Guest De Soto Frank Posted August 8, 2002 Share Posted August 8, 2002 Had a rather unusual old car sighting today on my way to work.<P>Around 3:30pm, I was headed up PA Rte 307, heading out of Scranton to I-81.<BR>I had just passed "Chick's Diner" (beautiful old Mountain View unit!) and sitting at the gas station next door, filling up was a pre-1915 Ford Touring car, looking quite lovely.<P>When I turned my head back around to see where I was going, my eyes grew really wide when, right in front of me was a "coffin-nosed" Stanley Steamer touring car (c. 1912?), in gleaming red livery, pulling out onto the road from a side street!<BR>I watched it puff down the hill to the traffic light in my rear-view mirror, and began to wonder what had brought these two cars to my neck of the woods, and on a Thursday too; I didn't recognize either vehicle as "local".<P>I think the Stanley had some sort of sign or banner on the rear of the car...is there some sort of Tour or Rally running through NE PA this weekend?<BR>I took a quick look at the calendar on the website, but couldn't find anything to correspond.<P>Anyway, it was great to see both cars; I don't think I've ever passed a Stanley Steamer out on the open road! <P>I was a little pleased to be driving my '64 Valiant convertible at the time.<P>If anyone knows to what good fortune I might attribute this brief sighting, I' d sure like to know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted August 9, 2002 Share Posted August 9, 2002 Just an educated guess, based on the fact that a friend had his car trailer in his drive, and he owns a 1912 Stanley. It may be a Friends of Ancient Road Transportation Society (FARTS) tour. This a group of pre 1915 car owners that drive their cars, rarely show them. Find out where they are based and treat yourself to viewing some real fine automobiles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest De Soto Frank Posted August 9, 2002 Share Posted August 9, 2002 '37HD45,<P>You're not pulling my leg with that acronym, are you?<P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted August 9, 2002 Share Posted August 9, 2002 Not at all Frank. I have toured with the group and have the brass plaque attached to my 1912 Ford to prove it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hal Davis (MODEL A HAL) Posted August 9, 2002 Share Posted August 9, 2002 I'll have to back him up. I've seen the plaque before myself. I found it rather amusing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Dix Posted August 9, 2002 Share Posted August 9, 2002 Possibly the annual tour of the North Jersey Regional Group of the HCCA. A week long tour started Monday. Missed it this year! Great Group! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 9, 2002 Share Posted August 9, 2002 Not sure which group is touring, but it is for a week in the mountains of Pa. Check the MTFCI site for a little more info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
66 Mystery Chevelle Posted August 9, 2002 Share Posted August 9, 2002 So you weren't "pulling his finger" ...um, I mean leg <P>Too funny! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest De Soto Frank Posted August 10, 2002 Share Posted August 10, 2002 1937HD45 et al;<P>Thanks for the info & verification.<P>That's really neat to find out that there are groups that enjoy driving their cars, especially Brass Era cars!<P>My greatest joy is seeing old things in use, so it's an extra special treat to see & hear an antique going down the road!<P>I will pursue these leads and learn more about being a "FART".<BR>(Is there such a thing as an apprentice FART?)<BR> <P>Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Binger Posted August 10, 2002 Share Posted August 10, 2002 Frank<P>I think I saw a web page for that club, some time ago.<P>Remember one thing - - - -<BR><B>TOURING is not a Spectator Sport</B><BR> <P>Dan<p>[ 08-09-2002: Message edited by: D Binger ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 10, 2002 Share Posted August 10, 2002 Yes, it was the annual tour sponsored by the North Jersey and Southern Ontario regional groups of the HCCA. We just got back from it a few hours ago and had a wonderful week of touring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Paulsen Posted August 10, 2002 Share Posted August 10, 2002 I, too, just got back from that tour. I drove my 1914 Model T to the tour and back with no problems. <P>As far as the "Friends", they are still very active. They are far from using walkers to get around. I am 29 years old and have toured with them many times, including this years Spring tour in Connecticut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caf Posted August 11, 2002 Share Posted August 11, 2002 I have heard that Friends of Ancient Road Transportation does not exist anymore. they were very particular as to membership and finally they all died off of old age. If there are any remaining,I would doubt they could get out of their walkers into a car,let alone drive one!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mark G Posted August 12, 2002 Share Posted August 12, 2002 Does this group have a home base and a web site. ?? I think I would just like to be an "OLD" FARTS too . I have been called that why not be a member? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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