regular car), were Karisa Bruin and her fellow actress Rebecca Mauldin. We had 7 little 'Birds, and one "retro" ' Bird.
After a leisurely stroll around the sizeable fair grounds and village, we took in some of the traditional offerings. Highlights included the always enjoyable mud pit show, enjoying an ice cold adult beverage while watching real live knights joust, watching fairies dance among the trees, a true renaissance lunch consisting of artichokes by the dozen (Look, ma, no silverware!), BBQ turkey legs, beef sandwiches and more cold adult beverages. All of this was enjoyed while watching the endless parade of colorful and shapely costumed faire-goers. Of particular interest was the growing frequency of chainmail bikini sightings (If there is such a thing as Fashion Police, they were sorely missing on this day....it appears these metallurgical wonders come in every size imaginable! And. if you want to plan ahead for next year, rest assured any one of us could pull it off with enough chainmail!)
Next year, all T-Bird members are expected to participate in the bawdy mud lights - You can be a Spartan or a Trojan, but remember that Trojans, unlike our classic T-Birds, are unbreakable!
Karisa Bruin
Sunday, July 7, 2013
The Battlebirds
SPORTS & CLASSICS OF MONTEREY
12-14 August 2010
Lot 135
1957 Ford Thunderbird # 98 Factory Racing Car "The Battlebird"
Sold for $280,000
Chassis no. C7FH170266
Est. 350 bhp, Hilborn fuel-injected 312 Y-block V8 engine, Jaguar four-speed manual transmission, Halibrand QC rear end, lightweight aluminum body panels, heavily modified suspension, braking, cooling and exhaust systems, wheelbase: 102".
-The only remaining 'Battlebird"
- Driven by Chuck Daigh and Marvin Panch at Daytona in 1957
The "Battlebirds"
Ford's Thunderbird series, which debuted in 1955 was designed more as a stylish and fast boulevard cruiser than as an out and out sports car. However in late 1956, perhaps sensing the early V8 Corvette's potential as a track weapon, Ford decided to build and race two Experimental class 1957 T-Birds.
Peter De Paolo Engineering, a Long Beach, California based race shop subsidized by the Ford Motor Company, got the job of preparing two T-Birds, later dubbed "Battlebirds" by the media. Famed racecar constructors Jimmy Travers and Frank Coons were in turn retained by De Paolo to carry out most of the actual modifications.
"Battlebird" Specifications
Extensive use of aluminum to replace standard T-Bird steel components in order to save weight was employed. This included the doors, hood and trunk lid skins, head and tail lamp housings, side vent doors, passenger side tonneau cover and a beautiful streamlined full length driver's side head fairing. Heavy duty stock car type suspension, steering and brakes were adapted as well as a dual exhaust system with tail pipes being flared into the rear of the rocker panels. The lightweight Halibrand magnesium road wheels with 3-eared knock-offs were fitted with Firestone racing tires. The original interior was completely removed and replaced with a single lightweight racing seat located behind a small six-gauge instrument pod that replaced the original dashboard layout.
The #98 'Battlebird' was powered by a highly modified Hilborn-injected 312 Ford Y-Block V8 with magneto igninition. No suitable American 4-speed transmission existed in 1956, so a Jaguar XK120 unit was adapted, as well as a Halibrand Quick-Change rear end. Removal of bumpers and liberal hole drilling in steel components was also undertaken by the De Paolo team. Weight distribution was improved by moving the engine back six inches and placing it four inches lower. The end result was essentially a "full-race" American automobile that still looked like a 1957 Thunderbird but had very little in common with its normal showroom relative.
A Sports Cars Illustrated (July 1957) article entitled "Ford's 400 Horse T-Birds" said it best: "Performance wise the 'Birds were little short of bing domestic Ferraris. On second thought, they should have been- for each of these finely engineered cars must have cost more then $20,000!"
The "Battlebirds" on the Track
Specifically constructed for the highly publicized Daytona Beach two-way flying mile speed runs, the two cars made their first appearance on February 9th, 1957.
Driven by Chuck Daigh, this T-Bird, numbered as "98" and fitted with injection and a McCullough [McCulloch- Ed] supercharger, reportedly made a 200 plus mph run before ventilating its block and preventing a return run which disqualified it from the record book. After that, the blower was removed and the new engine took Daigh to a third place at 93.312 mph in the standing mile acceleration class. #98 was then entered in the local airport road course races where stock car driver Marvin Panch placed second to Carroll Shelby's 4.9 Ferrai. When the Automobile Manufacturers Association decreed that its members were to withdraw from racing events in 1957, the Ford Motor Company sold off the two experimental "Battlebirds" to the private sector.
"Battlebird" History After Daytona.
Both cars- the #98 (#170266) and the #99, powered by a 368 Lincoln engine- were sold by FOMOCO to Andy Hotten in July of 1957 who campaigned them briefly in the Midwest with a partner. The Lincoln-engined car was destroyed and longer exists, making the #98 'Battlebird' the only Factory-built example to remain.
Later, Hotten sold #98 to Parnelli Jones, remaining in his museum until 1975 when it passed to Gerald Popejoy of Dallas, Texas. In 1991 Popejoy, now in Springfield , Missouri, advertised tn Hemming's for someone to help restore the car.
Californian Gil Baumgartner, Authenticity Chairman of the Classic T-Bird Club and a skilled restorer, replied to the ad but received no response. In 1992, when Popejoy decided against a restoration in favor of a sale, Baumgartner caught the ad and talked his friend Robert "Bo" Cheadle, a well-to-do racecar collector, into the purchase. By this time (1993) the car was still quite original but missing the Hilborn Injection, tonneau cover and Jaguar transmission.
Gil Baumgartner, a perfectionist if ever there was one, did a lot of "Battlebird" research before turning a wrench, but once started, the project came together in less than a year.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Dog 'n' Suds
In spite of gray skies and an "iffy" weather forecast, 14 members braved the threatening rain to cruise over to Miller's Dog 'n' Suds on Saturday, June 22nd. The members joining in included: Dan and JoAnn Renda, Doug and Soon Hee Rogers, Lloyd and Joan Schellin, Larry and Karen Kelly, Peter and Lisa Ekstrom, Lee and Gina Bakakos, Jerry and Doreen Michna, Bob and Barb Sroka, Jim Wilson, Dan Mrozek, Jim Elijah, Arthur Hahl, Andy Rominiecki and yours truly. We had 11 beautiful vintage Thunderbirds on display and 1 old Mustang.
The classic car gods smiled on our group as the skies cleared shortly afler our arrival for a beautiful and pleasant evening. Our group set up the lawn-chairs and enjoyed burgers, hot dogs, fries, house-made root beer, ice cream, friendship and rock and roll hits from the 1950s and '60s courtesy of the band, "Tony and the Affects."
All in all, a fun evening was had, as this group usually does when driving our beloved classics and eating is involved!
Tom Bruin
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