From Blood, Sweat and
Tears to Tear Drops…
January 8, 2009

Here’s a look at two projects that are nearly completed; a sneak preview of what the Parducci’s and the Worster’s have been up too.

For Harry Parducci this 1930 Model A Ford Pick-Up has been his mistress for the past year, but Sue is okay with that, as she introduced her to Harry; in fact Sue paid for her… How’s that for an open marriage.

Now ready for upholstery, it’s just a matter of time before this fun, fast and fabulous Ford is a frequent feature on a Freeway near you... Harry says it will certainly be heading for the Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo, come July.

Harry plans on keeping her in primer for the first year of her reincarnation, but once he’s satisfied with the fit and finish he’ll coat her in a beautiful layer of paint that Sue has chosen.

*    *    *

Frequent visitors to this website have surely read about our annual treks to the Ironstone Concours d’ Elegance in Murphys, California (If not, see the REARVIEW MIRROR Page). This thoroughly enjoyable event not only features an array of amazing automobiles, but it also has a classification for vintage travel trailers; to include tear drop trailers. The best part about this travel trailer classification is the fact that the owners are permitted, or shall I say encouraged, to actually camp on the show grounds during the event. These car and trailer combos are a hoot and their encampments are very creative and nostalgic.

It is this car show campout that prompted Ray & Donna Worster to no longer allow their 1947 Tear Drop Trailer to languish in their garage… It was time to tidy-up this “Tin Can”.

Step one was to refurbish the kitchen; new stainless steel sheet metal did the trick. The next step was a fresh coat of paint to the exterior. Color of choice; the cream and purple two-tone colors of the Worster’s 1953 Packard… The official tow car of this tiny tote of a trailer.

Come September, make a point of attending the Ironstone Concours d’ Elegance; perhaps you’ll catch Ray & Donna in their PJ’s, having their morning coffee.

 

“Cars across the Pond”
Touring some of England’s Motor Museums
As told by Rick & Carolynn Hansen
October 22, 2008 through November 7, 2008

Our long-over-due pilgrimage to the UK proved to be enjoyable in many ways. The history and beauty of England never fails to amaze and the people are such a delight. We certainly enjoyed seeing family and friends; the Platter Family Reunion was the highlight of the trip, reuniting many of Carolynn’s mother’s siblings and their children. When we say children, we are of course referring to Carolynn’s adult cousins, many of whom had not seen each other in 20+ years.

Now ready for upholstery, it’s just a matter of time before this fun, fast and fabulous Ford is a frequent feature on a Freeway near you... Harry says it will certainly be heading for Fortuna Redwood Auto Expo, come July.

Sightseeing was certainly a big part of our travel itinerary. After two days in London, we set out for the English countryside to visit castles and grand manor houses and quintessential English villages with thatch roofed cottages, but also on our list of things to see were three automobile museums.

The first museum was the Bentley Motor Museum www.bentley.org.uk, located in Sussex on the grounds at Bentley House, the private estate of the Askew Family.

 

 

This is a relatively small private collection, all of which was housed in one large outbuilding, but there were many fine examples of British automobiles, such as this Lagonda, and other unique cars like this Nash-Healey.

 

 

Next on the list was the National Motor Museum www.beaulieu.co.uk, located at Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest, near Southampton. This was a spectacular facility; the displays were incredible.

The 1935 Auburn Boat Tail Speedster, pictured here, was owned by Marlene Dietrich, but there were also cars on exhibit that the common man would have driven, plus there were cars that only the daring would drive… Land Speed Record cars and famous race cars. Take a look at this 1930 Alfa Romeo, Model SC1750. The third and final museum we toured was the Haynes International Motor Museum http://www.haynesmotormuseum.com/home/index.html, located in the town of Yeovil, in Somerset.

 

This was an extensive collection, to include American automobiles. There were, I believe, nine “Halls” with groupings of cars in each hall; in each hall a category. The first hall was filled with sports cars of every imaginable make; the common denominator? Each and every one of them was red. Check-out this 1939 Packard Convertible, with right-hand drive.

 

 

 

 

Like us Americans, the British too have a love affair with the automobile… Case in point, Carolynn’s Uncle Dennis’ friend Les; a resident of Somerton and the owner of this 1936 Austin 10 Cabriolet.

 

 

If you ever have the good future to go to the British Isles, be sure to include Beaulieu and Haynes in your travel plans. Next time we’re planning on touring the Morgan factory in Worchester, near Birmingham. If you’re a certified car nut, there are plenty of places to go and things to see while in the UK. I hope this Show & Tell has wet your whistle and got you to thinking about traveling to Jolly Ol’ England. Cheers!