Ford V-8s and Model A’s meet again
at Culver’s for “Fords & Friends”
Ford V-8’s and Model
“A” Fords once again assembled in the St. Charles Culver’s parking lot beginning
at 5:00 pm Saturday August 25th
for the second annual “Fords and Friends” gathering.
The event was the NIRG’s third joint activity with the Naper A’s Model
“A” Club. This time Ford’s from 1929
through 1954 were included and the vehicle count was a tie with both clubs
fielding seven vehicles.
Event sponsor John
Emmering arrived first and awaited the expected armada of antique Fords, setting
up a couple of lawn chairs to save some parking places in the Culver’s lot.
As 5:00 pm rolled around John observed an encouraging sight, the figure
of a 1929 Model “A” Roadster in the distance driven by Rick Burgermeister of
Naper A’s heading down Rt. 64.
Before long other Model A’s and Ford
V-8’s converged on the scene confirming that the event would be well attended.
The cars divided up
with Ford V-8’s on the south end of
the lot and Model A’s on the north.
Soon fourteen parking spaces were filled with antique Fords, the oldest being 89
years old and the newest car 64 years of age. Shortly participants from both
clubs were out of their cars and inspecting each other’s vehicles. Some of the
Model “A” guys were curious about a few unique mechanical aspects of early Ford
V-8’s and hoods were popped open for examination.
Of special interest was the unique placement of the distributors on the
pre-1949 early Ford V-8’s.
The make shift auto
show drew many Culver’s patrons out into the lot, some taking photographs and
others giving their young children a chance to view the vintage autos. Several
patrons complimented the vintage vehicles and asked questions about how parts
are obtained, and what happens if the car breaks down? Breaking into smaller
groups members of both clubs headed inside Culver’s for some of their great
hamburgers. Some returned inside later to enjoy some ice cream.
The role call for NIRG
attendees was, Ken Bounds in his 1951 Mercury Sport Coupe, Tom Buscaglia driving
his 1951 Ford Custom Tudor, John & Robin Emmering with their 1951 Ford Custom
Fordor, Gary & Dawn Osborne with modern, John & Este Scheve, driving their 1947
Ford Super Deluxe Coupe, John & Barbara Slobodnik and son John arriving in their
1954 Ford Crestline Fordor and George and Dawn Zulas and son George Jr., drove
in their 1940 Ford Tudor. The group
was especially glad to see Lin & Pat Stacey in their 1942 Ford Sedan Coupe, as
it was the first event they have been able to attend in a while.
As dusk settled in the Model “A”
drivers said their goodbyes and set off for home while there was still some
daylight. Soon the NIRG members also
fired up their V-8’s for home. All agreed it was a great evening to display
the cars, share a meal
and get to know each other a little better.