Under the Hood with Angelo Van Bogart

A plan comes together

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:58:36 GMT

There’s nothing like seeing a project come together, whether it’s as small as detailing a trunk compartment, as big as rebuilding an engine or as in-depth as completing a comprehensive body-off-frame restoration. And that’s a lot like seeing Old Cars Report come together.

It’s long been a dream of mine to see information in the Old Cars Weekly library become available to readers, and now that Old Cars Report is live at www.oldcarsweekly.com, readers can now get a look into the stacks of information the staff has at its disposal.
With Old Cars Report, readers can go online to look up historical information on production cars, view factory photos, break down VIN information, determine production numbers, learn a vehicle’s technical information, see factory prices, view available options and other historical data in one individualized report.

This site is also excellent for determining values, and more than just looking up prices from Old Cars Price Guide. Users can also view complete realized auction prices going back as far as 2001 for their specific car. Old Cars Weekly features more than 100 auctions each year, so every time a car like yours has sold since 2001, and it appeared in Old Cars Weekly’s auction coverage, you’ll find it in Old Cars Report and draw your own conclusions when it comes to determining values.

Much like an automotive project in which there’s always more that can be done, we’re also looking to the future and finding more data we can add to Old Cars Report, so stay tuned. This is just the beginning.

Mercer, Stutz to escape Simeone Automotive Museum

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:18:38 GMT

You've read about the Simeone Automotive Museum in auto pubs, including OCW, and now they're opening the doors. Here's a release I rec'd on an upcoming event: RACING CARS OF THE PAST COME ALIVE AT SIMEONE MUSEUM DEMONSTRATION DAYS PRE-WWI RACING CARS TO RUN THIS WEEKEND AT THE SIMEONE AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM WHAT: Three extremely rare racing cars of the pre-WWI era will be run on the 3-acre back lot at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. Cars to be demonstrated include a 1913 Mercer Raceabout (pictured), a 1912 National and a 1916 Stutz Bearcat. WHERE: At the Museum, 6825 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia 19153 (Near the Airport Automall, right off I-95) WHEN: Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 12 Noon WHY: The Simeone Museum is one of the only automotive museums in the world where rare racing cars can be seen and heard driving. The visuals of these beautiful cars driving at speed is compelling. Dr. Simeone will be available for interviews. More information available at: www.simeonemuseum.org The event is open to the public and is included with the regular admission price. Plenty of free parking.

A Duesenberg of a Fellow

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:55:39 GMT

On June 3, the old car hobby lost one of its most enthusiastic souls with the passing of 88-year-old Alfred “Al” Ferrara. Al was well-known around his beloved home of Cleveland for his family-run, straight-out-of-the-’50s Italian food market, Ferrara’s Imported Foods, and around the hobby for his Classic-era automobiles, particularly his Duesenberg and Pierce-Arrow car collection.

Al was one of those people that makes the hobby so great by sharing his cars, his knowledge and his historical artifacts -- all of which appeared on the pages of Old Cars Weekly through Al’s generosity. Readers may remember several stories featuring Al’s vintage photos of Duesenbergs on streets during the 1950s and earlier, a feature story on his 1928 Pierce-Arrow sedan and yet more pictures of his other cars at various events around the country.

While Al was happy to share his cars and vast knowledge about them with the public, he also enjoyed talking about cars one-on-one. Despite having some of the greatest cars ever built, including the Duesenberg known as the “Clark Gable SSJ,” Al was extremely approachable and loved to tell stories about the early days of car-collecting, when Classics could be purchased at used-car prices and those who purchased such cars did it purely out of love, rather than as an investment. Such stories mesmerized me, and I was fortunate to listen to them at Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club, Antique Automobile Club of America and Classic Car Club of America meets, Al’s home and market and the seats of his Duesenbergs. (On one occasion, we switched places and Al rode with me on a tour to the sites of closed car factories and dealerships around Cleveland in a drive I’ll never forget).

The only thing more important to Al than cars was family and friends, and he leaves many behind, including his sons Frank “Chick” and Alfred, Jr., grandsons Alfred III and John, several siblings and many friends in car clubs to which Al belonged for more than 50 years.

Al was a “Duesenberg of a man” who proved you didn’t have to be on the silver screen to inspire and excite people. For that, I’ll always call the red-and-silver short-wheelbase 1936 Duesenberg he owned for 45 years “Al’s SSJ.” Like his favorite marque, there will never be another, but we’re all much richer for the legacy each left behind.

The scrappers are at it again

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:18:16 GMT

This just in from SEMA:

To view this email as a web page, please follow this link

California Proposes to Enhance Vehicle Scrappage Program
State to Target Pre-1976 Vehicles

SEMA is opposing a California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposal to spend roughly $30 million annually for an Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program (EFMP) to augment the State's existing vehicle scrappage program. The proposal would provide incentives statewide for vehicles not currently eligible under the Consumer Assistance Program by removing the existing requirements that vehicles be subject to and fail Smog Check to participate. CARB is specifically targeting for scrappage pre-1976 vehicles that are not currently required to undergo Smock Check inspections. According to CARB, allowing vehicles that are not currently undergoing registration or that have passed their Smog Check to participate greatly expands the vehicle population that can be retired.

Participants would receive $1,000 per vehicle or $1,500 per vehicle if they meet low-income requirements. The proposal would also establish a pilot voucher program in the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley air basins that targets the highest-emitting vehicles and requires their replacement with newer, cleaner vehicles. The local air districts would work with the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to determine vehicle eligibility and low-income status. Once approved, the districts would provide the applicant a Letter of Eligibility from BAR and a redeemable voucher. Consumers would retire their vehicle at a participating dismantler, receiving an immediate compensation of $1,000 - $1,500 for vehicle retirement. Consumers could then redeem their voucher at participating car dealerships toward the purchase of a replacement vehicle. CARB is proposing that the voucher compensation be $2,000 or $2,500 per vehicle depending on income level.
CARB will conduct a public hearing to consider adoption of the proposed Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program Regulation (Car Scrap).

DATE:  June 25-26, 2009
TIME:   9:00 a.m.
PLACE: California Environmental Protection Agency
Air Resources Board, Byron Sher Auditorium
1001 I Street
Sacramento, California 95814

This item will be considered at a two-day meeting of the Board, which will commence at
9:00 a.m., June 25, 2009, and may continue at 8:30 a.m., on June 26, 2009. This item
may not be considered until June 26, 2009.

Comments to the proposal are due June 24. To read the full proposal, go to: http://eshist.bna.com/cgi-bin/eshstate?ca_19346p1

Written comments must be received no later than 12:00 noon, Pacific Standard Time, June 24, 2009, and addressed to the following:

Clerk of the Board, Air Resources Board
1001 I Street
Sacramento, California 95814

Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php
Fax submittal: (916) 322-3928

Terms under which this service is provided to you: sema.org/disclaimer

SEMA's mailing address: 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Copyright 2007. Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Heacock Classics' Top 10 Collectible Pontiacs

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:07:00 GMT

Heacock Classic sent out its list of the Top Ten Pontiac Collectibles from the last 50 Years, so I thought I'd share it here. While I agree all of these cars that made it on the list are great and extremely memorable, I wouldn't mind seeing a Tri-Power '59 on here, or a transaxle Tempest. But, there's only so much room on a list of ten cars. What would you add?

It would also be nice to see a list of Pontiacs that are more than 50 years old. What would you put on it? The 1957 Bonneville? The 1958 Bonneville? A Silver Streak fastback?

HEACOCK CLASSIC ANNOUNCES ITS
“TOP TEN PONTIAC COLLECTIBLES FROM THE LAST 50 YEARS”

With the recent news surrounding GM and the loss of Pontiac, Heacock Classic, a leading provider of collector car insurance, took a trip down memory lane to find the greatest Pontiac models it believes are destined to become collectibles.

Heacock Classic has listed below, the “Top Ten Pontiacs Collectibles from the Last 50 Years”:

1.      1962-1963 Catalina 421 SD
Designed only for racing, these purpose-built drag racers were the creation of Pontiac General Manager John Delorean to give Pontiac supremacy at NHRA and NASCAR events throughout the country. Although rated at 363-405 hp, these Holy Grails of collectible Pontiacs were said to put out 500 horsepower, easily. They sold new for about $6000, but they're worth over $100,000 each today.

2.      1969 Trans Am
Only 697 1969 Trans Ams were ever produced, all featured the Pontiac Ram Air III or Ram Air IV engine. Today, these first year Trans Ams are highly sought after by collectors.

3.      1969 Judge
At the same time the Trans Am was introduced as the ultimate Firebird, the Judge was introduced as the ultimate GTO. The first 500 produced were all painted Carousel Red (a bright shade of orange), and came with large rear spoilers, and bright-colored decals. Like its cousin the Trans Am, the 1969 Judge could be had with the Ram Air III or Ram Air IV engine.

4.      1973-1974 Trans Am and Formula Super Duty
Pontiac planned on putting its famous 455 Super Duty engine in the GTO, Grand Prix and Firebird models, but only the Firebird Formula and Trans Am got the high-horsepower engine. Production of these SD cars was very limited, and they are extremely collectible.

5.      1965-1967 GTO
Although the 1964 GTO is the first year of the body style, collectors prefer the stacked-headlight look of the '65-'67 over the first year model. Best examples are factory Tri-Power 389s ('65 and '66 only) or 400s (1967 only) mated to a four-speed manual transmission.

6.      1970-1972 Trans Am
The Second Generation Trans Am set the standard for the muscle car wars in 1970. It featured high horsepower, a great ride, and stunning looks. The 1970 1/2 Trans Am is a popular favorite because it is easy to find in the collector's marketplace, and featured either a Ram Air III or Ram Air IV engine. The 1971 and 1972 models are more rare, being produced in lower quantities, and both years came with the Pontiac 455 HO engine.

7.      1961 Catalina or Ventura
Many hobbyists consider the 1961 Pontiac coupe is considered as the prettiest Pontiac ever made. Both the Catalina and its fancier-trim cousin, the Ventura, are perfect examples of the era. Both have the one-year only bubble-top design that make them so beautiful. The best examples come with Tri Power 389s and four-speed manual trans.

8.      1977-1981 Trans Am Black and Gold Special Editions
Made famous by Burt Reynolds in "Smokey and the Bandit," the T/A SE, as it was known, was produced in large quantities throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. They have recently gained popularity among hobbyists, not so much for their horsepower, but more for great looks and connection to the movie.

9.      1998-2002 Trans Am WS6
Don't let these recent-memory Trans Ams fool you. They're sure to be the next big collectible in the Pontiac family, and there are plenty available in today's market at great pricing. They offer stunning looks, great style, incredible performance, and the convenience of modern engineering.

10. 2004-2006 GTO
These Australian-bred GTOs are full of power, and sure to be skyrocketing in price in twenty years. Now's the time to pick up a low-mile example and put it away. The 2005-2006 models are especially popular among hobbyists for their higher-horsepower LS2 engine.

Heacock Classic is a division of Heacock Insurance Group, Inc., based in Sebring, Florida. Founded <http://www.heacock.com> in 1922, it is a full-service independent insurance agency. Today Heacock Classic is one of the leading collector car insurance organizations in North America. For more information on Heacock Classic, please visit www.heacockclassic.com <http://www.heacockclassic.com/> .

The hunt for a hauler

Thu, 28 May 2009 20:11:30 GMT

Interest in new trucks is down right now, but in the collector-vehicle hobby, trucks remain as strong as ever. And rightly so, for at least two reasons: There have been many exceptionally good-looking trucks built through the years, and the utility of a truck is a necessity to the person who does his or her own work around the house and in the garage. Of course, that includes car collectors like you and me.

Before last fall, I just couldn’t justify adding a truck to my overflowing driveway. But last summer, I found myself begging and borrowing a friend’s spare truck as the parts associated with my projects increased in size. Perhaps subconsciously, I began steps last summer that would lead me to needing a truck. The Caprice was sold, I had a Cadillac engine ready to go to the machine shop and then found myself needing a winter beater. By fall, I knew I could finally justify owning a full-size truck as a daily driver, gas mileage be damned.

Shopping for a truck was as much fun as I have had looking for a vehicle in a long time. Selecting the make, year and configuration provided hours of entertaining research. Being a fancier of vintage vehicles, I went in search of a truck with a traditional two-wheel-drive, regular cab arrangement (and, hopefully, a stepside box if I found a Chevy). After searching for 1999-and-newer Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks, 1998-and-newer Dodge Rams and 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s, I bought a two-wheel-drive 2000 Chevy heavy-half that was a steal. The clincher was its long box for carrying fenders and its tow package for hauling home more project cars.

It will be some time before modern trucks like my 2000 Chevrolet are collector vehicles, and they will never be as good looking as the Fargo Sweptside or Hudson trucks recently featured in Old Cars Weekly, but with the growing collectability of trucks, I plan on keeping mine in top shape for that day.

How many are left?

Wed, 06 May 2009 14:00:34 GMT

Some of the many inquiries I receive from Old Cars Weekly readers request production numbers and numbers of surviving cars. I can usually help with production numbers, but when it comes to the total number of cars from a specific manufacturer that survive, it's impossible to determine except in two cases: Tuckers and Duesenbergs. These two makes of cars are so low-production and have such a following, many people track each cars' history and whereabouts, and have been doing so for so long, it would be truly amazing if a completely unknown car emerged from a barn or an estate in South America.

The most recent production question came from reader Joe Boccio, who owns two 1968 Pontiac Grand Prix models, one of which is euqipped with a 375-hp 428-cid witha four-speed. He says, "I do know it is one of 655 produced this way out of 31,711, but I would like to know how many are left on the road. Do you know of a way to obtain a current vehicle registration count (by state or the whole country) of a specific year, make and model?"

Determining exactly how many of nearly any car is almost impossible. A good example of the bad types of estimating is in a recent Sound Your Horn, in which a reader wrote in to say he had a Stutz of the same year/make/model featured in OCW. (In the story, we stated the Stutz was believed to be the last of that kind left. Turns out, that’s not the case. Because of such instances, we’re always careful how we word estimates of remaining cars.)

The only good estimates of remaining cars come from clubs that have registries for specific cars that were low production, and they are never 100 percent, because not everyone is a member, or has heard of the registry. Also, some people simply do not want to give out their information to such registries.

The best estimate people use for determining a survival rate is 10 percent. Given the effects of rust and accident damage, the frequency of salvaging high-mileage cars, etc., this is probably the closest we’ll ever be able to get. So, in this case, there are probably around 65 1968 Pontiac Grand Prix models with the 428-cid/375-hp/4-speed combination left.

However, Pontiac owners should be happy to know that few people can find such specific production numbers as Boccio and other Pontiac owners can for their cars, and that you have access to Pontiac Historical Services for documenting your car — it’s a luxury few owners have for documenting their cars.

Full Circle Wheels

Fri, 01 May 2009 19:15:46 GMT

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Larry Fechter, who lives not more than two miles from the Old Cars Weekly office in Iola, Wis. The purpose of the trip was to see Fechter’s fresh “barn find” 1970 Plymouth Road Runner, a car with such an incredible story it is featured in this week’s issue.

While checking out the Road Runner, I spotted a Daytona Yellow 1969 Camaro RS-Z/28 coupe in Fechter’s immaculate shop. The Camaro took me back to when I was a kid, riding around in a LeMans Blue ’69 Z/28. But as much as I was taken with the Camaro, its Mickey Thompson torque-thrust wheels mesmerized me as much as the car itself.

I’ve always appreciated certain period additions on different types of cars: Woodlites on Cords, Trippe lights on V-16 Cadillacs, vintage Sun tachometers in ’Cudas and aftermarket wheels on a variety of muscle cars. And one of my favorite types of vintage wheels are five-spoke “torque thrusts,” which are again being offered.

In high school, I ran a set on my 1969 Buick Skylark, which made the ol’ “Lark” that much meaner-looking. However, the wheels didn’t start out as a set. A friend who lived nearby had a pair of Mickey Thompson torque-thrusts that his father had bought many years ago from a garage sale.

Apparently, the seller only had two wheels and couldn’t find the others. I bought the pair from the friend and ran them on the front of the Sklyark. At the rear, I left the black-painted steel wheels exposed.

After driving the Skylark with mismatched wheels for a short time, my neighbor, a two-BMW-driving fellow, walked over and asked about the Skylark’s “new” wheels. I explained I only had two and was surprised when he said he had two wheels of a similar type in his basement. The other two wheels from the set had been sold by his wife in a garage sale many years ago. Sure enough, they were a matched set, reunited on my ’69 Skylark.

When I sold the Skylark, I kept the wheels for a while, hoping to use them on another car. The wheels were sold when my ’62 Cadillac needed a paint job, but I still daydream about uniting a Skylark with a set of Mickey
Thompson torque-thrusts.

Take that, Prius!

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:29:05 GMT

I've never been impressed with the Toyota Prius' fuel mileage knowing that, 20 years ago, Geo Metros were getting more than 50 mpg without all of the batteries and maggot-shaped styling features of the Prius. (I've also never been so underwhelmed by the look and feel of a car's interior as I was with the Prius.) So any way to give alternatives to one of these cars is always a plus for me, especially when it comes from the Ford family. Here's the latest news I have received over the wire showing the results of Ford's green efforts, led by William Clay "Bill" Ford Jr. (For the record, Bill Ford has been environmentally conscious well before Toyota has been loading its lots with gas-sucking TUNDRA's, SEQUOIA's and the like.)

Fusion Hybrid Averages 81.5 MPG, Sets World Record with 1,445 Miles on Single Tank of Gas

- Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques achieve 1,445 miles on a single tank of gas in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - averaging 81.5 mpg in Washington, D.C. - and set world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan

- The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge proves that fuel-efficient driving techniques can nearly double a vehicle's EPA-rated fuel economy

- The demonstration of the Fusion Hybrid's ultra high-mileage potential also raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

WASHINGTON, April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques such as smooth acceleration and coasting to red lights were able to get an extraordinary 1,445.7 miles out of a single tank of gas during a fund-raising effort in Washington, D.C. that concluded today. They did it by averaging 81.5 miles per gallon in an off-the-showroom floor, non-modified 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient midsize car in North America - nearly doubling its U.S. certified mileage.

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge started at 8:15 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ended this morning at 5:37 a.m. on George Washington Parkway in Washington, D.C. After more than 69 continuous hours of driving, the Fusion Hybrid finally depleted its tank and came to a stop with an odometer reading of 1,445.7 miles - setting a world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan.

The challenge team, which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) engineers, raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by exceeding the goal of 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas. The Fusion Hybrid's official estimated range is approximately 700 miles per tank.

"Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid's fuel efficiency, it also shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential," said Nancy Gioia, director, Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs. "The fact that we were able raise much needed funds for JDRF while raising the bar on fuel efficient driving performance made the effort doubly worthwhile."

Maximizing mileage

A team of seven drivers prepared for the challenge by learning a few mileage-maximizing techniques, most of which can be used in any vehicle to improve fuel economy, but are especially useful in the Fusion Hybrid where the driver can take advantage of pure electric energy at speeds below 47 mph.

CleanMPG.com founder Wayne Gerdes, an engineer from Illinois who coined the term "hypermiling" to describe the mileage-maximizing techniques, provided the pointers. They include:

  --  Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;

-- Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;

-- Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic

conditions;

-- Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake

wear;

-- Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the

engine;

-- Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;

-- Applying the "Pulse and Glide" technique while maintaining the flow of

traffic;

-- Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle's kinetic

forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build

speed; and

-- Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

"You become very aware of your driving because you're constantly looking for opportunities to maximize mileage, and a more aware driver is a safer driver, too," said Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager.

In addition, it is important for Fusion Hybrid drivers to manage the battery system's state of charge through the use of regenerative braking and coasting, and balancing the use of the electric motor and gas engine in city driving to avoid wasting fuel.

Fusion Hybrid drivers also can stay more connected to the hybrid driving experience with Ford's SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

The Challenge

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge team took turns driving several routes in and around the national capital over the course of approximately three days and nights. The route involved elevation changes, and ranged from the relatively open George Washington Parkway to a 3-mile stretch in the heart of the city that is clogged with roughly 30 traffic signals.

"The Fusion Hybrid works brilliantly," Gerdes said. "When you don't need acceleration power while driving around town, the gas engine shuts down seamlessly. There's not another hybrid drivetrain in the world that does that as effectively. The Fusion engineering team really knocked it out of the park."

Ford NASCAR star Carl Edwards took time away from the high speed world of professional car racing to contribute to the Fusion Hybrid team's success in D.C.

"It was exciting to be an active part in this challenge. The fact that it will help spread the word about the Fusion Hybrid's great mileage, and help out a great charity, makes it even more special," said Edwards, whose '99' team has used fuel-saving techniques to win races. "There's no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it. Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is - so strong that I've purchased one myself."

Good-bye, Pontiac?

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:54:37 GMT

It's becoming more official with each passing day: Pontiac is on its way out.

The performance-minded brand is not generating the sales it once did, and with GM struggling, many sources are reporting the marque's demise, perhaps prematurely. However, it's no surprise that Pontiac is flailing in this economic climate, since performance has taken a back seat (or trunk position) to fuel economy these days. (Thanks, oil companies. We still haven't forgotten last summer's fuel prices yet, or the record profits from them.)

Longtime OCW readers know Pontiac is near and dear to retired OCW editor John Gunnell's heart, as he's authored several books on the GM marque, and owns several examples, going back to the 1930s.

Here's the latest news (or speculation) I found on Pontiac's demise. We'll keep tabs on what develops in the future, and once anything is cast in stone, we'll give readers a full report in OCW.

UPDATE:
It's official: Pontiac killed by GM

After almost 83 years as a division of General Motors, Pontiac will be no more. The companion car that grew out of General Motors' Oakland division in 1926, then overtook it, was, for many years, a quality family car offering more cylinders than a Chevrolet. It then gained a performance-car image in the 1950s and '60s, then morphed into an affordable personal luxury car into the 1970s and '80s, but has not been able to survive in its latest form as a performance car again.

Along with cutting Pontiac, GM will also cut 21,000 hourly jobs, according to the Wall Street Journal and Detroit Free Press, and reduce the number of plants from 47 to 34 by 2012. Car-wise, the automaker expects to reduce its total number of nameplates from 48 to 34, a number which presumably includes the entire Pontiac lineup.

Suprisingly, the future of Hummer has not been announced, but given the poor climate for SUV sales, especially that of Hummer, it's truly shocking that, if cuts were to be made in the GM stable, passenger car-heavy Pontiac would get the axe before Hummer. Along with Hummer, GM expects to announce the future of Saturn before the end of 2009, though possible offers for the division by outside parties have been presented to GM management.

A Corvette surprise

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:40:02 GMT

While planning a "field trip" to see an Iola resident's barn-find '70 Road Runner (featured in the May 7 issue of Old Cars Weekly), I met up with Dennis Bickford of Vintage Woodworks. Dennis' Chrysler Town & Country work has been featured in OCW several times, but few know he's also a Corvette guy, and has been for years.

Dennis was the one who told me about the Road Runner, and he was going to escort John Gunnell and I over to the shop of the Road Runner's owner. When I pulled in Dennis' driveway, I surprised was to see him dusting off a 1970 Corvette. (I was aware that he owned a '65 roadster, as I'd seen him drive it to our local Wednesday night cruise-in on several occasions, but the blue '70 shocked me.)
Apparently, Dennis and his equally wonderful wife had bought the car slightly used in 1970 while Dennis was stationed in Hawaii.

Dennis gave me the "low-down" on the car, but one of the most fascinating stories of his experience with it was when he shipped the car to the U.S. mainland after his stint in Hawaii was over. He said that, while in California to pick up the car, they stopped at his wife's relative's home in LA for a visit. Knowing 'Vettes were the most stolen cars of the time, Dennis was more than a little worried the car would be robbed while in LA. To disable the car from starting, Dennis removed the rotor from beneath the distributor cap. But he also knew it could be towed away in the night, so he tied a string to the car, then ran the string across the yard and up through the bedroom window, tying it off at his toe. If the car was going to be stolen, Dennis (and his toe) were going with it!