As I write this it’s two and a half weeks before the U.S. national election, as you read this it’s probably past this election. So why even mention it?
I recently read and listened to news reports that state only 60% of eligible voters actually vote, the other 40% are ho-hum and could care less. It seems us old goats who take elections seriously will always cast a vote, the young goats, who are part of the herd, have better things to do, whatever that is. If you still have time and are registered to vote please do so, this is one right we all have as citizens (at least for now) to have a say in how and who runs our Democracy ( at least for now). Which brings me to…
The LPR 2021 elections: Once again, by the time you read this, the LPR elections and bylaw amendment yes or no vote will be history. Did you take the time to vote either online or with a printed ballot? The importance was not because there was only one person running for each office, but because there was one person running for each office who wanted your show of support.
If you think our PCA region just happens and business gets conducted out of the blue, then you don’t have a clue how and what makes LPR run smoothly during the year. We’re more than just events. The people who volunteer to keep us on track and in the black deserve a big thanks, without them and the many committee chairs, LPR would slip away into fond memories ( for a few) of days gone by. So, if you voted during October for your favorite LPR candidate, a big thank you, your support is appreciated.
When Studebaker was King….
Last month I mentioned the Studebaker car and a club rallye that has lasted since 1949. Here’s the story as sent to me by LPR Past President Jim Van Dam, who to this day chairs several rallies in and around the Boise, Idaho area, here goes…
In the late 1940s, a group of dedicated sports car enthusiasts located in Detroit, Michigan, had an idea for a rallye. It started at the Dearborn Inn, then traveled to Battle Creek, Flint and back to Dearborn for a total of roughly 360 miles. The route wasn’t quite as rough as later rallies would be, many of the cars were specials and hot rods. The winning team of this first event was driver Vince Gardner and his wife, Louise; their car was a one-off 1947 Studebaker Special two-seater. According to legend Gardner was actually a very accomplished car designer and had worked with Gordon Buehrig and assisted him in designing the Cord 810 – one of Ken Iles’s first cars after his distinguish military career in WWI.
But wait, there’s more!
The story of the first POR rallye ( guess the name now or wait until the end) goes back to 1949 when the core members of the Detroit region of the Sports Car Club America were looking to create a signature event for the region, a couple of guys had attended the 1948 Grand Prix at Watkins Glen and came back full of enthusiasm ( probably a serious hangover as well). In addition, many of the region’s members had returned from England after World War II and had brought back British spots cars – primarily the MC TCs. The founding members of POR (still guessing?) included George Gaston, who was head of the Detroit region; Charlie Davison, an Englishman living in Michigan; Harold Lance and Bob Collins.
This group met at Davidson’s house in Birmingham, Michigan where they discussed what to name this rallye event. One of the gents suggested POR, or (here it comes) Press on Regardless, which was an unofficial motto of the pilots of the Royal Air Force. In their honor the group chose that name for the rallye. And the rest is history. The POR – Press on Regardless is still around as is the Detroit car club. Congrats to these people for keeping it together for all these years.
Finally…
Ever have a car ride that you always remember? My first was in a 1956 356 owned by a friend’s parents, as a 14 year old I was hooked and eventually, in 1970 bought my first, a 911T.
But not long after that first Porsche experience I had another car-thrill ride in none other than a Studebaker. My brother- in- law had a buddy who worked at the local San Jose Studebaker dealer, I believe the year was 1958 or ’59 and we had stopped by the dealer to say hello and look at, what else, Studebakers. My sister was along for the ride, but cars were cars to her, so she gave us space to be guys and admire the different models on the show room floor.
Then it happened – my brother- in- laws’ pal came over and asked if we wanted a ride in a brand new Studebaker Golden Hawk , as prospective buyers of course. Without hesitation we said yes and within in a few moments we slipped into the seats of this futuristic looking car and slowly, for the moment, eased out into traffic. A back road was found for a demonstration of this late 1950’s muscle-car power – that’s why we were there! I didn’t think Studebaker could or would make a car with this much horsepower and torque, but after the driver’s foot firmly punched the gas pedal we were impressed. Really impressed!
The Golden Hawk and its scaled-down mate, the Silver Hawk, became top sellers for Studebaker during that era, there were reports from many sanctioned drag races that these Studebakers were consistently the winners. Then, as car history goes, so went the Studebaker. Sales faded and so did the dealerships. Studebaker headed for Canada where they made the custom Avanti for several years. Then, fade to black.
Studebaker had a great run and its restored cars are still on the road today driven by enthusiastic collectors; I wouldn’t mind another ride in a Golden Hawk! And another ride in that ’56 356!
Until we met up again, keep safe and stay healthy, you never know, maybe we’ll see you on …The Road Ahead.
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