Vintage Automobile Touring Society

Nestled amongst the trees of the Sierra foothills is the 1800’s Gold Rush era town of Grass Valley, California

The Worster’s, Jacobs’, Parducci’s, Stuefen’s, Moore’s and Hansen’s ready to embark on their journey to Grass Valley, California

Best Western Gold Country Inn

Tofanelli’s Gold Country Bistro

Lunch Alfresco

Ken Hansen shinning his Chevy

Trophy Winner for “Best British Sports Car”

1948 Dodge complete with Plaid Upholstery

Two Packards and a Puick

What do you get when you line up a 1960 Studebaker Lark, a 1957 Chevrolet BelAir, a 1942 Packard Convertible, a 1940 Packard 7 Passenger Sedan, a 1937 Buick Sport Coupe and a little right-hand drive 1937 MG Saloon? Why you got yourself a convoy, boy! In this case, a Vintage Automobile Touring Society convoy and it’s headed for the Gold Country.

It’s 12:45 on the afternoon of Friday, April 25th and it’s time to get this vintage vehicle convoy on the road for its journey to Grass Valley, California to attend Saturday’s 23rd Annual Grass Valley Downtown Car Show.

Our caravan of classics was soon headed east on Hwy 20, making its way past Blues Lakes, the town of Upper Lake, the North Shore of Clear Lake and on to the sleepy community of Clearlake Oaks, where it was time to make a pit stop… “Last one to the restroom is rotten egg”.

With empty bladders, and cool beverages in hand, it was back on the road again, with smooth sailing; that is until we came upon road construction on the back side Lake County. As we approached the flagman, we called out on our two-way radios that things were coming to a halt. An unfamiliar female voice came over the walkie-talkie, acknowledging our need to stop. It turned out that the flagmen were using the same radio frequency as us, so we found ourselves having a pleasant conversation with the highway work crew. After informing them of our intended destination and descriptions of each of our cars, traffic was once again moving and the journey continued.

Our next intended pit stop, this time for petrol, was Marysville, but an unscheduled stop in Colusa had unfortunate consequences. One of our vehicles, which will remain nameless, wouldn’t start; likely the victim of a vapor-lock. Twenty minutes of tinkering corrected the problem and we were once again eastward bound.

The aforementioned petrol pit stop in Marysville was conducted in quick order and without incident. After weaving our way through the Marysville highway maze, we were on the open road and soon found ourselves making the climb up the foothills, past the tiny town of Smartville and into the Penn Valley… almost there!

Upon arrival in Grass Valley we headed directly to the appropriately named Gold Country Inn. Once checked-in and luggage unloaded, we all freshened-up, for it was time to head to Tofanelli’s Bistro and what a delight that turned out to be.

Seated on the patio of this charming downtown restaurant, each member of our party of twelve was treated to an incredible meal. The portions were immense, the service astounding and when it came to taste, the food was a culinary delight. Then came dessert; again the portions were colossal. Two of us had the triple-layer chocolate cake and the term sliver of cake did not apply; we’re talkin’ 4 inches wide and 5 inches tall… death by chocolate.

Of course the best part of any meal is the conversation and camaraderie and we were knee deep in both well past the 9 o’clock hour, then it was back to the hotel for nighty night time.

Rise and shine, time to get our butts in gear and head for Historic Downtown Grass Valley… off, like a herd of turtles! Our registration confirmation indicated that check-in began at 8:00; little did we know that the unofficial check-in time began around 6:00 am, but not to worry, we were all parked in the thick-of-things and within close proximity, to include Ken Hansen, who arrived earlier that morning in his ’57 BelAir Convertible.

Historic Downtown Grass Valley is a picture postcard perfect town, which made for a Norman Rockwellesque venue. Car shows held in historic downtown districts are often the ideal locale and Grass Valley’s downtown certainly proved that point.

No chance of getting bored here; not with all the wonderful shops and businesses at your disposal. Plenty of restaurants; something for every taste come meal time and if historic houses are your thing, Downtown Grass Valley is surrounded by wonderful architectural examples of Victorian and Craftsman Style homes.

Classic cars were of course the featured attraction and there were plenty of them to admire. The nice thing about it was the variety of vehicles. As expected, there were lots of Hot Rods & Street Rods and an array of 50’s & 60’s vintage favorites, such as Mustangs, T-Birds, Tri Chevys and the like. What was unexpected was a wonderful showing of Sports Cars… English stuff, like Austin Healeys, Jaguars, MGs, Morgans, and even an Alvis. Italy was represented with several Alfa Romeos and of course a Ferrari and there were plenty of Porches to show off German engineering

Also in attendance were numerous original, unmodified cars, to include a Franklin. Seeing such cars is always a treat for our group, as “original” always floats our boat. Our six original type cars added to that flavor, making for well rounded representation of that genre.

3 O’clock rolled-around, signaling the Awards Ceremony; the style of which was Sponsor Related Trophies… Best Paint, Best Flames, best this, that and the other. We were pleased to see the Franklin win a trophy, but no trophies for our group; looks like we’re going to have to paint some flames on that Studebaker Lark.

Time to pack-it-up and make our way home. All present and accounted for… Tallyho! Once again Marysville was our location of choice to top off the gas tank and then it was off to the town of Williams for a “Deli Delight Dinner” at Granzella’s temporary post fire digs.

With legs stretched, bellies full and another bout of banter between buddies, it was back on the road for the final leg of our journey home. Another collection of Lake County bugs on everyone’s grill and windshield, but that didn’t prevent us from seeing US101 as we entered the Greater Ukiah Valley.

Exit stage left at the North State Street off ramp for a brief rendezvous to collect all the walkie-talkies and say our goodbyes, and just like that the Grass Valley Adventure came to an end.

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!

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