Last year, our Sergeant-At-Arms, Al Bernotas had approached
the manager of Burlington Chevrolet, John Broderick, with the idea of the Jersey
Late Greats putting on a display of our members cars which could draw potential
customers. Last years event was very successful and we were invited back once
more. Al setup and coordinated this event for May 30th. The dealership setup
a BBQ, provided the burgers, dogs, condiments and even handled the cooking and
cleanup duties. We were asked to bring at least 5 cars but 12 member’s cars
were displayed plus 5 other cars stopped in to be displayed. This included two
1962 Impala Sport Coupes. One was a restored Anniversary Gold SS, 300HP, 4speed
car and the other was black with a red interior (formerly fawn beige) that has
been stored since the mid 80’s. I think it was the L-60’s stuffed under the
wells that gave it away. This was driven by a young man in his twenties who
was very enthusiastic about the car and what he wanted to do to it. It’s good
to see some ‘young blood’ being interested in these vehicles rather than some
import with an ashcan hanging below the bumper. The manager was very happy with
the turn-out so we were invited back again at the end of the summer.
All of us were hoping to see and test drive the new Camaro
but were told it had just been sold a couple of days before. That’s probably
a good thing for the dealership because I could just imagine the condition of
the rear tires after we all had a turn for a test drive. But they did have an
extensive supply of Corvettes. Hmmm...! My thanks to all the members that took
time out of their busy schedules to attend this event.
To continue with our schedule, on June 6th, John Lucas coordinated the America
on Wheels Auto Museum and Drive-In cruise in Allentown, PA. A block of rooms
were reserved at the Roadway Inn. On Saturday afternoon, some members went to
the America on Wheels Auto Museum while others opted to hang by the motel pool
sipping cocktails and eating munchies.
America on Wheels Auto Museum
The museum had a number of very interesting displays designed
to capture the evolution of the automobile. From very early cars that looked
more like horse drawn carriages with small engines, all the way to modern cars
likethe GM, EV-1 Electric Vehicle. Of course there were a couple of Mack Trucks
(including one of the famous Chain Drives) on display to acknowledge the truck
manufactures significant role in the local history of Allentown.The upper level
had beautiful cars on display from the Bulgari Collection.
Buick Convertible in the
Bulgari Collection
The America on Wheels Auto Museum provided an enjoyable walk
through automotive history.
Once everyone reconvened at the motel, we traveled a short
distance to Lou’s Italian Restaurant for dinner. The tables were all setup and
they were just waiting for us to arrive. The food and service was very good.
By this time, it was time to go to the Drive-In. A couple of members went earlier
and came back to report that the Drive-In was “sold out”. We should have gone
anyway, hoping for at least 2 cars to get in. These huge trunks were used 40
years ago to sneak bodies into a Drive-In. Why couldn’t we have done the same?
We made the best of the situation by going for ice-cream and then returning
to the motel parking lot and kicking tires.
On Sunday morning, everyone headed over to the East Penn Chevy
Show in Schnecksville, PA., which is about 5 miles from the Roadway Motel. The
judging at this show is done entirely by ‘people’s choice’. Everyone that enters
a car in the show is assigned a ‘row’ of cars in which to judge and to pick
their favorite. As always, there was a fine display of show cars.
As stated in last month’s newsletter, July 11th is the annual
Dennery picnic, so please give John and Dawn the courtesy of an RSVP.
On a final note, the Radiator Shop tour is tentatively set for Saturday, Sept.
12. Our first meeting will be rescheduled from Sunday to Saturday at the Bordentown
Community Center, following the tour. Additional information will be sent under
separate cover.
