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The Little Giant was one of 40 truck brands manufactured in Chicago between 1911 and 1920.

Photos by Jim Haklar

The Little Giant’s lack of a front hood can be startling to passengers who are not used to riding so forward on a vehicle

Thirteen is a lucky number for David Alt, Jr., of Finksburg, Md. He owns 13 mint cars and trucks from 1903 to 1918. One of them is a Little Giant from, you guessed it — ’13. The Little Giant was one of 40 truck brands manufactured in Chicago between 1911 and 1920.

From horse to truck

During the first two decades of the 20th Century, trucks were competing against horses. The flesh-and-blood horse came with fleas, disease, smells and manure. At best, a work horse could haul 25 miles in a day. A commercial truck could go a lot farther, faster and carry more. A horse needed to eat and have a stable. In short, the cost of a horse was becoming unsupportable.

The teen years of the new century marked a movement of reform where cars and trucks were looked upon as new technology, much like the internet of the early 21st Century. Businesses then, as now, wanted to be considered part of the new movement, and in the early 20th Century, that meant going from a horse to a motor truck.

The early 20th Century is sometimes referred to as “the experimental age of the truck,” because there was no preconceived notion of what a truck should look like. An initial problem with these horseless buggy trucks of the period was that they were generally based upon platforms without any provision for protection, so barrels, crates and other payloads could fall off them. Soon, the trucking industry found ways to efficiently hold payloads on vehicles.

Right-hand steering wheel was typical of vehicles built before 1915.

An oxymoron of a truck

The Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co., which is still in business, produced several truck brands, including David Alt’s Little Giant. This firm was founded by John Duntley, who also produced labor-saving tools for construction and mining including air compressors and pneumatic and electric tools. Duntley teamed up with steel magnate Charles Schwab and the company grew to include stationary engines and oil-drilling equipment. Between 1910 and 1923, the firm also made mid-sized utility trucks under a few different names.

The Duntley was produced by Chicago Pneumatic Tool from 1910 to 1912. The C.P.T. (named after the firm’s initials), was built only in 1912 and sold in England. The Duntley became the Little Giant from 1912 to 1918, and when “Little” was dropped from the name between 1918 to 1923, the truck lost its oxymoron of a name and was simply known as the Giant. Truck production closed down during the post-World War I recession.

Chicago Pneumatic Tool contracted with outside coachbuilders to fabricate several “factory” bodies that included the stake-bed, panel, bus, canopied-delivery and flareboard Little Giant models. The flareboard is the truck model that David Alt, Jr., owns today. His Little Giant’s flareboard body has slanting extensions on each side of an open cargo box to increase the bed’s capacity.

Little Giant trucks were advertised as “strong, simple, reliable, and efficient.” Chicago Pneumatic Tool had an enviable reputation, and thanks to its established tool business, people saw Chicago Pneumatic Tool’s trucks as utilitarian, sturdy, rugged and with rough-road durability.

Alt’s Little Giant has a one-ton chassis with a flat, two-cylinder, 20-hp engine with double-chain drive via a planetary transmission. The planetary transmission is made up of three types of gears: a sun gear, planet gears and a ring gear. The sun gear is located in the center and transmits torque to the planet gears. The planet gears are mounted on a movable carrier around the sun gear and interlock with the outer ring gear. The ring or sprocket gear’s teeth mesh with the holes in the chain’s links. Power is transferred to the rear axle via the chains.

The Little Giant’s flareboard body has slanting extensions to provide for additional cargo.

Compared to his 1911 Reo H truck with one cylinder and 9 hp, Alt says his Little Giant has more pull and power.

For a novice driver or a first-time passenger, it can be a starling experience to ride in a vehicle with nothing in front of but the road.

“The seat is made into the frame of the truck,” Alt also remarked of his Little Giant. “Even so, there is plenty of legroom. There are no dials or gauges.” He added that the truck is easy to steer.

Alt bought his Little Giant in 2012 from Chris Paulsen, who is a professor teaching auto restoration at McPherson College.

“It was restored, but not running,” Paulsen said. “We got it running, and driving it took a fair bit of adjusting, but no major work. We added a more correct horn assembly.”

Paulsen had documents from the first owner, who was Otis Catterson, of Honesdale, Pa. These included registrations from 1914 to 1917, as well as hand-written mileage and maintenance records. Alt’s work on the truck addressed the radiator, headlamps, taillamps and wiring, as well as replacing a coil, battery and the leather seat.

Many old trucks were used until there was little left of them, but thanks to this Little Giant’s past and present owners, this old workhorse was saved, restored and cherished. Alt’s 1913 Little Giant is not the only survivor of this rare truck brand, however. He did some investigating and found that there are three Little Giants in museums and five belonging to individuals, such as himself.

Alt’s product of a bygone era now lives a life on the show circuit and of leisurely excursions. None of his vintage vehicles are knickknacks. Although too primitive to use as regular transportation any longer, Alt noted, “In my county, I have drove the truck 13 miles in one day. It is very easy to drive. Everyone wants to take a ride in it.” 

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A roadtrip of a lifetime in a 1960 Buick Electra 225

Story and photos by Jim Jordan

Jim Jordan’s 1960 Buick Electra 225 convertible and Ryan Richards’ 1968 Dodge Polara convertible as they set out for Detroit, after a stop at the Lincoln Motel in Chandler, Okla., and its great, old sign.

My big summer adventure began when my friend, Ryan Richards, said, “Have you heard about the big Lambda Car Club International’s (LCCI) Detroit Invitational Car Show that is held every 10 years?” (It had been postponed the last two years due to COVID.) He said, “We should go.” I already had plans to drive from my home in Oklahoma City to the Cadillac & LaSalle Club’s Grand National in Chicago a month before this July event, so I thought another big trip was not practical.

The more I got to thinking about it, it hit me — I would turn 50 this year, and my birthday would be right in the middle of the LCCI meet. Maybe I needed a good 50th birthday story. I started planning the trip to Detroit with Ryan and we discussed which cars we would take. When I said I would take my 1990 Cadillac Brougham, he said, “No!” and insisted that I must take an old car. I guess 32 years of age isn’t old enough for him.

Well, the next most road-ready car I own is “Endora,” my 1960 Buick Electra 225 convertible, which has never let me down. We made plans, purchased event tickets and started preparing our cars for the trip. I arranged for a full tune-up plus belts, hoses, tires and a full check-over by my mechanic to ensure she was ready for the journey.

All of my friends said I was a mix of brave, crazy and stupid for planning to take a 62-year-old car without air conditioning on such a long trip.

Ryan drove from Georgetown, Texas, on July 29 and crashed on my couch so we could leave for our odyssey early the next morning. Of all of his incredible cars, he brought his 1968 Dodge Polara convertible with 440 Magnum power.

Day 1: July 30 – OKC to Cuba, Mo.

We left my house and headed for Route 66. We stopped for fuel and refreshments at Pop’s in Arcadia, Okla., with the giant pop bottle, where we ran into a father and son cruising in their family heirloom 1953 Imperial. Then we headed to the abandoned 1920s Lawless Gas Station, which reportedly once housed a counterfeiting operation, and drove on to Chandler, Okla., home of Route 66’s Lincoln Motel and many rescued vintage signs.

The road trip included many stops along Route 66 at sites with vintage signs, often glowing with neon. The “Chrysler/Plymouth” sign (above right), is located near Route 66 in Bristow, Okla.

Next was a stop in Stroud, Okla., for pictures with the sign at the Skyliner Motel and lunch at the Rock Café, who’s owner, Dawn Welch, was the inspiration for the “Sally” character in Disney/Pixar’s “Cars” movie series. From there, we headed to Bristow so he could see the huge, previously neon-emblazoned “Chrysler/Plymouth” sign that was erected to lure motorists from nearby Route 66 to see the latest MoPar offerings. The dealership closed more than 30 years ago and the building is now an oil company. Fortunately, the sign remains.

Ryan with the top down on his 1968 Dodge Polara convertible outside the Skyliner Motel in Stroud, Okla.

After leaving the old dealership, the Polara began shrieking from the left-front wheel bearing. We pulled into a parking lot to see what was up and no fewer than seven civilians and a highway patrolman stopped to offer assistance. They brought Ryan tools and one even invited us to his house so his wife could cook us a meal. Another gentleman offered the use of his car lift. With the help of the loaned tools and a nearby O’Reilly Auto Parts store, Ryan had the bearing swapped in less than two hours. The people of Bristow, Okla., are terrifically friendly, helpful people.

We hit Interstate 44 from there for the next leg of the trip to see the blue whale in Catoosa. This was built as a play area for the children of the adjoining trading post and alligator farm, and it became a local attraction.

Dawn Welch, the owner of the Rock Cafe (pictured) in Stroud, Okla., was the inspiration for the character “Sally” in Disney/Pixar’s movie franchise “Cars.”
The gas pumps only pump out memories and photo ops at this old station at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Mo.

Our next stop was dinner at Wilder’s Steakhouse in Joplin, Mo., which has a swanky, retro atmosphere, and its neon sign is incredible. It’s even recommended by Duncan Hines! After a great meal, we headed to our beds at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Mo., which is the oldest continuously operated motel on Route 66.

Day 2: July 31 – On to Auburn Hills

Upon check-out at the hotel, we met a man and his son who were traveling from Germany to experience Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles. They loved our old cars and took photographs of themselves with the cars at the motel’s old pumps, which remained from when the Wagon Wheel Motel had an operational service station and café. Next stop was St. Louis, where we stopped for photos at the famous Ted Drewes Frozen Custard stand, then met our friend, Matt, for breakfast. Matt took us to a few good spots to photograph our cars with the arch, and showed us his Frank Sinatra Edition Imperial.

The 1968 Polara as it prepares to cross the border into Michigan with its top down.
A friend gave Jim and Ryan insight into the best places to photograph their cars near the famous arch in St. Louis.

After the arch photos, we crossed the Mississippi River on the Martin Luther King Bridge in St. Louis and hit the road. After traveling through Illinois and Indiana, we arrived in Michigan. We cruised down Woodward Avenue in the Polara to One Eyed Betty’s for a late dinner. After eating, we enjoyed the sights while cruising Woodward Avenue.

Day 3: Aug. 1 – Gilmore and more

Monday, we loaded in the Buick with our friend, Richard Burgess, from Atlanta, and headed out to tour the Gilmore Car Museum grounds in Hickory Corners. What an incredible place! Here we enjoyed the Cadillac and Lincoln clubs’ museums and other club museums there. Among many other cars, we saw a Chrysler Turbine Car and a Tucker, but these would not be the last examples of these cars that we would see on this trip.

Another photo-op, this time at the famously dazzling Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit.

After leaving the Gilmore Car Museum, we went shopping for antiques and returned to the hotel to find a beautiful 1931 Chrysler greeting us in the lobby. We rested, then hopped in the Polara for dinner at the O.W.L. diner on Woodward before heading into downtown Detroit to explore. Detroit is going through a renaissance and is far from the scary, bombed-out-looking place we’ve seen in so many reports. It is very active, clean and inviting. We were able to get some great pics of Ryan’s Polara at the famous Fox Theatre in all of its neon glory before heading back to the hotel.

Day 4: Aug. 2 – The Henry Ford

Tuesday morning, we headed out in the Polara to tour The Henry Ford. This museum never ceases to amaze with its displays of cars, truck, trains and Americana. Here I sat on the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, saw the presidential limos and the Dymaxion House of the Future, as well as another Tucker and Chrysler Turbine Car. We left the museum and had lunch at Ford’s Garage in Dearborn, then hit several antique stores.

Day 4 included a stop at The Henry Ford, the famous museum that houses American history which, naturally, includes automobiles. Displayed there was the museum’s Bugatti Type 41 Royale.

Day 5: Aug. 3 – The Sloan

We decided to explore Flint, Mich., with our Palm Springs friends, Scott and Sandy. The newly remodeled Sloan Museum in Flint displayed the 1956 Centurion and 1954 Wildcat II Motorama show cars, along with other significant General Motors products. After visiting the Sloan, we headed into downtown Flint. “Endora” was born at the old Buick plant in Flint that is no longer there, but she returned to her birthplace 62 years later.

Day 5 included a stop at the Sloan Museum in Flint, which houses many incredible cars, including several concept cars such as the 1954 Buick Wildcat I.

Day 6: Aug. 4 – Collection overload

Thursday morning, we were part of a caravan to the Stellantis (formerly Walter P. Chrysler) Collection for a tour. This collection is housed in an old spark plug factory and Dodge Viper assembly facility. We were told ours was the first group to see the collection since the Walter P. Chrysler Museum was liquidated. There were still many great cars there, including yet another Turbine Car (three on this trip now), Jeeps, muscle cars and several MoPar concept cars, including the 1954 La Comtesse glowing in its pink-and-white finish with clear roof panels and lavender-and-white interior. Unfortunately, the collection forbids photography, so the great vehicles there are pictured only in my mind.

Day 6 featured a stop at the GM Heritage Center where the famed 1938 Buick Y-Job show car (left) wowed visitors.

We left Stellantis and headed for the General Motors Heritage Center. Wow! We were greeted in the lobby by a gleaming black-and-white 1955 Buick Century and it just got better from there.

When walking into the main hall, the first thing seen is the 1951 Le Sabre concept car. The collection had even more to offer, from Corvettes to GMC Motorhomes and everything between. I was particularly smitten with the 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta and Le Sabre, Y-Job and Cadillac Cyclone show cars.

Later that day, we went on a dinner cruise on the Detroit River. Ryan found an incredible set of Chrysler promotional MoPar “Forward Look” Pilsner glasses with matching pitcher in an obscure little antique shop that looked it was nothing but shabby chic and junk.

Day 7: Aug. 5 – Birthday ‘treats’

Friday morning, we formed another caravan and headed to view the Stahl Collection of amazing cars, signs and mechanical musical marvels. This place is truly a multi-sensory treat of chrome, color, sound and sheer amazement. Its chief mechanic, Seamus Hnat, even played “Happy Birthday” for me on the 1924 Mortier 97-key dance organ, which is a visual and musical masterpiece. Among the unbelievable cars there were Duesenbergs, “Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang,” Fatty Arbuckle’s custom-bodied Pierce-Arrow designed by Harley Earl and, yes, another Turbine Car and Tucker. (That’s four Turbine Cars and three Tuckers in one trip!)

Day 7 included a rare opportunity see and photograph Jim’s car at the GM Tech Center’s famous reflecting pond, where many GM promotional photos were taken in the 1950s and ’60s.

After we left the Stahl Collection, we met up with a friend who works at the GM Tech Center in Warren who arranged our visit to this 1955 masterpiece, which was designed by Eero Saarinen. Security is tight there, and I relied on the generosity of a friend who works there to get us on campus for a tour. What a treat it was to photograph “Endora” by the fountain at the Tech Center’s reflecting pond with the gleaming stainless water tower in the background, a place where so many historic GM photos have been taken!

After leaving the GM Tech Center, we eventually headed back to downtown Detroit for a visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts for some cultural enrichment. This is truly a world-class museum with exhibits to enthrall everyone. After savoring the art at the museum, my friends took me out for a birthday dinner at Wright and Company, a great restaurant in a former piano warehouse.

Just as we were turning into the hotel upon our return, I hit a huge chunk of loose Michigan road concrete that somehow perfectly struck and broke off the end of my Buick’s exhaust manifold, making her sound like a race car running open headers. To make matters worse, it happened the night before the big LCCI show.

Day 8: Aug. 6 – Show Day

At the suggestion of folks at the meet, I woke up early and waited at the Midas on Woodward Avenue in hopes of getting “Endora” in for an exhaust repair. Luckily, the folks there were top-notch and among them was an “old school” mechanic who said, “I can’t fix the manifold, but I think I can figure out a way to get you home.” After an hour, I was on my way to the show and the “temporary fix” is still holding up today. He was able to wedge and tack weld a piece of exhaust pipe into the broken manifold and weld the exhaust to it.

A piece of concrete broke part of the Buick’s exhaust manifold, which was temporarily repaired at a Midas station on Detroit’s Woodward Avenue.

Show day came and so did the fabulous cars, and from all over the country. “Endora” was between a 23,000-mile 1959 LeSabre sedan and a stunning, dark-blue 1960 Electra 225 convertible that had received a body-off-frame restoration. Endora’s 80,000-mile original paint and interior showed its flaws compared to these two stunners, but she did get lots of admiration and respect for her unrestored condition and for driving all the way to the meet. Cars from the 1910s through 2022 were present, and it was a grand time despite the heat.

Some of the fantastic cars at the Lambda Car Club International’s Detroit Invitational Car Show, Jim and Ryan’s ultimate destination on this road trip.

After the show, Ryan and our friend, Chris, took the opportunity to get photographs with Ryan’s Polara at the Stelantis headquarters in Auburn Hills.

After the awards banquet on Saturday night, one of Ryan’s many Instagram followers wanted him to come see his beautiful, mostly original 1959 Mercury Monterey. We took a wonderful night drive in the Polara through beautiful lakeside country to the Big Dip Burgers Drive-In in Walled Lake, Mich., to meet Jon and see his Monterey. Jon then took us for a cruise and I couldn’t believe it, but there was another 1960 Electra 225 convertible sitting at a muffler shop! It even appeared to wear its original paint (Titian Red).

Day 9: Aug. 7 – Going to Hell

Day 9 was the start of the trip home. We loaded the cars and Ryan installed a fresh wheel bearing on the Polara and we were off. We headed to Jon’s beautiful lakeside home where he lead our caravan with his incredible 1959 Monterey to Hell, Mich., just so we could get shirts and bumper stickers to prove we had been to Hell and back. After going to Hell, Jon took us on a scenic drive to a fabulous 1962-built A&W root beer stand in Dexter, Mich.

Jim, Ryan and their friend Jon, who owns the 1959 Mercury at right, secured three adjacent spots beneath the wacky wavy roof of the 1962 A&W root beer stand in Dexter, Mich.

Jon left us at Dexter and we headed toward home. “Endora” became a little fussy when we stopped at an antique mall. With rain approaching, I tried to raise her top, but it wouldn’t budge. Ryan checked the top motor and the switch and there was nothing. Just as I was headed for shelter at a car wash, the top started working and we browsed the mall in peace.

That night, we stopped for dinner outside of Indianapolis where Ryan discovered yet another wheel bearing was failing on the Dodge. We pressed on to Terre Haute for the night where Ryan began the search for a solution.

Another day, another wheel bearing failure in the 1968 Dodge Polara convertible. This time, the mechanical trouble surfaced just outside of Indianapolis.

Day 10: Aug. 8 – Meet me in St. Louis

We awoke Monday and headed for O’Reilly Auto Parts for another bearing. The hub was so worn by now that the race for the bearing spun freely within it. Ryan’s “never give up” attitude and mechanical prowess got him to improvise with a temporary solution. New bearing and race — combined with JB Weld and a cut-up Monster Energy Drink can — had the bearing and race snugly seated back in the hub. By this time, Ryan had contacted Clay and Sons MoPar Salvage outside of St. Louis, who had a spindle, hub and drum. They were closed on Mondays, but agreed to open in order to help a fellow MoPar fan who was traveling. We arrived in the evening and were given a tour of their incredible, 300-plus-car inventory. After purchasing the parts, we headed home. Ryan installed the new hub and drum and all was well. It was raining by the time we arrived in Springfield, Mo., and without wipers in the Buick, I stopped at a hotel for the night. Ryan headed on to Joplin and then south to visit friends in Arkansas.

Clay and Sons MoPar Salvage, outside of St. Louis, was a ble to supply Ryan with a spindle, hub and drum on a day they’d usually be closed. The owners even gave them a tour of their 300-plus-car inventory.

Day 11: Aug. 9 – The home stretch

“Endora” and I leisurely headed down I-44 toward Tulsa. Once in Tulsa, I drove to the home of my friend, Levi, whom I met for a great barbecue lunch at Elmer’s BBQ, a Tulsa staple. After stuffing ourselves, “Endora” and I embarked on the final 100 miles of our trip.

We arrived home safely after 11 days, 3,059 miles and numerous memorable adventures in which we saw incredible cars, historic buildings and neon signs and many friends. It was the trip of a lifetime, and I am so glad Ryan talked me into it. I spent time with old friends and made many new ones. I guess 50 ain’t so bad after all.

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The Gilmore Car Museum’s Outdoor Holiday Lights Experience and Christmas Through The Decades have quickly become welcomed parts of families’ holiday traditions.

Hickory Corners, Mich. – Winter Wonderland at the Gilmore Car Museum is back for its second year, with an expanded drive-through and walk-through nighttime holiday lights experience on the museum’s beautiful 90-acre campus, just outside of Kalamazoo. Tickets are on sale now at GilmoreCarMuseum.org

Presented by Hagerty, Winter Wonderland is unlike any other holiday lights show attraction you can imagine. Guests can enjoy a driving tour through the lighted grounds, surrounded by festive music and decorations, then head indoors to meet Santa Claus and explore the Festival of Trees throughout galleries filled with hundreds of classic cars.

Josh Russell, Executive Director of the Gilmore Car Museum, reports that the museum staff has been working with nationally-renowned lighting specialists to create exciting new outdoor lighting installations, which include dynamic programming, motion, animation, and sound. 

In addition to the twinkling lights and delightful decorations, Winter Wonderland offers a variety of memorable experiences for Gilmore guests to enjoy this winter:

  • Gourmet hot chocolate, adult drinks, holiday-themed food & sweets, and holiday gift shopping
  • A giant, one-of-a-kind maze of holiday inflatables
  • A nostalgic 1960s fresh Christmas tree and wreath lot, complete with vintage Shasta camper trailer
  • Dashing Through the Snow family rides through the lights in Ford Model A’s, a Checker Taxi Cab, a ‘63 Cadillac convertible, and several other vintage cars from our collection
  • A stop inside Santa’s Garagethe big man’s hot rod workshop, located inside our 1930s Shell Station
  • Classic cars from the museum’s collection dramatically displayed inside Gilmore Snow Globes 
  • Featured outdoor artwork exhibits from legendary automotive illustrators, including Art FitzpatrickVan Kaufman, and Jeff Norwell

“The Gilmore Car Museum celebrates both cars and history on an exceptionally beautiful 90-acre campus in the Michigan countryside, so it’s truly the perfect place to host a drive-through and walk-through holiday lights experience for our community,” Russell said. 

Upon arriving at the Gilmore Car Museum grounds, guests will be directed to follow winding roadways through the museum’s historic campus to view the thousands of lights within dozens of dazzling themed displays, lighted barns, and vintage-era car dealerships. After your twinkling tour, head inside the museum to explore our Festival of Trees as you make your way through our decorated galleries, take a walk down memory lane through our popular Christmas Through the Decades exhibits, then finish your evening by visiting with Santa and enjoying special holiday treats & beverages. 

“This spectacular Christmas and holiday lights show will bring our Michigan Winter Wonderland to life, and create lasting holiday memories for our guests in the museum, in their family car, or perhaps taking a ride through the lights in one of our classic automobiles,” added Russell.”

Winter Wonderland at the Gilmore Car Museum will run throughout the holiday season, on select nights from Friday, November 25, 2022 through Friday, December 30th, 2022. 

  • Open weekly Thursday through Sunday from 5pm – 9pm ET
  • Vehicle entry gates close one hour before end of night
  • Tickets are now available for purchase at GilmoreCarMuseum.org
  • Tickets are sold per person, and include access to the museum during that same evening: Adults 18+: $20 at door/ $17.50 online in advance, Children ages 5-17: $12 at door/ $9.50 online in advance, Children ages 4 & under: FREE
  • Dashing Through the Snow family rides in vintage cars (up to 4 guests) are FREE with donations highly encouraged, first come first served 

For questions or more information, visit www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org, call (269) 671-5089 or email info@gilmorecarmuseum.org

About Gilmore Car Museum – The world-renowned Gilmore Car Museum – North America’s largest auto museum with more than 400 vehicles on display — is located midway between Chicago and Detroit, just 20 minutes north of Kalamazoo, or 45 minutes south of Grand Rapids. The museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, whose mission is to tell the history of America through the automobile. Learn more at GilmoreCarMuseum.org 

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Headlined by the SEMA Show, SEMA Week will evolve the annual event into an “all-city” experience with new concepts, activities and celebrations created specifically for automotive enthusiasts in 2023.

Diamond Bar, Calif. – SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) announced a five-year vision to expand the SEMA Show into an “all-city” experience. Officially called “SEMA Week,” the expansion’s goal is to create the most passionate and exciting automotive event in the world. SEMA Week will kick off in 2023 with new concepts, activities and events introduced over the five-year roll-out period including SEMA Fest, an immersive festival-like celebration.

SEMA Week will be headlined by the SEMA Show, which will remain a trade-only event Monday through Friday. On Friday, the final day of the SEMA Show, a limited number of enthusiasts will be able to attend the SEMA Show through the Friday Experience program, which launched at the 2021 SEMA Show. Beginning on Friday evening of SEMA Week, SEMA will take over the Las Vegas Festival Grounds through Saturday night with an all new SEMA Fest.

“We have been watching the connection between enthusiasts and our industry grow for more than a decade and, as the industry’s trade association, have a responsibility to help facilitate that connection in new and meaningful ways,” said James Lawrence, SEMA Chairman of the Board. “By creating SEMA Week and SEMA Fest, we will be able to maintain the integrity of the trade show that makes it a must-attend event for automotive professionals while introducing a new platform for enthusiasts and the industry to engage with one another.”

For 2023, SEMA Fest will take place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds and be open to everyone, bringing together automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry in a high-octane and immersive festival-like celebration of car culture. SEMA Fest will feature top music and entertainment, car show and cruise, VIP experiences, craft food, automotive celebrities and motorsports. It will run alongside the popular SEMA Ignited Cruise and SEMA Show after-party which draws thousands of enthusiasts on Friday night.

SEMA Week is also scheduled to include a SEMA Auction, featuring some of the best builds from SEMA and many more amazing vehicles to headline the festivities. SEMA will continue to expand and refine SEMA Week over the next five years, rolling out new events and activities throughout the city of Las Vegas. The evolution of SEMA Week preserves the trade aspects of the industry and business components of the SEMA Show, while enabling enthusiasts from all over to join in the festivities and enjoy car culture-focused events throughout the SEMA Week experience.

Additional details for the 2023 SEMA Show, SEMA Week and SEMA Fest will be announced in the coming months.

About SEMA – SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $50.9 billion specialty-automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, Ind. For more information, visit www.sema.orgwww.semashow.com or www.performanceracing.com.

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The Saratoga Automobile Museum will celebrate 60 years of James Bond with a major new exhibition called “BOND IN MOTION” featuring twenty-five official vehicles from the past six decades of the longest-running film franchise in movie history.

Saratoga Springs, NY – Marking the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise, the Saratoga Automobile Museum will celebrate with a major new exhibition called BOND IN MOTION featuring twenty-five official vehicles from the past six decades of the longest-running film franchise in movie history. The multimedia exhibit also features movie memorabilia, images, and video to create a totally unique Bond experience for museum visitors. The exhibition opens November 18, 2022, in Saratoga Springs, New York.  

Visitors to the exhibition will experience all the excitement and drama of the world of Bond with a collection of automobiles including the iconic and most famous Bond car: the 1964 Aston Martin DB5. Other vehicles on display include the white 1977 Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) that sensationally transforms from a high-performance sports car into a submarine; the 2007 Aston Martin DBS that made movie history with a record-breaking seven full rotation roll in Casino Royale (2006), and the one-of-ten 2015 Aston Martin DB10, built specifically for 2015’s Spectre.

“James Bond has driven some of the most exciting and iconic cars in movie history, and he has been involved in some of the greatest car chases ever filmed so to have them form the centerpiece of our exhibit as they take the visitor on a rollercoaster ride of magic Bond moments as expressed through the automobile is thrilling,” said Carly Connors Saratoga Automobile Museum executive director.  

“It is truly the most ambitious exhibition we’ve ever put together, and we know it will attract visitors from far and wide. Saratoga Springs makes a wonderful weekend getaway for New Yorkers and BOND IN MOTION is most definitely a ‘must-see’,” she continued. 

In addition to some of the most iconic cars is movie history, BOND IN MOTION features a motorbike, three-wheeler, Skidoo, wet bike, and submarine. The exhibition even includes the Indian motorized rickshaw, or tuk-tuk, that appeared in an unforgettable chase scene through the crowded streets of Udaipur in the film Octopussy (1983).  

“With their machine guns, lasers, ejector seats, and gadgets BOND IN MOTION honors the vehicles from the past 60 years that have wowed us and are indelibly etched in our minds. We’re thrilled to bring so many of these unique vehicles together under one roof for everyone to enjoy,” concluded Connors.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the official licensed collection of screen-used cars from EON Productions Limited, Danjaq, LLC., and the Ian Fleming Foundation at the Saratoga Automobile Museum as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the world premiere of the first James Bond film Dr. No in 1962.

Tickets on Sale Soon

Saratoga Automobile Museum 
110 Avenue of the Pines
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
www.saratogaautomuseum.org

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The custom builder’s 1948 Chevrolet pickup “ENYO” wins SEMA’s Battle of the Builders 2022 Ultimate Builder Award and 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer “BULLY” was runner up at the annual automotive trade show in Las Vegas.

Ringbrothers

LAS VEGAS — Ringbrothers, the world-renowned custom car builder and parts manufacturer, was awarded several top awards at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for two out of four of its most recent unveiled custom builds – a 1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster dubbed “ENYO” and a 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer codenamed “BULLY.” The Wisconsin-based team’s build “ENYO” took home top honors for a variety of custom builder categories including winning SEMA’s Battle of the Builders 2022 Ultimate Builder Award. Accolades from the 2022 SEMA Show also include “HRIA’s Design and Innovation Award” and “BASF’s Best Paint Award.”

“Year after year, the SEMA show gives us the opportunity to showcase what we are most passionate about,” said Mike Ring, co-owner of Ringbrothers. “This year, we had the opportunity to unveil four of our most extreme builds, both in design and execution. With the support from our partners and the enthusiast community, we continue to push the boundaries of custom car building which is what we originally set out to do.”

First place winner, 1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster dubbed “ENYO”

Ringbrothers

Bearing the name of the Greek goddess of war, the 1,010 horsepower 1948 Chevrolet pickup “ENYO” was nearly ten years in the making. Built through 10,000 laborious build hours, the “anti-street rod” is chopped, channeled and sectioned to redefine the American classic. ENYO has incredible details baked in, from the CAD-designed trim and parts that were all cut in-house at the Ringbrothers machining facility to the way they seamlessly managed to mate a big-box truck cab and massive drivetrain successfully on a low-slung, Indy Car-style chassis. Powered by a Goodwin 1,000-horsepower tall-deck racing engine and crafted using extensive carbon-fiber components, ENYO embodies the quality and custom work Ringbrothers is known for.

Runner-up “Bully”

Ringbrothers

“BULLY,” on the other hand, expresses extensive restomod build features with a 6.8-liter LS3 V8 topped with a massive 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger and heavy-duty off-road suspension. The four-wheel-drive Blazer makes 1,200 horsepower. Other highlights of the labor-intensive and innovative build include a new chassis, four-link suspension, bespoke interior, heavy-duty drivetrain and many unique parts.

As leaders in their industry, Mike and Jim Ring were some of the first custom builders to utilize high-tech innovative design and technology in each creation. Among being one of the first shops to chop classic muscle cars to change the lines, make wide-body builds, use unusual industrial materials for interior designs, integrate CAD for the design process and 3D printing for parts, the brothers were also the first in making custom billet parts in-house. Much of what they’re known for is now standard use at multibillion-dollar OEMs building concept cars. But, for a tiny shop in Spring Green, Wisconsin to be the kick starter for these trends is something incredible.

For more information about Ringbrothers, “ENYO”  and “BULLY,”  see below. To learn more about Ringbrothers custom manufactured parts, visit www.ringbrothers.com or stay connected with the team on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram

Want to see more on “Enyo” and “Bully” CLICK HERE

Ringbrothers LLC – (www.ringbrothers.com) – Based in Spring Green, Wisconsin, Ringbrothers has established itself in the automotive aftermarket as a premium parts builder and world-class car designer. Among its many accolades are several Chevrolet Best in Show awards, Goodguys Street Machine of the Year awards, Mothers’ Shine awards and a SEMA Battle of the Builders win in 2019. Ringbrothers has also been featured in some of the world’s largest automotive and mainstream news outlets. Ringbrothers proudly designs, fabricates, packages and ships its products from its headquarters in the United States, focusing on quality materials, craftsmanship and customer service. Revolutionizing the way restomods are done, Ringbrothers continues to innovate its products and builds every year with the goal of unveiling at least one new car at each SEMA Show. Learn more about Ringbrothers products and builds at Ringbrothers.com.

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Would you like to see your vehicle pictured in the 2024 Old Cars Reader Rides collector calendar? Submit your car pics to us and you might be one of the lucky few to get your ride on our calendar. Plus get 10 FREE calendars to share with your buddies if your ride is chosen for the calendar!

Our typical submission pile will be reduced to 13 finalists. Various criteria are used in eliminating images not used. Often these involve avoiding duplication of marque, model, color or era and have nothing to do with the quality or composition of the images presented. The following are “do’s and don’ts” to help you prepare a winning submission:

  1. We can only use high-quality, color digital submissions of collector vehicles from every era of manufacture through 1990. Please note that snapshots, photocopies, drawings, paintings, or any media other than high resolution digital images cannot be considered due to quality issues. Also, do not submit a camera shot made from a physical photograph; the resulting image will be too distorted when enlarged to calendar page size.
  2. In making the selections, emphasis will be placed on vehicles of American manufacture, but outstanding examples of widely collected imported marques will also be considered.
  3. Each submission should depict a single, completely stock, unmodified from factory original vehicle (no shots with multiple vehicles) with no visible objects mounted on the dashboard or suspended from the rearview mirror, and should contain no people, pets, trophies or window stickers.
  4. Each vehicle should be photographed against a pleasant and appropriate, non-distracting background.

Tips of what NOT to do with taking photos.

Cover of the Old Cars Reader Rides 2023 calendar

We ask that you indicate whether or not you are willing to allow us to make our own copies to keep on file for other than calendar use. Such uses might include book and periodical covers, color plates, catalogs, show posters, newsletters and promotional materials, among others.

Owners of the vehicles depicted in the calendar will be identified, and each will receive a free copy of the 2024 calendar. Each submission should be accompanied by the name(s), address, and phone number of the owner(s), as well as the year, marque, model and body type of the vehicle depicted. To be considered, all submissions must be received in our office by May 22, 2023.

Digital Submission Requirements

The images should be 300 dpi (about 3 MB or larger) and saved as a jpg, tiff or raw image. The image should be as large as possible — at least the width of the calendar (approx. 12″). The image can be 72 dpi (which is a primary default), but at that resolution it has to be very big. Once converted to 300 dpi, a 72-dpi image will be one-quarter the size submitted. Example: If the image at 72 dpi is 12 inches wide, and is converted up to 300 dpi, the photo will be 3 inches wide and too small to use.

Digital submissions can be made via e-mail (oldcars@aimmedia.com) or sent on Flash drive. All digital submissions must have the year/make/model and owner’s name in its subject line to be considered for publication.

Send physical submissions to:
Old Cars
2023 Reader Rides Calendar
5225 Joerns Drive
Suite 2
Stevens Point, WI 54481

or email Digital submissions to:
oldcars@aimmedia.com
Remember to include your name, contact information and a brief description of your car.

Have you ever wondered what your classic ride is worth? Old Cars has you covered with the Old Cars Report Price Guide. We are your source for unbiased and real-world pricing. Subscribe today and find out what your car is really worth! CLICK HERE to subscribe.

Barrett-Jackson is embracing the next generation of car lovers as it will welcome the Future Car Show to its 2023 Scottsdale Auction on January 22, 2023.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. ‒ October 26, 2022Barrett-Jackson announced that the Future Collector Car Show (FCCS) will be a part of the auction company’s flagship Scottsdale Auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale for the first time on January 22, 2023. This one-day event, held on the Polo Field at WestWorld, will be a part of all the exciting action that Barrett-Jackson will bring to collector car enthusiasts this January during its entire nine-day event, January 21-29. FCCS is a family-friendly, concours-style event featuring vehicles that best represent the future of the collector car hobby, with the goal of celebrating the cars we love today and the future collectibles of tomorrow.

“Barrett-Jackson has long been a pioneer in the industry, championing its growth by creating family-friendly events for multiple generations to come together and enjoy this hobby with one another,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We are excited to bring the Future Collector Car Show to our iconic Scottsdale Auction and continue to engage the next generation of enthusiasts for years to come.”

At FCCS, spectators will enjoy a variety of vehicles ranging from highly modified custom builds to original and perfectly preserved rides, effectively creating an experience where generations of vehicle owners can find common ground in their love of future collectibles.

Continuing the blend of automotive culture and the world of fashion, FCCS at Barrett-Jackson will also feature an immersive and competitive fashion show produced by Luxe & City, awarding the winning stylist a cash prize. FCCS will also include additional elements, such as exhibitor displays and VIP offerings.

Prior to FCCS on January 22, concours-level judges will hand-pick the top cars for each category from the applications submitted. The target year range for featured vehicles is 1980 to present-day, with exceptions for vehicles that have seen recent increases in collectibility. The FCCS team will be looking for quality vehicles, highly modified enthusiast builds, rare or low-production number cars and unique or uncommon vehicles. Every vehicle entered in the show qualifies for the coveted Best of Show trophy, with other award categories that include a People’s Choice award selected by spectators on-site.

The entire selection of awards include:

  • Best of Show
  • Best Preserved
  • Best Restored
  • Best Period-Correct Modifications
  • Best Purpose-Build Performance
  • Visionary Award
  • Elegance of Heritage
  • Best Electro-Mod
  • Rookie of the Year
  • People’s Choice

Best of Show winners in past years include a 1993 Mazda RX-7, a 2004 modified Subaru WRX STi and a 1998 Toyota Supra.

“At Barrett-Jackson, we continue to elevate the auction experience throughout all of our annual events,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “I’m particularly excited about bringing FCCS on board as part of our Scottsdale Auction because it further exemplifies our commitment and dedication to the collector car hobby, while ensuring its growth and popularity amongst the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.”

Hundreds of future collector cars will be a part of FCCS. Participation to display a vehicle at the event is by application only, and the deadline to apply is December 12, 2022. Admission to FCCS will provide access to the entire Barrett-Jackson event on Sunday, January 22, including access to auction cars on display, the vast Exhibitor Marketplace, sponsor displays, and Hot Laps and Thrill Rides on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track. Visit FCCS.Barrett-Jackson.com for additional information on how to enter your vehicle, award categories, tickets and more.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson is a leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events, which include authentic automobilia auctions and the sale of private collections. Welcoming over 500,000 attendees per year, Barrett-Jackson produces live collector car auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Houston, Texas, where thousands of the most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles cross the block in front of a global audience. With broadcast partner A+E Networks, Barrett-Jackson features live television coverage of its events on FYI and The HISTORY Channel, as well as all the cars, all the time via its produced livestream on Barrett-Jackson.com. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com, or call 480-421-6694.

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In 2023 the Annual Chip’s Choice Showcase welcomes Corvettes that have raced the famed French Circuit.

Chips 1960 Corvette Le-Mans Cunningham Number 3

Carlisle Events

CARLISLE, PA – The famed 24 Hours of Le Mans race takes center stage in France each year in June. The race dates back to 1923 and while it hasn’t offered 100 races for various reasons, it will still celebrate 100 years of its first race in 2023. As a nod to its rich and storied history, Corvettes at Carlisle presented by eBay Motors will celebrate 100 years too, not with wheels in motion, but with cars on display.

The 2023 showcase of all things Corvette takes place August 24-26 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. As part of the annual Chip’s Choice display (located in Building T), Corvettes at Carlisle will honor 100 years of Le Mans with a display that includes upwards of a dozen cars that competed on the famed 13.626 km (8.467 mile) long track. While many of the display cars are still unknown, one is a car very familiar to Corvettes at Carlisle fans; the famed #3 Cunningham Corvette.  This car, which took first in its class in 1960, is now owned by Irwin Kroiz and returns to Carlisle for the first time since 2021.

Chip’s Choice is an annual feature at Corvettes at Carlisle that carries a specific theme each year. The display is presented in memory of and in tribute to Chip Miller, co-founder of Carlisle Events and National Corvette Museum Hall of Famer. Chip began the tradition of ‘Chip’s Choice” in 1990 and every year since, the display aims to embody the best-of-the-best within the Corvette hobby. Since his passing in 2005, Chip’s son Lance continues the themed tradition the display and plays a key role in the selection of its display cars.

Corvettes at Carlisle is the last specialty car show offered by Carlisle Events in 2023.  The gathering of America’s Sports Car brings enthusiasts together from around the world showcasing every generation of Corvette ever produced. In 2022, a new Fun Field record was established and between the show cars and those who simply parked on grounds, the event welcomes over 5,000 Corvettes. Fun Field registration is now open, with a 10% discount in place through July 10. In addition, vendor opportunities are available for those looking to sell Corvette merchandise, parts, etc. Finally, for those looking to attend as a spectator or parts buyer, admission tickets are available at a discount online, plus kids 12 and under are admitted FREE. 

Learn more about Corvettes at Carlisle online at CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855 today.

Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of over a dozen annual collector car/truck events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA), and the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus (Lakeland, FL). The season schedule includes four automotive flea markets of varying size, four auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, and imports. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.

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At a recent auction held by Donley Auction services the 1904 Chicago license plate bearing the number 1 sold for $34,000.

1904 Chicago license plate bearing the number 1 sold for $34,000 at the Donley Auction Services sale held on Aug. 28, 2022.

Donley Auction Services

A 1904 Chicago license plate bearing the number 1 sold for $34,000 on Aug. 28, pummeling its pre-sale estimate of $2,000-$4,000. The rare license plate was offered in a sale organized by Donley Auction Services.

The 1904 license plate predated Illinois state license plates and hailed from the first year that the City of Chicago issued a metal license plate. In 1901, Chicago began issuing badges to motorists, and in 1903, it began issuing numbers that motor vehicle owners were to mount to leather or wood themselves, then place on their horseless carriage. In 1904, Chicago began stamping license plates, a short-lived practice that ended in 1907 when the state of Illinois began issuing license plates.

The 1904 plate No. 1 was originally issued to Arthur J. Eddy, a lawyer and early motor car enthusiast in Chicago. He had previously received Chicago license No. 1 in 1900, the city’s very first license, according to the auction company, and helped found the Chicago Auto Show in 1901. In 1902, Eddy became a founding member of the Chicago Motor Club, which would become the AAA Motor Club.

The 1904 No. 1 aluminum license plate measures 6-7/8 inches by 11-7/8 inches and had previously been in the famous Lee Hartung Collection, which RM Auctions dispersed in 2011.

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