Happy V-8 Anniversary to Don & Elaine Braun

Thirty-five years ago this month, Don & Elaine Braun joined the Northern Illinois Regional Group.  Over the years Don & Elaine have been valued members of the club, serving in many ways.  They have hosted the annual club picnic many times at their home in Prairie View and for that the club will always be grateful.  Don & Elaine are “regulars” at club events and have driven their V-8’s to quite a number of Early Ford V-8 Club national meets over the years, beginning with the first Grand National Meet in Dearborn in 1973.

We sat down with Don recently and discussed his V-8 Fords and other antique cars, as well as his experiences with the club.  We are grateful for the following narrative that Don provided, as well as access to several photo albums that helped illustrate his many years with the club.

Back in 1972, I met Jack Groot at a car show where he was giving out applications to join the V-8 club.  I went to my first meeting at a Ford dealership where Chester Lawrence worked.  I had a 1940 Ford Pickup that I had bought for $100 that I was working on at the time.

After going to a couple of meetings, I joined the club in October.  I was appointed to help club President Len O’Connor with some of the tours.  Our first club tour was to the first Grand National Meet in Dearborn in June 1973.

Over the years I restored my 1941 Lincoln Zephyr, I bought a 1940 Tudor Deluxe Sedan from George Anderton, which I later used as a partial trade for my 1936 5 Window Coupe.  Now I have a 1956 Pickup I restored to go along with my ’36.

After 35 years in the club, we have come to feel this club is like family.  Don

Don bought his ’40 pickup in December 1969.  The picture above left is the truck as it existed in August 1970.  The picture on the right is after restoration – the color is brown.  Don drove the ’40 to the first Grand National Meet in Dearborn in 1973.  We aren’t sure if Don will admit to what was under the hood at the time – you’ll need to ask him.

On the right is Don’s 1941 Lincoln Zephyr Club Coupe.  Don bought the Lincoln in 1968 and restored it over the years.  He sold it in 1983.  This picture was taken in July 1982.  Check out those gas prices!

Of course, the car we most associate with Don in recent years is the ’36 Five Window Coupe.  Don told us that he was after this car for some time.  He finally was able to buy it in 1987 or 1988 and had to trade a ’40 Ford, a Lincoln, and a truck for it.  This beautiful ’36 with its built engine has won trophies at many V-8 Club National Meets.

Below are before and after pictures of Don’s ’56 pickup.  This was a work truck that Don bought from a young man in Libertyville for $1,000 back in 1985.  (Who is that kid standing by the truck?)  Don completed restoration of the truck around 2000 and drives it to various car shows and other events.  Just this July it captured a trophy at the American Legion car show in Arlington Heights.