Belltown Antique Car Club - P.O. Box 211, East Hampton, CT 06424 September, 2019

NEXT MEETING

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019 at the East Hampton Library at 6:30 p.m.

On the Agenda: - Pot luck supper begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by meeting at 7:30

- Recap of our 53rd Annual Vintage Motorcar Meet

- Looking ahead: autumn activities and 2020 officer elections (Nov.)

- Volunteers needed to (1) manage BACC’s Facebook account and (2)

take over responsibility for pre-show publicity for 2020

FUEL FOR THOUGHT

“Many people think that electric cars are a recent phenomenon. The truth is that electric cars were in-vented in the 1800’s and by the early 1900’s, electric cars were a common sight on American roads. In 1900, 38% of American automobiles were powered by electricity, 40% by steam and 22% by gasoline

and 33,842 electric cars were registered in the United States. Electric cars were used in a large part by women and doctors. Doctors needed a car that they could get in and go and gasoline engines were not that easy to start or particularly reliable. Because hand-cranking a car was difficult and could be down-right dangerous, and because electric cars didn’t leak anything or smell of gasoline, oil or exhaust they

were very popular with women. In fact, one of the drawbacks of early electric cars is that they were thought of as a woman’s car and men did not want to be seen driving them. The real demise of the electric car began with the invention of the first practical electric starter in 1911 which was first used in 1912 by Cadillac. By the time the 1920’s arrived, electric cars had passed their peak. Roads were improving

and gasoline powered cars could venture far and wide, while electric cars were limited to the cities where they could recharge their batteries. The last Detroit Electric was shipped in 1939. ...The relatively small number of surviving vintage electric cars is not surprising considering that their large amount of lead (in the batteries) and copper made them popular

‘contributors’ for recycling during both World Wars.”

- From the information brochure that accompanied Bill & Linda Lillie’s Detroit Electric Model 98A, the first-place trophy winner in Class F at the 53rd Annual Belltown Vintage Motorcar Meet held August 4th. Their car is one of three 1919 Detroit Electrics remanufactured and modernized for resale in 1931.

CLUB NOTES

BACC’s eighth business meeting of 2019 was held on July 31 at the Haddam Neck Fairgrounds in preparation for our 53rd Annual Vintage Motorcar Meet. President Alan Carlson was absent due to an ill-timed medical examination re-quiring (ahem) “preparation” on the night of our meeting. In terms of getting prepared for our car show on Sunday, we discussed the potential impact of the new fencing on where to put handicap parking, the availability of the announcer’s “train” (it was arranged with Staehly Farms to borrow it again), and the need to close show car registration by noon when judging begins. Afterwards Cliff Baker and Dan David met with a representative from the Fairgrounds about a new exit road at the back of the north field that we were told we could use, giving us the option to use one lane of the main road in as the show car registration lane. Doing so would eliminate the need to divert show cars onto the grass, which was wet and problematic last year. [We ended up doing that, with minimal traffic flow problems. After show car registration closed, the main road reverted to two-way traffic and spectators still had the option of using the new road to exit adjacent to the fire house.]

Jon Grant went through the revised judging classes for the car show and assigned as many judging team captains as was possible given the number of members willing or able to volunteer at the meeting. Pointers on judging were also given as a refresher for anyone intending to participate in that important aspect of the show.

Jon Grant also reported that he is investigating the possibilities to move our April Engine Show back to what was the Fireman’s Grounds at Salmon River State Forest. There is a $50 cost to apply to use it and members were supportive.

Post-show postscript - Thanks to all BACC members who helped during set-up Saturday and/or on the day of the Meet. It was a great success by all measures, helped by excellent weather and a strong turn-out of quality show cars. We will discuss results and lessons learned at the September meeting. Be sure to check out Ralph Phil’s gallery of images on our web site, www.belltownantiquecarclub.org. Special thanks go to our food vendors Anchor Masonic Lodge #112 of East Hampton and Maya Cigal with her vintage Good Humor truck, to the East Hampton Boy Scouts for their assistance with parking, and to the EMTs of the Haddam Neck Fire Dept. for being on site and at the ready. Thanks also to the Staehly family and to Richard Beckwith for “trainsporting” their red and black engine to and from the fairgrounds.

The Club picnic was held the following Saturday, August 10, at the home of Polly and Richard Beckwith. More nice weather, good member participation and plenty of old cars to chew about made for a fine time (photos coming in the next newsletter). Polly would like to thank Jim Way and Cliff Baker for coming over on Friday to help set up. She was also appreciative (as we all were) of everyone who brought yummy desserts. [Did fruit salad count as a dessert? - Ed.]

MEMBER MILESTONES

Happy Birthday to: Steven Rossi Sept. 5th (65) Eleanor Sutton Sept. 19th

Frank Shaw Sept. 5th Sally Willis Sept. 26th

Joan Frey Sept. 6th Steve Fallis Sept. 28th

Matt Elgart Sept. 8th Jacqueline Grant Sept. 30th

Happy Anniversary to: Donald & Audrey Brookes Sept. 8th (45) Phil & June Guertin Sept. 21st

New Members: Please welcome Gardner Perry of Killingworth, David Degregorio of East Haddam, and Edward Zenisky of Bethany as the newest Belltowners. Gardner joined the Club at our August show where he had entered his 1965 Chevy Malibu convertible. David reportedly has a newly-acquired 1955 T-Bird. Edward is a long-time early Ford owner and flea market vendor. Please introduce yourselves at an upcoming meeting. Thanks for joining!

Get Well Soon: Zac Mirecki, son of Stan and Terri Mirecki, has been at St. Francis hospital in Hartford for over a month, undergoing treatment for an acute form of leukemia. As of press time Zac was expected to be able to return home to continue his recovery.

Mark Hoydilla, who was in a car accident in May, was hospitalized again a week after our August show with complications from prior injuries. He expects to be out of St. Rafael’s/Yale-NH by the time you read this. We hope to see him at our September pot-luck.

Phil Hamilton is following a program of physical therapy at home and reports he is making progress. As upbeat as ever, Phil aims to resume participation in Club activities later this year.

P. 2 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Sept., 2019

P. 3 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Sept., 2019

Club President’s Trophy:

1939 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Wraith - Thomas Murray

Show Announcer’s Trophy:

1929 Viking - Cliff Baker

Trophy in Memory of Bob Helming:

1966 Ford F-250 - S. Oftreki

Trophy in Memory of Larry Harder:

1936 Ford Club Cabriolet - Jim Clark

Judged Class Trophies:

Class A - Up to 1927, all, including Ford Model T

1. 1926 Ford Model T Touring - Matt Volatile

2. 1914 Ford Model T Touring - Ron & Fran Miller

3. 1926 Ford Model T Coupe - John Tattersall

Class B - Ford Model A, closed bodies

1. 1929 Model A Town Car - Jim Romanello

2. 1931 Model A Coupe - Jack Zolnik

3. 1930 Model A Town Sedan - Ken Kostek

Class C - Ford Model A, open bodies

1. 1929 Model A Roadster - Ron Tarpill

2. 1931 Model A Cabriolet - Tom Scheehan

3. 1930 Model A Roadster - Sandy & Jim Bielunis

Class D - Full Classics, -1930, all

1. 1929 LaSalle Club Sedan - Brian Foley

Class E - Full Classics, 1931 to 1948, all

1. 1936 Auburn 852 Convertible - Herb Caso

2. 1940 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe - Victor Boomer

Class F - 1928-1936, closed (except Model A Fords)

1. 1931 Detroit 98A Electric - Bill Lillie

2. 1934 Studebaker Sedan - Maureen & Steve Lutar

3. 1935 Chevrolet Sedan - Corky Lieder

Class G - 1937-1942, closed bodies

1. 1940 Buick Business Coupe - Harvey Moran

Class H - 1928 to 1942, open (except Model A Fords)

1. 1940 LaSalle Conv. - Richard & Sharon Hosley

2. 1937 Cadillac Coupe - Paul Lavigne

3. 1936 Ford Club Cabriolet - Jim Clark

Class I - 1946 to 1951, closed bodies

1. 1951 Ford Crestliner 2 Dr - Robert Barbieri

2. 1948 Plymouth Sedan - Tom Link

3. 1951 Hudson Sedan - Mike & Lisa Cohen

Class J - 1952 to 1956, closed bodies

1. 1954 Ford Skyliner 2 Dr. Hdtp. - John Hoban

2. 1955 Pontiac Chieftain 2 Dr. - Jim Peterson

3. 1954 Ford Customline 2 Dr. - Ernest Ellison, Jr.

Class K - 1957 to 1961, closed bodies

1. 1959 Cadillac Cpe. DeVille - Randy Greenberg

2. 1958 Edsel Corsair 2 Dr. - John Gaboury

3. 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk - Steve Keilyno

AWARD WINNERS - 53rd ANNUAL BELLTOWN VINTAGE MOTORCAR MEET

(tie)

Judged Class Trophies, continued:

Class L - 1946 to 1961, open bodies

1. 1953 Oldsmobile 98 Conv. - Ruth & Don Jack

2. 1961 Chev. Impala Conv. - Paul McLoughlin

Class M + Class N* - 1962-65 & 1966-69, closed bodies

1. 1963 Plymouth Savoy 2 Dr. - Steve Corden

1. 1968 Plymouth GTX Hemi - Bob Tuninski

2. 1969 Plymouth Road Runner - Norman Boomer

3. 1966 Mustang Shelby G.T.350H - Russ Dowling

*) these two classes were combined for reporting purposes due to classification errors discovered after the show

Class O - 1962 to 1969, open bodies

1. 1966 Ford Mustang Conv. - Mark Morello

2. 1969 Oldsmobile 442 Conv. - Dominic Lucibello

3. 1967 Chev. Chevelle Conv. - Steve Green

Class P - 1970 to 1973, all

1. 1970 Chev. Monte Carlo SS454 - Jim Boczar

2. 1973 Pontiac Catalina 2HT - Al & Sandy Bernard

3. 1971 Plym. Rd. Runner - Mike & Marie Carparelli

Class Q - 1974 to 1979, all

1. 1976 Cadillac Coupe DeVille - Ron Perry

2. 1975 Lincoln - Jonathan Brauzas

3. 1976 Chev. Caprice 2 Dr. - Bruno Graziano

Class R - Sports Cars up to 1964 (incl. 2-seat T-birds)

1. 1955 Ford Thunderbird - Barbara Hoban

2. 1964 Porsche 356C Coupe - William Hare

3. 1956 Chev. Corvette - Jim Fitzgerald

Class S - Sports Cars, 1965 to 1979

1. 1966 Chev. Corvette Coupe - Hal Hallgren

2. 1966 Chev. Corvette Conv. - Mike Frisby

3. 1966 Chev. Corvette Conv. - Cliff Lee

Class T - Light Commercial, up to 1952

1. 1933 Ford Model C Pickup - Charles Rayner

2. 1937 Dodge MC P’up - Carolyn & Lewis Grimaldi

3. 1946 Ford Pickup - Peter & Kelly Alison

Class U - Light Commercial, 1953 to 1971

1. 1966 Ford Falcon Ranchero - Durwood Winchell

2. 1971 Chev. K20 Fleetside Pickup - Jeff Lavigne

3. 1939 GMC Pickup - Albert Lavigne

Class V - Light Commercial, 1972 to 1979 (none judged)

Class W - Heavy Commercial, up to 1979

1. 1944 Ford 1 1/2 Ton Rack - Lance Dimock

2. 1952 Ford F-2 Pickup - Richard DeBoer, Jr.

Class X - Fire Trucks & Military Vehicles

1. 1932 Seagrave Suburbanite Fire Truck - Lyme FD

2. 1953 Willys Jeep - Robert Kallaugher

P. 4 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Sept., 2019

UPCOMING EVENTS (Club participation events in bold)

Friday - Monday, Aug. 29-Sept. 2 - Historic Festival 37 at Lime Rock Park incl. a Concours & Gathering of the Marques on Sunday, Sept. 1 (no vintage racing on Sunday), Lakeville, Conn. Go to http://limerock.com/labor-day-historics.

Wednesday, Sept. 4 - BACC monthly meeting at the East Hampton Library, beginning with a pot-luck supper at 6:30 p.m. Consult Polly Beckwith (860-345-4256) with questions regarding what to bring. Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 8 - Yankee Yesteryear Car Club’s 60th Annual Auto Show & Swap Meet, Brooklyn Fairgrounds, Rte. 169, Brooklyn, Conn. Gates open at 9 a.m., all model years welcome. Contact: Randy Long, 860-230-7888 or go to www.YYCC.org to see the show flyer.

Sunday, Sept. 8 - 6th Annual Automobile Extravaganza sp. by the Deep River Fire Dept., Devitt Field in Deep River, Conn. (off Rte. 154, half mile south of town center), 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Open to anything on wheels. Info at: https://www.facebook.com/DRFDAE/.

Sunday, Sept. 8 - 49th Annual Roaring 20’s Antique Car Show at the Southington Drive-In, 995 Meriden-Waterbury Tpke., Southington, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Roaring 20’s Car Club info: https://www.facebook.com/The-Roaring-20s-Antique-and-Classic-Car-Club-125842214105503/.

Saturday, Sept. 14 - Fall Open Shop at Cardone & Daughter, 4 Custom Dr., Old Saybrook, Conn., I-95 Exit 66 to DMV, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain date next day. Collecting non-perishable food donations. Info: www.cardoneanddaughter.com.

Saturday, Sept. 14 - Peter Alison Memorial Antique & Special Interest Car Show at Covenant Village, 52 Missionary Rd., Cromwell, Conn., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live band, refreshment truck, no entry fee, rain or shine. Contact: Florence Alison at 860-632-7211.

Saturday - Sunday, Sept. 14 - 15 - Tobacco Valley Flywheelers’ Antique Engine & Tractor Show at Haddam Meadows State Park, Rte. 154, Haddam, Conn. Free admiss. Info: Randy Root, 860-301-6933 or Donnie Hargreaves, 860-324-7242. Info at http://www.oldengine.org/members/tvf/.

Sunday, Sept. 15 - 23rd Annual All-Oldsmobile Show presented by New England Oldsmobile Club, Southington Drive-In, 995 Meriden-Waterbury Tpke., Southington, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., show cars $15 (free entry for pre-1950). Rain date: Sept. 22. Info: http://www.neolds.com/.

Wednesday, Sept. 18 - Cruise Night on Colchester Green, gate opens at 4:30 p.m., pre-1988 only, last one of 2019. Rain date following Wednesday. Info at: https://www.goodtimesmotoringclub.com/.

Saturday, Sept. 21 - Orphan and Pre-70’s Car Show presented by the Deep River Historical Society (part of Deep River Family Day), DRHS Stone House Museum, 245 Main St. (Rte. 154), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No entry fee, free to spectators.

Saturday, Sept. 21 - 5th Annual Cruise, Blues & Brews festival, Chester Fairgrounds, Rte. 154, Chester, Conn., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Show cars should arrive 8:00 a.m. to 9:30. Show cars $15. Live music featured. Rain or shine. For infor-mation go to the sponsoring organization’s web site, http://www.atriskboysfund.org/.

Saturday, Sept. 21 - Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Series (third & final event for 2019), Klingberg Family Centers, 370 Linwood St., New Britain, Conn., 9 a.m. - noon, traditional car show with 1979 cut-off. General adm. $10 ($8 seniors, children under 12 free). Spectator parking on campus for this show. Info at www.klingbergautoshow.org.

Sunday, Sept. 22 - 33rd Annual Fly-in & Car Show, Simsbury Airport, 94 Wolcott Rd., Simsbury, Conn., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Rain date: Sept. 29. Complete info at http://www.simsburyflyin.com/.

Sunday, Sept. 22 - 22nd Annual “By Land & By Sea” Antique Vehicle Show at Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, Conn.. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Show features a dazzling display of 100 authentic pre-1932 cars, trucks & motorcycles. Info at https://www.mysticseaport.org/event/by-land-and-by-sea-antique-vehicle-show/.

Sunday, Sept. 29 - 36th Annual Pontiac, Oakland & GMC Fall Car Show at Masonicare, 67 Masonic Ave., Wallingford, Conn. Rain date: Oct. 6. Info at http://www.nutmegchapterpoci.com/.

Wednesday, Oct. 2 - BACC monthly meeting at the East Hampton Library, 7:30 p.m. [BEFORE Hershey this year!]

Wednesday - Saturday, Oct. 9 - 12 - AACA Eastern Fall Meet at Hershey, Penn. Info: http://hershey.aaca.com/.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

For more old car event listings check out the Conn. Council of Car Clubs @ https://ctccc.net/events-calendar.html, the Conn. Seaport Car Club based in Fairfield area @ https://www.ctseaportcarclub.com/carshows.htm, and Shoreline Antique Auto

Connection based in Branford area @ http://www.shorelineantiqueautoconnection.com/calendar.htm.

P. 5 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Sept., 2019

THE FIRST, AND PROBABLY LAST, EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARDS Unmuffled Exhaust from the Editor

The judging teams at our 53rd Annual Belltown Vintage Motorcar Meet did their usual fine job, resulting in a list of deserving winners of Belltown Bell trophies that takes up the entirety of page 3 of this issue. And yet, there were so many other noteworthy performances at this year’s show that we cannot close the books on it without calling attention to some of them. Here is my take on who should get remembered and for what:

The Time Traveler award belongs to Jim Olson of Deep River for his gold 1962 Rambler Ambassador station wagon, a well cared for, low-mileage survivor originally from California. Secured to its O.E. chrome-plated roof tie-down system was a practical, fabric-covered cargo box (a period AMC accessory), making it eminently suited for travel anywhere at any time - unless you are the real Marty McFly.

Honorable mention in this category goes to another survivor, one with a little more evidence of wear and tear but oodles of character: a faded red 1966 Chrysler 300 convertible wearing plates from the “Live Free or Die” state, New Hampshire. Sorry, I did not catch the owner’s name, although, he mentioned he was no stranger to Belltown.

The Electra Glide in Blue award goes to Bill Lillie, owner of a freshly restored, unmistakable 1931 Detroit Electric ... not for his car, but for the quiet and sublime way he motored it along the lane to pick up his First in Class trophy, deftly working the tiller while all eyeballs were upon him. It brought a smile to my face. (Unsurprisingly, he trailered it to the show. For one thing, Bill’s home in Gales Ferry is a ways away and the Haddam Neck Fairgrounds is not equipped with a charging station for EVs.)

Speaking of trailers, a whole new award has to be invented for the enclosed beauty that swallowed the Lyme Fire Dept.’s 1932 Seagrave Fire Truck, the First Place trophy winner in Class X: Best Dressed Rig.

Best Reason To Be Here goes to a couple from Manchester who brought their not-quite finished 1966 Buick Skylark Grand Sport convertible, opting not to have it judged. Curious, I asked them why they didn’t attend the Manchester Main Street event which was closer to home for them. They said they went there last year and got the impression that it attracted some people who weren’t necessarily respectful of old cars. Having been exhibitors at Belltown before, they felt our show had more knowledgeable spectators. Plus, on the field at Haddam Neck you don’t have bicyclists and skateboarders whizzing around your pride and joy.

Based on what I observed at the Meet this year, Studebaker deserves to be crowned Orphan Brand of the 53rd. As he has done in the past, Blair Binge of East Hampton (plus two buddies) drove in with three Studes from his personal stash. Other South Bend beauties ranged from a couple of 1930’s sedans to a 1957 Golden Hawk, two of which went home with class trophies.

Given that we changed the eligibility cut-off from “up to 1971” to “40 years old or older” (i.e., 1979 for this year’s event), a number of newcomers from the 1970’s were entered. Judging from the positive remarks we heard from the owners at registration, they seemed genuinely pleased to able to participate. As a group they deserve the Newly Allowed Under the Tent award for their enthusiasm as well as their disco-era machinery. These were mostly big cars, too, not the down-sized jobs that were in vogue after the infamous “gas crisis.”

This year’s award for Best Soundtrack is shared by announcer Steven Rossi and P.A. system miracle worker Peter Christianson who made it possible to hear what Steve had to say, even in the back field.

Lastly, a round of applause for the First Timers Who Helped Get This Movie Made, including new Belltown members Joe Frey, David Towle, Tim Cone and Candice Cameron who volunteered as judges. Bravo!

[Photos by Dan David]

P. 6 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Sept., 2019

HOBBY HEADLINES & HISTORY

50th Anniversaries: Cars that debuted for 1970 - Chief among the American cars that hit the market in 1970 was the Monte Carlo, Chevrolet’s take on the personal luxury coupe. Over at Ford, the big news was the Maverick, a new economy car smaller than the outgoing Falcon. AMC likewise brought out all-new compacts in the form of the Hornet and its truncated little brother, the Gremlin.

Back to the Future in Newport - The Audrain Automobile Museum in Newport, R.I., is presenting a special exhibit entitled “Styling the Future, A History of GM Design & Concept Cars.” Twelve unique cars comprise the display, which will be open through November 11. They are on loan from the GM Heritage Collection (not open to the general public) and the private Lingenfelter Collection. Also on display is the 1906 Locomobile “Old 16,” the first American car to win the Vanderbilt Cup. It was fabricated in Bridgeport, Conn. and features a 1,197 cu. in. four-cylinder engine developing 120 hp. For info on visiting the museum, go to https://audrainautomuseum.org/. [Thanks Scott Mac for the tip! - Ed.]

BELLTOWN CLASSIFIEDS Send your sell/wanted ads for cars, parts and hobby-related services to dan12david@yahoo.com

For Sale – 1930 Model A Fordor, owned 12 years, runs good. Asking $10,000 OBO

Call Jim Way, 860-319-6088 [BACC member]

For Sale – 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe 5-window Coupe with rumble seat, maroon

body with black fenders; has new battery and radiator. Restored in the mid- 1970’s; still looks good and runs well. Ready for cruising! Asking $17,500

Call Richard Skinner, 860-598-9543, or email rskinner23@comcast.net [BACC member]

For Sale – Vinyl LP record collection, 666 titles, mostly rock & roll from 1960’s through early 90’s including many

classic cruise night favorites. Unused and properly stored the last 25 years; all playable, many in excellent condition, all with their original packaging. Selling as one lot. Email for inventory list. $450 OBO

Dan David, dan12david@yahoo.com [BACC member]

Help Wanted – Taftville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2 intends to restore a chemical fire truck based on a 1915 Cadillac

touring car. V-8 engine turns over but does not run. Need help in finding parts and restoring it. Any assistance or advice appreciated.

Contact Scott Boenig, Taftville VFD, 134 Providence St., Taftville, Conn. 06360, or email him at s.boenig@comcast.net. [Reached out to BACC on Facebook]

Free for Taking – Large wooden 6-drawer work bench, currently in Killingworth, Conn., must be removed by

Sept. 14. Pictures available on request.

Call Scott Macgregor, 860-391-2889 after 7 p.m., or email jscotmac@sbcglobal.net [BACC member]

WHO, WHAT, WHERE OR WHEN

Challenge your automotive history IQ

Can you match the name of the automatic transmission to the make of car it came in?

1. Teletouch Drive

2. Flash-O-Matic

3. Ultramatic

4. Automatic Stickshift

5. Dynaflow

The correct answers to last month’s Who, What, Where, or When,

“What were these cars called the second time around and in what model year did sales begin anew?”

1. 1913-14 Marathon Winner series was briefly reborn as the Herff-Brooks Model 4-40 in 1915, manufacturing having been moved from Nashville to Indianapolis by new ownership.

2. 1950-54 Nash Rambler was sold as both a Nash and a Hudson Rambler for 1955 (with its formerly fully-enclosed front wheel openings enlarged), after which the car was discontinued and the Rambler name was transferred to a new and larger 4-door model. In 1958 AMC revived the 2-door Rambler with minor changes (including enlarged rear wheel openings), rechristening it the Rambler American. A bold move at the right time.

3. 1974-77 Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar BEV was reincarnated by Commuter Vehicles, Inc. as the Comuta-Car in 1979 after the company bought the design from Sebring-Vanguard.

At right: 1980 Comuta-Car. Its design was carried over from the CitiCar except that the batteries were mounted inside the bumpers, which were enlarged to accommodate them.

NEXT ISSUE

The next Belltown Bulletin will be the October, 2019 issue, featuring assorted picnic photos. The copy and classified ad deadline is Thursday, Sept. 19. Monday the 23rd will be the publication date. E-delivery is slated for Wednesday night.

Your content suggestions, comments, classified ads and other contributions are most welcome. Send them to the editor at dan12david@yahoo.com (or call 860-526-3189).

BELLTOWN ANTIQUE CAR CLUB

President - Alan Carlson Elected Directors* - Bob Sutton (yr. 1 of 2) & Dan David (yr. 2 of 2) Vice President - Mark Aldieri Sunshine Chairperson - Polly Beckwith (860-345-4256) Secretary - Bruce Johnston Newsletter Editor - Dan David (dan12david@yahoo.com, 860-526-3189)

Treasurer - Cliff Baker Editor Emeritus - Bob Hellstrom

*) The BACC Board of Directors is comprised of the four current officers plus the previous president (Jon Grant) and two elected from the membership-at-large

Club web site - www.belltownantiquecarclub.org [webmaster: Ralph Phil, mail@rjphil.com]

Club e-mail address - belltowncarclub@gmail.com

Club mailing address - BACC, P.O. Box 211, East Hampton, CT 06424

Facebook - www.facebook.com/BACC-Belltown-Antique-Car-Club-116729245345421/

P. 7 of 8 The Belltown Bulletin Sept., 2019

Disclaimers and Words to the Wise: The opinions expressed by the authors of the content of this newsletter are theirs and are not intended

to represent a position taken by the Belltown Antique Car Club or its officers. Reproduction of this newsletter in whole or in part is subject

to prior approval by the editor. Information presented herein is for the edification and entertainment of antique automobile enthusiasts who

should use their experience, prudence and good judgment in applying it. Product mentions should not be interpreted as endorsements.

By the Way…

Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Co. of East Hampton, Conn. makes the bells that the Belltown Antique Car Club has used for its trophies since way back when. The company, founded in 1832, at one time also made a foot-operated warning bell for use on early motorcars. [Submitted by our Connecticut Automobilia maven, Steven Rossi]

E-Delivery Bonus*

Here is an action-packed thriller of a video on how to perform a total restoration on a rusty toy Tonka truck (courtesy of Hemmings Daily). You might want to watch this before springing for that barn find beater of a Dodge “Pilot House” pickup you’ve had your eye on since the Reagan administration. Be forewarned: Even the restoration of a toy truck involves a lot of dirty, tedious work. Perhaps you’ll want to save this one and watch it on a rainy late October evening when you don’t feel like being in the garage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oItVSuznIE

In case you didn’t have time to attend the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this year, see what you missed courtesy of this photo gallery that was posted last week on technology blog New Atlas:

https://newatlas.com/automotive/pebble-beach-concours-delegance-2019-photos/

Closer to home, check out the show flyers for the annual YYCC event at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds on Sept. 8 and the first ever Orphan Car show in Deep River on Sept. 21, attached.

*) The E-Delivery Bonus is a feature not found in the printed version of this newsletter that is distributed via the USPS.

Note: All links in the electronic version are “clickable” as long as your browser is open.