Posts Tagged ‘Auburn’

2013 Celebration of Automobiles a success

Monday, May 13th, 2013

Despite the cold weather, the 2013 Celebration of Automobiles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a visual treat. When the sun broke through the clouds shortly after 1 pm, the warmer temperature helped in presenting a good impression.


1925 Dusesenberg Model A

1925 Dusesenberg Model A

Indiana-built cars were well represented by Auburn, Cole, Cord, Duesenberg, Marmon, National, and Stutz entries. One that immediately caught my attention was Eric Killorin’s 1925 Dusesenberg Model A touring car. The car was eye-catching and Eric’s story was fascinating. Eric shared how his father came to Indianapolis in 1929 seeking employment at Duesenberg Motors Corporation. There were no skilled trades jobs immediately available, so, his father started as a floor sweeper and worked his up to working in final assembly in 1929 and 1930. This Duesenberg has been in the family since 1945. His father’s Duesenberg coveralls rested proudly on the car’s tonneau cover.


1930 Stutz SV16 Monte Carlo

1930 Stutz SV16 Monte Carlo

Right across Pagoda Plaza was Joseph & Margie Cassini’s 1930 Stutz SV16 Monte Carlo Sedan. This stunning car features a leatherette Weyman-American body produced in Indianapolis. These bodies were flexible, light-weight, and free of the squeaks and rattles that plagued conventional bodies. What a great example of these innovative designs.


1920 Cole 870 Aero-Eight

1920 Cole 870 Aero-Eight

Another interesting Indianapolis-built car was Beauford Hall’s 1920 Cole 870 Aero-Eight seven passenger touring car. This Cole represented the style and elegance of Cole’s offerings in the early 1920’s. At the time, Cole ranked second only to Cadillac among America’s high-priced automakers. You rode in style in this luxurious blue tourer. One unique feature of the car is the self-contained air compressor in the engine compartment.

The Celebration of Automobiles continues to grow into a can’t miss event for car aficionados. Everyone I talked to had stories to share about the cars they enjoy.

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Struggling to find a gift?

Tuesday, November 6th, 2012

Are you struggling to find a gift for that auto-obsessed friend? Have I got an idea for you!

A couple of years ago we created www.AutoGiftGarage.com to share our unique auto gifts celebrating car culture. These gifts allow genuine car nuts to show who they are and what they care about. Let’s take a look at some of our most popular gifts and see if you agree.

Studebaker Logo Embroidered Hat
Studebaker Logo Embroidered Hat

Our embroidered automotive logo hats and shirts are our most popular items. We’ve researched some of the popular auto logos from the past and recreated embroidered hats and shirts that your auto aficionado can proudly wear.

Some of our most popular embroidered hats are the Studebaker, Studebaker Hawk, Studebaker Golden Hawk, Avanti, and Auburn Logo Hats. They are also popular as embroidered shirts. For these items, we created the logo on multiple hat and shirt styles available in many different colors. Find a style you like and then select a complementary color. Your auto-obsessed friend will applaud your selection.

Genuine Car Nut Logo Hat
Genuine Car Nut Logo Hat

If your friend has an eclectic collection, perhaps he or she would enjoy one of our Genuine Car Nut® Logo items. These unique items are designed to be stylish at any auto gathering. Just pick a style and color that shouts what your friend is all about.

Packard: Ask the man who owns one Shirt
Packard: “Ask the man who owns one.” Shirt

Our Packard “Ask the man who owns one.” printed hats and shirts are quite popular. The original Packard Motor Car Company began using this advertising slogan in the fall of 1901, and it is still popular with Packard collectors today. Help your Packard nuts show their affinity for this fine auto.

Printed items are also popular as mousepads, mugs, and ties. Why not stop by and peruse these galleries for unique gifts for your auto acquaintance?

Hopefully, we’ve provided some food for thought for a gift for your auto obsessed friend or acquaintance. Stop by often to see our new unique auto gifts celebrating car culture.

Visit Our Gift Galleries:

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Thanks to E. L. Cord

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

Recently, while reminiscing about my automotive obsession, I decided to offer a thank you to E.L. Cord. Indiana automotive pioneer Errett Lobban Cord is one of the individuals most responsible for the Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg automobiles of the classic era. Without his influence, insight, and entrepreneurship, these fine auto products of the Cord Corporation would never have existed.

Before graduating from high school, E.L. Cord demonstrated the spirit that led to his entrepreneurial success. He purchased a Model T Ford, modified its engine, hand-built a speedster body, and then sold it at a substantial profit. Later, he barnstormed for a time as a racing driver and mechanic, while continuing to sell modified Ford speedsters at an average of $500 profit per vehicle. In the early 1920′s, Cord became a successful salesman at the Moon Dealer in Chicago, Illinois.


1935 Auburn 852 Speedster

1935 Auburn 852 Speedster
Copyright © 2008 Dennis E. Horvath

In 1924, a group of investors enlisted Cord to salvage the faltering Auburn Automobile Company. He took over the general manager position at no salary with the provision to acquire a controlling interest in the company if his efforts were successful. Cord had the large stock of unsold cars repainted in bright, attractive colors. He also instituted new designs and models and offered them at attractive prices. Sales moved forward, and by 1926, E.L. Cord was president of the company. About the same time, he purchased Duesenberg Motors and instructed Fred Duesenberg to design the world’s finest motorcar.


1933 Duesenberg La Grande

1933 Duesenberg La Grande
Copyright © 2008 Dennis E. Horvath

In 1929, he assembled a holding company called the Cord Corporation. The holdings included Auburn, Duesenberg, Central Manufacturing, Lycoming Engine, Limousine Body, and Columbia Axle. In the 1930′s, he added Stinson Aircraft Co., Century Airlines, and New York Shipbuilding Corp.

1936 Cord sedan.jpg


1936 Cord sedan

1936 Cord sedan
Copyright © 2008 Dennis E. Horvath

Cord lured top designers, engineers and marketers to his companies and encouraged excellence. For example, Auburn became one of the first automakers to offer straight-eight power in a medium-priced car. He also introduced the Cord L-29 America’s first front-drive automobile and the magnificent Duesenberg Model J, the most luxurious and best-engineered motorcar of the day.

Production at the automotive operations ceased in 1937. Later, Cord developed a career in broadcast ownership, real estate, ranching, and politics.

Today, E.L. Cord’s automotive legacy is celebrated at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival over Labor Day weekend, and on numerous other occasions around the world. So, the next time you see one of these works of automotive art, be sure to offer a thank you to E.L. Cord.

This story was excerpted from Indiana Cars: A History of the Automobile in Indiana.

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National Recognition for Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum

Sunday, October 21st, 2012

One of my favorite automotive sites, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, has been named one of the “Fab 5 Automobile Destinations” by Old Cars Weekly and one of “America’s Greatest Automobile Museums” by Autoweek Magazine. This echos my many recommendations over the years.


1936 Cord convertible coupe

1936 Cord convertible coupe
Copyright © 2011 Dennis E. Horvath

Old Cars Weekly says “the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum is to the hobby as the Sistine Chapel is to Vatican City.” The article praises the work of the Auburn Automobile Company while pointing out that after touring the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, guests can take a few more steps back in time at the adjacent National Auto and Truck Museum. Here the company prepared the Cord L-129 models.

I believe the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum is a unique place. It is one of the first museums built in an original automotive administration building. Much of the heritage of the Auburn Automobile Company took place on this site. Guests get a chance to walk the hallways and view the offices, drawings, and clay models created by Gordon Buehrig, Alan Leamy, and savvy entrepreneur E.L. Cord. Visitors get an overview of these marvels from concept to design through completion of a mechanical masterpiece.

Whenever someone asks me what are my favorite auto museums, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum is one of the first ones I mention. If you ever plan a trip to the midwest, I recommend a visit to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. Put it on your Bucket List today.

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The innovator of rolling sculpture

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

With all of the excitement that surrounds the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, my thoughts immediately go to the designs of Gordon M. Buehrig, called the innovator of rolling sculpture. His automotive designs spanned many decades and are still recognized by auto aficionados.


Gordon M. Buehrig

Gordon M. Buehrig
Copyright © Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum

Buehrig’s interest with automobiles started like many of the rest of us. He doodled. In fact, an instructor expelled him from class on one occasion because the student’s notebook was full of automobile drawings. This early interest in auto design shaped the rest of his life.

Many regard Buehrig as one of the most important automotive designers. His career spanned nearly four decades while working at Dietrich Inc., Packard, General Motors, Stutz, Duesenberg, Auburn Automobile Company, the Budd Company, Raymond Loewy’s Studebaker studio, and Ford Motor Company. His famous designs include the 1932 Duesenberg Model J Beverly, the 1934 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster, and the 1936 Cord Model 810.


E.L. Cord’s 1937 Cord Beverly

E.L. Cord’s 1937 Cord Beverly
Copyright © Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum

The Cord Model 810 is probably one of his best known designs. In late 1933, during his second stint with General Motors Art and Color Section, Buehrig designed an aerodynamic car with air intakes on each side of a wrap-around hood. Back in E.L. Cord’s employment, this design study became the genesis for a “baby Duesenberg” in 1933. By December 1934, the design of the new front-wheel-drive Cord Model 810 model was essentially complete and then shelved.

When the project was revived in July 1935, there was less than four months in which to build and test a prototype, tool up, and get the cars into production for the New York Auto Show on November 2, 1935. The company made the deadline, but without the transmissions in place. Plus, the phaetons were without any tops. The missing parts didn’t matter. The Cord 810 stopped the show. People had to stand on surrounding cars just to get a glimpse of Cord’s exciting new design. Cord received over 7,600 requests for more information on the 810. Unfortunately, due to unanticipated production start-up problems, almost six months would pass before any deliveries were made.

The Cord Model 810 was available in four models: the five-passenger Westchester Sedan, four-passenger Beverly Sedan, five-passenger Convertible Phaeton Sedan, and the Convertible Coupe with rumble seat. In 1951, the New York Museum of Modern Art special exhibit titled “Hollow Rolling Sculpture,” recognized the Cord 810 as “the outstanding American contribution to automobile design.”

While you are walking among the gems at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, think back to Gordon M. Buehrig, the innovator of rolling sculpture.

This story was excerpted from Indiana Cars: A History of the Automobile in Indiana.

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Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Thursday, May 24th, 2012

Are some of you may be looking for unique Father’s Day gift ideas? If so, I invite you to check out AutoGiftGarage.com.

My dad has been gone a number of years, but I can still remember trying to find him something special. He collected hats and neckties, and I think some of the items at AutoGiftGarage.com would be great for him.

Studebaker Logo Embroidered Hat
Studebaker Logo Embroidered Shirt

If my dad was around today, the first things I would create for him would be our embroidered Studebaker hat and polo shirt. These items would be special for him since he worked as a tool maker at Studebaker for a few years starting in 1929. In the fall, I would get him an embroidered Studebaker fleece jacket to complete his ensemble. Another item I am planning on creating for our gallery is a Studebaker belt buckle.

Cord reflections Print

He also liked Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg autos. I would probably create a Cord Reflections fine art print with custom frame for him to display in a favorite spot. These items only scratch the surface of the many things available in our galleries.

Now with the availability of create-on-demand gifts, you can customize a unique auto gift especially for your dad. At AutoGiftGarage we have taken this customization process one step further for the auto aficionado in your family. We have created a number of unique auto gifts for folks just like you or your dad. These gifts are unique to AutoGiftGarage. You can’t find them anywhere else.

If your father likes auto hats, apparel, and auto art prints, then take a look at our galleries for a unique auto gift. Look no further! Printed auto apparel and our auto books may be just the thing for your father.

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Indiana Auto Museums

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

With thousands of Super Bowl visitors coming to Indianapolis this week, I’d like to share a list of Indiana Auto Museums. I thought some of you might enjoy a break from the great football-related events. Here is a list of near and not-so-near auto museums throughout the state.

Although the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum and the Studebaker National Museum are probably the best known Indiana auto museums, the state offers a range of auto attractions from private collections to larger public museums.

If you are traveling on any major Indiana highway, you have an excellent chance that an auto museum is nearby. In the north are the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, The Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, Hostetler’s Hudson Auto Museum, the Studebaker National Museum, and the La Porte County Museum.

While traveling along U.S. 31 check out the Studebaker National Museum, the Elwood Haynes Museum, the City of Firsts Automotive Heritage Museum, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Hall of Fame Museum, and Ray Skillman Classic Cars.

Motoring along the National Road you’ll find the Model T Ford Museum, the Wayne County Historical Museum, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Hall of Fame Museum, and The Clabber Girl Museum.

If you are looking for a way to sample our automotive heritage, I say visit some Indiana auto museums on your next visit to the Hoosier state.

Here is my list of Indiana Auto Museums and Collections open to the public.

Auburn
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
1600 South Wayne Street
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: 260-925-1444
Hours: daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.automobilemuseum.org


National Automotive and Truck Museum of the United States
1000 Gordon M. Buehrig Place
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: 260-925-9100
Hours: daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.natmus.org


Early Ford V-8 Foundation & Museum
2181 General Doolittle Drive
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: 260-927-8022
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
http://www.fordv8foundation.org/


Bryant
Bearcreek Farms Tin Lizzy Museum
8339 North 400 East
Bryant, IN 47326
Phone: 260-997-6822
Hours: call for hours
www.bearcreekfarms.com


Connersville
Fayette County Museum
315 Vine St.
Connersville, IN 47331
Phone: 765-825-2561
Hours: call for hours

Fort Wayne
The Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum
226 West Washington Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46852
Phone: 260-426-0051
Hours:Weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Wednesdays, Sundays and most holidays.
www.fortwaynefiremuseum.com.

Frankfort
The Goodwin Collection
200 South Main Street
Frankfort, IN 46041
Phone: 765-654-5533
Hours: call for appointment

Indianapolis
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Hall of Fame Museum
4790 West 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Phone: 317-492-6784
Hours: daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Christmas
www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/about/35204-Museum/


The Youth Education and Historical Center, sponsored by the Indiana State Police
8500 East 21st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Phone: 317-899-8293
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 4 p.m.


Indiana State Museum
650 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Phone: 317-232-1637
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. through 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. through 5 p.m
Closed January 1, Easter, Thanksgiving, and December 25.

Ray Skillman Classic Cars
1280 U.S. 31 South
Greenwood, IN 46041
Phone: 317-887-3441
Hours: call for appointment
www.rayskillmanclassiccars.com

Kokomo
The Elwood Haynes Museum
1915 South Webster Street
Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: 765-456-7500
Hours: Call for hours.

City of Firsts Automotive Heritage Museum
1500 N. Reed Road (corner of U.S. 31 and North Street)
Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: 765-454-9999
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lafayette
The Red Crown Mini-Museum
Corner of 6th and South Streets
Lafayette, IN 47901
Phone: 765-423-7780
Hours: call for appointment

LaPorte
La Porte County Museum
2405 Indiana Avenue
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: 219-324-6767
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
www.laportecountyhistory.org/

Richmond
Model T Ford Museum
Is moving to Richmond’s
Historic Depot District
In early April 2012
www.mtfca.com

Wayne County Historical Museum
1150 North A Street
Richmond, IN 47374
Phone: 765-962-5756
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.
www.waynecountyhistoricalmuseum.com

Shipshewana
Hostetler’s Hudson Auto Museum
760 S. Van Buren Street (in the Shipshewana Town Center complex)
Shipshewana, IN 46565
Phone: 260-768-3021
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (excluding holidays).
www.hostetlershudsons.com

South Bend
The Studebaker National Museum
201 S. Chapin Street
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: 219-235-9714
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.
www.studebakermuseum.org

Terre Haute
The Clabber Girl Museum
900 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47808
Phone: 812-232-9446
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
www.clabbergirlmuseum.org

Before visiting any of these museums or collections,
we suggest you contact the site to verify the hours of operation.

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Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum – Return to Mecca

Sunday, October 30th, 2011

This weekend I had a chance to visit the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. For me this is a return to Mecca. ACDAM is the place that probably ignited my interest in collectible autos. If you are ever in the northeast corner of Indiana, you have to visit ACADM.


1936 Cord convertible coupe

1936 Cord convertible coupe
Copyright © 2011 Dennis E. Horvath

Let me tell you about this automotive gem. ACDAM is the only auto museum occupying an original factory showroom and administration building. The art-deco structure was built in 1930 for the Auburn Automobile Company and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Galleries on the first floor showcase Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg automobiles. Some of these are one-of-a-kind automotive icons, while others are original unrestored examples.

The museum dedicates a large portion to Indiana-built automobiles from the 1890s through 1960s. In addition to the namesake cars, the Cars of Indiana Gallery on the second floor shows a cross section of cars like Marmon, Studebaker, and Stutz that brought world wide acclaim to the Hoosier state. One of my favorites here is an Indianapolis-built 1919 Cole Aero-Eight TourSedan.


1919 Cole Aero-Eight TourSedan

1919 Cole Aero-Eight TourSedan
Copyright © 2011 Dennis E. Horvath

Second floor galleries feature design examples across a wide spectrum. The Gordon Buehrig Gallery of Design focuses on the process of design at the company. Buehrig is probably most famous for designing the 1936 Cord Model 810 in addition to the 1935 Auburn Boattail Speedster and many Duesenberg Model Js. E. L. Cord’s office and design studios remain with period correct trappings from the company’s heyday. One item I particularly like is the many clay styling models of the Cord Model 810. These give an idea of the attention to detail required in designing this creative auto.

I always enjoy finding new treasures during my visits to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. Everyone I recommend it to agrees with my accolades for this Indiana automotive gem. You should be sure to visit ACDAM on a trip to the midwest.

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Car culture in northern Indiana

Sunday, July 17th, 2011

Occasionally someone asks about my recommendations for auto museums in Indiana. Northern Indiana has some great car culture destinations.

Auburn Indiana probably has the best concentration of auto museums of anywhere outside of Michigan. The best known and one of the best car museums in the country is the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. The ACDAM is the only auto museum occupying an original factory showroom and administration building. The art-deco structure was built in 1930 for the Auburn Automobile Company and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum dedicates a large portion to Indiana-built automobiles from the 1890s through 1960s. Other highlights are the Cadillac, Packard, Rolls Royce and race cars among this 100-plus automobile collection.

Immediately behind the ACDAM are the buildings now housing the National Automotive and Truck Museum of the United States. This site once contained the production of the L-29 Cord as well as the service facility for the Auburn Automobile Company. NATMUS features trucks and other vehicles from 1907 to the present.

Just off the I-69 Auburn exit is the Kruse Foundation complex. Two buildings at this site are of interest to auto aficionados. The Kruse Automotive and Carriage Museum and the Early Ford V8 Foundation Museum. The KACM features a collection of classic cars, television and movie cars, hot rods, and antique carriages. The Early Ford V8 Museum focuses on Fords from 1932 to 1953, as well as other vehicles powered by Ford flathead V8 engines.

North of Auburn on I-69 and west on US 20 in Shipshewana is Hostetler’s Hudson Auto Museum. Over 25 years ago, what started with a single vehicle, has grown to include the largest collection of Hudson automobiles and trucks in the world. Today, the collection includes the Hudson, Essex, Terraplane, Railton, and Dover brands.

Further west on US 20 in South Bend is the Studebaker National Museum. The SNM covers 114 years of its namesake’s history. “Studebaker is the only company to span the time from settlers’ wagons to high performance automobiles,” according to museum material. The museum has the Studebaker family’s own Conestoga wagon, used to move them to South Bend, and an Avanti, the last car made in South Bend. The carriage that Abraham Lincoln rode to Ford Theater on the night of his assassination is also on display.

Finally, travel west on IN 2 to LaPorte to see the LaPorte County Museum. The museum houses the Dr. Peter C. Kesling Automobile Collection, numbering over 30 vehicles. The collection includes vehicles built by Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg, Baker Electric, Ford, Tucker, and Dodge. In 2003, Dr. and Mrs. Kesling drove the collection’s Winton from California to New York City, retracing the path of the first coast to coast auto journey by Dr. Horatio Jackson in 1903 in a similar Winton touring car.

I believe northern Indiana is your best bet for an auto enthusiast’s total immersion into car culture. Where else in about 120 miles can you see seven auto museums? Do it in one trip or break-up the enjoyment in to multiple adventures. Be sure to call any of these sites before you finalize a visit. Check out my Indiana Museums page @ http://www.cruise-in.com/resource/cimuseum.htm

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100th Anniversary Celebration of Automobiles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway kicked off its 100th anniversary activities with the Celebration of Automobiles. The gathering of over 250 automobiles reflected the history of automotive development during the Indianapolis 500’s first 50 years. Entries ranged from a 1908 Alco 7-Passenger Touring Car to a 1961 Studebaker Lark VI sedan.

Celebration of Automobiles
A Jackson Touring Car and a Stutz Bearcat on view
at the Celebration of Automobiles
Copyright © 2011 Dennis E. Horvath

Cars representing the 24 manufacturers that competed in the 1911 Indianapolis 500 included: Alco, Apperson, Benz, Buick, Case, Cole, Cutting, Fiat, Jackson, Knox, Marmon, McFarlan, Mercedes, Mercer, National, Pope-Hartford, Simplex, Stutz, Velie, and Westcott. Other noteworthy marques, like Bentley, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Hispano-Suiza, Jaguar, LaSalle, Lincoln, MG, Mercury, Mercer, Nash, Oldsmobile, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Porsche, Renault, Rolls-Royce, Pontiac, Stoddard-Dayton, Stout, Tatra, and Tucker, were on-hand.

Many attendees said this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these cars. A new mechanical marvel seemed to be around every corner. I heard one remark, “I wasn’t aware that this many different makes of automobiles were made in America in the first half of the 20th century.” Late 1930’s European styling was showcased by a 1937 Delahaye M 135 Cabriolet and a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C Touring Spider. A 1960 Dodge Matador and 1961 Plymouth Furry represented examples of American auto styling from the 1960’s.

Examples of Auburn, Cole, Cord, Duesenberg, Elcar, Haynes, H.C.S., Marmon, McFarlan, National, Simplex, Studebaker, and Stutz showcased Indiana-built manufacturers from the first-half of the 20th century. The 1935 Duesenberg SJ Mormon Meteor Speedster first owned by Ab Jenkins is probably one of the best-known cars built in Indiana. One car of interest to me was the 1933 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Coupe originally purchased by William B. Ansted. This was the last car in the Indianapolis Marmon showroom when the company went out of business. Ansted negotiated for this car to close a past-due account for $70,000.

I believe the 1931 Studebaker President Dual Cowl Phaeton should receive the “Best Radiator Ornament Award” for its Neptune with Trident mascot. The flying stork on the 1925 Hispano-Suiza H6B Laundolet ornament would rank second.

The 100th Anniversary Celebration of Automobiles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was great kick-off event for 2011 activities at the track. I encourage you to attend the other special events at the Speedway in addition to the normal activities. I know I’ll attend the A.J. Foyt Day autograph session and memorabilia events on Saturday, May 28. Perhaps I’ll see you there.

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