Pace Car Yellow 1947 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible was a Love Affair

Overseeing the restoration of the has been a labor of love for Ed Avedisian.

It is the last of 11 1940’s V-12 Lincolns that his late friend Craig Watjen had been restoring. Watjen inherited them from his brother Peter who died in 1996. Craig, who mixed a career that included playing the clarinet in orchestras and being one of the first employees hired by Bill Gates at Microsoft, himself passed away in August.

“He never got to see it restored,” said Avedisian in a recent interview at Nick’s Upholstery in Narragansett, adding, “He said it was (Peter’s) favorite convertible.”

The car is just coming off three years’ restoration by artisan Daniel Falco, formerly of Narragansett Reproductions, who has restored about six of the Watjen Lincolns.

“I did most of the work on this one,” he said.  “Mechanical, wiring, windows, everything that makes the car work.”

He said he served as a contractor for other work, notably the paintwork and the upholstery, which he contracted out to Nick Petcu who owns Nick’s Upholstery.

He had the car painted the pale yellow that was the color of the Lincoln Continental that served as the official Pace Car of the 1946 Indianapolis 500.  Proving popular, it was sold the following year as Pace Car Yellow.

“It was copper red with a white vinyl roof,” Falco said of the car when it arrived from Bellevue, Wash., where it had been stored since 1996. “Wrong color, wrong top.”

Petcu installed beige upholstery and replaced the top with beige canvas.

Avedisian said his friendship with Watjen went back more that 60 years.

They grew up in Pawtucket where they worked together on cars, notably Model A Fords. Avadisian’s brother Paul said he could remember going into the garage in the morning and finding them both still at work after a long night.

“I’d stop round to see what they’d been doing all night,” he said.

Both went to college in Boston – Avedisian to Boston University, Watjen to Harvard – and both played the clarinet. Indeed, Avedisian went on to a career playing the clarinet in symphony orchestras, including the Boston Pops Orchestra, as well as ballet and opera orchestras.

But while Watjen went on to earn a degree in clarinet from the Julliard School of Music in Manhattan and a master of music degree form the New England Conservatory or Music in Boston, his career was not so clear cut.  After a number of years playing in orchestras, he switched gears and earned an MBA from Stanford University.

He subsequently became involved with the growing computer programming community in what was to become Silicon Valley.  Most notable, he fell in with Bill Gates and Paul Allen, who went on to establish Microsoft in Seattle. Watjen joined the company in 1981 as the 69^th employee and worked there until 1996 when he was assistant head of the company’s treasury team.

“He was a multi-talented guy,” said Avedisian.

Watjen’s first car was a 1929 Model A ford rumble-seat Sport Coupe that he got when he was 12.  Avedisian said he and Watjen had restored six Model A’s in those early years and they formed part of Watjen’s collection at his home in Bellevue, Wash.

Overall, Watjen had 30 cars, mostly Model A’s—he was a long-time member of the Model A Ford Club of America – plus his late brother’s Lincolns, which had been shipped over form Pawtucket where Peter had lived.

Avedisian said he had a 1941 Lincoln Zephyr convertible, which had been a gift from Peter, and a 1941 Ford Model A deluxe roadster, which had been a gift from Craig.

Falco said the 1947 Lincoln had been running but was in poor shape.

“It was a runner shipped from Washington,” he said. “I took it apart, every bolt and nut.”

Avedisian said he did not know what would become of his late friend’s collection in Bellevue.  Watjen had created a private museum for the cars, which he calls “Lincolnshire.”

“He restored it in his brother’s memory,” he said of the 1947 Lincoln Zephyr. “It’s the last one

1947 Lincoln Zephr Convertiblehttp://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=KC1209-87828

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Did you get a chance to review our last news/blog "Amelia Island’s Preservation Trophy Winner"

Amelia Island’s Preservation Trophy Winner .

From the : HVA Newsletter April 2011 

Amelia Island’s Preservation Trophy Winner            by Mark Gessler
Rare Duesenberg Wins FIVA/HVA Preservation Trophy at Amelia Island Concours.

The FIVA/HVA Preservation Trophy is given to those ultra-rare, historic vehicles that retain much, if not all, of their original mechanical components, body, interior and finishes.  At the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance last month, this elite-status recognition went to Gary Bahre for his1940 Duesenberg SJ Town Car Cabriolet by Rollson.

This long-wheelbase, supercharged chassis was assembled by the Duesenberg factory in late 1937, but was not completed by Rollson until April 1940 due to a series of intriguing events.  First owner, Rudolph Bauer, was a famous German artist and contracted Rollson—an offshoot of the famous Rollston Company coachbuilders—to create this spectacular coachwork based on design drawings he provided.  Bauer was imprisoned by the Nazi regime and later rescued by art collector and connoisseur Solomon Guggenheim, who brought him to the United States where the artist spent the rest of his life.

Driven less than 11,000 miles, Bauer’s special Duesenburg—known today as the “Bauer Car”—is now over 70 years old and still as immaculate and stunning as the day it was finished.
Under its original, black silk convertible top, the coachwork retains all its original paint and bright work and is near flawless.  The interior features its original violet carpet and striking leather upholstery, which was re-dyed in recent years.  Under the hood, the engine and drive train are in the same condition as delivered.  The car also still rides on its rare and original Vogue double whitewall tires.

FIVA President and Chairman, Horst Brüning, was on hand to present the FIVA/HVA Preservation Trophy.  Other Preservation Trophy judges included the HVA’s Mark Gessler and renowned collector Fred Simeone.

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Did you get to read our last news/blog "Operation Ignite"?

Operation Ignite!

News - Hagerty (Insurance)

Jay Leno is a fan of Operation Ignite

April 01, 2011

Jay Leno with McKeel Hagerty

In a recent video on Jay Leno’s classic car website, Jay’s Garage, Jay had a chat with Hagerty CEO McKeel Hagerty about our youth program, Operation Ignite!, and our Youth Reporter Contest. Turns out, he thinks it’s pretty cool. In fact, he even offered to hang out with the winner. So not only will one lucky kid go to classic car events around the country all expenses paid, the winner (and his parent or guardian) will also get to meet Jay Leno and check out his amazing garage.

Do you know a kid who likes cars and would be great in front of a camera? Make sure they know about the Operation Ignite! Youth Reporter Contest.

In a recent video on Jay Leno’s classic car website, Jay’s Garage, Jay had a chat with Hagerty CEO McKeel Hagerty about our youth program, Operation Ignite!, and our Youth Reporter Contest. Turns out, he thinks it’s pretty cool. In fact, he even offered to hang out with the winner. So not only will one lucky kid go to classic car events around the country all expenses paid, the winner (and his parent or guardian) will also get to meet Jay Leno and check out his amazing garage.


Do you know a kid who likes cars and would be great in front of a camera? Make sure they know about the Operation Ignite! Youth Reporter Contest. Our submission period closes on May 1 – so enter today!


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Did you get an opportunity to read our last news/blog "Classic Car Seller's Remorse" ?

Classic Car Seller's Remorse

The noise of the restoration shop is pleasant. The drills, sanders sanding and the chatter all blend for one harmonious sound that is pleasant to my ears.

1969 Jaguar XKE

It was no different this day visiting the *Olde Restoration Shop. The four or five employees each hunker around a piece of metal that was soon to become a masterpiece.  I notice a 66 Corvette, Mustang Shelby, 1954 Ford pickup and Mercury Cougar.

All About Detail

Justin, the shop owner, was in an upbeat mood this day and was more animated than usual. He was not hard to poke for a good Classic Car Story.

A few years ago, one of his clients shared that he was in search of a rare car for his collection. You know, one of the missing pieces to a complete collection. It just happened that Justin knew of such a car. Sadly, it was part of another collector’s collection.  This collector was not someone who would easily part with any car. He being the sort that likes to add rather than subtract from his collection.

One day, while at a car show, Justin ran into the car collector. Half heartily, he asked if the car was for sale. There is an interested buyer, after all. He expected the possessive  collector to bark “none of my cars are for sale.” Instead, the reply was “yes, if the price is right.” I want $125,000, cash only. The buyer was informed and not even viewing the car, wired the money to Justin sealing the deal. Or was it sealed?

Justin scheduled a pick up date and arranged for transportation. Talk about sweet clean deal, right?!

Pick up day arrives and the shiny 18 wheeler, complete with uniformed driver arrives. The garage houses 150 cars. Truly, the garage was better described as a museum. Each of the cars is treated to a dry temperature controlled atmosphere.  Each of the cars sit beautifully detailed and under perfect lighting.

Justin and driver are first treated to a tour.  Of course, Justin had been here before several times but the driver was truly impressed and lingered taking in the full essence of the Classics.

Then they got to “the car” and a discussion ensues about the best way to safely take the car out of the garage.  Justin was noting that the seller seemed distressed over the idea of the car being moved. Perhaps he was just worried that something might go wrong during the move?

All of a sudden, the seller tells them to get out of the garage, with his voice becoming very shrill and yelling “just get out, get out!” Justin and driver unsure just what to do, left the garage.   

Quickly the seller closes and locks the garage door behind them. Peaking in the garage windows, they observe the seller scurry back to “the car” get into the car and close the door.

Justin and the driver waited for a bit and then began pounding on the door. Eventually, the seller yelled out to go away, he wasn’t selling. Can you believe it, he had changed his mind?

In spite of Justin and his client incurring substantial transportation expenses, a lesson was learned. There can be seller’s remorse in the Classic Car Business.

*Names changed  

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Did you get the chance to read our last news/blog "Upholstery Artist Restores Masterpiece"

Upholstery Artist restores masterpieces

Submitted By Shirely Page 4/19/2011

Dressed in jeans and sandals with longish hair under beret-like cap,

Nick Petcu looks more like an artist than an artisan.

Indeed, this 50-year old Romanian immigrant is trained as an artist and used to

paint and sculpt.

No more!

“I found another passion”. It is a 1938 Cadillac and a 1947 Packard that underwent

restoration in his workshop.

Petcu, owner of Nick’s Upholstery, restores the interiors of classic collector cars. He can

Transform a car’s beat up and rotting insides—including door panels, carpets and convertible roofs, let alone the seats—into a flawless recreation of the coach builder’s art.

The 1938 Packard 1608 V12 Town Car is unique It was built for tobacco heiress Doris Duke and has a custom coachbuilder Rollston Company, which was founded in 1921

by Romanian immigrant Harry Lonschein.

Time had taken its toll on the interior, which had been “totally destroyed”.  Petcu says that “ much of the wood (frame) was rotten and the roof was (perished)”. Half had to be cut off and replaced.

Petcu’s skill in re-creating the upholstery is matched by Bobby Dwyer’s woodworking skills. While the two are no officially partners, they have on many projects together and a door connects the two workshops.

Dwyer is able to not only re-create the frame but also to refurbish or replace the finely veneered wood that is hallmark of classic cars.

“Hours and hours can go into one tiny piece” he said. You can invest $1,000 into a part you can hold in you hand”.

The Packard is one of a kind.  Not only is the driver separated from the passenger compartment by a glass window, but the rear of the passenger compartment has a convertible roof.

Petcu and Dwyer have refurbished the interior in extreme detail, re-creating the leather and cloth interior in beige and refurbishing (and in some cased re-creating) the fine veneer trim.

A measure of Petcu’s attention to detail is outlined in long strips of cardboard that line both cars’ massive running boards. They are covered in meticulous notes listing every task he undertakes.  He uses the notes both as records of what he has done and for billing purposes.

He had made the new convertible roof out of beige material that matched the interior, but was dissatisfied with the result because it clashed with the black paintwork.  He said that he planned to replace it with black material after a discussion with owner, collector and restorer Dick Shappy.

It would take about 30 hours or two to three days to make the replacement  or two to three days given that he works”12 to 14 hours a day, six day a week.”

He said he also often works on Sundays, breaking only to watch his beloved Celtics on TV.  Overall, he said the Packard has some 700 of work in it.

Just replacing a set of seats requited him to install them three of four time, taking them out each time for retightening or loosening and possible additional stitching.

“It’s like making a suit, you pretty much tailor it ,” he said, adding, “ A major

Aspect of the upholsterer’s art is measuring and re-measuring.”

Petcu said that interior of the massive black 1947 Cadillac 62 Series Convertible was done to the metal when he received it. He re-created the two door panels, all the seats,

the floors, the convertible top and interior of the trunk.

He pointed out the piping along the back of one of the front red leather seats of the Cadillac, which he said was very slightly crooked on one of the seats.

The flaw was invisible to a layman’s eye but he said he would be taking the seat out and tightening it up to bring the piping in line.

Petcu said he left Romania in 1990 as a political refugee from the Communist government.  He had been a foe of President Nicolae Ceausescu, who was captured and executed in 1989 following a general uprising.

“ Why leave now”? he said many of his friends asked him.

“No, no, no, I’m leaving,” he said, noting that the new government was still a Communist one. “ I knew nothing good would come out of it.”

He subsequently spent a month in Italy being processed by the U.S. immigration authorities before coming to the U.S. in 1990.

Petcu said he held a variety of jobs when he first arrived.

“I did everything,” he said, citing breaking asphalt, working at Stop & Shop market and washing dished.

He also started upholstering furniture, a skill he had acquired in Romania.

“ I had a swing machine and fixed couches and chairs,” he said. “One day ( in 1996), a guy comes to me and says, I have an old car, can you do the upholstery?”

He said he had always loved cars and thus the transition into working on collector-car upholstery was a natural fit.

Petcu shares his workshop with another artisan, Brian Sullivan of P&S Upholstery. Sullivan left the corporate life with Merrill Lynch to focus on upholstering, a skill that runs in the family as he said he learned it from his brother who has a shop in East Providence, RI.

Indeed, another Bobby, helped him refurbish the upholstery of a dark blue 1964 Iso Rivolta, a car with an Italian body with a Corvette engine.

He said he had spent some 70 hours re-creating the Rivolta’s dashboard, floor, door panels and seats, noting the work had been eased by the fact that the car was delivered from a paint shop without doors or windows.

“ Restoration is a sequence of events,” he said.

Two years ago, Petcu and his wife Shirley Page, who is Brian and Bobby Sullivan’s sister,

Bought a condo in Tagliolo, Italy, where they spend half the year.

He has established an upholstery business, Autoappezzeria di Nick, but he said he has yet to fully exploit his Italian business.

“ People were concerned that I was leaving,” he said of his American customers.

For more information, check out:  www.nicksupholstery.net

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Did you get a chance to read our last news/blog "The GTX" ?

The GTX

Great cars come along once in a while. The GTX was one of those. 

In 1967 Plymouth introduced one of the all time muscle car legends. The GTX only came with two engine choices. The more affordable of the two was the 440 cubic inch big block rated at 375 horse power. The other choice was the fearsome 426 cubic inch Hemi with a conservatively rating of 425 horse power. These cars were performers and either could do zero to sixty consistently in the six second range. That's not all, according to Motor Trend Magazine the GTX was on of the best handling cars of its size produced during that era. The GTX was a solid performer and sales were brisk with nearly 13,000 produced in 1967.

In 1968, the GTX was restyled along with the rest of Chrysler's intermediates. This design which was shared with the Dodge Charger, Super Bee and the newly introduced Plymouth Road Runner was an instant classic and is the picture most people visualize when they think of classic cars of the 1960's. Engine choices remained the same and performance was exceptionally strong. Car Life Magazine called the GTX "The fastest and the most powerful standard car built in America. And the 440 is not far behind." Sales increased to over 18,000.

1968  Plymouth GTX Convertible

The GTX remained basically the same in 1969 and 1970. There was little need to change the car from a performance prospective. It was the car to beat. Changes were relegated to grill and rear end updates. The power plants remained the same with the exception of the 440 cubic inch big block in 1970. In 1970 Plymouth added a third engine option to the list. It was the famous 440 Six Barrel. The Six Barrel was actually a tri of two barrel carburetors mounted on top of the engine. Not only was it cool to look at but it added about 35 horse power to the car.

All About Detail

1969 Plymouth GTX

In 1969 Plymouth sold almost 15,000 of the cars. However, in 1970 sales had dropped to about 7,000. The car was the same. It was the market that changed.. The muscle car era was ending rapidity. High fuel prices, high insurance rates and a slowing economy had people looking for small cars with good gas mileage.

Chrysler introduced a new design for their intermediates in 1971. The design was heavily influenced by the design of jet aircraft. It was a forward leaning design and the front end of the car resembled the intake of jet aircraft. It was a love it or hate it kind of look. Unfortunately, the era of large powered cars was over and would not return for almost twenty five years. Sales dropped to about 2,600 units.

Plymouth continued the GTX name for a few more years as an option package on the Road Runner. It was never the same. The GTX had come to the performance car market late and like a shooting star it burned very bright for a while and then faded away. Today collectors and enthusiasts actively seek out this series because of their good looks, impressive power and relatively scarcity.

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Did you get a chance to review our last blog "What is a Berger?"

What in the world is a Berger? Some kind mid-west hamburger you find in up in Grand Rapids Michigan?

No sir. A Berger is Chevrolet that was specially ordered and shipped to the Car Dealership, Berger Chevrolet of Grand Rapids Michigan. The cars shipped from the General Motors as COPO’S to  Berger and when they arrived Berger began adding its own line of aftermarket high performance products and created a “Berger”.  

There were other Dealerships, such as the famous Yenko Dearlership who were doing the same during the muscle car era. Berger was only second to Yenko in production of these high performance cars. Most of the Chevrolet that Berger and Yenko created were Camaro renditions.

In fact, Berger only produce 2 1969 Corvette Bergers one of which is listed for sale at All About Detail.

1969 Corvette 427 "Berger"

If you are a Classic Car Collector here is your chance to own a very unique and rare car. If you are a Classic Corvette Collector here is a once in a life time opportunity to own a Berger.

What in the world is a Berger? It is a very Muscular Car, that has been made more muscular by Berger and it high performance products. If this were a Hamburger it would be a Hamburger with the works.

Read the comments from this question posted on LinkedIn:

Berger was a Chevy dealer in Grand Rapids Michigan that like Yenko modified Camaros for high performance. Rumor is that 2 Vettes were also done...1 in 68 and 1 in 69......Less known than Motion/Baldwin and Yenko but still a significant vehicle.
Posted by David Braddock

Phil Roder • Contact - The Corvette Shop in Tampa, Fl -
They should know.
I've owned 7 and haven't a clue.

Phil Roder • Try this -
The 1969 Corvette 427 Berger Power Pack option included chrome headers and side exhaust, high performance water pump, and engine modifications that took it from 400 HP to 450 HP.

From Berger Chevrolet in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Berger was a Chevy dealer in Grand Rapids Michigan that like Yenko modified Camaros for high performance. Rumor is that 2 Vettes were also done...1 in 68 and 1 in 69......Less known than Motion/Baldwin and Yenko but still a significant vehicle
.

Matthew J. Klein • Nice! Hang onto it. Only thing more rare would be the two '69 ZL-1 'Vettes (all aluminum block). Along with the (70) 1969 Camaros that were produced, only (2) corvettes reportedly were ordered with engine costing an add'l $4k. Last heard, one owned by dentist in Colorado. Not sure if whereabouts of 2nd one. 

David's got it right. Maybe not quite as well known nationally as Yenko, Nickey, Fred Gibb and Motion/Baldwin, they were "factory authorized" and built significant vehicles.
Posted by Jon Lundberg, ASA

Hi Larry,

I do know who Berger is (Berger Chevrolet). Why do you ask?

Cool Vette. Was this the same car that went through the Mecum auction a while back?

http://mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=FL0109-76998

-Rob

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Make sure to read all of our articles such as "An Article For Classic Car Women"

Walter P. Chrysler Museum Events

Walter P. Chrysler Museum Events:

Posted by Joe Lopez | Posted in Events | Posted on 01-04-2011

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is pleased to announce our complete 2011 Lecture/Workshop Series comprised of six sessions highlighting a wide range of topics for die-hard auto enthusiasts as well as novice car owners.  The series kicks off Saturday, April 16 with The Art of the Auction, featuring RM Auctions and Auctions America by RM.

Where: Walter P. Chrysler Museum, 1 Chrysler Drive , Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Following are highlights of each program, which you will also find – along with online registration – by clicking here.  The attached form is provided for your convenience in registering via mail.

We look forward to seeing you.

The Art of the Auction
10 a.m. – noon Saturday, April 16

Non-Destructive Paint Repair Techniques
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21
$55 per person advance/$60 per person door (Museum members $50 and $55, respectively)

Chrysler Academy School of  Technical Training instructors will detail do-it-yourself techniques for repairing general paint finish imperfections such as dirt and bugs, light scratches and maintenance on both new and vintage vehicles like a pro.  Instruction will be held in the Museum’s theater throughout the morning, followed by small group demonstrations within the labs of the nearby training facility in the afternoon.  (Includes lunch in the Museum’s exhibition galleries.  Space is limited.)

70 Years of Jeep® Heritage
9:30 a.m. – noon Saturday, July 16
$13 per person advance/$15 per person door (Museum members $11 and $13, respectively)

Celebrate the Jeep Brand’s 70th anniversary by joining avid Jeep history buff and Chrysler retiree Larry Johnson for a look at the iconic vehicle’s evolutionary rise from military reconnaissance use to the transportation of choice in navigating all manner of terrain for millions of adventure-seekers.

Maintaining Today’s Cars
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24
$10 per person advance/$12 per person door (Museum members $8 and $10, respectively)

If you’re a first-time vehicle owner or have a new driver in the family, this session is for you.  Protect your investment and avoid getting stranded by learning about required maintenance including checking the oil, safely filling the fuel tank and changing a flat tire.  Learn what dashboard warning lights indicate and how to handle roadside emergencies.  Tips and techniques presented in the session’s first half will be reinforced via hands-on demonstrations in the second half.

From Chrysler’s Vintage Master Tech Files
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26
$13 per person advance/$15 per person door (Museum members $11 and $13, respectively)
For more than 60 years, Chrysler dealership technicians have learned in-depth diagnostics and service procedures through a monthly training program that’s believed to be the longest running of its kind.  Master Tech courses – which are Web-based today – have advanced as much as the vehicles they highlight.  Join Steve Shugg, retired Director of Mopar® Sales and Training and Field Operations, for an entertainingly nostalgic look back at the then cutting-edge training from Master Tech’s earliest days via delightfully antiquated original filmstrips.

Model Train Clinic
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
$2 per person ages 5 and up with regular Museum admission ($1 for Museum members)
Celebrate the season with a stroll through the Museum’s Cars, Trees & Traditions exhibition and delight in a variety of trains running through elaborate landscapes on an oval track in Boss Chrysler’s Garage every holiday weekend with regular Museum admission, courtesy of the Stoney Creek Model Railroad Club.  Club members will host a Model Train Clinic Dec. 3 to work with young train lovers in creating lifelike scenery from everyday materials and provide tips to moms and dads about easy, inexpensive ways to start a model train tradition at home.

Click here to register online for any of the Museum’s 2011 Lecture/Workshop programs.  For additional information, e-mail events@wpchryslermuseum.org or call 248-944-0450.

Visit: wpchryslermuseum.org
Download the Lecture Workshop Registration Form

Walter P. Chrysler Museum

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Did you have an opportunity to we our last news/blog: "The Royal"

1948 Royal

Memory of 1948 Royal lives on for boat owner

 

Centre cap from beloved $100 jalopy now adorns Chrysler-powered yacht

 By Alyn Edwards, Edmonton Journal March 8, 2011

Photograph by: Alyn Edwards, edmontonjournal.com

When Chris Kelly completed the 10-year restoration of a once derelict 34-foot 1951 Chris Craft tri-cabin classic motor yacht, there was one final touch needed. The ship's wheel centre was missing, but Kelly had just the item. He had saved a memento from his first car -the centre cap from his 1948 Chrysler Royal. It fit into the ship's wheel like it was original equipment.

The domed chrome cap says Chrysler Fluid Drive on a winged background and, by coincidence, the Chris Craft is Chrysler powered. Kelly had used the cap as a paperweight throughout his career in education. The Chrysler Fluid Drive steering wheel centre cap reminded him of the best memories of his early life.
As a young man, Kelly had spotted an ad for a dream job -the newly formed Pacific Rim National Park on the west coast of Vancouver Island needed summer help. The job paid $3.48 an hour and came with free lodging. For a starving student, the prospect couldn't be more enticing.


Kelly and friend Chris Harvey began a letter-writing campaign to land their dream job. In an attempt to get more attention than other applicants, they sent humorous poems, cartoons and testimonials. One day, a letter arrived containing a poem from park warden Robert Jocelyn, along with a note stating he and his colleagues had been saving the poems and the job was theirs if they wanted it.

The two friends crowded into an old Rambler Classic owned by a third hire named Al Czepil and drove to their summer job outside Tofino. They would end up in a log house on the beach with an astonishing 250-degree view of the best scenery on the West Coast.

It was July 1973, and with money coming in, Kelly decided he needed his own car. He and his buddies often visited the Chevron gas station at the entrance to Ucluelet where the lot was filled with old equipment. In the back, covered with mud, was a dull blue 1948 Chrysler Royal sedan.

A Tofino resident too old to drive had sold the car and it had been left at the gas station. Kelly offered $100 for it if it would start. He was amazed to see the courtesy lights come on when he opened the door. Holding his breath, he pumped the gas, turned the key, stepped on the starter and the old Chrysler's flathead six-cylinder engine jumped to life.

Two mice had escaped from the car and he had to remove a 45-gallon barrel from the limousine-sized rear seat. The old Chrysler seemed in good shape except for a missing rear fender that left the fuel filler tube exposed.

As well, the semi-automatic transmission required the driver to use the clutch to shift the car into first gear, but the clutch pedal was stuck on the floor. Kelly tied a rope between the clutch and the door handle so he could operate the clutch manually.

He donned a straw fedora that had been left on the rear window package shelf and drove directly to the Tofino airport to pick up friends who were coming in for the weekend. It was there that Al Harvey, the brother of co-worker Chris Harvey, snapped the first photo of Kelly and the bulbous old car that he affectionately called "The Duchess."

The name stuck as Kelly drove his pride and joy every chance he could get. All his friends could fit in the big car and it was their favourite mode of transportation.

The thought of driving the car all the way to Nanaimo to pick up Kelly's girlfriend Deb, now his wife of 35 years, was concerning because of the steep, curving mountain roads. But The Duchess made the trip without missing a beat.

The missing rear fender was a constant concern until Kelly visited a parts collector who found a battered old Chrysler deep in the woods of his property. A deal was made, the green replacement fender was bolted in place and a spray can of blue paint completed the repairs Back in Vancouver after the summer job ended, the old Chrysler proved too large to be practical. Kelly sold it for the same price he had originally paid -$100. But he kept the steering wheel centre to help keep the memory of The Duchess alive.

 About 10 years later, he received a call from a man who said he now owned Kelly's old car along with another 1948 Chrysler Royal and planned to make one good car out of two.

Kelly hopes The Duchess was the chosen one, but the memory of the Grand Lady lives on with the Chrysler Fluid Drive domed steering wheel centre that is a feature in Kelly's restored yacht.

Alyn Edwards is a classic car enthusiast and partner in Peak Communicators, a Vancouver-based public relations company. aedwards@ peakco.com 

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Did you get a chance to read our last news/blog " While Chasing Classic Cars II "The Viking"" 

Chasing Classic Cars II “The Viking”

 

Chasing Classic Cars II “The Viking”

This time a road trip brings me to The Metal Works in Dewart, PA. This is artist Victor Yordy’s place of business. Being aware of Victor’s amazing work via articles and photos, I was invited to see for myself. I was not to be disappointed!

Victor Yordy is an artist. Art made of sheet metal bent into cars. He fixes old pieces of art, i.e. classic cars and he at times creates new pieces of art. Today, he has invited me to take a look at his latest work. It is not a prototype and is not a concept car. It is a “One of a Kind”.

Victor is completing this piece of art on commission. When finished, it will find its way to the home of a California man who plans on driving its wheels off. The owner and Victor have named the car “The Viking”. It will be a 2011” The Viking”.

The Viking is half complete. All the metal is straight, the fittings are right. Victor reports that it has an F 150 Ford truck motor, 6 Weber Carburetors and a Mustang 5 speed transmission with a Ford rear. Its wheels are 54 Buick hubs and brakes and Buick wheels. It will produce 426 HP. That should produce a bit of dust up. It hasn’t been decided at this time what paint to use, if any. He and the owner have discussed just buffing it to a high sheen.  

2011 "The Viking

I asked Victor how he learned this craft. He said that he is self taught, that he began as a 14 year old and has been at it ever since. He loves his trade and would not change places with anyone.

Victor’s shop is full of memorabilia. It is a photo journey with pictures of him and celebrities such as Jay Leno hanging on all of the inches of the walls.

 Victor was proud to share that this picture of himself and Jay> It was taken because they had both entered cars into the Pebble Beach Car Show under the Best of Paint category and that Mr. Leno’s car placed second.  

I hated leaving Victor’s place. It was so stimulating and inspiring. However, it was time for me to return home and plan the next road trip.

If you find yourself in the Dewart PA area stop in and visit Victor’s shop. You too will not be disappointed. Tell him Larry sent you! 

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