Long about 1990, Evan Hansen finally decided he was tired of admiring other guys’ Chevrolet Corvairs. He knew it was time to get one or his own.

“I worked on these when they were brand new … I was a mechanic back in Waupaca [Wis.] when they were new,” recalled Hansen, a resident of tiny Ogdensberg, Wis. “I liked these, they were the first year of this new [body] style, and I thought after so many years it was time to get one. And this was the first one I found. I found it in the Appleton paper, and the guy who owned it had cancer, so I bought it from him and took all the extra parts that he hadn’t put on it yet.”

As often seems to be the case with Corvair owners, his first one — a 1965 Danube Blue Monza convertible with white top and interior — led to more Corvairs. Hansen now has four of them: three ‘65s and a ’66. 

“I got one that’s turbocharged at home and I’ve got one with four carburetors at home … I got a little variety of the whole works.”

Hansen isn’t clear on some of the particulars of the blue ‘65’s history, but he says it didn’t live in Wisconsin during its early years, which saved it from snow and salt, and no doubt prolonged its life indefinitely. The car had been at least partially restored by the previous owner, but as far as Hansen could tell, that was more by choice than necessity.

“It’s a western car because it’s got an oil based [air] filter … for desert driving and stuff,”: he noted. “I think that was a dealer option.”

“It was partially done when I got it … The paint job had been put on it, but I’ve done a lot of rubbing on it since then. It was the original combination. I really liked the colors, and it was solid enough to where you didn’t have to do a whole lot. It’s got the original engine. I’m sure he had it all redone. If he didn’t, it would be leaking oil by now, and it hasn’t leaked any oil since I’ve had it.”

Hansen recalled that he used to get a lot of calls at the shop during early 1960s from new Corvair owners who were having problems with frost in their carburetors during the winter months. He also heard plenty of owners tell him the cars drove great in the snow. He’s not planning to find out in the ’65 convertible, which has about 80,000 miles on the odometer and is reserved for days with no snow in the forecast.

“It’s running really good,” he says with a smile. “It’s always run good!”

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN …

1965 was the year that could have been a big positive turning point in what had already been a good early life for the Chevrolet Corvair. The car had been an unqualified sales success its first three seasons, and for ’65 it got a cool facelift. Not only that, but GM engineers also thought that they had remedied the model’s problematic swing-axle rear with Corvette-like fully articulated independent rear suspension.

The Corvair had a completely new body for 1965 and it was beautiful. Car and Driver magazine said, “It unabashedly borrows from the best of the already established foreign and domestic coachwork without losing any of its identity as a Corvair.” The new styling was a direct adaptation of the Italian school of industrial design and highlighted smooth-flowing rounded lines; a ‘venturi’ shaped profile and a pillarless hardtop look on all closed body styles. The Corvair was also two inches wider than before, somewhat lower, and about three inches longer end-to-end. Curved side glass was another innovation. The base Corvair 500 series included Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan.

Monzas now represented the mid-price Corvair models, as the Corvair 700 line was dropped. The Corsa was the fanciest model, while the 500 was seen as the entry-level version. Standard equipment on the Monzas included all items found on the lower priced cars plus full wheel covers; rocker sill moldings; front bucket seats; carpeting; courtesy and glovebox lights; front armrests; rear armrests were not standard (nor available) on two-door coupe styles; back-up lights; and folding rear seats on Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan. As in the past, a Monza badge, consisting of a vertical bar passing through a V-shaped horizontal ornament, was seen on the lower front fenders behind the wheel opening. Whereas the Corvair 500 had only red, aqua or fawn interior color choices, the Monza had no aqua, but blue, black, saddle, slate, and white available with aqua or black accents, depending on exterior color.

The rear panel, to which the engine lid latched, was outlined with a chrome molding. A convertible was also provided in this series and came standard with a manual top and top boot. A handsome new feature of all Corvairs was a slanted-back instrument panel with deep tunnels containing the gauges. On Series 500 and Monza models they housed a speedometer, gas gauge, warning lights and, if ordered, an optional electric clock.

Three-speed manual transmission was standard, although more than half of all Corvairs built for ’65 had Powerglide automatic, which was $157 extra. A four-speed floor-shifted manual transmission was also available for $92. Monza and 500 six-cylinder 164 cid/110 hp Turbo-Air engine ($27). Monza and 500 six-cylinder 164 cid/140 hp Turbo-Air engine ($81).

More than half of all the Corvairs built for ’65 had the automatic transmissions. The Corvair 500 and Monza each carried the base 164-cid horizontally opposed six, which was rated at a modest 95 hp. For about 80 bucks, buyers who wanted a little more giddy-up could opt for the 140-hp turbo version.

Hansen’s Monza convertible was one of 26,466 that rolled off GM assembly lines for the model year at a base price of $2,440. Things seemed to be rolling along with more than 235,000 Corvairs built for the model year. At the start of ’64, there seemed to be no reason to believe Chevy’s rear-engined gem wouldn’t travel happily well into the future.

But that was before two knockout punches arrived together. The first was Ralph Nader’s famed book “Unsafe at Any Speed” investigative book, which crucified the Corvair for its terrible handling that Nader claimed made it prone to deadly rollover accidents.

An even bigger hit came off the Ford assembly line in Dearborn, Mich. It was called the Mustang.

Instead of charging ahead, Chevrolet’s likeable combination sports car-pony car saw its sales sink by more than 100 percent for 1966. The death spiral was swift: 27,253 cars in ’67; 15,400 in ’68, and a paltry 6,000 in ’69 before the nameplate was euthanized, never to be used again.

SCRATCHING THE ITCH

Hansen didn’t care much about Ralph Nader’s opinion of Corvairs. Or anybody else’s opinion for that matter. He had worked on enough of them, and driven enough of them, that he knew he wanted one.

And as he found out at the time, Corvairs remain one of the best bargains and bang-for-your-buck cars on the collector market. There are still plenty of them around, and some guys — like Hansen — find out they can afford more than one if they want.

“I liked them. They had the motor in the back and they were kind of a sporty little car,” Hansen says. “Yeah, they got a bad rap. They are a good little car.”

“It was all kind of mix-and-match when you bought one of these new. This has got a Kleenex holder under the dash, and I put an FM converter in it so the radio will work decent. The seats and stuff are what was in it when I got it. I think the front had been redone, not the back. They get sunburned when they get old. And it’s got a manual top.”

Hansen says the only real mechanical work he’s had to do on the blue convertible in the past 30 years was some tinkering on the starter. Otherwise, it’s just been keeping the paint looking good and keeping his baby clean.

Last summer, Hansen was again showing off the ’65 ragtop at shows around Wisconsin, including the Iola Car Show. Ironically, one of his other Corvairs was one of the original handful of cars to appear at the first Iola Car Show 50 years ago.

He insists that he won’t be buying any other Corvairs. Of course, he admits he’s said that before.

“Four is my limit. I don’t have any more room in the garage!” he chuckles. “It’s like a disease. You keep adding them. I had to build a garage to house them all.”

“This would be the last one I’d sell, I suppose. This is a good parade car.”

SHOW US YOUR WHEELS!

If you’ve got an old car you love, we want to hear about it. Email us at oldcars@aimmedia.com

If you like stories like these and other classic car features, check out Old Cars magazine. CLICK HERE to subscribe.

Have you ever wondered what your classic ride is worth? Old Cars has you covered with the Old Cars Report Price Guide. We are your source for unbiased and real-world pricing. Subscribe today and find out what your car is really worth! CLICK HERE to subscribe.

*As an Amazon Associate, Military Trader / Military Vehicles earns from qualifying purchases.

The post Car of the Week: 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza convertible appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

In 1977, I was a 34-year-old car nut working as a sales executive for the NBC television station in Evansville, Ind. I had taken a client to lunch and noticed a nice-looking 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza coupe on the parking lot of the restaurant. I examined the car and found out it had 13,000 miles and was equipped with factory air conditioning! I waited about 20 minutes and a well-dressed, mature woman approached the car. I introduced myself and asked her if she was interested in selling it. After she said no, I gave her my business card and asked her to call me when she ready to sell it. In the summer of 1979 she called, ready to sell. I bought it for $1600.

In 1981, my wife and I divorced and she got the Corvair in the settlement. She left town and left the car in a rented garage. In 1989, the owner of the garage called and said that my ex-wife had never paid any of the rent and he now had the title and would sell it to me for $1000. Bingo! I got the lovely low-mileage Corvair back.

In 1991, I was remarried with two kids in college, so I sold the Corvair for $3000 to a very nice local lady with the stipulation that she offer it to me first when she was ready to sell it. Through the years I called her several times, but she was still thrilled to have it and was even an officer in the Evansville Corvair club. In 2016, I saw an obituary in the paper for the Corvair owner with her son listed as her survivor, so I assumed my Corvair would be leaving forever.

Then in the fall of 2018, my wife and I and another couple drove 100 miles to Terre Haute, Ind., for an historic house tour. At the last house, a gentleman came up to me and said he thought he knew me. He turned out to be a friend of the deceased lady and had inherited the Corvair! And guess what — he wanted to sell it! Three days later, the long lost Monza was back in my garage after a 27-year absence, although it now has a “whopping” 30,000 miles on it. What are the odds?

I have just had it restored and am so happy to have it back in my stable. Judy, my wife, while not thrilled to have another old car sitting around, says that Corvair was meant to be mine.

The post Third time is a charm with ’66 Corvair appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

Story and Photos By John Gunnell

When the collector car hobby began years ago, the most popular cars were Fords. You can find club rosters from 40 or 50 years ago and very early Fords, Model Ts and Model As take up most of the listings.

The first collectable Chevy to get really popular was the handsome 1932 model, which was styled as a baby Cadillac. From there, the spotlight moved to 1940-’41 Chevys, which a West Coast dealer sold to many hobbyists.

Of course, the Tri-Five Chevys caught on next and literally turned car collecting upside down in Chevy’s favor. Although Fords of the same years are beautiful cars, they never caught on like the 1955, 1956 and 1957 Chevys. Not only did these Chevys flood the fields at car shows, they also shot up to very high values and made people realize that somewhat common cars of the ’50s could fetch the same prices as some 1930s Classics and rare foreign exotics.

Today, the Tri-Fives have had their run. If you bought one years ago, you enjoyed the increase in popularity and price. If you buy one today, you’ll probably pay through the nose. Even a stripped down, cut-up two-door body that’s likely to wind up as a straight-axle drag car can bring $5,000 in today’s marketplace. A well-restored ’57 ragtop can easily pull down a six-figure bid at a classic car auction.

Other Chevrolets, such as the fancier 1958 models, the 1961-’62 “Bubbletops” and the 1963-’64 Impalas, have followed the Tri-Fives into the high-priced bracket. These so-called “late-great Chevys” do hold their values. You can still have fun with these models, but the days are gone where you can buy them low and sell them high and wind up with a tidy profit for your car knowledge.

So, where does that leave the “average Joe” collector of 2019 who has a passion for Bow-Tie buggies and a budget? The answer to that question is that there are still market sleepers around that you can buy while they’re napping and turn a profit on when the market wakes up to their features and benefits. Here’s a list of 10 Chevy products that are getting collectable today:

1: CORVAIR – The Corvair has always been a cult car with a loyal following, even if its favor seems to have faded a bit. As one of the first compacts from the “Big Three,” the Corvair is historical and as a rear-engined air-cooled car, it’s definitely unique. Keep in mind that the Corvair was on track to be the youthful enthusiasts’ car before the Mustang came along and took over that niche. Like the Ford pony car, the Corvair came in coupe and convertible models, plus a station wagon that’s a low-production (read: rare) model. Some Corvair prices have dropped to the $5000-7000 range, but that means they’re “on sale” and a great buy for budget-conscious collectors. Plus, quirky cars seem to be “in” these days.

2: 1965-1966 FULL-SIZE CHEVY – The ’65 Chevy came out the year the author got his driver’s license and it was his dream machine back then. With timeless styling, a wide choice of engines and lots of muscle car goodies, Chevys of these years brought back fastback roof lines and Caddy-like grille designs. Collectable models include the Impala SS, the Caprice (an option in 1965 and a model in 1966) and practically any convertible, two-door and station wagon. In today’s market, prices are really starting to climb on just about all 1965-’66 Chevys.

3: VEGA – John Z. Delorean was the head of Chevrolet in 1971 and the Vega was a completely new sub-compact designed to get the company through the gas-crunch years. It had sporty looks and a 149-cid, 90-hp four-cylinder engine. GT versions were a $350 option package. The Cosworth modified editions of 1975 and 1976 produced 270 hp and bring steep collector prices today. Other Vegas sell for a lot less, but are hard to find because the cars weren’t very durable. That is exactly what makes them interesting today. Don’t expect to get rich investing in $5,000 Vegas, but you can buy one, have fun with it and perhaps sell it later for a small profit.

4: MONZA 2+2 – The subcompact 1975-’81 Monza was based on the Vega and shared its wheelbase, width and 140-cid engine. The Monza 2+2 was supposed to get a GM-Wankel engine, but due to mediocre fuel-economy and emissions issues, the Wankel was dropped from plans and an optional 5.0-liter V-8 was offered. With sporty looks and its sizeable V-8, the hot little Monza 2+2 is sure to catch on with collectors. Prices are currently around $5,000 and up, but watch for them to scoot up on V-8-powered cars.

5: GENERATION IV EL CAMINO – The El Camino coupe-pickup was redesigned in 1973. It was again built on the Chevelle platform, specifically the station wagon chassis. 1973-’77 marked the largest El Camino generation. The base model and the optional SS version shared interior and exterior appointments with Malibus in 1973 and starting in 1974, the El Camino Classics shared the Malibu Classic appointments. The SS model included a black grille, SS badging, bodyside striping, bright roof rail moldings, dual sport mirrors, special front and rear stabilizer bars, rally wheels, 70-series white-letter tires, instrumentation and SS interior emblems. The SS was available with a 350- or 454-cid V8 and four-speed or Turbo Hydra-Matic transmissions. As truck popularity grows, watch for vehicles that cross over into the truck realm to have added appeal. Values are currently about $10,000 for small-block “Elkys.”

6: GEN III MONTE CARLO – Like other General Motors intermediates, the Monte Carlo was down-sized for 1978. This cut 15 inches and 750 lbs. In 1978, a 231-cid V-6 and 305-cid V-8 were offered. The ’79 model had a new grille and other minor changes. A new 267-cid V-8 was an option and a four-barrel version of the 305 with 180 hp was added. The mildly updated 1980 model had quad headlights and several new power options including a 229-cid V-6 and a turbo 231-cid V-6 with 170 hp. Available only three years with this styling, these cars are a good bet for the future, especially since the values of their 1981-’88 successors continue to rise.

7: GEN IV MONTE CARLO SS – The Gen IV GM G-body body was smoother in profile than the previous models, and they have remained popular since they were built. Models to look for include the Turbo. Chevy built 3,027 Turbo Monte Carlos in 1981, then dropped it in 1982. The 1983 Monte Carlo with the Z65 Super Sport Package is very collectible. A rarity is an ’84 base model with a 350-cid diesel; only 168 were made. T-tops add to Monte Carlo collectability. Montes returned in ’85 when the 200-4R Hydra-Matic with a sport rear axle ratio arrived for the SS, along with a 4.3-liter V-6 for non-SS models. SS models received a high-output 5.0-liter V-8, which adds to their desirability. The 1986 Aero Coupe was a low-production model created to legalize a back-window treatment for NASCAR. Only 200 of those were sold and they are getting very collectible. In 1987, Chevrolet eliminated the Sport Coupe version of the Monte Carlo, leaving the LS, SS and Aerocoupe (6,052 made). The 1988 models were built in December 1987. Prices range from $8,000-$12000 for mint non-SS models and around $20,000 for very low-mileage SS models.

8: 1976 & 1977 CORVETTE – Almost everyone has dreamed of owning a Corvette, but fitting one into a budget can be a problem. However, almost anyone can find a 1976 or 1977 Corvette that’s affordable. We’ve seen these cars trade hands for $2,500 or less. A big reason is the danger of getting one with a rusty floor. In 1976, the fiberglass floor was replaced with steel panels to provide protection from the catalytic converter’s high heat. If you find a rust-free car outside the collector’s market, you might get a good buy due to the bad reputation for rusting. Also, keep in mind that if the car has rust, it can be fixed (as long as the frame is solid and straight). Cars of these two years also look a little plain, but they can be dressed up and provide lots of Corvette fun for prices far lower than what other ’Vettes bring.

8: GEN III ‘BOX CAR’ CAPRICES – These cars were built from 1977 to 1990. The 1977-’79 came out of Chevy’s $600 million Project ’77 modernization program. Though large by today’s standards, Caprices were drastically downsized from previous big Chevys, although interior roominess was increased. Two-door models from 1977-’79 featured a three-piece rear window that created a semi-fastback look. Landau coupes featured a half-vinyl roof. There were sedans and wagons, too. The 1980-1990 models had all-new, subtly smoothed sheet metal that enhanced without drastically altering the “Caprice look.” Coupes were still available from 1980-’82 and 1984-’87, but starting to get rare. In 1986, the front fascia was facelifted and the grille became slimmer while the tail lamp panel became more modern. The Brougham LS model released in 1986 has increased collectability. The 1990 models have unpopular door-mounted seat belts. Also popular with collectors are the 9C1 police editions of the “box car” Caprice. They often tested as America’s No. 1 cop car. Prices top out around $10,000 for mint examples.

9: HOLDEN-BASED POLICE CAPRICE – The Caprice name was revived after 15 years for an Americanized cop car from 2011-2017. This Caprice was a full-size car with a traditional rear-wheel-drive layout. It was built by Holden, the long-time General Motors subsidiary in Australia, where this model was known as the Holden WM/WN Caprice. A Holden-Statesman/Caprice was also marketed in countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arab during this time. It was sold in both civilian and police trim versions. These cars are already collectible.

10: 1973-1987 C/K PICKUPS – Third-generation Chevy C/K trucks are known as “Box-body” or “Square-body” trucks among collectors. GM’s official description was “Rounded-Line” based on the rounded styling lines of the windshield corners, cab roof corners and “limousine style” doors. The 1967-’72 Gen II C/K trucks were the first to gain a really strong following, but as supply of those dwindle, the Gen IIIs are getting a second look from collectors and zooming in both demand and value. These trucks were prone to rust, so check carefully for signs of “tin worm” infestation. Naturally, the higher trim levels are most desirable, as are big engines, lots of factory accessories and sporty shortbed and stepside models ($15,000+), but don’t overlook the appeal of a really clean base model ($8,000-plus) that’s never seen corrosion.

The post 10 Hot Chevys appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

Not all car carburetors are created equal, but they all have one thing in common. Those darlings must operate on cue and deliver reliable results when it comes to the motive function of an old car.

That maxim was pressed recently in the May 2019 Corsa Comminque, publication of the Corvair Society of America, Inc. (1448 Seagull Drive, Apt. 312, Palm Harbor, FL 34685). Don Keefe serves as executive editor.

What happens to Corvair carbs can easily happen to carbs on any old car, so take note. The article “Amazing Discovered!” was written by Howard King and is accompanied by a bevy of pictures supporting his tech feature. He noted that time marches forward, but carbs need help along the way. “Time…has not been our friend and unless you are lucky to have purchased NOS carbs or are the original owner you cannot be certain” that your carb consists “of matching parts.”

He explained: “To have a balanced engine with both sides producing the same output at various RPM levels, not only the flow, but the mixture, must be in balance.” Jets are important, to be sure. But that is only “one piece of the whole enchilada,” he explained. The biggest potential drawback is that “big box stores” are known for mixing parts before assembly. In effect, with the mixing of parts comes the possibility of a carb unable to “achieve a true mixture balance over the RPM range and from side to side….”

Worried? That’s not a bad thing, but it need not sink your ship. There are obtainable correct wire gauges that feel the jets and vents to make certain internals are in order. A simple visual or “eyeball” check isn’t sufficient. The writer moves onward with explanatory photos depicting the steps to check matters.

While all this relates to various Corvair carburetors made in the 1960s, the advice may transfer to cars of any make and year that carry carbs. Experienced collectors often vouch for the necessity to make certain their carb is properly rebuilt and balanced if roadworthy results are expected. The article proves a salient point that careful and accurate rebuilding are prime factors. Car owners are reminded that even though the old car they consider purchasing has a freshly rebuilt carburetor, that is no guarantee the device is functioning efficiently.

Since do-it-yourselfers are prone to rely on good advice, the article plugs the possible reprinting of the book “How to Identify and Rebuild Corvair Rochester Carburetors” by the late Bob Helt. In effect, stay tuned with the club!

The post Club Clips: July 18, 2019 Edition appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

Recently the Corvair community lost one of its leading citizens, Richard Floyd Finch July 29, 1935-August 12, 2018. Many of us became familiar with Finch after the publication of his 1975 book “How to Keep Your Corvair Alive.” At a time when Corvairs were being vilified by the ill-informed as unsafe death traps, Finch was the cars public cheerleader and provided solid information on maintaining and improving your Corvair that have proven to be invaluable to generations of owners. Countless beginning welders are also familiar with his “Welders Handbook” which is still widely used today.

Finch was much more than Corvair’s and welding. He graduated from high-school at age 16, and later from California Polytechnic State University. As a young man Finch raced go-karts, sports cars, and race cars of his own design. He even raced a dune buggy in the Baja off-road race. He worked in the Aerospace industry at Vandenberg Air Force base, and the rocked testing program at Holloman Air Force base in New Mexico to which he later retired.

His proudest accomplishment was being accepted as an engineering team member at the NASA Space Center in Florida. Finch was also a commercial pilot with a twin-engine and flight-instructor rating. He adapted a Corvair engine to a Cessna aircraft, and later published “Converting Auto Engines for Experimental Aircraft.” Finch’s belief in the adaptability for aircraft has since resulted in wide-spread acceptance of the Corvair powerplant for experimental aircraft use.

For many years his CORSA-ized Corvair Monza 4-door was one of the best known Corvair’s in the world. The car was purchased “new-used” as a 110hp with a powerglide. Finch soon converted it to full CORSA specs including the addition of rare factory air-conditioning. Finch used this car as his daily driver for eighteen years including towing his race cars to races all over the countries. In 1978 it won several econ-runs with an average of 37.5mpg.

In June 1969 he acquired Yenko Stinger YS003 as a pristine 2,500-mile cream-puff. Finch variously raced the car and drove it as transportation until 1974 when it was sold soon becoming the property of fellow Corvair racer and author Seth Emerson. Seth purchased the very first copy of How to Keep Your Corvair Alive at the 1975 CORSA convention. Seth says, “I learned a lot about Corvair’s from Richard, but probably the most enduring lessons were about welding and fabrication.”

“The books he wrote on welding techniques were industry standards. He wasn’t afraid to build something himself and share the information on how to do it. His Corvair books are great examples, but especially his welding books. He once told me that he could teach me all I needed to weld in an afternoon, then, after a few years of practice, I would be ‘okay’.”

I saw my first copy of Finch’s book in 1978 at a bookstore as a 16-year-old Corvair owner. The price was $8.95 which was more than I could afford. I returned to the store for weeks afterwards to peek at his book to learn about my Corvair. Eventually I acquired a copy which became the start of my large automotive library. In 1986 an updated version was published in conjunction with Clark’s Corvair Parts that elevated the original and is still in print today.

Richard Finch made numerous contributions not only to the collector car community, but to the aerospace industry and country. All that met him were impressed with his depth of knowledge and his willingness to listen and share. His books made you feel like with a bit of practice any project was possible. He will be missed but his knowledge lives in in his books.

The post Corvair family loses Richard Floyd Finch appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

The 28th Orphan Car Tour took place on Saturday, June 2 along the winding, scenic back roads of Maryland’s Harford and Baltimore counties.

This year’s Tour was nicknamed “How the Other Half Lives” because the route wove past prosperous estates and horse farms of My Lady’s Manor and Worthington Valley, which lie north of Baltimore.

An all-day downpour had been forecast, but fortunately the rain held off until the tour had almost ended, late in the afternoon.

The day began in Jarrettsville, Maryland, where drivers of 42 cars converged on the Jarrettsville United Methodist Church parking lot starting at 9:30 AM. At least 28 of the autos were vintage “orphans”: antique cars with discontinued marques. The rest were modern automobiles, driven by those concerned about how their old cars might behave in the rain.

Participants greeted one another, registered their cars, and received the printed driving directions that each driver follows at his or her own pace. At 10:45 the cars were released, one by one, onto the tour route. For the next five hours drivers traversed a 30-mile route, making occasional stops at designated places of interest along the way. Among these were Ladew Topiary Gardens, Boordy Vineyards, Oregon Ridge Nature Center, and Prigel’s Creamery, a family farm that serves up outstanding ice cream treats.

Perhaps the most interesting attraction was a private automobile collection. This one is eclectic, containing everything from Model A Fords to 1960’s European and British sports cars, along with some early racing cars. There’s even an Isetta, a Fiat 500 and a customized tow truck nicknamed “Tow-Mater”.

At 4:30 PM, after the driving portion of the tour had ended, a buffet dinner was served at Friendly Farm Restaurant in Upperco, Maryland to a crowd of 64. As is the custom for Orphan Car Tours, the direction sheets had been sprinkled with questions about sights glimpsed along the route, in order to test the observational abilities of drivers and passengers. After the meal, prizes were awarded to those who had answered the most questions correctly. First place went to Randy and Sharon Fryer of Monkton, Md.; second place was awarded to John and Vivian Czajkowski of Odenton, Md.; third place was won by Harley and Carol Smith of Annapolis. This year’s Hard Luck Award went to Tom Cox of Woodstock, Md., whose car stalled while idling in the long line of cars waiting to start the tour. The Long Distance Award was given to Fred and Nina Hammer, who drove their 1966 Mercury Comet Cylone convertible from State College, PA.

Cars taking the tour ranged in model years from 1928 to 1993, with a nice sampling of cars from the ’30’s through the ’60’s. Automotive marques included AMC (AMX, Hornet, Marlin, Rambler), Corvair, DeSoto, Edsel, Henry J, Kaiser, Mercury (Comet and Cougar), Morris, Packard, Plymouth (Valiant), Pontiac, Studebaker (including Hawk and Lark), Terraplane and Triumph. There were also two Hupmobiles – a 1928 from Nevada and a 1933 from New Jersey – whose owners had paused to take in the Orphan Tour on their way to the Hupmobile National Meet in Staunton, Virginia.

The directors of this year’s tour were Ross Miller and Bob Godwin. Ross had laid out several tours in previous years and Bob and his wife Phyllis had been frequent past winners of the “observational” contest. Assisting with the Tour were Harley Smith, Bill and Susan Johnson and Jon Battle. Mike Bianco facilitated one of the stops along the way.

The Orphan Car Tour is an annual event designed to encourage the driving enjoyment of antique “orphans”, which the Tour defines as vehicles at least 25 years old which were produced either by now-defunct manufacturers or by the discontinued divisions of still-existing companies. Each year it moves to a different location in the greater Baltimore- Washington area. It is sponsored by six local chapters or regions of national “orphan” clubs: Mid-Atlantic Packards (a region of The Packard Club); the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club; the Potomac Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club; the Potomac Ramblers (an affiliate of the AMO and AMCRC); the DeSoto Owners Club of Maryland; the Keystone Region Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club. The Tour maintains a website at www.orphancartour.org/.

The post 2018 Orphan Tour defies threat of rain appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

DECATUR, Ill. _ The Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum has announced the expansion and partnership of the brand new National Corvair Museum in conjunction with the Corvair Preservation Foundation. The newly opened Corvair Museum will display and house some of the rarest Chevrolet Corvairs in existence, including the last surviving Corvair built as well as the last convertible and the last Corvair body off the Fisher Body Assembly line that was never completed into an automobile. The newly opened edition will be adding many exhibits in the months to come. “The Corvair Preservation Foundation is very excited to create our museum with the Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum. It’s been over 15 years since we have been able to open our vast collection for public viewing. This has been a long term goal of our organization for many years. We are looking forward to making our Corvair home in Decatur, Illinois” says Mike Hall, president of the Corvair Preservation Foundation.

Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum
3635 US Rt 36 East
Decatur, IL. 62521
217-791-5793
www.chevrolethalloffamemuseum.com

The post Corvair expansion planned for Chevrolet HOF appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

Cars ‘R’ Stars @ PPG (at the Packard Proving Grounds), returns to the historic setting of the legendary Packard Proving Grounds on Van Dyke and 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township, MI on Sunday, June 11. It will feature hundreds of vintage vehicles from all eras, and, this year, a most interesting special feature entitled, “Hoods in the Rear.” This is a variety of unusual cars built, over the years, with the engine in the rear of the car.

Among the featured cars in this group will be three different Stout Scarabs from 1935 to 1936. The Stout Scarab was an iconic art deco vehicle that is considered the original minivan! Only nine were ever built and it is historically significant to have three Stout Scarabs on view at once in one place, since only five are believed to still exist. Show goers will have the opportunity to witness, in person, the subtle differences in these cars, which were essentially hand-built and never offered to the general public.

Additional cars featured in this special feature are the famous Tucker automobile of 1948, also considered ahead of its time and the infamous Corvair of the 1960s that came under attack by Ralph Nader. There will be a number of examples of the VW Beetles and Mini Buses from the 1950s and 60s.

Additional unique cars will be an Amphicar that runs both in the water and on land, the futuristic Tatra T87, a Delorean DMC 12, the mini BMW Isettas and a Fiat Jolly as well as several Porsches.

“The Goal of the Cars ‘R’ Stars Show at the historic Packard Proving Grounds is to honor the role of vehicles in our collective history. By featuring some of the most unique cars in automotive history, we are telling a fascinating part of that story. In addition it is quite significant to be able to show three of the most famous Stout Scarabs together in one place at one time,” said Don Sommer Cars ‘R’ Stars @PPG board member. ”This will be a great opportunity for whole families to share memories and history together with the “actual vehicles” there to inspire stories. Sommer was founder of the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. He brings his considerable network of contacts to Cars‘R’Stars @ PPG.

“Cars‘R’Stars @ PPG is known for welcoming all examples of collectible transportation as well as the special features,” he continued. “Our field includes everything from 2 wheeled to 4 wheeled, brass era and pre-war, post war, hot rods, muscle cars, trucks, racers, customs, military vehicles and even bikes.”

This Year Car ‘R’ Stars vintage bicycle exhibition will feature well known Whizzer motorbikes. These motorized bicycles became especially popular during World War II when they were billed as a great way for defense workers to travel to and from work. There will be some 17 vintage bicycles on view including various motorized bikes.

Cars ‘R’ Stars @ PPG is one of the oldest classic cars shows in Michigan, formerly known as Carnival of Cars. In the last eight years, the show has enjoyed resurgence, in tandem with the ongoing preservation and restoration of the famous Packard Proving Grounds. Built 84 years ago by the legendary Albert Kahn, the Proving Grounds features a beautiful Tudor style Lodge with an 8-bay garage and temporary dormitory for engineers and test drivers as well as part of the original test track. This is where the high performance vehicles of the 20th century were tested. The 6,500 sq. ft. Repair Garage is where much of the disassembly/reassembly and bench testing occurred. 

Vehicles will be judged in static (in-place) Concours fashion and participants will get awards uniquely crafted from the wood of the historic Packard Plant in Detroit making a distinctive keepsake.

“The historic significance of the Packard Proving Grounds makes it an important and ideal setting for a collector car meet and celebration,” continued Sommer. “The unique proving- grounds is a piece of Michigan history where the greatest American autos ran their paces. The beauty of this event is that everyone is invited to show off their vehicles and enjoy the setting and the camaraderie of fellow automotive lovers.”

Organizers of the Cars‘R’Stars @ PPG automotive show and celebration are a collaboration of the Detroit Chapter of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America, Motor City Packards and the Packard Motor Car Foundation.

The public will have the opportunity to enter and see portions of the beautiful 83 year old Albert Kahn designed Packard Gate Lodge, under restoration by the Packard Motor Car Foundation as both a Michigan and National Historic Site. The Lodge is a Tudor Revival style residence that served as the home for the proving grounds manager and his family and features three fireplaces, nine bedrooms, four bathrooms and a multi colored slate roof. There is a dormitory about the 8-bay garage that served as temporary living space for test drivers and engineers.

The Lodge and famous entrance gates served as a backdrop for much of Packard’s advertising and symbol for the company. Visitors will be able to enter the Lodge and associated buildings for free throughout the day and The Gift Shop will be open in the Lodge Garage after 9 a.m. to all Cars ‘R’ Stars @PPG visitors. The Tank Test Building will be open for viewing of Gar Wood’s Miss America X race boat, a 1917 Packard, an extensive Whizzer motorbike display and some of the most interesting Rear-Engined Feature cars.

The Historic Packard Proving Grounds is located on Van Dyke, south of 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township. The show takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Walk – in admission to Cars‘R’Stars @ PPG on June 11 is just $5 and children under 12 are free when accompanied by a paid admission. Gates open at 8 a.m.and close at 3 p.m.

Autos that want to participate are encouraged to pre register. Registration the day of the show is $20 for non-judged and $25 for judged cars.

For information call: Tom Mitchell at 586-247-5921 or go to www.carsrstars.com .

The post Cars ‘R’ Stars at Packard Proving Grounds appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

IOLA, Wis. _ The Firebird and Camaro weren’t just an answer to the Ford Mustang, they were an answer to General Motors’ fans prayers. They’ll also be the focus of the 2017 Iola Car Show, to be held from July 6-8 in Iola, Wis.

Up to the creation of the Camaro and Firebird for the 1967 model year, GM performance enthusiasts went with the mid-size Chevelles and GTOs or full-size, big-block machines packaged with high-strength goodies. For anything smaller than a GTO or Chevelle SS, there was the unorthodox Tempest LeMans and the Corvair. With all these offerings, the Ford Mustang still left GM lovers wishing for a direct pony car competitor of their own.

GM’s Mustang fighters debuted for the 1967 model year as the Pontiac Firebird and the Chevrolet Camaro, and they were a hit. A total of 220,906 Camaro coupes and convertibles were built for model year 1967 while 82,560 Firebird coupes and convertibles were built for the same period.

Camaro and Firebird owners are invited to celebrate the interest in their cars at the 2017 Iola Car Show by pre-registering their car; fans of GM’s pony cars are invited to come see what is expected to be a gigantic display of these hot cars.

To learn more or register your car, go to www.iolaoldcarshow.com , call 715-445-4000 or e-mail information@iolaoldcarshow.com.

The post 2017 Iola Car Show welcomes Camaro and Firebird appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

Help a loved one stay on top of car care with a Meguiar’s DA PowerSystem Package.

Here is what’s included in the package:

· 1 Ultimate Compound
· 1 Ultimate Polish
· 1 Ultimate Wax
· 1 DA Power System tool
· 6 assorted foam pads
· 3 Microfiber towels

Find it at your favorite retailer of car care products just in time for the holidays.

Automotive Apparel

Let that loved one show their automotive allegiance with some sweet threads from Pep Boys. The retailer offers mechanic’s shirts, t-shirts, hats, belts, key chains, polo shirts and other apparel to outfit die-hards who love their Mustang, Camaro, Ford, Chevy, Mopar, Corvette, Charger, Cobra, Ram, Firebird, Challenger or Shelby. T-shirts start at just $9.90

Start your shopping here or in-store.

“Standard Catalog of Chevrolet: 1912-2003” book

Give the gift of facts this Christmas season with a “Standard Catalog of Chevrolet” book. The heavily illustrated softcover book covers Chevrolet automobile production figures, options, mechanical features and more in its 450 pages. Look for complete coverage of Camaro, Corvette, Corvair, Impala and all the other important Chevy cars for just $24.99. The hundreds of in-period black-and-white factory photos make it a great ID guide, too.

Order now for holiday delivery here.

“Standard Catalog of Ford: 1903-2002” book

Ford fans will pore over the hundreds of black-and-white factory illustrations, historical data, production figures, options, available engines and other hard data featured in “Standard Catalog of Ford: 1903-2002.” The softcover book’s 400-some pages include all the important Ford automobiles, from Falcon and Fairlane to Thunderbird, Mustang, the Model T and Model A and more.

Order the Ford “Standard Catalog” now for holiday delivery here.

Model 1934 Buick Series 60 convertible coupe from Brooklin

Can’t quite cover the cost of buying that special someone the car of their dreams? That’s OK; they’ll think this 1:43-scale model of the 1934 Buick convertible is just as sweet of a treat.

The handmade, white-metal model accurately replicates the 1934 Buick Series 60 convertible coupe, and will likely be the centerpiece of your favorite hobbyist’s collection. The heavy body, intricate trim pieces and beautiful blue paint are all outstanding enough to make Santa want to trade in his sleigh.

Order this stellar scale 1934 Buick Series 60 convertible through a Brooklin retailer; find one at www.brasiliapress.com or by FAX at 574-262-8799. Better hurry!

The post 5 Last-Minute Holiday Gifts from the elves at Old Cars appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.