Bird News Cover Dec. 2009

The Thunderbird Anthology 1956

This month, we again feature another one of the several Ford Motor Company advertisements included in The Thunderbird Anthology CD. The 1956 Red/White interior shows off well in contrast to the Gray body color and the Black Soft Top. There were two Gray color options in 1956: Thunderbird Gray and Navajo Gray.

Unfortunately, as is the case with all of the other photos on the CD, there is no explanation oridentification included for the collection of images. - Editor

The Editors Notebook

the editor's NOTEbook
BERT EISENHOUR

WITH PRESS-TIME NIPPING AT MY HEELS. IT WAS A SAD REMINDER OF THINGS TO come, when snowplows roared down the road! The light dusting of snow didn't warrant any actual "plowing," so I trust this was merely a training exercise.....

The 2009 Calendar (page 2) shows our Annual holiday Party as the last event scheduled for this year. It also signals time for CTCC DUES Renewals. Membership Chair Madline Zambon, has already sent out the Renewal Forms for 2010, so get your check in the mail.

The (tentative) 2010 CTCC Calendar appears on page 3.

While Fall 2010 is still far in the future, Pete and marylu Kramer have prepared advance notice for the Annual CTCC Fall Tour. (Refer to PLAN AHEAD on page 9).

The first outing scheduled for the New Year is the special Brunch/Magic Show on Sunday, January 10th (See page 10 for details and RESERVATIONS/PRE PAYMENT.)

An interesting modification to a '55 T-Bird is pictured on page 9! The 1955 Ford advertisement shown on page 6 is a bit different from most other period layouts. My file copy doesn't reveal the publication source- or date of release.

The Rear Cover design includes the familiar "T-Bird Santa" Christmas Tree ornament, while the three "Birds and Sleigh panel is based on a design I developed several years ago. The TARTC Dec. 2009 Newsletter utilized this layout- adding color to the T-Birds.

BEST WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON FROM THE OFFICERS AND CTCC MEMBERSHIP

PRESIDENTS REPORT

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

2009 saw CTCC enjoying a great year. Club events, especially the Spring and Fall Tours, were a great success, due in no small part to the efforts of the organizers. THANKS to all of the members who planned events for the Club.

If you have an idea for an outing, contact any Board member.

The Board is in the process of developing a schedule of events for 2010. Our old standbys - the PIZZA PARTY & PICNIC - are already on the schedule.

We would like to do some ONE-DAY outings this year. Any ideas??? Contact me, or any Board member with your suggestions.

2010 promises to be an exciting year with the June 15-20 CTCI INTERNATIONAL in Dayton and the CTCC Fall Tour to Door County, Wisconsin. The Fall Tour, a four-day event, is being planned for late September by Pete and Marylu Kramer.

Club membership remains quite stable at II6.
The success of our Club is due to the active
participation of its members.

We are looking forward to seeing all of our
members at the upcoming CHRISTMAS
PARTY.
- Len Keil

A Sound Investment Here

BY MIKE McNESSOR

American collector-car enthusiasts coming of age in the last 30-40 years view the '57 Thunderbird as a star among collector cars. This is in no small part due to the sheer number of times these iconic machines have appeared on TV and the silver screen.

The International Movie Cars Database lists more than two dozen visual references to the '57. That number nearly quadruples if you count the '55-'56 edition. (One of which was, of course, the '56 T-Bird that a sultry Suzanne Somers drove Richard Dreyfuss's character nuts with in American Grqffiti). The most exposed '57 might be the car that Robert Urich drove as private investigator Dan Tanna in TVs Vega$.

So what does this have to do with the value of one of the most recognizable of Dearborn's products? Hard to say, but the staying power of the T-Bird in pop culture probably had some influence on the steady rise we've seen from a low of about $7,500 for a scruffy driver when Vega$ aired its second season in 1979 to a high in the neighborhood of $75,000 today.
Three decades ago, a "national 1st place" winning '57 "E" "Bird with two four barrels and a 271hp 312 was advertised in Hemmings for $25,000. At Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2009, an E 'Bird, restored to "Minter-quality standards" (a reference to the Thunderbird specialist-house Amos Minter's Thunderbirds in North Dallas, Texas) and equipped with the desirable three-speed manual with overdrive, sold for $128,700.

Those of us here who cover auctions tend to think of "baby 'Birds" as being sleepy in terms of value because there are invariably a few examples at every auction trading hands in the $30,000-145,000 range. In recent years, they just haven't been at the center of a Hemi or Ferrari type of craze that sent their values skyrocketing, so we tend to overlook them.

But there has been noticeable and reliable appreciation. For instance, in 1999 sellers were advertising T-Birds in Hemmings for as low as $8,500 and as high as $47,500. Popular price guides at the time put the '57 at a low of $16,800 to a high of $35,100. Today, the low end for cars sold nationally begins north of $25,000 and runs as high as $75,000. Consumer price guides list the car more conservatively at $22,600 to $56,600. And we have seen serviceable examples being sold in smaller, local and regional classified publications in the $20,000 range.

The low price of a project car can be attractive, given the volume of repair parts available and the network of experts and enthusiasts. But a front fender can cost as much as $4,500 and isn't a bolt-on replacement due to the T-Bird's unitized construction. The rocker panels, rocker supports, front floor pans and front air ducts were prone to rust, and repair panels are available. But shoppers cruising for lower priced T-Birds might find cars that have already been repaired, albeit less than professionally.

Perhaps if s a no-brainer, but we're putting the Thunderbird on the buy list. Prices aren't going down, and we're thinking it's just a matter of time before someone makes Vega$ the movie...

* Thanks to Pete Ekstrom of submitting this article from Hemmings Motor News- October, 2009

Annual Fall Tour- 2009

ANNUAL CTCC FALL TOUR ~ October 2-4, 2009

OUR EXCURSION STARTED AT the McDonald's at Rte. 53 and Rte. 56; we received our packets and took off in the rain (what else?). We were 11 Little 'Birds, two new 'Birds and Larry's Honda. We traveled to Dixon, IL to visit the John Deere historical site; it was here that John moved to from Vermont and built his blacksmith shop. In

1837 John invented the self-cleaning, stainless steel plow, which revolutionized farming in the mid-west. A replica of the John Deere blacksmith shop was built on the site. It was here that we saw a demonstration of making a leaf from a square metal rod. We then toured the house where John, his wife and nine children had lived.

phot0: Cars parked in circular drive at Quarters 1

As the John Deere story continued in Moline, so did we; but first we had our tradition to fulfill - lunch at Culver's. Our next destination was the Deere-Wiman house. This house was built for John's youngest child, Charles. He was the only child to live to adulthood and he eventually took over the company. He had two daughters and the Deere family name ended with him. Anna married Charles Wiman and they resided in this house, raising two sons. This house had some really neat bathrooms. One had a rain shower and body sprays (just like they make now), only this was built in the late 1800's and the pipes showed. After touring this house, we went across the street to tour the Butterworth Center, which is the home of William and Katherine (Charles1 second daughter). The highlight of this house was the ceiling of the library. The room was built for the painting, which was 20' x 40' and had been painted in Venice in the 1700's.

It was now time to head to the Comfort Inn; after getting settled in, we all headed to the Hospitality Room for refreshments supplied by the members, socialization, a beautiful necklace for each lady made by Annie, and of course, pizza!! It's another CTCC tradition.

Saturday morning, we had a leisurely breakfast - with more socializing, especially we girls. Meanwhile, the guys were busy wiping down the rain-soaked 'Birds; then they opened the T-Bird hoods as members gathered to admire the engine compartments.

At 10 a.m. we were off to the Bishop Hill Historical Site and village. Our first stop was at the historic site, where we watched a movie and viewed a painting by Olof Krans, which depicts the formation and life in the settlement. We then went into the village and we were on our own until 2:30 when we headed back to the motel. We had plenty of time to explore, shop and eat. Those of us who had lunch at the Red Oak, per Ken's suggestion, had a real treat - the chicken and biscuit was to die for; but there were raves about the meatballs. too. The pies were not to be overlooked, nor was the lingonbenry tea.

We headed out to Arsenal Island, which is the largest island on the Mississippi River, and is an active military base. Our destination was the Quarter 1 building; it was the home of the commanding officer from 1870-2007. It s the second largest federal-owned house; only the White House is larger. We could roam this beautiful old house as we pleased. It is here that we had a wonderful prime rib and chicken buffet dinner. Our evening ended with more camaraderie, but with a twist. All the guys were together around one group of tables, and the girls at another. It was soooo loud, the girls departed to a meeting room, so we could talk!

Sunday morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we began to pack up. We had one last stop in Utica at the Illinois River Winery. We had a guided tour through the winery as we learned about the wine-producing process. It was then on to the tasting room; many of us found a favorite or two to buy. We then said our goodbyes.

Those who participated in this great get-away were: Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill, Bob and Helen Hoge, Larry Johnson and Sue Hommedieu, Larry and Karen Kelly, Joe and Sandra Kraatz, Peter and Marylu Kramer, Ed Levin and Rose Kovelenko, Dan Mrozek and Judy Butler, Ron Pavlak, Jerry and Pat Peterson, Lloyd and Joan Schellin, Ken and Kathy Smizinski, Len and Irene Vinyard and Bill and Liz Werth.

Last, but not least, a very big thank you to Joel and Annie for all their hard work to make this Fall Tour so great!
- Pat and Jerry Peterson

Art Hascek (1916-2009)

IN MEMORIAM
Art Hascek
April 12, 1916-October 16, 2OO9

It is with regret and a deep sense of personal loss that we report the passing of long-time CTCC member, Art Hascek.
Art and Gail attended their first Club meeting in October, 1972 and joined CTCC in November, as proud owners of a Red 1957 Thunderbird! Art maintained his interest in the T-Bird and CTCC meetings, events and Shows, eventually launching a restoration project on his beloved 'Bird. After a long period of delays and disappointments with an unscrupulous restoration shop, the '57 was rescued from near disaster. The long trail of tribulations finally ended when the gleaming Thunderbird captured a First Place Trophy at an All Thunderbird Car Show in 2008 (see adjoining photo).
Art was indeed a very special person, as anyone who had the privilege of knowing him can attest.
Art was a WWII Navy veteran, and it was not until quite recently that I discovered that we had both attended the Farragut Naval Training Station located in Farragut, Idaho. I found the Military Burial Service for Art to be a fitting tribute. The TAPS item and photo (above) are from the Farragut Newsletter — September, 2004.
The Officers and Membership of the ClassicThunderbird Club of Chicagoland extend their deepest sympathy to Gail, Laura and Mike, as we share in their loss.
- Editor

Holiday Party 2009

Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland
Holiday Party

Saturday, December 12, 2009
Cocktails at 6:30 p.m. - Dinner at 7:30 p.m.

CHANDLER'S
at the Schaumburg Golf Club
401 N. Roselle Road
Schaumburg, IL 60194
847-490-7074

MENU

Breast of Chicken Marsala:
Boneless chicken breast sauteed with mushroom and marsala wine.

or Roast Sirloin of Beef
Tender slices of sirloin topped with mushroom bordelaise sauce.

or Orange Roughy
Topped with a citrus buerre blanc sauce.

All entries are $22 and are served with soup, salad, potato, vegetables, dessert and coffee or hot tea.

CASH BAR

Please send checks with entree choices by November 30 to:
Ken Smizinski
157 Oaksbury Lane
Palatine, IL 60067
847-397-3747

This special CTCC price is good for member and spouse or one guest.

Art Hascek (1916-2009)

I am sorry to report that Art Hascek died on Friday evening. Please pass the following information along to our fellow CTCC members.

Laura Hascek said that Art's T'Bird will be displayed at the Service on Wednesday and CTCC members are invited to bring their 'Birds.
Services for Arthur J. Hascek (1916-2009)
Tuesday 10/20– WAKE
3-9 pm
Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Wednesday 10/21- FUNERAL at church
Lay in state- 9-10am
Services– 10am
Messiah Lutheran Church
130 W Butterfield RdElmhurst, IL
With a procession to
Chapel Hill Gardens for graveside burial
17w201 Roosevelt RoadOakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

From there to a luncheon at
Alpine Banquet House
11141 W. Roosevelt Rd
Westchester, IL 60154

Editor's Notebook Oct. 2009

The Editor's Notebook
BERT EISENHOUR

WITH THE OFFICIAL ARRIVAL OF FALL, IT SIGNALS THE time for the CTCC Fall Tour to take wing - Oct. 2nd - 4th. Look for the story and photos in the November issue! The CTCC Election of Officers found the incumbents retaining their posts, as there were no nominations made from the floor. See page 6 for Bill Werth's photograph of the (smiling) group!

Photo- CTCC Officers for 2010- Standing: Pete Kramer- Vice President, Len Keil- President. Seated: Liz Werth - Secretary, Bob Hoge- Treasurer

Having been involved with the Meadowdale Race facility during its hey day, I have devoted a page to the 50th Anniversary of the now abandoned road course. See page 3 for the memories. The shrinking CTCC Calendar reflects the fact that "T-Bird Season" is fast disappearing! The November 12th Meeting will feature a photo review of the 2009 activities to-date, a Power-Point production by Liz Werth. Also, voting for the BERT EISENHOUR AWARD for 2009 is on the agenda, with the presentation scheduled for the Holiday Party in Dec.

We have learned that long-time member. Pat Giffin, has recently suffered some health issues, but we are happy to report that he is now at home during his recovery.

While the Calendar (page 2) now includes a reminder for CTCI members to plan for the International Convention in June of 2010, it is not too early to start preparing T-Birds for the Concours event! The relatively close proximity of the Convention should encourage a good turnout from our CTCC membership. Check EARLY BIRD for detailed info.

Speaking of 2010, the CTCC Board has decided to eliminate the Spring Tour from our schedule, since the International Convention will attract so many of our members.

Meadowdale Raceway

HALLOWED PAVEMENT

MEADOWDALE RACEWAY
50TH ANNIVERSARY

Meadowdale Motorsports & Memories
See photos for pictures

Following a near rainout in 2008, the event was re-scheduled for Sept. 19, 2009. It was designated as: Inaugural Event September 2009.

In sharp contrast to last year's dismal weather, a picture-perfect day unfolded for this year's celebration! While promotional releases indicated that storied drivers Augie Pabst, Jr., Don Devine and Harry Heuer would be in attendance, we were disappointed to find that Augie could not be there. Don and Harry were kept busy reliving their racing days and signing countless autographs throughout the day. My copy of the Official Entry Form for the May 31-June 1, 1969 race was signed by Don & Harry. (I have donated original Race Forms from two of the 1969 Race Events to the Meadow-dale collection.)

The event drew about 200 vehicles of all types! The display was staged on the actual blacktop that was once the track's main straightaway. There were 4 - T-Birds in the impressive line-up: Gordon Gluff ('56) an Elgin resident ('57), an "M" Sports Roadster and my '57 "E" 'Bird. The Race Cars included two of the legendary Scarabs, a famous Nickey (with the backward "K") Chevrolet Corvette as well as several other vintage racecars.

The track opened in September of 1958, however, a number of factors led to its closing in 1969. While the silo still stands at the west side of Rte. 31 in Carpentersville, only a few sections of the track still survive.

The sounds of powerful engines has long since given way to on eerie silence, broken only by the cries of high-flying birds and the wind rustling through the trees.

It was an unforgettable day as drivers and visitors shared in a salute to the past glories of this once-proud road course. Who can forget the high-banked Monza Wall, Doane's Corner, etc.? For me, the visit brought back memories of when my Inca Gold '57 circled this track for 50 laps! (It was an Economy Run, not a "racing" competition.)

For more information,see: MEADOWDALE RACEWAY.HOMESTEAD.COM

NOTE: IT WAS GREAT TO SEE AL TOURANGEAU, A FORMER CTCC MEMBER, TAKING IN THE SPECTACLE! - Editor