Friendly Ford Customer Appreciation Day 

The Friendly Ford dealership lot began to fill up with antique and special interest cars shortly after 8 o’clock Saturday morning, August 11 and among those were several early Ford V-8’s from our Northern Illinois Regional Group.  With clear skies and the promise of great weather well over one hundred assorted vehicles eventually assembled for the show.

This was the second year that the N.I.R.G. participated as a group and seventeen members were involved in the event.  Driving onto the lot that morning were Ken Bounds in his 1951 Mercury Sport Coupe, Dan Ciancio in his 1934 Ford Deluxe Fordor,  John Emmering driving his 1951 Ford Custom Fordor, Jay Hinshaw with his 1940 Ford Tudor, Paul Lunecki, 1951 Custom Tudor, Pat Maroney in his 1936 Ford Deluxe Fordor, Tom O’Donnell with his 1940 Mercury Sedan Coupe, John Scheve with his 1947 Super Deluxe Coupe, Joe Serritella with his 1950 Oldsmobile 88, Ron Steck with his 1941 Super Deluxe Station Wagon, Len Vinyard with his 1939 Deluxe Convertible and George Zulas with his 1940 Ford Tudor.  Friendly Ford Vice-President and co-owner Randy Yockey and his wife Debbie hosted the event.  We are proud have the Yockeys as our members and they were on hand displaying their beautiful 1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible.  John Judge and Frank Koeder also attended in modern iron.

An interesting array of automotive history was on display for our group.  Ford Model T’s, Model A’s and a few non-member owned Ford V-8’s were exhibited, as well as Thunderbirds, Mustangs and various years of Lincolns and Mercuries.   Beside the Fords many other makes were represented.  Our hosts provided plenty of hot dogs, potato chips, bottled water and soft drinks which were greatly appreciated.

As the event wound to a climax participant votes were tabulated and the announcement of the awards brought attendees to the registration area to hear the results. Several of our members were honored with awards. Paul Lunecki won Best Ford of the 1950’s for his 1951 Ford.   Joe Serritella won best non-Ford vehicle of the 1950’s for his 1950 Oldsmobile.  Falling in the top Forty Cars and winning awards were Ken Bounds for his 1951 Mercury and Len Vinyard for his 1939 Ford. 

Before departing Friendly Ford co-owner Randy Yockey expressed his gratitude for the good showing of Ford V-8s and we thanked him for providing a great car event for us to enjoy.