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Robert G. Smits

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Posts posted by Robert G. Smits

  1. Ford Koln produced 3535 Ford Model 18 (V-8) before production ended.  Of these 314 were bare chassis which were presumable sent to custom coach builders although actual production is unknown and few survive because of the war effort and Hitler's desire to destroy everything American although he reportedly had a large portrait of Henry Ford in his office.

  2. Interesting Ford I came across in College Station recently.  I assume the Ford collectors here are knowledgeable about this model but it was new to me.  Body is by Deutsch of Koln.  Were these produced independently of under contract to Ford of Germany.  This car will be for sale eventually but the estate has not decided on a price or sales venue yet.  Photos to follow

  3. 2 hours ago, Terry Bond said:

    of people spending the big bucks care little about the object itself.

    Terry I have to disagree.  I have several friends who fall into that category and although they have more money than most of us can dream of they are very knowledgeable about what they are buying and actively share their collections with the car hobby.  Just like then stock market those who aren't serious don't last long.  They view memorabilia  as an asset they are not going to lose money on.  High quality memorabilia is up 30-50% since then onset of Covid while the S&P 500 is flat over the same period and was down as much as 20%.   Just my experience, others may disagree.

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  4. For anyone interested in the early days of sprint car racing I would recommend this book. This is an autobiography of Outlaw racing in the 20’s and 30’s  During his career he personally knew over 100 drivers who lost their lives on the race track. Although he had a grade school education he was capable of designing his own overhead cam engine which was a winner. His race shop in Davenport Iowa was recreated at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing. Interestingly I met John in the early 70’s but had no knowledge of his prominence in dirt car racing at that time. 

    IMG_2881.jpeg

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  5. 7 hours ago, Paul Dobbin said:

    There is more to life than Left Turns

    If you enjoy racing an event that should be on your bucket list is the 24 hours of Daytona.  The Stanley Steamer Club held their national meet at Daytona to celebrate the 100 year anniversary on a Stanley breaking the 100 mph barrier on the Daytona measured mile in 1906.  The Florida CCCA participated in that event which was the same week end as the 24 hour race.  As I registered too late to get into the host hotel I stayed at an alternate which happened to be the race headquarters for a Australian team.  After spending a couple of nights with them at the bar they insisted I stay for the race and gave me a pit pass and a invitation to join them in the pits.  It is as different from NASCAR as night and day.  There were activities going on in the infield for the entire 24 hours including a barbecue cook off and the Rocky Horror Picture Show started at midnight.  Not much sleep but great memories.

    On an old computer somewhere I have footage of almost 60 Stanley Steamers driving up and down the beach.  I am sure some Forum members were there.

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