Vintage Automobile Touring Society

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Reverlling Along The Rogue
Harmony in Hillsborough
Succuss at Serrano
Magic at Murphys
The Gang Goes Gatsby
Bellies & Bumpers, Ta-Tas & Tires
Mingling at the Mille

To set the scene; it’s Thursday morning, July 26th and a group of eight is poised for the start of their journey north to the City of Grants Pass, Oregon. Their reason for doing so... the “Back to the 50’s” Car Show; a city wide extravaganza with many events and venues.

The group of eight is on the move; they are heading north on US 101. Soon they pass through the City of Willits; they continue north to the booming metropolis of Laytonville, California, where they make a pit stop in order for the Jacobs’ party to purchase some petrol.

The journey resumed, taking the courageous caravan further north through the tiny towns of Leggett, Piercy, Garberville, Myers Flat, Weott, Pepperwood, Scotia, Rio Dell and Fortuna. Fortuna facilitated a fabulous feast; Las Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant was the restaurant of choice. With everyone fat and full, they hit the road once again, but first another pit stop for petrol.

Soon the tireless travelers were deep in Del Norte County, taking in the scenic beauty of the North Coast. Next stop, Crescent City; you guessed it… more gas.

The journey now headed inland on a northeasterly path through the majestic redwoods of the Jedediah Smith State Park and along the Smith River, which flows through a winding gorge with Route 199 perched on its banks high above.

Welcome to Oregon the sign reads; the final destination nears as they pass travel through the Illinois Valley. With Grants Pass in sight, the now tired travelers make their way to the Riverside Inn, located next to the 6th Street Bridge that spans the Rogue River.

With luggage unloaded and check-in complete, the weary travelers retreat to their rooms and reemerge a short time later feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

With the journey having taken longer than anticipated, their plan to partake in the Thursday evening Poker Run, that hit all the Burger Joints, was squelched, but “Plan B” turned out to be better yet. “B” stands for brewery, as in The Brewery Restaurant, located off 4th Street in Historic Downtown Grants Pass. Everyone had their favorite fair and all agreed that the restaurant put the “F” in Fine Dinning.

Friday morning rolled around and it was off to the Growers Market parking lot, located on the corner of 4th & F Streets, the site of the Pre-Show Show-N-Shine. With this venue located in and amongst the various shops and stores, it only took a matter of minutes for the female members of the group to venture out and do what they do best… Shop! After kicking some tires, the guys also ventured out, but come lunch time everyone rendezvoused back at the Show-N-Shine.

Seeing as how they missed out on the Burger Joint Poker Run the night before, it was off to Jimmy’s Drive-In. Hoofing it for a couple more blocks than anticipated only made the hungry horde that much more hungry, but that hunger was satisfied with the consumption of the most colossal cheeseburger, pile of fries and killer milkshake.

Things wrapped up at the Show-N-Shine around 2 O’clock and it was back to the Riverside Inn, where they met up with the Worster’s who had just arrived from Seattle; having attended the Buick National Meet. The Worster’s had left Ukiah on Monday and traveled up with a group of fellow ’59 Buick owners. Their arrival in Grants Pass signaled “all present and accounted for”.

Also joining the group was local residents Howard & Heike Arnold, formally of Ukiah, and Dick & Debbie Gorman, making the total headcount fourteen. So here’s the Roll Call… Ray & Verna Jacobs, Harry & Sue Parducci, Billy & Maralyn Moore, Rick & Carolynn Hansen, Ray & Donna Worster and the aforementioned Arnold’s and Gorman's, and all fourteen of them were now hungry and ready for dinner.

Mention was made of the prior evening dinning experience at The Brewery, which made the newcomers envious. “Why not go there again?”… The Brewery it is… Party of 14 please!

Everything thus far was leading up to Saturday’s “Back to the 50’s” Car Show and Saturday had arrived, so it was off to Riverside Park, which was just over the river from the hotel. With the name Riverside Park, it stands to reason that it is located along the banks of the river, which made for a beautiful setting.

The cars were staged on the large soccer field; all placed in tidy rows. For the VATS group, it was the row along the river, which made for a shady area in which to sit.At the end of the field was the registration booth and announcer’s stage, which was pumping out some good oldies tunes. Beyond the stage, in a paved area, werethe merchandise and food vendors; a wide selection of both, especially the food booths.

The Host Club for the “Back to the 50’s” Car Show is the Rogue Valley Classic Chevy Club and the Chairperson for the car show was Kathy Simmons, as in Bob & Kathy Simmons; former Ukiah residents, former members of the Ukiah Early Iron Car Club and former Chairperson of Ukiah’s Fabulous Flashback Car Show. What a pleasant treat to see them both again; it was apparent that Kathy still has the magic touch, as the “Back to the 50’s” Car Show was well orchestrated.

When all was said and done, the Moore’s walked away with a beautiful rosette and plaque for their 1940 Packard, having been awarded the Fire Marshall’s Pick. Also in receipt of a rosette and plaque was the Jacobs’, but it was a dubious distinction, as their 1957 Chevy Bel Air was presented with the Hard Luck Award. Why you ask? Let’s look back… Gas in Laytonville, gas in Fortuna, gas in Crescent City equals 8 miles-to-the-gallon. Why you ask? Well the story of that began 18 months ago when Ray J opted to put a dual carburetor/manifold on the black Bel Air Hardtop. After months of tinkering and distractions, Ray J was unsuccessful in getting the classic Chevy motoring down the road; or better said, up the steep driveway.

The situation was dire; it looked like the Jacobs’ wouldn’t be making the trip to Grants Pass, but last minute efforts got the car running, at least well enough to make the journey. Bottom line; they got there on a wing and a prayer; hence the Hard Luck Award.

It was back to the hotel for a swim and, in some cases, a nap. The swimming and napping apparently worked up everyone’s appetite, so it was off to R Haus; . a rustic, lodge like, structure housing the renowned restaurant that overlooks the Rogue River.

Added to the group of 14 was Richard & Donna Turner of Ukiah, soon to be Grants Pass. The party of 16 was seated on the second story deck; a perfect spot with perfect weather to match. The food was fantastic, the conversation wonderful and a great time had by all.

The setting sun cast long shadows over the table as the meal came to an end; time to head back, but first a few go-arounds on the cruise route.

What an amazing turnout of people; both participants and spectators. People were standing two and three deep along every inch of the cruise route and the best part was the cruise traffic moved at a good pace. Those in charge of the cruise are to be commended.

Up bright and early Sunday morning in preparation for the trip home. Cars loaded, tanks full and Grants Pass getting smaller in the rearview mirror. No trip home from the North Coast would be complete without a stop at Betty Boop’s All American Hamburger Drive-In in Redway, California. Waiting for us at the drive-in was Jim Montgomery of Ukiah and Bill Baxter of Willits, both of whom were returning from Fortuna, having attended the Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo. The Fortuna Car Show is the Vintage Automobile Touring Society’s usual destination the last weekend in July, but circumstances dictated that Grants Pass would be the car show of choice for 2007.

With bellies full of burgers it was time to continue south; Ukiah or bust and you’ll be glad to know that it wasn’t bust for the Bel Air. However, I’m sure Chevron is lovin’ the Jacobs’ about now.

So there you have it; Grants Pass 2007… Wow!

Seeing pristine Art Deco inspired Classic Automobiles, like the 1934 LaSalle Coupe and the 1933 Packard Victoria pictured here, is a breathtaking sight… The sun reflecting off the highly polished chrome and a background of lush green grass, tease the senses. What could be better? Why, seeing these types of cars being driven of course and that’s exactly what representatives of the Vintage Automobile Touring Society had the luxury and pleasure of doing on Saturday, May 5th, the day prior to the 51st Annual Hillsborough Concours d’ Elegance. The Tour d’ Elegance, as it is called, saw its genesis in 2001 and has been a Hillsborough tradition ever since.

Maralyn Moore’s 1940 Packard and Rick Hansen’s 1937 MG Saloon were two of the cars that made up the entry of forty plus vintage and classic automobiles that gathered at the Crocker School in Hillsborough for the 2007 Tour d’ Elegance.

At 10:45 the sound of engines starting filled the air and moments later the precession of cars began their journey; destination… Half Moon Bay. The route? The road less traveled.

Mountainous terrain, redwood forests and green meadows made up the landscape for the inland portion of the journey; later it gave way to spectacular ocean vistas, windswept trees and the smell of salt air as we approached Highway 1, near Pescadero.

The journey continued northward up Highway 1, towards Half Moon Bay. Blue skies abound, though the wind made its presence known, which was evident by the ocean’s white-capped waves.

The sixty-eight mile tour came to an end as we pulled into the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton. However, the enjoyment continued, as we were all invited guests of the “Legend of the Motorcycle International Concours d’ Elegance”, that was being held at the resort. The Ritz-Carlton sits atop the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which makes for a picture postcard setting for this well attended “Pebble Beach” inspired second annual event.

Upon our arrival we were instructed to park our cars along the side of the golf course fairway; our group was then directed into the Ritz-Carlton’s banquet facilities, where we were treated to a catered box lunch affair. After enjoying our meal, we strolled over to the adjacent banquet room, which was staged for that evening’s auction. We were able to preview all the bikes slated for the auction block; from there we ventured outside to the show grounds. Gracing the field was every imaginable motorcycle marquee from every country known to have manufactured a bike of one shape and size or another... You name it, it was there.

Once we had our fill, it became a case of “you’re on your own”, so the four of us ventured back inland to Burlingame and later up to the San Francisco residence of Ken & Sue Hansen, in preparation for our much anticipated dinner at John’s Grill on Ellis Street; the famed restaurant of Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon”.

Our group of six arrived at John’s Grill at 6 o’clock, at which time we were seated at a wonderful table that provided privacy, yet still a view of the street, as seen through the paned window store front.The meal was a culinary delight from start to finish; service was excellent and the atmosphere quintessential San Francisco style fine dining.

Sunday morning the 6th of May was all a buzz as entries in the Hillsborough Concours d’ Elegance arrived for staging; one amazing car after another entered the gate and found its predetermined spot on the field.

The day was filled with festivities; a live jazz band and a carnival for the kids. Entrants were provided a delicious lunch under the shade of a large event tent; a relaxing break and a chance to mix and mingle with fellow car enthusiasts.

In addition to the aforementioned Packard and LaSalle, there was a plethora of wheeled wonders; muscle to majestic, sporty to spectacular and racing to rare. All of which were a visual treat, but of course some were determined to be “special” in that they received a nod from the judges. For these cars and their owners, it was a drive up and over the ramp at the announcer’s podium, so they could receive their award; once they awarded top honors, the event drew to a close.

Time for the little MG and the big long Packard to pack it up and head for Ukiah. A stop in the City of Petaluma for Fish & Chips and Shepherd’s Pie at Finbar Devine’s Irish Pub nourished both our bodies and souls; a very relaxing setting and an ideal time to reflect on the past 53 hours. We all concurred that a good time was indeed had by all… time to go home.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, in the community of El Dorado Hills, California, the Serrano Country Club served as the venue for the Third Annual Niello Concours d’ Elegance. In attendance were Vintage Automobile Touring Society representatives Billy & Maralyn Moore with their 1940 Packard 160 and Rick & Carolynn Hansen with their 1937 Buick Special. In addition, there were 139 other entries that gathered on the green, making for a marvelous montage of motorcars.

Throughout the morning teams of SCCA Judges made their rounds, critiquing each vehicle; the Moore’s and the Hansen’s not withstanding. With totals tabulated, officials delivered the good news to each perspective award winner, which, low and behold, included the Moore’s Packard and the Hansen’s Buick; as too what award, that would be announced during the Awards Ceremony.

Asked to queue up in the precession that would be parading past the pavilion, the Moore’s and Hansen’s patiently pondered their perspective prizes. Proceeding to the podium, the Moore’s were presented with a 1st Place Trophy for Class B – US Classics, Closed. Then came the Hansen’s turn; for them the award was a 2nd Place Trophy for Class E – Preservation, Unrestored Original Cars through 1956.

Trophies are always the icing on the cake, with the cake being the fun and friendship of sharing a fabulous day with fellow enthusiasts; surely all those in attendance would agree that the Niello Concours at Serrano made for a fabulous day.

Ironstone Flyer It's not everyday that you see a 1935 Bugatti Stelvio and it's not everyday you see forty-one Ford Thunderbirds parked in a row, but on Saturday, September 23^rd you could have seen both if you were in attendance at the 10th Annual Ironstone Concours d' Elegance in Murphys, California.

Representatives of the Vintage Automobile Touring Society were fortunate enough to be present at this year's event, thereby making up a small portion of the 367 entries that graced the grounds of Ironstone Vineyards Estate.

Festivities began on Friday evening with a Wine Tasting Reception, followed by the Pre-Event Dinner; a wonderfully delicious Buffet affair held outdoors under the evening sky, all while being serenaded by live Irish Celtic Music.

Come Saturday morning the rolling lawns of Ironstone Winery became a carpet of cars. The British were well represented with an array of "Motor Cars"; everything from Austin Healey's to Bentley's and Rolls Royce's, along with an amazingly beautiful 1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe and a very rare 1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster, with its unique "Dickie" - AKA: Rumble Seat.

The featured marquees were Packard and Pierce Arrows, so it goes without saying that there was a plethora of Packards, including Ray & Dona Worster's 1953 Packard Clipper Sedan. Another Packard worth mentioning was a breathtakingly beautiful 1936 Packard 1407 Convertible Victoria, shown at left.

It was a Packard that took Top Honors at day's end; a 1930 Packard 734 Speedster Phaeton, owned by Don & Glenda Sears of Tiburon, California. Selecting Best of Show was surely a difficult task, as the selection of vehicles to choose from was quite impressive. It was the largest field of entry in Ironstone's 10 year history.

For the Representatives of the Vintage Automobile Touring Society the weekend in Murphys was marvelous. So to celebrate good times and good friends, we all enjoyed a spctacular meal on Saturday evening at the Dorrington Hotel & Restaurant. The Dorrington is located amongst the tall evergreen trees of Stanislaus National Forest near the town of Arnold, half an hour east of Murphys. Dinner conversation, of course, focused on the topic of cars and next year's Concours at Ironstone. As the evening slipped away, the laughter and story telling came to an end. A restful night's sleep sounded good, since a long journey home awaited us on Sunday morning.

Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, members of the Art Deco Society of California host each year the Gatsby Summer Afternoon; a picnic held at the picturesque grounds of the Dunsmuir Estate, located in the Oakland Hills.

Upon one’s arrival, you are immediately transported back in time to all things 1920’s and 30’s. In attendance are dozens of automobiles of the era and with them their passengers; each dressed in Gatsby garb.

Arriving in a 1940 Packard Seven Passenger Sedan was the Vintage Automobile Touring Society entourage; the Hansen’s, Jacobs’, Moore’s and Worster’s and yes, they too were dressed in the appropriate attire.

Picnicking in the past means no plastic; no Saran Wrap, no Tupperware, at least when no one is looking… wax paper is the product of choice. Proper linens and dishes set the mood, especially when serving High Tea; finger sandwiches, petit fours, Jordan almonds and the like.

Some picnics are more posh than others, but whether you dine on fried chicken or pâté the day’s festivities capture the essence of bygone years; festivities such as dancing to the musical renderings of the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra.

Awards were presented for Best Female Costume, Best Hat, Best Male Costume, Best Picnic and Best Automobile, but the highlight of the day was the dancing review of the lovely and talented Deco Belles, followed by the crowning of Miss Art Deco.

Marvelous motor cars, girls with gorgeous gams, knickers and nylons, hats and gloves all help make the Gatsby Summer Afternoon the Cat’s Meow, the Bee’s Knees… its more than just a picnic, it’s a pleasant pastel of the past.

The Vintage Automobile Touring Society’s annual pilgrimage to Humboldt County for the Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo commenced on Friday morning, July 21st at 8:30. Leaving the heat behind, our merry band of misfits headed north to the land of cool coastal breezes.

The road north is a redwood wonder as you wind your way along the Eel River; for the full effect of this majestic forest, we detoured to the road less traveled and exited onto the Avenue of the Giants. This 27 mile stretch of road places you in and amongst some of the world’s largest Redwood Trees; trees that were here when Christ was born.

Our arrival in Fortuna took us directly to Pepper’s Restaurant where we satisfied our hunger and then it was off to the neighboring town of Ferndale. This charming Victorian Village has long been our location of choice for lodging during our stay on the Lost Coast.

This year we selected the Ferndale Pizza Company for our Friday “Gathering of the Gang” Dinner. Unbeknownst to all but two in our party of 14, arrangements had been made to surprise Ray Jacobs, on this his 70th Birthday. Yes, we did the surprise Birthday Cake; 70 candles a blazin’ and there were gifts and cards, but the real surprise for Ray, and everyone else, was “Shoshanna” the Belly Dancer.

Shoshanna & Ray Birthday Cake

Prior to Friday’s “Gathering of the Gang” Dinner the group split up and went their separate ways; some went shopping, while others traveled north towards Eureka to see the uncommon sight of New England Style Covered Bridges on the West Coast.

Car on Covered Bridge

Saturday morning came early; rise and shine, time to head for Downtown Fortuna. We of course were not alone upon our arrival to Main Street, but everyone was parked in quick order and soon we disbursed on foot to all the various venues; the Antique Fair, Swap Meet, Car Corral, Arts & Craft Fair, Antique Tractor and Hit & Miss Engine Display and of course the Car Show itself.

Lunchtime found us at the Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Cantina where we enjoyed a delicious Mexican style meal; cerveza included. The remainder of the afternoon was spent tire kicking and visiting with fellow car enthusiasts. Then came notification that Billy & Maralyn Moore’s 1940 Packard had won 1st Place in their class; that bit of information certainly put smiles on everyone’s face, especially Maralyn’s.

Four O’clock rolled around and it was time to shift gears and get ready for the Poker Run; rendezvous point, Fortuna Union High School. Our group decided to pair-up and only take two cars; the Worster’s opted for the Hansen’s ’37 Buick Sport Coupe and the Jacobs’ and Parducci’s climbed aboard the Moore’s Packard Sedan.

Out of the dozen plus Poker hands played, there wasn’t a winner amongst them. However, that wasn’t the case when it came to the Trivia Contest; Donna Worster’s trivia knowledge, along with a little help from her Poker Player Pals, made for the most correctly answered Trivia Contest submission, thereby making her the Big Winner. Meanwhile, the occupants of the Packard were applying their trivia know-how and low and behold Maralyn Moore claimed 2nd Place.

The conclusion of the Poker Run places you at Rohner Park, the location of the Participant Barbecue; it was there that we were all reunited for what was one very delicious meal, which we capped off with homemade pies we purchased from the local church bazaar. Having had our fill, we headed back to Ferndale for a restful night’s sleep and it was up and atom for Sunday morning’s Award Ceremony, also held at Rohner Park.

Winner's Parade Spectators gathered to see the Winners parade through the Trophy Stand to receive their award; this parade of course included Billy and Maralyn Moore in their 1940 Packard Seven Passenger Sedan.

From Birthdays and Belly Dancers to Winners and Awards, the 2006 Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo was now just a memory; time to saddle-up and hit the trail home. We were reluctant to leave the coolness of the North Coast, knowing that temperatures at home had reached the 112 degree mark during our absence. The heat was felt upon our arrival in Redway, California, where we stopped at the Great American Hamburger Company for one of their colossal hamburgers and thick and creamy milkshakes... Mm Mm Good!

Shoshanna Belly Dancing The last leg of our journey was hot, hot, hot, but it is always nice to come home, but thoughts already turned to next year’s AutoXpo; I wonder if Shoshanna is busy that weekend?

Sunday, April 30th had all the makings for an idyllic day atop San Francisco’s Nob Hill. Sun and blue skies abound in and around Huntington Park where several dozen Vintage and Classic Automobiles graced the grounds, including Billy & Maralyn Moore’s 1940 Packard Seven-Passenger Sedan and Rick & Carolynn Hansen’s 1937 MG VA Saloon.

This display of “art on wheels” was part of the 16th Annual California Mille; entitled “A Century of San Francisco Style”, the theme of the exhibit featured those cars reminiscent of the luxury automobiles that would have dropped off patrons in front of the stately Fairmont Hotel.

Parked directly in front of the famed Fairmont Hotel were this year’s entrants in the California Mille, the 1000 Mile Tour that takes Racers on California’s roads less traveled. The running of the California Mille is inspired by the Mille Miglias, Italy’s renowned road race that took place each year throughout the European countryside from 1927 through 1957.

Jaguars, Alpha Romeos, Ferraris and the like make up the field of racers; all cars that would have traversed Italy’s winding roads at breakneck speeds. For the California Mille the operative word is Touring verses Racing, as the breakneck speeds are replaced by a more leisurely pace.

Before the actual Mille begins there is a grand celebration, hence the “Century of San Francisco Style” exhibit, but the celebration didn’t stop there. Both Racers and Exhibitors were treated to a Continental Breakfast and then come lunchtime a buffet comprised of Cheese Tortellini, Crab Cakes, Cold Cuts, Fresh Baked Bread Rolls and Hors d’oeuvres, to include Caviar and Pate, plus Wine, Champagne and a dessert selection of Cannolis, Cheese Cake and Chocolate Mousse.

The local television station KRON TV 4 was on hand, broadcasting live, also on hand were models and fashions from the San Francisco Fashion Institute, along with various dignitaries and event sponsors.

For the Moore’s and the Hansen’s the journey to the California Mille festivities began on Saturday morning the 29th, with an 11:00 am departure from Ukiah, California. The travel itinerary included a lunch stop at Finbar Devine’s, an Irish Pub located in Petaluma, California. With a course of Bangers & Mash and Fish & Chips under their belts, the journey continued on to San Francisco; destination, the Mark Hopkins Hotel at #1 Nob Hill.

Once checked-in at the Mark Hopkins, a walk to Union Square made for the ideal shopping environment for the women. With packages in hand, the return trip to the hotel was made easy by a ride on the Powell Street Cable Car. Come 6 o’clock, the Moore’s and Hansen’s were joined by Rick’s brother and sister-n-law Ken & Sue Hansen, who reside in San Francisco. Their vehicle transported everyone to Liverpool Lil’s, an authentic English Pub located on Lyon Street next to the Presidio. Manchester Wellington was just one of the delicious meals consumed that evening and of course no meal is complete without dessert; Lemon Tarts and Turtle Cheese Cake to name a few.

The evening was capped-off by coffee and tea at Ken & Sue Hansen’s Penthouse Condo overlooking the San Francisco Skyline.

The late hour made for heavy eyelids, so it was back to the Mark Hopkins for a pampered night’s sleep for come morning it was up bright and early for Sunday’s Mille festivities, so our story ends where it began… Huntington Park, Blue Skies and Sunshine.

Updated 08-08-08