November 6, 2010
CADILLAC & LA SALLE AND LINCOLN & CONTINENTAL CLUBS JOIN FOR NOVEMBER 6 TOUR
There's a connection between Cadillac and Lincoln going back over 100 years; more on that later. On a perfect Hill Country Fall morning, 10 Cadillacs and Lincolns and 2 others headed west on the hills and curves of Hwy 1431. We were joined in Lago Vista by a lone Thunderbird.
As we drove along Cow Creek Road it was easy to imagine the clatter of a Comanche war partys' ponies on the smooth limestone creek bottom back in the 1800''s. Today, however, it was the soothing quiet rumble of V-8's in the old iron from Dearborn and Detroit climbing the hills of the canyon. At the photo stop, a lone longhorn crossed the road for the camera as if on cue.
Lunch for all 18 drivers and passengers was deliciously and efficiently served at the Dahlia; a perfect finish to a perfect tour. Thanks Rick, Pat, and all who participated.
Now for the connection for these two surivors or the auto business. This is the Tale of Two Henrys.
In 1901,Henry Ford as chief engineer and other investors started the Henry Ford Co. They brought in Henry Leland, a master machinist, as a consultant. That was one too many Henrys. Ford left to build and race cars in 1902. Leland and the investors then used Henry Leland's engine in a new car for 1903, named Cadillac and renamed the company the Cadillac Automobile Co.
Henry Leland, after falling out with Billy Durant, who had bought Cadillac,left to build another car. At age 74 Leland named his new car Lincoln; 1921 was the first model.. The new company fell on hard times and was bought--you guessed it- by Henry Ford! Once again-too many Henrys! Leland left and retired and we all know about the empire built by Henry Ford.
That's the connection we owners of these two fine old names from America's auto past share. May we enjoy more tours together knowing the connection between Henry Ford and Henry Leland.
Jay Rester
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MAY 22, 2010
Central Texas CLC Tour
Last to arrive at our meeting place was Ken with his gorgeous 1955 Ford Sunliner convertible. The Wisteria/White color combination is so rare we'll never see one like it again. She's likely to be the prettiest girl at any dance!
We proceeded on some back roads to the Central Texas Museum of Automotive History in Rosanky. Thanks to Russ for leading us through some of the green pastures and farmland in central Texas. Amazing what a few inches of rain can do.
The museum has over 100 cars; just about all makes you've heard of and many you haven't. Among the collection are the following Cadillacs:
1905 Touring; one cylinder, Very similar to Henry Leland's first 1903 model
1930 Landau coupe w/rumble seat; V-16
1931 Series 353 convertible coupe cabriolet; V-8
1956 Series 62 Sedan Deville with all available options
If you're ever near Rosanky, see the museum.
The biggest car was a 1911 Packard Imperial Sedan, slightly smaller than a locomotive. Smallest were some of the pedal car collection.
Our group included 11 members and guests and 6 cars. The end of the Harley Earl era was well represented by Farah's 1959 Series 62 coupe. This was the peak of the chrome and tailfin designs that Earl dictated. Later designs were more subdued and just as beautiful and representative of America's dominance in the industry. Thanks to Farah for lunch arrangements at Nancy's Steakhouse.
Hope to see several of you at the Grand National in KC in July. Tailfins forever!
Jay Rester
P.S. By the way, did you know that "Deville" means town car and "Eldorado" means gold? Certainly more imaginative than CRS,SRX,CTS,ABC,XYZ, etc
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APRIL 24, 2010
CADILLACS IN COW CREEK CANYON TOUR
On a clear, cool Texas spring morning there were five sets of tailfins parked in perfect alignment at our starting point, It's A Grind, in Cedar Park.There were four Cadillacs; 1958 to 1964, and one (gasp) 1957 Chevrolet! After some discussion, the Chevy was allowed to tour with us because it is old Detriot iron and it has tailfins. Also, it belongs to our President, Rick Payton.
We had ten members and guests enjoying the beautiful hills and streams out Hwy 1431 West and onto Cow Creek Canyon Road, a secret place that so far remains wild and natural. The quiet of nature was only interrupted by the smooth sound of Caddy V-8 engines climbing the hills.
There were a couple of photo stops beside the scenic limestone cliffs, wildflowers, and waterfalls.
Around noon, we stopped for a fine lunch under giant oaks at The Dahlia in Liberty Hill. Food and conversation were had, and we all agreed that Cadillacs were among the finest American cars ever made. Thanks to Scott for one of the best tours ever. We appointed him permanent Tour Director and immediately promoted him to Vice President, Touring. Watch for our next tour and join the fun.
OLD CADILLACS NEVER DIE - THEY JUST GROW FINS!
Jay Rester
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Central Texas Region CLC
Notes from Jan 30, 2010 meeting at Rick Payton's home; 10 members present:
We are going to plan an event or just breakfast get together on the last Saturday of every month!!
Sat. 2/27-- Tour to Central Tx Museum of Automotive History at Rosanky. Meet at Denny's; Hwy 71E near 183 (near hotels and Waffle House) at 9AM, depart for museum at 9:30. Lunch after museum at Nancy's Steakhouse; Farah to arrange.
Sat. 3/27-- Tour to Salado to see Packard meet; usually 30 or so great Packards. Meet at Denny's just east of I35 N at 10th or 11th street at 9AM, depart for Salado at 9:30. Lunch can be at Stagecoach Inn coffee shop. This is where Packards are displayed.
Sun 3/28--Not a tour, but everyone invited to the Lakeway Car Show; about 25 or so cars from lake area. Show is noon-3PM at RR620 at Lakeway Blvd, in front of Mulligan's Sports Grill. Bring your car and join us. Show is free to all, cars are shown and not judged. Would be great to have some Cadillacs!
April 8-10--CLC Interregional Meet at College Station; hosted by Gulf Coast Region. Details later.
Sat. April 24--Tour to Cow Creek Canyon; Scott Parker will provide details.
July 14-17--Grand National in Kansas City. Details in current Self Starter; several of us are going. Join us.
Also discussed; Fathers' Day Car Show, Toyota plant tour in San Antonio later in the year, and a Route 66 tour through Albuquerque to the Wigwam Hotel in AZ in Oct.
The club has $1321.36 in our account. As we are due (I think) to host the CLC Interregional in 2011, there will be some expenses then. We may collect dues in 2011.
Please advise any mistakes or omissions. Jay Rester, Treasurer
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July Event: To be determined........
We are working on the event for July if you have any ideas on things the group would like to do please let me know...
The Fathers Day car show was a success, we had several members there and gained a new member (Joe Galletti 1965 Deville Convertible) and possible one more... Our club membership director Russ Donaldson won best in his class for his Perfect Packard....Congrats Russ!!! Club member Horace Joseph displayed his 1910 Cadillac,1965 Cadillac, 1929 Model A , and his 1931 Studebaker Rockne. Club Member Gordon Dysart displayed his beautiful 1965 Cadillac Deville Convertible, Club Member Bob Zapotosky displayed his 1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster Club Member Rick Payton Displayed 1988 Mercedes Benz 560SL. Club Member Joe Prados was on hand but did not display his car...This show had a lot of great cars and we should a go next year and block off a club area....
It is official our new name is Central Texas Region Cadillac & LaSalle Club...Jay Rester and Lance Hirsch were at the Grand National meeting representing for us!!!! Thanks Guys!!!!
Stay tuned for more info on July Event....
Rick
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June Events: Father's Day Car Show
Details
9th Annual Father's Day Antique Car Show at the Winters Building (Corner of 51st Street and North Lamar) - Sunday, June 21st, from Noon to 4:00pm. "Free" admission to public. No entry fee for vehicles. Expecting more than 200 vehicles from the early 1900's through 1984. Bring your car or just come to view those on display. Kids welcome, old and young. Hosted each year by the Central Texas Region - Antique Automobile Club of America. To pre-register or for more info e-mail us at RustyOldWrench@yahoo.com or see our website at www.RoadRelics.org or call 633-0413
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MEETING MINUTES
ALAMO CADILLAC LA SALLE CLUB
April 18, 2009
Rick Payton opened the meeting. The board members present are as follows:
Rick Payton President
Jay McClure Club Member - Past Secretary / Treasurer
Russ Donaldson Membership Director
Jay Rester Treasurer
Horace Joseph Club Member
A discussion of the future activities of the club was had. We came up with a tentative calendar no firm dates are set other than May.
The May events will be:
Baja Tour Saturday May 2nd 2009
Area Council of Governments (AACOG), Cadillac Club, Packard Club, FVCCA
Jay McClure (jmcclure2@satx.rr.com <mailto:jmcclure2@satz.rr.com> (210) 735-8450) will be heading this event up. Please RSVP
Route and Times
9:00 – 9:30 Assemble at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens at Fungston 10:30 – 11:00 Floresville
11:15 – 11:45 Panna Maria
12:00 – 1:15 Helena
1:30 – 2:00 Chestohowa
2:30 – 3:00 Sutherland Springs
3:15 –? La Verna
Email Jay McClure for more info….
21st Annual Blanco Classic Car Show.
Saturday May 16th 2009
Located in the Blanco State Park on the grassy banks of the Blanco River
Blanco, TX
Registration 8:00 am – 11:00 AM awards 2:00PM
Jay Rester (texnetb52@aol.com <mailto:texnetbs2@aol.com> (512) 261-8486) will be heading up this event. Please RSVP.
We plan to meet at Jim’s Restaurant at the Y in Oak Hill. We will leave in a caravan at 8:30 AM sharp.
There is a $25.00 registration fee or you can park in normal parking just to view cars and not show.
Calendar of events subject to change:
June: Fathers Day Car show....
July: ??? Open for suggestions ???
August: Tech Session held at the home of club member Ken Karrer in his air condition (toy box) garage. Ken has lots of knowledge and a lift -what more do we need… Thanks Ken for the offer. We thought we would hold the session on general maintenance. (Open to suggestions)
September: Rosanky, TX - Bastrop, TX
Tour of the:
Central Texas Museum of Automotive History
( http://www.ctmah.org/ <http://www.ctmah.org/> )
W/ Driving Tour through Bastrop Park
Lunch/Dinner at:
Cartwright BBQ Restaurant (512) 321-7719
490 Tx-71 W, #A, Bastrop, TX 78602
October: Hill Country Driving Tour-details to follow
November: Mandola Estate Winery (http://www.mandolawines.com/visit_us.html <http://www.mandolawines.com/visit_us.html> )
December: Christmas Party – details to follow
January: Lockhart, Wimberley or Bernie
February: Fall Creek Vineyards near Llano, TX (http://www.fcv.com/ <http://www.fcv.com/> )
March: ??? Open for suggestions ???
April: ??? Open for suggestions ???
None of this is set in stone if you have suggestions or comments please inform Rick Payton (rpayton@insightbb.com <mailto:rpayton@insightbb.com> or 812-630-1514)
Note: ALL CLUB EVENTS ARE OPEN TO ANY CLUB MEMBER AND THEIR FAMILYS AND GUESTS. All are welcome. We are trying to promote the old car hobby and further the enjoyment of the Cadillac and LaSalle brands.
Items of New Business for next months meeting:
Ø Change Fiscal Year End of Club for renewal membership to September (move this away from calendar year end and holidays)
Ø Change club name to Central Texas Cadillac LaSalle Club