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Get Away to Callaway (& The Little White House) - Details pg. 28
The
tailfin
Issue 28 • May 2015
www.peachstateclc.com
Following the ‘Trail of Tears’ and
visiting the Wallace Lovell Collection
PSCLC JUMPS INTO THE
ATLANTA STEEPLECHASE!
PG. 18
STREAMING INTO STEAM DAY
PG. 16
PG. 4
THE TAILFIN is a publication of Peach State CLC, a region of the Cadillac and LaSalle Club, Inc., and is distributed to its members.
Prerequisite for membership in Peach State CLC is current or pending membership in the national club. Member costs are $25 a year for
Peach State CLC. The CLC, Inc. dues categories may be found at: http;//www.cadillaclasalleclub.org/
Contents
P e a c h S tat e C a d i l l a c & L a S a l l e C l u b
We’re excited that our Peach State website has been honored with a regional
Merit Award! Check out our site at:
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http://peachstateclc.com/
President
Doug Bailey
770-992-8394 H
[email protected]
[email protected]
Membership Director
Cecil “Buster” Miller
706-517-0601 H
706-264-9558 W
[email protected]
Treasurer
Michelle Anderson
706-537-9999 H
[email protected]
Activities Directors
Tom and Linda Di Nucci
678-880-4345 H
770-479-9328 C
[email protected]
Cadillac Love Story
Marc McAfee admits he’s head over heels
with his favorite ride. Although, that wasn’t
always the case. Learn why he was quite
unimpressed when first introduced
and what changed his mind.
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Winchell’s Cadillac Clinic
25
Atlanta Auto Show
Vice President
Kevin Garrison
706-207-1550
[email protected]
Corresponding Secretary
Sandy Barth
770-663-8327 H
770-630-2417 C
[email protected]
May 2015
Marc’s ‘66 Fleetwood also gets a
closer look under the knowledgeble
eyes of Bob Winchell and other
PSCLC members. And Marc walked
away with valuable tips and advice.
Bill Marsh hears the call from Rob Johns
and delivers one beautiful baby blue
‘56 Coupe DeVille for show attendees
to crowd around and oogle at.
1930 Cadillac
All-weather
Phaeton with
V-16 engine.
Communications Director
Annette Benneche
[email protected]
National Board Director
Martina Butler
[email protected]
TAILFIN Editor
Sandy Barth
[email protected]
Webmaster
Lewis Schwartz
[email protected]
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P e a c h S tat e C a d i l l a c & L a S a l l e C l u b
Calendar
Upcoming Calendar MARK THESE DATES then stay tuned for the specifics!
May 17 Concours warm-up event and cruise-in at Chukkar
Farms (north Fulton)
May 29-31
Spring Driving Tour to Callaway Gardens,
Warm Springs, and Columbus
June 24 - 27
Cadillac Grand Nationals in WI
June - TBD
Streetside Classics (Lithia Springs)
June - TBD
Cofer Collection? (Tucker)
June - TBD
Josh Mills Shop? (Marietta)
July 4
Roswell Manor on the Squre Cruise-in Cookout
August 11-15 National Driving Tour in Michigan
http://www.cadillaclasalleclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/2105drivingtour.pdf
CRUISE-INS: Don’t miss these cruise-ins, because we will be there and we
need YOUR presence as a show of force!
Canton Riverstone
Cartersville Woodstock Acworth The Rolling
Stones kick off
their “Back to
Babylon”
World Tour
in a 1955
Cadillac
Eldorado
Biarritz
Membership in the national club is
required. The Cadillac & LaSalle Club pays
for insurance to cover regions like ours
during sanctioned events. CLC also offers
one of the best glossy monthly
collector auto magazines anywhere,
The Self Starter.
CLC provides an online forum for parts
searches and technical support. And
membership is required if you ever want to
join us for a Grand National in various parts
of the U.S. Dues for the national club are
$55.00 per year through December 2015 for
first class mailings of The Self Starter.
http://www.badgerclc.com/nationalevent.php#hotel
Downtown Canton 1st Friday
Piedmont Church 1st Saturday
Galaxy Diner 1st Saturday
Tucker
2nd Saturday
Cumming 2nd Saturday
May 2015
3rd Sat PM
4th Saturday
4th Saturday
5th Saturday
Welcome to new Peach State Members!
Robert Briggs, 3 years, 1960 Eldorado Biarritz
Jerry Pacella, 3 years, 1999 Sedan DeVille
Tom Miller, 3 years, 1962 Series 62 convertible
Marc McAfee, 1 year, 1965 Fleetwood
David Snyder, 3 years,
Thomas Boyland, 1 year, 1993 Allante
Donald Smalley, 1 year, 1977 Fleetwood
This first-class fee also gets you immediate
access to the online version of the magazine
if you live within the U.S. (You can receive
the second class mailing of The Self Starter
for $40.00 per year, but without internet
access; it will arrive a few days later. This is a
popular option, unless you need immediate
access to those parts and auto sale listings!)
Please visit http://store.cadillaclasalleclub.
org/category_s/1819.htm for an
immediate on-line application using VISA,
MC, Discover or PayPal. Or, you can print
and send a paper application to:
Cadillac-LaSalle Club, Inc.
P.O. Box 360835
Columbus, Ohio 43236-0835
Please advise Buster Miller, Peach State
CLC Membership Director, as soon as you
receive your new CLC member number!
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May 2015
_________
Steam Day
Saturday April 25th by Tom Di Nucci
Stanley Steamer Motor
Despite the gloomy forecast the rain stopped
We toured the two garages, and were treated to several
late ’50s Jaguars and Packards undergoing restoration.
Among the cars in this collection was an International
Harvester that had won a blue ribbon at Amelia Island.
Some of us even drove our classics – now that is trust!
Foolhardy is what Bailey called it. Peach State CLC was
joined by several other car clubs who also came in a
variety of vehicles. One was a steam-powered Stanley
Steamer the owner drove up from Smyrna, some 35
miles. Now, that is gutsy.
As always, lunch was served at exactly noon – when
the steam whistle blew. We were all treated to a
fabulous BBQ lunch, courtesy of our host. And for
dessert they were dishing out homemade orange
sherbet. I keep telling you all that you need to join us
for this event. It was once again a terrific time to
celebrate American power.
around 9:00 am in Holly Springs, GA. We had 11
PSCLC members and spouses brave the weather, which
had been forecast to offer all-day thunderstorms.
_________
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May 2015
_________
Steam Day
(Continued)
Peach State Cadillac LaSalle Club at Gresham Mill. Some
“Brass Era” cars that were made BEFORE 1915. Hundred
years old, folks! There was an especially neat HUGE tractor (1909 Avery). A steam powered sawmill. AND a steam
powered car (Stanley Steamer). Lunch was provided by
the owner, some of the best Bar-B-Que we have ever eaten
AND “Moon Pies” with home made ice cream for desert. A
great time was had by all.
Anne Marsh gives a friend a lift to check out the instrument
panel of a classic.
Notice the rear steps up to the “Rumble Seat”?
Linda and Tom Di Nucci with their favorite, an EARLY
buggy with a steering wheel.
_________
A Passel of Jaguars being renovated the two nearer ones
are XK-150s and the farther is an XK-140. Named for top
end speed.
Now, can you tell this is Packard Corner?
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May 2015
_________
Steam Day
(Continued)
Bill Atlanta and Gunther inspect a 1909 Avery tractor. four
huge cylinders / 1500 cubic inches. The tank on the front is
actually the radiator.
This tractor runs beautifully and was featured in the Tellus
Science Museum (Cartersville, GA) “Heavy Metal” exhibit.
Across the hood of a red Thirties Packard.
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May 2015
_________
Steam Day
(Continued)
Gunther von Rothschild (on running board) gurgles
appreciatively in the presence of automotive excellence and
treats in Bill’s pocket!
The rear end of that Stanley Steamer.
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May 2015
A Cadillac LoveStory
by Marc McAfee
This love story did not begin
with a case of love at first sight.
When I saw that big gray 20-foot long
Fleetwood on its trailer in our driveway, I
wasn’t impressed. I didn’t even think it was
a Cadillac.
My great-great uncle had bought it new
in 1965. He’d driven it until he died, only
about 60,000 miles, and then passed it
on to my Granddad—“PaPa” to me. My
Dad was on the way to deliver it to PaPa
in Rome, Georgia when he stopped by our
house. He thought it would make quite
a surprise.
First, a little background. Even though my
parents tried their best to discourage me, I
grew up a huge Elvis fan. And as we all
know, Elvis was a huge Cadillac fan.
A shot of my Dad and I shortly after the old gray beast joined the
immediate family. That was the first family wedding she was picked
for, when she was the getaway car for my aunt in 1997.
So the King sparked my love of Cadillacs—the class, flashy designs, the dominance of American post-war
style and grace. So when my Dad told me there was a classic Cadillac on a trailer out in the driveway
when I was about eight, I sprinted out the door.
I was disappointed. I don’t think I fully understand model years back then, so I thought anything that
didn’t have ’59 fins wasn’t really a Cadillac! (Some of you who have 59’s may think that’s a valid point!)
But then I climbed up and sat on that big white bench seat. Looked at that huge (stopped) clock and all
that chrome. Just about the only thing that functioned back then was the engine and the inside courtesy lights. I’d flick them on and off, admiring that old-time yellow glow on the white interior. I soon fell in
love with the tone-downed fins and vertical headlights, and set to fixing her up with my Dad, Frank. My
first purchase was a new nameplate to make it a Cadillac instead of a “Cadill.” Then we sent off the clock
to be rebuilt.
Since I wasn’t going to be driving anytime soon, the car stayed with my grandparents in Rome. Fixing
her up became a family effort, with help from a patient mechanic and family friend up there. When we
went up to my Grandparents’ house, I’d sit in the car out in their yard. I’d read a book on the couch-like
back seat, or do my homework as I took in the smell of that old leather. At one point squirrels built a
nest under the hood. They stored acorns under the carburetor. But I still looked forward to the years I’d
be able to drive it. I wasn’t always patiently waiting, either. When Dad wasn’t around, I drove it up and
down the driveway by myself.
I remember one of the many times I begged Papa to “borrow” the car for a few weeks, drive her back with
Dad to our home in Kennesaw for awhile. It was firing on maybe 4 cylinders and swerving off the road
if Dad dared to take his death grip off the wheel. He showed me how it went straight for the side of the
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May 2015
A Cadillac LoveStory
(Continued)
highway when he lifted his hands, and then tried to explain that I’d better get a 50s Chevy—because this car
would be too hard to keep up. It was the first time I’d heard the phrase “nickel and dime you to death.”
I just pouted. It would take years of desperate parts searches and unexpected new problems before I fully
understood that phrase. Thankfully we soon found a Delta pilot who also restores old cars. He became a
close friend as he kept that car going, and it’s been a chunk out of mine (and originally my Dad’s) paychecks
ever since.
When I was a freshman in high school, oh so close to driving it myself, my older brother drove me to school
in it one day. It was a labor of love, because he was more into the Fast and Furious-style Honda Civics. But he
drove it for me anyway, and soon regretted it. For the rest of the day, everyone in his classes would wrinkle
their noses and ask, “Man, why do you smell like gasoline?”
On another occasion I had my mom’s Dad drive it. I thought the son of the Great Depression would be impressed by the regal old beast, no matter its condition. Wrong.
“Good God! This isn’t healthy! It’s banging and knocking and leaking fumes! Get me outta here!”
So we had the exhaust re-done.
Thankfully, my Dad would never listen to my more-practical mom when she told him to give the car up. He
had too many memories of his own in it. He
took rides in it with his great-uncle, the original
owner, and remembers his father Frank Sr. tooling around Rome in it.
When I got to be old enough to drive, the day
finally came. Papa gave me the car. The hefty
price?
$1. Best buck I ever spent.
She became my daily driver in high school, went
to both my proms with me. My dates always
knew who my REAL significant other was. Since
I’d painted her UGA red with a white top, she
became a big hit when I took her tailgating at
The University of Georgia. People would try to
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jump in the car as I drove. Before one game
two girls said they loved the car as we were
For my senior year my grandmother made me a gold lame suit in
the
style of Elvis so I could wear it for a spirit week at North Cobb
driving down the street in Athens, and one of High
School.
them kissed my brother on the cheek as
he rode along in the passenger seat. That may
have been the day he first questioned his decision to lean toward souped-up Civics.
I met my wife Lauren at a UGA tailgate when we were students there. She’d been introduced to me by a
mutual friend who said, “You’ve got to see Marc’s car.”
She saw it, but I didn’t get her out on a date until it was down for maintenance, and I had to suffer the
humiliation of trying to woo her in an old Ford explorer.
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A Cadillac LoveStory
(Continued)
“I swear that Cadillac was mine, we’ll be able
to go out in it, and you won’t believe what
it’s like!” I kept telling her.
Disaster had struck. I threw a rod down
the street from my house, I thought I could
make it home with that oil pressure light on.
The engine was toast, and I wondered if this
was the end.
I don’t think my Dad ever wondered for
a second.
He soon had it on the way to his brother’s
shop and before I knew it, it was purring
down the driveway once again. I’ve been
trying to take a lot better care of her
ever since.
The Fleetwood has driven a half-dozen
newlyweds around, including my wife and
I in 2012. There was never a question of
what our getaway car would be when we
got married. Our wedding photographers
just about made the car the center of the
show. Only Lauren could out-shine all that
polished chrome. When were started
searching for homes together, I went
straight to the garages with a tape
measure. She fits by about two inches, but
she finally has a roof over her head.
The picture of me in all red to match the car was also from spirit week in
2005. I made sure my class got the color “red” to make my plans work.
Looks like I forgot red underwear!
All eight of my groomsmen were able to fit inside with the doors closed,
wasn’t as comfortable as usual, but it wasn’t all that bad!
It’s been a long time since its days sitting in
my grandparents’ yard. I’m so glad Papa got
to see it before he passed away in 2006—
after we had just painted it red. It’s my
favorite story about the car.
My Dad had driven it back up to Rome to
show it off to PaPa with the new paint job.
A World War Two fighter pilot, he’d been battling Alzheimer’s and didn’t remember much in the end.
Names and faces were a daily struggle. But he remembered that car—or at least the old rusted gray one.
“Hey Dad, what do you think?” Frank Jr. asked him.
“I think I got screwed!” He said.
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May 2015
Cadillac Clinic at Winchell’s
March 29, 2015
“Lift it up and let’s see what’s under there!” One of our most popular events is the
Cadillac Clinic hosted by Bob Winchell every couple of months at his shop in Marietta. We met again on
March 29th for the first time since last winter. What better way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon than
hanging with the guys, checking out Bob’s latest additions, and racking up one of the new guys’ cars?
Good to see Winch on this sunny spring day. This time our guinea pig was Marc McAfee, our newest
member at the time. Marc’s story is covered in the last story, so we won’t go into details here. But this day
was a great illustration of what the Peach State clinics can be for any and all of us. Join us next time! Give
me a call to see if we have room for YOU on the lift!
Marc has owned his bright red Fleetwood since he was a kid, and had recently begun a
“rolling restoration.” Something lots of us can relate to! When Marc called he was looking for help
with his window regulator alignments (eliminating gaps) and under-carriage (exhaust condition, linkage,
etc.). A perfect candidate for our clinic!
Above: Marc McAfee’s ‘66 Fleetwood on lift.
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Cadillac Clinic at Winchell’s
It helped a little bit that I own a ’66 also, which can
serve as something of a model because it’s a CLC
Preservation award car in good, original condition. Crap! I lost track of time and couldn’t bring it
because the danged choke was out of adjustment
and I didn’t have time to prime my baby! (Note: I
replaced the choke back in December. Winch gave
me advice on adjusting it; later I was able to tune
that sucker up so priming the carb is a thing of the
past. I will bring it the next time Marc, I swear!)
Winch moved his cars around to
accommodate us, and as I pulled in with
(Continued)
up with him whenever you can. I was passing out
our new Challenge Coin/Key chains as some other
members showed up: Tom Miller is a newbie (’62
Series 62 convertible), George Erneston (’68 DeVille convertible), Mark McDermott (’78 CDV), Mark
Nichols (’64 Cadillac. ’58 Fleetwood, a Thirties
Packard, and many others).
Under the red ‘66 Fleetwood (“under the
limbs of the spreading chestnut tree a village
smithy stands…” ahem, I digress) we find
Subway sandwiches Marc was already there with
his box of donuts. They ran the Fleetwood up onto
the lift, and soon they were under the car, crawling
around and conducting an inspection. Winch was
in his element, and Marc was soaking it all up. Ain’t
it grand when you find a gaggle of guys who share
your passion for all things Cadillac, Marc?
Jay Friedman was also there, and he’s such a source
of experience and knowledge that you don’t need
a car on the lift to learn something important. Besides, Jay is just such a nice guy you want to catch
(photo above) Tom Di Nucci and Jay looking at the
driveshaft. Winch’s ’64 is in the foreground, while
Phil Maddox looks on with Tom Miller. What’s that,
a new muffler? Yes! [shot under the car, closeup]
We tinkered with the passenger side rear door, and
I struck out despite having replaced my own doors’
motors. But Winch was helpful, and Marc got some
ideas that I believe led to a good fix later. He left
the lift with a smile and a list of To Dos for his project. Success, my friends, that is what you call THAT!
George Erneston standing in the doorway of his black
‘68 convertible, with Mark M. and Winch on his right
and Mark N. and Doug is on George’s left.
See you at the next Peach State Cadillac Clinic,
dates to be announced! Let me know if you have a
minor project for the gang to tackle.
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May 2015
Easter Parade
Avondale Estates, GA • Sunday Afternoon April 5
I got there early because it was my first old car event in some months. I got a chance to relax and watch
the cars arrive and stage for the big parade. I even got my nose sunburned, because this was the first
sunshine we have seen in the metro Atlanta area in some time.
We had quite a good turnout, with folks driving from as far as Madison (Benneches) and Waleska
(Dunns). There was a springtime jubilation in the air, and the mix of classic autos matched the spirits of
the participants. We had Packards, Lincolns, Chevies, Fords, Rolls, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs, Jags and
Mercedes… to name but a few marques.
Avondale Estates once again showed its true colors, turning out in hordes and lining the parade route.
The candy was flying out those windows, and over the backs of the convertibles, and the kids were
hustling to and fro. Those people know how to throw a PARADE!
Afterwards we lined them up at the central park, and the AACA chapter served us cold drinks, cookies
and snacks. All in all another marquee event. Next year, you should be there with your bunny ears and
bags of candy!
— Doug
Above left: Stan and Mary Jean say ‘cheese’ for our photographer; Right: Annette, Ron and Jay strike a pose.
Below: Cars and attendees gather at the park after the parade.
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Easter Parade
Right: Cars in staging
are before the parade.
Below: Doug, Jimmy
and Linda. The ‘Tux’
is riding LOW.
(continued)
Below The parade as
seen from the back of
Dunn’s ‘76 Eldo.
Bottom: Quite the
lineup in Avondale!
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May 2015
Applying Last Month’s Heritage Data to a Sample Window Sticker
This is how Bob Winchell’s window sticker turned out using Doug’s template and Winch’s
information from his cowl tag and the GM Heritage Center’s build sheet. Some of you bought a
similar treatment for your pride-and-joy at last December’s Christmas Banquet… so if you’re still
interested you should get in touch with Doug.
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May 2015
Racing Report
PSCLC Steeplechase Cruise-in: April 18, 2015
On April 18, 2015, the Peach State Cadillac LaSalle club
gathered yet again for the 2nd annual 50th running of
the Atlanta Steeplechase in Kingston GA. The weather
report for entire week was rain, rain, rain for all day Saturday.
Surprisingly enough Saturday came and went with very few
rain drops. By the end of the day there were 4 drops of rain
reported during the event. The mud however, that’s a whole
other story!!
By Friday evening there were a handful of people who had
changed their mind about going mainly because of the
weather. There were a few other excuses as well but nobody is
holding grudges against the last minuet bailers. 7:00 Saturday
morning Tom’s phone started ringing with the questions, “are
the races still going to happen?”, “is it going to rain?”, “are you
driving your Cadillac”? The girls had to sort out which outfit
they were going to wear as well, dress and rain boots, cute
shoes and a dress, white shoes or old shoes in case its
muddy…decisions, decisions.. Finally, Caddies were packed,
girls were dressed, food was prepared and we were all off for
a day at the races.
There were 6 beautiful Cadillacs pulling into the grounds of
the Atlanta Steeplechase. The Cadillacs made there way down
the very muddy terrain. Tom and Linda led the way going
very slow so no Georgia red mud splattered on their ’61. They
were followed by Ron and Annette in their ’62, then Mark and
Carol followed in the ’70 Bumblebee, then Anthony and Lori in
their non Cadillac vehicle, Adam, rocking his 2010
Escalade with Russ close behind in his 2005 Seville, and last
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May 2015
but certainly not least the ’76 known as
Goldilocks carried Lee and Mary Jean.
All of these fine cars were loaded with
everyones friends and family too. The
Cadillac group had the biggest spot in the
infield. The cars were a huge hit — as always.
There were many pictures taken of the Cadillacs.
Once everyone got parked in their assigned parking spot Adam,
Russ and Lori finally got to set up the spread they had only talked
about on the phone and emails for the past 6 months. People were
setting up tents and tables and unfolding chairs, everyone was
hard at work. Seating was great this year because of the decision
to go with card tables and folding chairs for everyone to sit at. We
had a horsey theme and the all decorations looked great. We were
also the only spot with a photo booth and props.
There was so much delicious food, we could have feed 50 more
people. If anyone went home hungry that was their own fault.
After everyone enjoyed some food they all began to wonder
around the grounds. Some were luck enough to grab a great spot
on the rail to see the beautiful Budweiser Clydesdales roll by.
Before we knew it, it was time to place the first bet on the first race.
Horses were called to the paddock, jockeys mounted their
beautiful thoroughbreds and then they were off! The
McDermmotts were the big winners for the betting.
By the end of the races people packed up quick trying to beat
the rain cloud. It was another successful event. Watch for details
for 2016! Don’t the weather scare you away, its always a fun time
when the Cadillacs are involved!
Photography courtesy of Lori Grinnell, Di Nuccis’ daughter and a future PSCLC member.
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May 2015
March 21: Georgia Old Federal Highway Tour Trail of Tears
(Gainesville to Chatsworth)
We blew the dust off our classic Cadillacs
and ran a one-day Road Rally on Saturday, March
21. Shaking off the winter’s blues, we welcomed
the Spring in style. We met at “400 Wheels,” a vintage car dealership and rallying spot whose owner
has been courting Peach State Cadillac for over a
year now. We found his collection neat (nice early
Sixties VW bug, eh Jay?). It was also a convenient
spot for our breakfast, just off GA 400 north of Roswell at Brown’s Bridge Road (Hwy 369). Old friends
well met. Donuts and coffee are nice, too!
We started out heading west on North Georgia’s
Old Federal Highway, which runs a bit along the
old Cherokee Trail of Tears toward Chatsworth. We
traveled the back roads and scenic routes through
places like Tate, Talking Rock, and Jasper. We drove
by the Tate House, and the ruins of Vann’s Tavern,
which served alcohol and offered sleeping to
travelers in early 1800s Georgia. We saw Scudder’s,
originally a “house of entertainment” but later a
woolen mill, livery, and general store. We stopped
for a brief rest at a historic old church just outside
of Tate, skipping the roughest portion of the Old
Federal Highway in favor of a smoother piece
of road.
During our preview trip, Doug and Tom had stumbled on a very rare find. Eyeballing a nice red ’32
Deuce three-window coupe in Jasper, we stopped
for a closer look. The restoration shop is run by a
guy who said “If you guys like Cadillacs I have one
to show you.” This turned out to be an all-original
1927 Cadillac Seven-Passenger, Dual Cowl Phaeton
that was made by Cadillac for western singer and
stage cowboy Hoot Gibson. We found independent
validation that this collection existed in the Rome
(GA) News-Tribune, January 1998, and now we had
a one-time invitation to view Wallace Lovell’s special collection. It includes dozens of collectible cars
of various makes, and that one very Special one.
One of a kind… Silver plating on the hood, dash,
instruments – and a solid gold shift knob…
All lined up in Jasper.
L to R, Tom Di Nucci, Forrest Ward, Mr. LOVELL, Bill Marsh
talking about the ‘27 Phaeton.
1927 Cadillac Phaeton.
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Georgia Old Federal Highway Tour Trail of Tears (continued)
Alongside Highway 53 outside of Jasper, we
stopped at Mr. Lovell’s place – a modest red brick
ranch home. There were something like 30 cars
in the yard all around his home in various states
of condition. I recall four ’57 Chevies, a ’52 or so
Studebaker, a few ’40 Fords and ’60s Mustangs,
a neat old early Fifties Plymouth business coupe,
and a ton of Fifties Fords. One was a rusted out
hulk with the rear quarter of a late ‘60s Mustang
leaning up against it. Try picturing a tree growing
out of the trunk. Yep. Classic.
‘39 Ford coupe.
Early ‘50s Studebaker.
‘48 Mercury.
Packard shovel nose.
Out back was a shed where a few old relics resided, including what we think was a 1925 Packard –
covered but open to the elements on three sides.
Below the house was the best storage of the property, where there were several convertibles sitting
in the gloom, including a ’47 or ’48 Buick convertible. Around the corner was the chicken house.
Dirt floors with open windows. Chrome glinting
Packard under shed roof.
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Georgia Old Federal Highway Tour Trail of Tears (continued)
in the sunshine through the openings. They drew
back the creaking doors and inside was…. Gold!
Ah, each of these 20 or more cars had been driven
in here off the trailer, in excellent condition. And
were allowed to… deteriorate. I wanted to adopt
a beautiful ’39 Ford Deluxe Coupe. But there were
also a mid-Twenties “shovel nose” Packard, a beautiful Chrysler and that ’27 Phaeton. Just gorgeous.
Under a tarp was a black ’56 Ford Sunliner convertible – said to be the one that Aunt Bea drove
in the Andy Griffith Show! We got a shot of the
owner with Tom and Bill Marsh as they discussed
the Phaeton. Tom was trying to talk the owner into
donating this priceless piece to the national Cadillac museum, but Lovell was having none of it. He is
probably going to allow these pieces of history to
continue to be eaten by the mice and worn down
by the weather. Some powerful lessons there for
all of us contemplating our later years and all the
“stuff” we own.
We bade Mr. Lovell farewell, and accepted his invitation to come back sometime. That will be quite a
visit. Those of you who have been after us to arrange a “junkyard tour,” had better be on that next
trip out Highway 53. This might be one of the last
of those kinds of collections.
Our final destination for this day was a Mexican
restaurant in Chatsworth, GA. Chips and salsa and
some margaritas were
a great way to end a
drive! Total time and
mileage was about four
hours, traveling over
65 miles from the rally
point to Chatsworth.
Folks took their time
heading home, and
visions of sugarplums
(I mean classic autos)
danced in our heads
that night!
‘39 Ford coupe.
Aunt Bea Ford Sunliner doppelganger.
Plymouth grille.
‘27 Phaeton grille.
— Doug
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HHHHH
HHHHH
MEMORIAL DAY
AUTO SHOW & BBQ
Monday, May 25th 10am-3pm
Hosted by
Peach State Cadillac & LaSalle Club & Cadillac of Lake Lanier
Event to be held at Cadillac of Lake Lanier located at
2355 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA
In April, Shepherd’s Men ran 911 miles from NYC to Atlanta to
raise awareness for wounded warriors from the Shepherd
Center in Atlanta. Check them out at www.shepherdsmen.
com. WE ARE TEAMING UP WITH SHEPHERD’S MEN TO
HELP THEM MEET THEIR GOAL!
PEACH STATE
CADILLAC &
LASALLE
CLUB
Drive your classic car, bring a chair and your money. The front
of the Cadillac of Lake Lanier dealership will be reserved for
YOU – the main attraction. Come celebrate Memorial Day
with us. We will have a live band, hot dogs, hamburgers and
soft drinks for the entire family to enjoy. ALL PROCEEDS
WILL GO TO BENEFIT SHEPHERD’S MEN!
DAILY DRIVER GUYS WILL LOVE THIS: Compete with the
high dollar restorations. How? The winning car will be the
one that generates the most bucks! Place a jar in front of your
car. Everybody votes with their dollars, and EVERY PENNY
GOES TO SHEPHERD’S MEN. Want to “buy” a plaque for
your car? Stuff the ballot box! Think the guy next to you is
ahead of you? Stuff the ballot box! Want to be on stage for
your plaque? STUFF THAT BALLOT BOX WITH BUCKS!
No pre-registration. We will hit you up for a small (or large) donation at the gate. Come on up GA 400 North to Brown’s
Bridge Road (Hwy 369) then go east. For more directions
search “Cadillac of Lake Lanier” on Mapquest or Google maps.
SEE YOU THERE!!!
Marty Pecora, Cadillac of Lake Lanier
O: (866) 371-4474
Doug Bailey, Peach State CLC
M: (404) 786-6077
Tom Di Nucci, Peach State CLC
H: (678) 880-4345
CADILLAC OF LAKE LANIER
2355 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30504
CadillacOfLakeLanier.com 855-410-4015
P e a c h S tat e C a d i l l a c & L a S a l l e C l u b
May 2015
JAY LENO HATES ETHANOL:
CAN’T WE JUST GET RID OF ETHANOL?
There have been a lot of old-car fires lately. I went through the ’70s, the ’80s and most of
the ’90s without ever having read much about car fires. Suddenly, they are happening all over the place.
Here’s one reason: The ethanol in modern gasoline—about 10 percent in many states—is so corrosive, it eats
through either the fuel-pump diaphragm, old rubber fuel lines or a pot metal part, then leaks out on a hot
engine … and ka-bloooooie!!!
As someone who collects old cars, and
keeps them up religiously, I am now
replacing fuel-pressure regulators every
12 to 18 months. New cars are equipped
with fuel lines that are resistant to ethanol damage, but with older cars, the
worst can happen—you’re going down
the road, and suddenly your car is on fire.
There’s more. I find that gasoline, which
used to last about a year and a half or two
years, is pretty much done after a month
Ethanol is a solvent that can loosen the sludge, varnish and dirt that accumulate in a fuel tank.
or so these days. If I run a car from the
That mixture can clog fuel lines and block carburetor jets. PHOTO BY AUTOWEEK
teens or ’20s and fill it up with modern
fuel, then it sits for more than two months,
I often can’t get it to start.
Ethanol will absorb water from ambient air. In a modern vehicle, with a sealed fuel system, ethanol fuel has
a harder time picking up water from the air. But in a vintage car, the water content of fuel can rise, causing
corrosion and inhibiting combustion.
It gets worse. Ethanol is a solvent that can loosen the sludge, varnish and dirt that accumulate in a fuel tank.
That mixture can clog fuel lines and block carburetor jets.
Blame the Renewable Fuel Standard. This government-mandated rule requires certain amounts of ethanol
and other biofuels be blended with gasoline and diesel fuel. But when Congress first passed RFS as part of
the Energy Policy Act in 2005, our demand for energy was increasing. Today, it’s the opposite. Total demand
for fuel has decreased thanks to more-efficient vehicles, more hybrids and increased environmental
awareness. The EPA is set to release the 2015 standard in June. Meanwhile, some legislators are pushing to
reform or eliminate the Renewable Fuel Standard entirely.
I just don’t see the need for ethanol. I understand the theory—these giant agri-business companies can
process corn, add the resulting blend to gasoline and we’ll be using and importing less gasoline. But they say
this diversion of the corn supply is negatively affecting food prices, and the ethanol-spiked gas we’re forced
to buy is really awful.
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The big growers of corn have sold us a bill of goods. Some people are making a lot of money because of
ethanol. But as they divert production from food to fuel, food prices inevitably will rise. Now, if you don’t
mind paying $10 for a tortilla ...
CAR LIFE
Jay Leno restores 1972
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL
Comedian and car guy Jay Leno lets us back into
his garage this week to look at his fully restored
1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3. Leno was going
to customize the 300 SEL by adding the 563-hp,
Comedian and car guy Jay Leno lets us back into his garage this week to look
Last week, I went to start up one of my
at his fully restored 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3. Leno was going to
Duesenbergs. When I pulled out of the spot
customize the 300 SEL by adding the 563-hp.
where it had been parked for about a month,
I saw a huge pool of gas. I looked at it while it was running and saw gas just pouring out. “OK, I’ve got to
buy another fuel regulator.” I pulled it out and opened it up. The fiber diaphragm was eaten right through.
Should manufacturers make diaphragms for old cars out of modern materials like Viton or Teflon? Yes, they
should, but not all of them do. Consequently, your chances of a fire remain.
Here’s another problem: When you have vehicles with fuel cells in their gas tanks, ethanol tends to eat the
coating out of the fuel cell. If you have an old motorcycle and redo the fuel tank, the first thing you do is
seal the tank with some sealant. It’s generally a cream or a gray color, and it looks like you painted the
inside of the tank. On a lot of my bikes now, I’ll open the gas tank and I’ll go in with a long set of tweezers.
I’m pulling out sheets of this coating. Really, it comes out in 6-inch strips.
The ethanol is just eating it up and clogging the fuel pump because it’ll move around as a sheet of material
and block the opening. With cars like my McLaren F1, if I buy a 55-gallon drum of VP racing gas, the fuel
cell will last twice as long.
The fiber diaphragm of one
of Leno’s Duesenbergs was
eaten right through. PHOTO BY
AUTOWEEK
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May 2015
It’s time for us as automobile enthusiasts to dig in our heels and start writing to our congressmen and
senators about the Renewable Fuel Standard, or we’ll be forced to use even more ethanol. Most people
assume, “Oh, that’ll never happen. They’ll never do that.” Remember prohibition? In 1920, all the saloons
were closed. It took until 1933 before legal liquor came back.
Most people don’t really look at what goes into their car. Obviously, the days of high-octane gas like
Sunoco 260 are long gone. Those of us with older vehicles are the ones who end up paying the price.
The car manufacturers don’t care. They don’t mind if your vintage car burns up or breaks down. They
want to sell you a new one. It’s hard for enthusiasts. We really have nowhere to go.
So write those letters, but I also suggest you drain and clean
your old car’s fuel tank, use a quality fuel-tank sealer that’s
impervious to ethanol, replace fuel filters, keep all the screens
clear and use a fuel stabilizer (added to a full fuel tank), if your
car is to be stored for the winter season.
Oh, and keep a fire extinguisher handy.
JAY LENO - In addition to
being a comedian and TV host,
Autoweek columnist Jay Leno
has more than 280 cars and
motorcycles in his collection.
Note from Doug about Barb’s recovery — Thanks to members for support!
“Peach Staters… Just wanted you to know that you are THE BEST! While Barb
and I have been “through the wars” since February 12th, two surgeries and a
lengthy recovery in rehab, you all have been so warm and supportive. You opened
my eyes once again to how truly caring this group is. We heard often about your
well wishes and prayers, and some of you braved the hospital milieu to make a
visit or two. This kind of support is beyond measure – people going through these
health crises cannot bear it without the support of friends like you.
Barb is home now, subject to my limited nursing abilities. But SHE’S HOME! We
are looking forward to catching up with you all at the spring and summer cruises
and car shows – starting with BOPC on May 1. Until then, thank you all from the
bottom of our hearts for all your kindness.”
— Doug and Barb Bailey
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May 2015
ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL
AUTO SHOW
Rick Ellis, the club founder of the “Georgia Cool
Cruisers,” requested some additional classics for
the Atlanta Auto Show and made the call to the
Peach State Club to fill the void with Cadillacs.
Bill Marsh stepped up with his 1956 Coupe DeVille
and Rob Johns offered his 1941 Series
‘62 Convertible.
In addition to the new cars, there were ‘44 classic,
exotic and antique cars on display, ranging from
a 1903 Oldsmobile to a 2009 Dodge Viper. The
grouping of cars included “Autos through the
Ages, ” Vendor and Wall displays, a Police and Fire
Truck area, and the Lobby Display. Bill displayed
his car in the lobby, while Rob showed his car near
the Police and Fire Truck area. He was honored
to land right next to Captain Herb’s 1962
Mayberry Galaxie.
This was a great opportunity to talk about
automobiles, Cadillacs and the club. Topics
included the Avondale Estates Parade, the
upcoming BOPC event and the Atlanta Motoring
Festival. As a result of the Cadillac club’s
participation at this auto expo, three new
members are being recruited to join the
Peach State and national clubs.
Overall, both Bill and Rob had fun, met some
interesting “car guys” and were ambassadors
for the Peach State Cadillac and LaSalle Club.
We look forward to another great show in 2016!
Thanks “Georgia Cool Cruisers!”
– Rob Johns
’41 Cadillac Convertible
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ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL
AUTO SHOW
May 2015
Anne and I had a great time at the 33rd Annual
Atlanta International Auto Show. We led a caravan
of classic cars into the Georgia World Congress
Center, driving carefully over plastic covered
carpet. Our 1956 Cadillac Coupe DeVille was
featured in the main lobby at one of the main
entrances to the show. There were over 400 new
cars from 28 different manufacturers on over
400,000 sq ft. of show space. About 40 classic cars
were in attendance. The classic car event was
sponsored and moderated by Georgia Cool Cruisers
who made it a top-notch event. They made a
wonderful display sign for our car and also gave
us a fabulous plaque commemorating the event.
Georgia Cool Cruisers headed by Rick Ellis celebrates
fundraising with 100% of the money going to
worthy causes. In 2014 they raised over $30,000!
Kind regards,
Bill Marsh
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May 2015
“When we got our Peach State CLC key chain we were more than satisfied with the quality and beauty of the piece. A great value by far!
Thank you Mr. Lewis Kelly for your wonderful idea and even more thanks and appreciation for sponsoring the cast of the coin so that each
member could enjoy this beautiful piece. Now we need to get this beauty on a car tag some how!” — Mike & Michelle Anderson
NEW! Peach State Cadillac and LaSalle Club medallions!
Get them now for your four-wheeled baby! Or babies…
PSCLC member Lewis Kelly brought this idea to the board and sponsored the whole deal. Thanks, Lewis!
PSCLC can now offer you the latest in CLC and Peach State region memorabilia. This is a high quality
collectible, a coin struck uniquely for us by a world renowned mint, constructed especially to serve as
your favorite key chain for your Cadillacs and LaSalles. Photo below shows both sides and the slipcase.
two coins shown; this photo prints at actual size
These are Challenge Coins. Hefty,
thick doubloons, 1.5” in diameter,
polished gold metal on both sides,
with colorful painted logos: Peach
“My new Peach State Cadillac
State CLC’s logo is on the front and
And LaSalle club key ring is
the National CLC’s logo is on the
beautiful! I can’t wait to see it
reverse. It’s a substantial piece,
worthy of Cadillac. Collectible. These
hanging from Patsy’s ignition!!”
coins have been cast with a loop and
chain to hold your keys.
— Buster Miller
I ordered TWO! If you want one,
here’s how to order:
 Fill out the form below. We have
only 100. When these are gone
we will decide whether to strike
more like these.
 Send me a check for $10.00 each.
 Make it out to Peach State CLC.
ORDER YOURS NOW! First come first
served! Mail with a check made out
to Peach State CLC to:
Doug Bailey
Peach State CLC
2145 Azalea Drive
Roswell, GA 30075
****clip and mail***********************************************************************
Yes, Doug and Lewis. I want to order my own PSCLC keychain(s)! Enclosed is my check to PSCLC.
 I want #
keychains at $10.00 apiece…………………………………………………………………...$
.00.
Please limit your order to two (2) so everyone gets a chance at one. If we sell out we will order more!
NAME:
.
CLC MEMBER NUMBER:
.
STREET ADDRESS:
.
CITY, STATE, ZIP:
.

I want mine sent Priority Mail (if you can wait to see Doug you can skip this)……………....$

I want to Pre-Order additional #
keychains at $10.00 apiece for the next batch…..$
TOTAL.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………$
6.00.
.00.
.00.
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LAKE LANIER ADVANTAGE
With every purchase or lease
• Complimentary delivery available within 500 miles of our
dealership • Complimentary pick up, delivery and loaner
cars available with every scheduled service
• Dent Repair • Key Repair • Personal Assistant
• Certified Sales Consultants • Unconditional Satisfaction
Guarantee • Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service
• Full Service Dealership • Superior Service & Parts
• Competitive Pricing & Selection • Roadside & Flatbed
Towing Service • $500 Trade-In Value Guarantee
• Mobile SmartApp • Complimentary Car Washes w/all
Services • Complimentary Loaner w/Scheduled Appts
• Online eParts & Accessories Store • Loyalty Rewards
Program • 24/7 Online Service • Appointment Scheduling
• Social Media and Community Involvement • Courtesy
Shuttle Service • Authorized distributor for Laredo Coach
• Works Limousines
BRAND NEW
2015 CADILLAC
ESCALADE
BRAND NEW
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
My name is Marty Pecora. My
family and I recently moved to this lovely
community. We are second generation
Cadillac dealers and have been in the
automotive business since 1932. We
decided that Georgia is a place that we
would enjoy raising our children as well
as establish a new Cadillac dealership.
Tacy and I are the owners of the all new
Cadillac of Lake Lanier in Gainesville,
soon to be moving to Cumming.
I can guarantee a world-class
experience without the hassle of lengthy
negotiations or hidden fees. We have a
large selection of new and certified preowned vehicles to choose from, many
with industry leading incentives.
Feel free to contact me on my cell
anytime at 845-598-2226.
2016 CADILLAC
ATS-V
CADILLAC OF LAKE LANIER 845-598-2226
2355 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 CadillacOfLakeLanier.com