New Orleans arrival

Thursday 25th April - 2016

This morning we departed from our overnight parking in the Walmart Car Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with an easy 84-mile drive to New Orleans... so we thought. It was raining like cats & dogs, and I mean raining. I have never driven through such treacherous conditions in all my 71-years on this planet. Visibility on the Interstate Hwy was down to 50 metres, (Very, very scary with this big rig of a Motor Home).

When we finally arrived here at this beautiful Saint Bernard State Park camping ground in Braithwaite, Louisiana, as you can see by the photographs. On arrival, the Park Ranger informed us that we had just driven through 4” of torrential rain in the 2-hour drive from Baton Rouge.

My RV and my Toyota Echo tow car in the gorgeous
Saint Bernard State Park camping ground in Braithwaite, Louisiana

Now the fun part of the story begins... I pulled up outside the Park's reception office to register for a couple of days. When I went to engage the transmission into PARK in the RV, the park brake lever broke clean off in my right hand. Not impressed as you can imagine, because if I turned the engine off I would not be able to start the engine again because vehicles do not start unless you engage PARK. What’s more I could not engage reverse gear. It is not any fun without reverse as you can well imagine.

Anyway to cut to the chase, I had just happened to notice an auto repair shop along the road, for some unknown reason not very far from the St Bernard State Park. I told David to register and l will drive back to the repair shop to see if they could help me. I walked into the Wuertz Brothers Tire Services workshop and explained to the owner of the business what had happened. 

I would need to remove what was left of the lever in the steering column so that we could weld the broken lever to that small piece still in the steering column. He was very helpful & told me that he has a MIG welder. So I pulled out the tool kit, and I removed the broken part & this guy welded up the broken lever and I would be on my way again. He charged me only $30.00.

Wuertz Brothers Tire Services workshop
where they assisted me with my snapped transmission lever

While I was waiting for him to weld the part I got a chat on with another gentleman that was also having his car serviced, he just happened to be a local Uber driver so he was just the person I should be talking to out the local area. I asked him many questions about distance from Bourbon Street & the French Quarter, (14 miles) he told me where to park the Toyota tow car only one block from the French Quarter cheaply ($12.00 for ten hours) which is only one block from where it all happens.

He also told me the best Jazz Bars & Restaurants to go to plus another couple of things to see while we are here. So tomorrow morning we are off to the Chalmette Battlefield not too far from here on the way into New Orleans. 

My RV and my Toyota Echo tow car and to the right, David's
5th wheel rig parked next to me in the Saint Bernard 
State Park camping ground in Braithwaite, Louisiana

This is the battlefield that Andrew Jackson who would later become the 7th President of the United States, stopped the British in the Battle of New Orleans on Jan 8th, 1815 killing many thousands of Poms with very few casualties on their side.

He also advised us to go to Frenchmen Street where all the night clubs are. In particular, he pointed out that ‘The Maison’ is a jazz club and bar where we will see local artists called ‘Shotgun Jazz Band’ for a few hours where we could enjoy listening to various jazz bands for the evening and indulge in some real Southern cuisine, especially the Pulled Pork sandwiches.

As you can see by the photographs here that I shot in the State Park this arvo the weather has cleared up nicely, so hopefully tomorrow will be a good day for our sightseeing. Nothing else to report right now, we will leave New Orleans on Friday morning and head on over to Mobile, Alabama, to see the Battleship USS Alabama & the Submarine USS Drum plus more than 25 aircraft.

This morning (US time) my thoughts were very much at home with you all because of the Anzac Day commemorations, usually a HUGE day to be remembered.

Cheers for now.
Warbo

Waco, Texas

Howdy Partners,

Texas is my sort of State. This is real Donald Trump and Republican Country and you all know how much I love the Donald.

I just looove Texas, the Texan Cowgirls in their blue Levi’s jeans and riding boots are absolutely ‘Scrumptious’ I might add.

David and I departed Phoenix on Friday afternoon to drive east on Interstate 10. First night out we spent the evening in a Truck stop just near Lordsburg after we crossed the state border of New Mexico. Last night we parked in a Walmart car park at Odessa in Texas. Tonight we are here in Waco, Texas in a very nice trailer park, the I-35 RV Park and Resort.

Great deal and set-up at where we are staying in 
Waco, TX - at the I-35 RV Park & Resort

Wait for this... it costs US$22.00 per night, for that you have an electrical hook up, town water and a dump where all your waste goes into an outlet, not too shabby. Also included in the $22.00 is a fully cooked breakfast no extra charge.

I also included a photo of the inside of my 33’ Surf Side Motor home [below] just to let you know that I am definitely not slumming it.

An inside view of my 33’ Surf Side Motor home

We drove 1,000 miles from Phoenix to Dallas, Fort Worth Texas and visited David’s brother and family this afternoon. David's brother Curtis gave us some really good information today regarding things to do and places to see while we are here in Waco.

So tomorrow morning we head 34-miles north to Hillsboro to check out the Roadside American Museum, half way there we will stop in at the town of West to sample the delights at the Czech Stop Bakery for brekko, we've heard that their specialised pastries are to die for.

Texans are very proud of their state
and the Lone Star State flag flies everywhere

There are so many places and things to see here in Waco we have decided to stay for a few days.

Here is a sample of what we want to see here in Waco which is 100-miles north of the Texas capital of Austin. A few years ago I visited the Circuit of the Americas Raceway in Austin to see the Australian V/8 Super Cars strut their stuff to the Americans.

*Chip & Joanna’s Magnolia Market at the Silos
*Texas Rangers Hall of Fame
*Dr. Peppers Factory & Museum
*Waco Suspension Bridge
*Dominos factory - the last one left to produce board game dominos in the entire US.
*David Koresh’s Compound where all those Davidian Cult people were so tragically burnt to death in 1993.
Plus many other places too numerous to mention here.

Our setup: David's 5th wheeler parked next to my RV
at the I-35 RV Park and Resort in Waco, TX

Spring time here in Texas is such a magnificent time of year to visit. As you can see by the photograph below. For many hundreds of miles along the Interstate Highways the wild flowers are in full bloom on all the median strips and beside the road, sure makes it very pleasurable driving. Definitely not boring.

Texas Indian Paintbrush wildflowers in gorgeous spring time 
full bloom right outside our trailer park

The photo [below] of the all climate Motor Home cover I bought off the guy I am parked next to here in the Park. We got a chat on when I arrived, he mentioned that he used to own a Motor Home exactly the same as mine. Then he mentioned that he has a brand new cover (still in the box) in the boot of his car that will fit my vehicle. So as the Donald would say; ‘The Art of the Deal’

I am now the proud owner of a brand new cover for my
Motor Home saving about $200.00 in the process.

I asked him how much he wanted for it, he said $200.00, I immediately came back at him with an offer of $100.00, he thought about it for a while, I said that I would pay him cash. I then asked him if he had a wife in his Motor Home to which he said yes. I then said why don’t you go and ask your wife and see what she says. He came back to me in 5 mins & said you have a deal of which I am very pleased about (a bargain) as you can imagine. 

So now I am the proud owner of a brand new cover for my Motor Home saving about $200.00 in the process. Not a bad day I thought to myself, very productive. 

That’s about all from ‘Ken’s Magical Mystery Tour’ for today. So until the next episode, I hope that you are all well. Lastly, remember where you heard it from first. Sco Mo and the Liberals to win the Election on May 18th.

Cheers from the Lone Star State.

Warbo.

Departing Phoenix, Arizona

Along with my road trip travelling companion, David in his 5th wheel rig, we departed the San Tan Mobile Village in Phoenix today. Below our rigs, ready to start rolling this afternoon at 1400.

Closest to the camera, my RV; my 33ft Surfside mobile home,
towing my Toyota Echo sedan. Here we are ready to leave
my Phoenix home in the San Tan Mobile Village.

We hit the road from the Phoenix suburbs running and now after a leisurely 250-mile drive from Phoenix, Arizona heading East on Interstate Highway 10. We are now in the state of New Mexico, and we are settled in for the evening at a Truck Stop in Lordsburg, New Mexico.

Lordsburg, NM was put on the map back in 1927 when famous aviator Charles Lindbergh stopped at their airport during his Spirit of St Louis Air Tour.

My good friend Sammy also runs his vintage car business from
the San Tan Mobile Village

Tomorrow we will head towards Waco, Texas, because David wants to visit the famous US Soft Drink manufacturer, Dr. Pepper Factory & Museum. I want to see where all those people from the Branch Davidian Cult perished many years ago in that horrible fire during the Waco Seige in 1993.

So we will hit the road early tomorrow to get some miles under our belts in the early part of the day.

It is great to be back ‘On the road again’. I need to hit the sack for my beauty sleep. So until the next report I will sign off for now.

Cheers

Warbo

Off to the US for a 3-month visit

Just 72-hours after our 2019 Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Vintage Car Show was over, I was aboard a Qantas Airbus A-380 and headed for Los Angeles, California.

After the 12hr 35min flight from Sydney to LAX, I transferred straight onto Southwest Airlines at Terminal One and flew another 358 miles from Los Angeles to Phoenix, Arizona.

My total 6,830 mile journey from Sydney to Phoenix, Arizona

I'm now here in the US for a 3-month stay and I have a stack of travel adventures ahead of me. My first being a 3-week road trip out of my Phoenix base is to visit the southern States in my RV.

Then to return to Phoenix in mid-May and pick up my mate Steve Core, and we are going to drive the 1,700 miles from Phoenix, Arizona to Indianapolis, Indiana for the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500. On that mid-May trip, we will be checking out a lot of old Route 66 along the way.

Like I said, plenty of adventures and exploring coming up. So stay tuned.

Warbo

5th Annual Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Vintage Car Show

Greetings all,

It is with great pleasure that I can report to you that our 5th Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Vintage Car Show held in Cronulla Mall yesterday was a HUGE success.

From the moment that I opened my eyes at 0430 early on Sunday morning & looked out my bedroom window to check on what the weather was like, we were under severe threat that it would once again rain & spoil all of the hard work that goes into organising an event like this in an open air environment.

Four Sutherland Shire residents & leading dignitaries; From LtoR.
MP for Cronulla and the NSW Attorney General, Mark Speakman,
Mayor of the Sutherland Shire, Carmelo Pesce, CEO of Sylvanvale, Leanne Fretton
and Cronulla Rotarian and Car Show Curator, Ken Warburton
Photo: Steve Core  

However the GODS were with us, apart from a few very light spots of rain during the day we managed to enjoy the fruits of all our hard work to present to the public an absolutely magnificent free Community Event. For all those 30,000 PLUS Vintage Car enthusiasts that strolled through the Cronulla Mall & Peryman Square to drool over the 68 Classic Vintage vehicles that were on display on the tiles in Cronulla.

May I take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers that worked tirelessly all day to make our event such a success.

A BIG thank you also goes to all those proud Vintage Car owners that devoted their time & effort to show off their PRIDE & Joy of yesterday to the swarming, enthusiastic crowds.

It gives me so much pleasure to organise an event such as this BECAUSE it raises money for a very good cause 'The Sylvanvale Foundation'. As my parents were the foundation members of this wonderful organisation 70-years ago.

Today, in 2019, the Sylvanvale Foundation cares for 750 people with disabilities to help those that are less fortunate than ourselves to reach their potential in life, and I am so proud & delighted to be part of that organisation.

Cars on display in Peryman Square, North Cronulla Beach
close by the ocean makes for a unique backdrop.
Photo: Steve Core  

I must also thank the Sutherland Shire Council, Cronulla Rotary, the Sylvanvale Foundation & their staff, all the volunteers & every one else that helped make this day such a success.

A special 'BIG THANKS' to our wonderful Sponsors that selflessly donated their hard earn't cash to support this event, I am forever thankful.

A gaggle of pristine Model A Fords lined up with military
precision in front of the Cronulla Post Office in Cronulla Mall
Photo: Steve Core  

My colleague, Steve Core who helps me tirelessly with support & looks after all of our social media business will write a more in depth report on yesterday's event, because my job has not finished as yet.

I must hit the roads & intersections of the Sutherland Shire to remove all the 100 Corflute signs that I placed around the 'SHIRE' to promote this GREAT event.

Stay safe, thanks for supporting this unique free community family event once again for such a worthy cause.

Cheers

Ken Warburton
Event Founder & Curator

1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Panel Van.

Patience is a virtue, as you will discover once you have read this story about how Ken Warburton finally ended up owning this magnificent Vintage 1930 Model A Ford Special delivery.

The long journey started way back in October 2006 when I retired after 34-years service as a Trolly-Dolly with our National Carrier, Qantas Airways.

I can remember the words my dear old Dad said to me when I hung up the wings from my last Los Angeles direct flight. "You know son, you are going to need something in your life that makes you want to get up in the mornings" how true are those words of wisdom. 

In September 2017, I became the proud owner of this
1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Panel Van.
Photo: Steve Core  

I am a motor mechanic by trade, so I still loved tinkering with cars and boats. The opportunity for me to purchase my first Model A Ford happened 6-months after I retired. I was offered to buy a 1931 Model A Ford Delux Tudor 2-door sedan. This vehicle just happened to be burnt out and as you know I love a challenge...

So I bought the vehicle with the intention of a (body off) full restoration. Anybody who knows anything about Model A Fords will agree with me, that they are heaps of 'SHIT' however you can still purchase every part for them brand new in America.

Not knowing too much about restoring a Model A Ford, I decided that the best way to learn about my investment would be to join the Model A Ford Club of NSW. 

It had taken the previous owner 30-years to put this vehicle together.
A retired Master Builder - he constructed the body himself.
Photo: Steve Core  

The first meeting I went to in the Community Hall at Merrylands was really a blast, I thought that I was the only crazy person, until I started talking to other long time club members and owners of Model A Fords. I can distinctively remember talking to one gentleman at the meeting (who has since passed) who owned four Model A Fords in various stages of renovation.

The other club members welcomed me to the Model A Ford world with open arms, plus information and advice which I really appreciated. The President of the club invited me to a maintenance day for interested members the following weekend at Neville Jones residence in Baulkham Hills which I did attend. 

On that particular Saturday morning there were other club members that had driven their Model A Fords to the maintenance day for guidance on how to repair their vehicles. My 1931 Model A Ford Delux Tudor 2-door sedan was still in my garage waiting for a little tender loving care from her new owner.

In September 2017, I became the proud owner of this
1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Panel Van.
Photo: Steve Core  

Now to cut to the chase. Neville Jones took me under his wing and showed me his beautiful 1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Panel Van that he had been nurturing for 30-years. I thought to myself WOW !!! how good is this Classic vehicle.

Even a Holden man would have to admit these Model A Fords are pretty special and approximately 15 Model A Fords are headed to the 5th Annual Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Vintage Car Show to be held in Cronulla Mall on Sunday April 14th, 2019. (So don't miss out on these treasures of a by gone era).

Neville's panel Wagon is unique and started life as an engine and chassis both dating from 1930, Neville told me that he wanted a panel van BUT could not find one. He had an engine and chassis so he built one himself. Being a retired master builder he sourced authentic parts over 5-years including doors from Bendigo and a radiator grill that had to be knocked back into shape after being run over by a Mack Truck. 

All original 1930's Ford tool kit
is stowed under the rear floor panels

It was entirely built to original specifications from America. It has a beautiful tool box, coachwood panels and etched glass. It took the span of 30-years to collect all the items that were in the original tool kit.

I realise this story is a little long winded, however it needs to be told because as Custodians of these vehicles of the by gone era, I believe that it is imperative that we exhibit these iconic treasures to the younger generation whenever or wherever possible.

With the guidance of my fellow club members and friends, I completely restored my 1931 Model A Ford Delux Tudor 2-Door Sedan back to new in a little over 2-years. (nothing that money can't fix). I am still the proud owner of this Classic vehicle.

The engine bay and in the top right-hand corner
and inset - a 1930's genuine Ford branded oil can.

Fast forward (10 years) to September 2017, I was away on the Model A Ford Club's Spring Tour in Mudgee, when I heard a rumour from one of our club members that Neville Jones, my mate from all those years ago wanted to sell his pride and joy. I quietly excused myself from the company that I was with and phoned Neville immediately to find out the real truth.

He told me that he reluctantly had to sell his 'BABY' due to medical reasons, however he wanted his vehicle to go to a good home. Somebody that would look after it in its original condition and that they promised that they would not turn the vehicle into a HOT ROD.

I could hear the sadness in his voice and said to him that I could be interested in purchasing his vehicle. So I made arrangements to visit him the following Monday once I returned from the Spring Tour.

On Monday 28th of September 2017, 10-years since I first laid my eyes on this magnificent vintage motor vehicle I was now the owner of this very rare vehicle and proud of it.

The previous owner and the man who lovingly & meticulously
put this entire vehicle together, Neville Jones

There was also another condition of the sale, Neville asked me if I would attend his funeral in his vehicle, and of course l agreed to his request. So far so good, I have not had to adhere to his final request as yet, thank heavens.

That my friends is the story of how I eventually became the owner of this 1930 Model A Ford Special Delivery Panel Van.

I hope that you enjoyed the ride, because I sure am.

Cheers for now.

Warbo

The 27th 'Chryslers On The Murray'

Sunday 17th March - 2019

Over the weekend Peter Deane and myself attended the 27th 'Chryslers on the Murray' celebrations. We drove my 1964 Plymouth/Valiant from Sydney down to Victoria via the Hume Highway. 

My '64 Plymouth/Valiant, on its first big road trip in Australia
adjacent the old railway bridge that spans across
the Murrumbidgee River floodplain in Gundagai, NSW.

The last time that we attended this event was in 2013 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Chrysler Valiant's introduction into Australia, at that time we attended those celebrations in my ORIGINAL 1963 Valiant Regal sedan. 

Recently I sold that vehicle to one of my son's mates that absolutely loves this vehicle, he recently told me that when he and his mates are driving the '63 Valiant around the 'SHIRE' they all feel so 'COOL'.

My '64 Plymouth/Valiant in Holbrook, NSW
in front of HMAS Otway - the retired Oberon Class Submarine

We departed Cronulla at 0630 on Friday morning, and we hit the road running. Gundagai was our first stop to stretch the legs and enjoy a nice extra hot coffee at Macca's. This was my '64 Plymouth's first outing since I imported the vehicle into Australia last year, I am pleased to say that it performed beautifully, without a hiccup.

We then pushed onto the small town of Holbrook for another short break to check out the Submarine hull of the retired HMAS Otway, an Oberon Class Submarine. Of course you can not drive through town with out calling into the famous Holbrook Bakery & Coffee Shop for a fresh apple pie and cream, washed down by an extra large Latte Coffee. 

Peter Deane [left] and myself enjoy a recuperative stop at the
Holbrook Bakery & Coffee Shop

By now it was time to push onto our final destination, just across the NSW/Victoria state border in Wodonga, to set up camp in our Airbnb 3-bedroom house that we rented for the weekend. 

We arrived around 3:00pm Friday afternoon and unloaded the car and settled in to our accommodation. I wanted to detail the car for judging first thing on Saturday morning at 0900. So I managed to find a garden hose in the back yard and spent the following 2-hours giving the Plymouth some tender loving care. 

After arrival into our Airbnb in Killara, Wodonga
I managed to spend 2-hours detailing my car for Saturday's Show.

As you can see by the photograph [below] of my offsider, he was once again looked after like a 'Silk worm' by the Trolly-Dolly.

My off-sider, Peter Deane enjoying a full breakfast
that I prepared in our Airbnb fully equipped house in Wodonga

We arrived at the mustering area at Gateway Lakes on the Lincoln Causeway by 0800, parked the car then walked around the swap meet for an hour or so. During our stroll around the park I called Russell Cope to find out where he was at. 

Now Russell is one of the foundation members of the Chrysler Restorer's Club of NSW. We met him and his son Steve in another part of the park, these days Russell has limited mobility probably because he is 87 years-of-age, I just hope that I am on the right side of the turf at that age, let alone be enjoying myself with my son at 'Chrysler on the Murray'. 

I managed to catch up with old friend Russell Cope.
Russell is one of the founding member's of the Chrysler Restorer's Club

This year's event attracted around 650 entrants, down by about 200 from last year. The theme this year was leaning towards the VE, VG and VF models of the Mopar brand.

A Chrysler Hearse - complete with unique Gulf Wing side windows.

I was disappointed to find that there were very few older Classic Vehicles on display (one to be precise) and hardly any 'R' and 'S' model Valiants. The weather was picture perfect, a lot different from the rain-soaked conditions in and around Sydney over the same weekend. 

I also managed to catch up with some friends I'd met 6-years ago that helped me procure a radiator for my '63 Valiant Regal when I was indeed in BIG trouble.

1929 Chrysler ‘565’ Saloon. (This was the only Classic Vehicle on display
over the weekend - which I found to be very disappointing).

Sunday was really more of the same, so we decided to depart Wodonga around lunch time for the 7-hour drive back home to Sydney. I ended up driving into my front yard at 7:00pm on Sunday night after a thoroughly enjoyable weekend away playing cars beside the GREAT Murray River that actually had water flowing down stream which was a great sight.

Lauded as the biggest Chrysler Show in the Southern hemisphere, the border town event continues to grow through word of mouth and repeat participants. At the end of the weekend, thousands of dollars will be raised & donated to the local Thurgoona, Bonegilla and Kiewa rural fire brigades, because with out their dedicated help, this magnificent Chrysler event would not be possible.

I never knew that Chrysler built boats, ever... I discovered this
by reading the display sign about the 1976 Chrysler Conqueror
 - 105 Speed boat. Built in Plano, Texas. The boats were never
marketed in Australia. Very interesting I thought.

The Albury/Wodonga Chrysler Club is a small social club, however they have bragging rights that they are running the biggest Chrysler Show in the southern hemisphere.

The road stats for our Sydney-Wodonga-Sydney trip: 725 miles return trip or for you young ones 1,166 kms. Averaged 26 mpg during our journey. 

Safe travels, looking forward to my next adventure.

Cheers

Warbo

Extraordinary History of my new AA Truck

Monday 11th March - 2019

It has been another exciting few months for me planning & organising our 5th Annual Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Car Show. We have managed to retain many of the charming vintage vehicles from our previous shows PLUS recruit new exciting treasures never seen before at our Cronulla exhibition.

Only 5-weeks now until the BIG Show day in Cronulla - Sunday 14th April 2019.

This year I am going to display my 1929 AA Ford Flat Bed Truck to the public for the 1st time in its original Patina on the tiles of Cronulla Mall.

This is the first time I ever laid eyes on my new truck, which was
at the 4th of July Day Parade in Santa Clarita, California.

Last year in America I attended the 4th of July celebrations in a town called Santa Clarita, California, located about 60 miles north of Los Angeles. The previous week I had attended the National Model A Ford Rally in Reno, Nevada. I was on my way back to my residence in Phoenix, Arizona & was coaxed by my friends to participate in the 4th of July Parade in my 1931 Model A Ford 4-door Town Sedan. (see photo below).

Little did I know what was ahead of me before the sun went down over the west coast horizon of California that afternoon.

Whilst tweaking & dressing my Model A Ford in the muster area of Main Street, Santa Clarita and before the commencement of the parade I heard the familiar distinct sound of another Model A Ford driving down the road & thought nothing more of it until I looked up to see what Model A Ford was about to join us for the parade.

My decorated Model A Ford Town Sedan which I drove in the 
4th of July Day Parade in Santa Clarita, California

As I looked up from securing another American flag to my Model A Ford Town Sedan I was gob smacked to see this magnificent 1929 AA Ford Truck parked next to me in all its glory & original patina. Immediately I fell in LOVE with this uncommon relic (as you do). I dropped every thing that I was doing & walked over to introduce my self to the owner/driver to have a chin wag with him.

I have a very special soft spot in my heart for this particular vehicle that Henry Ford produced, ever since watching a Documentary on how they built the Hoover Dam (1931-1936) in the Depression. That was the moment in my life when I decided that one day I would like to own one of these work horses. All of the trucks that were running around in that film working to build the dam were AA Ford Trucks just like this one.

A view inside the cabin, note the simplicity and bare bones fitout.
Also the front windscreen ventilation system and lastly, the 
bullet hole in very top of the side panel [probably happened 
during the prohibition era in the US]. 

One of my favourite sayings is: 'There is always a reason'

That afternoon after the Parade I arranged to meet up with the gentleman that owned the AA Ford Truck at a BarBQ that my friend had arranged once the celebrations were finished.

Over a few beers at the BarBQ we spoke about the history of the truck, during our discussion Rick the owner happened to mention to me that this vehicle was actually used in the early '30s on the construction of the Hoover Dam. I could not believe my ears in the magnificent historical story directly connected to this truck that he was telling me.

Once he told me the story behind this vehicle I just had to have it...

I captured this image in the first moments when I fell in love with
this vehicle after hearing about its extraordinary history

We negotiated for quite some time before I eventually persuaded him to sell the Truck to me. (money talks all languages even American).

As I mentioned earlier in my story 'There is always a reason' if I had not been persuaded to participate in last year's 4th of July Parade in Santa Clarita California I would not be the proud owner of this very rare Classic vehicle, so you see 'things are meant to be' I believe.

Another very interesting part to this story about the purchase of this truck is that the engine is Russian built. This also adds to the uniqueness & rarity of my acquisition. (of course this engine is not the original one, however it adds to the mystique of the vehicle).

My truck in California with the engine stripped out during asbestos 
certification in preparation for export home to Australia

These Trucks were built in America from 1927-1932. Ford licenced the manufacture of the Model A Ford & AA Ford engines to a variety of Nations, notably the Soviet Union. There were 985,000 GAZ AA engines built in the USSR from 1932 until 1956. In some countries like Uruguay & Cuba these AA Trucks are still in use, more than 90-years after their introduction.

So to finalise my story, I could rave on all day & l do not want to bore you any longer. My AA Ford truck is quite unique here in Australia, especially being powered by a Russian built (50 H.P.) 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed manual transmission. This model AA Ford Truck is one of the short wheel based models with dual rear wheels capable of carrying a pay load of 2 ton. 

The truck after its arrival into Australia and clearance by Australian Border Force
Awaiting its trailer ride home to the Shire. Still bearing its California licence 
plates and at this stage, unable to be driven on Australia roads.

I sincerely hope that you enjoyed reading my story about a very special vehicle that comes with one hell of a pedigree.

If I have not bored you to death as yet & you would like to read more about some of the vehicles that will be exhibited in Cronulla at the 2019 Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Car Show all you need to do is 'CLICK HERE'.

Please enjoy the stories.

Warbo

Intro: My '57 Chevy Bel Air

Thursday 7th March - 2019

Recently I decided to replace the two photographs on the head banner of my blog page.

For many months now, every time you logged onto my blog page you would see a Turquoise 1964 Plymouth/Valiant, 2-door, 3-speed manual sedan kept in company by the 1931 Model A Ford 4-door Town sedan. These two vehicles I purchased in Santa Clarita, California in July 2018. 

Two different cars of mine now feature
on my new blog headline banner

I just thought that those two photos were growing a little tired by now, so I have updated those (2) photos with (2) of my later model vehicles for you to see & enjoy. I also decided that I would write a story on both of these classic vehicles of how & where I became the proud owner of them both.

1) 1957 (Black) Chevy 2-Door Bel Air.

Way back in 1957 when I was a spring chicken I cast my eyes over one of these beautiful cars & decided that one day I wanted to own one of these classic vehicles. Even then as a 10-year-old child I believed that the '57 Chevy was the best looking car of the fifties.

Two striking examples of iconic design lines from the '50s and the '70s
paired together here. The Sydney Opera House c.1973
& the Chevrolet Bel Air c.1957
Photo: Steve Core  

So to cut a long story short & fast forward 49-years here is what happened.

On one of my trips to the States (October 2016) I attended the Hershey Swap Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania, now if you do not know any thing about this swap meet let me tell you a little bit about it. This meet takes place the first full week in October, where you can visit over 9,000 vendors, view over 1,000 cars for sale in the corral, & admire the approximately 1,200 cars at the car show on Saturday. (Put this event down on your bucket list).

One of my American friends is a vendor at this swap meet selling Model A Ford parts, I casually mentioned to him that I am in the market for a '57 Chevy. This chap is a motor mechanic & he said that one of his clients has his '57 Chevy in his (Cleveland, Ohio) workshop for repair. So I decided to call in & see the Chevy on my road trip back west to Phoenix, Arizona. As soon as I laid my eyes on this '57 Chevy I immediately feel in love with it.

The '57 Chevy parked under the Prince Alfred Bridge in Gundagai, NSW.
The bridge, opened in 1867, is a wrought iron truss & timber road bridge.
The bridge spans across the Murrumbidgee River floodplain.

Of course this vehicle was not for sale. I met up with the owner & began negotiations to purchase his vehicle, as luck would have it, this gentleman was in the process of selling his house & downsizing, so you might say that I was in the right spot at the right time because he had no room to garage this vehicle & by me buying this vehicle from him would save him quite a few head aches.

We came to an amicable deal & I now owned my life long dream a 1957 Chevy 2-door Bel Air.

The '57 Chevy framed under the backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Photo: Steve Core  

There was still a huge problem because I then had to drive my RV back across America to the West Coast & then on down to Phoenix, Arizona, as soon as l arrived back in Phoenix I boarded an aircraft & flew back to Cleveland Ohio to take delivery of my new 'Baby'.

Once I had taken delivery of my new vehicle, I decided to take a HUGE gamble & drive it back to Los Angeles. All of my American friends advised me to ship it to the West Coast on a Truck, I was having none of that & decided to take the PUNT & drive it back to LA. 

Distance: Cleveland Ohio to Los Angeles is 2,350 miles (3,782 kms). Two and a half days later I arrived in Los Angeles. The only problem that I experienced with the car was I lost the passenger side wiper blade in one of the rain storms I drove through.

The vehicle is as close as possible to original condition
where the chrome & trim are in stunning condition.
Photo: Steve Core  

When I arrived in LA I immediately organised to have the vehicle shipped back across the Pacific ocean to good old Sydney town.

So that my dear friends is how I come to own this '57 Chevy. Now I want to tell you about these highly sort after icons.

The Chevy Bel Air is an iconic car that debuted in the 1950s. The 1957 Chevy Bel Air remains to be one of the most popular made, it's really one of the most popular Classics of all time. These models are highly sort after by collectors & enthusiasts. If you want to pick up a '57 Chevy Bel Air today, it will cost you from $80,000 - $100,000 Aussie $s based on condition.

Here's the engine bay with the 350-cu.in 5.7 litre Chevy engine.
Sitting on top of the engine you can see the 650 Edelbrock Carburetor.

There are many high dollar collector cars BUT how many can be called a true work of art. The 2-door 1957 Chevy Bel Air is one of few. It is a rolling Mona Lisa. If Leonardo da Vinci had ever designed a car it would be the 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

It is safe to say that Chevrolet will never produce another car like the 1957 2-door Bel Air, this vehicle is a time capsule of a by-gone era.

Some interesting Specifications:

* Price. '57 Chevy in 1957. $2,300.00.
* Outside Length. 200 inches (5,080 mm). Width 73.9 inches (1,877 mm). Wheelbase 115 inches (2,921 mm).
* Estimated curb weight. 1550 kg/3,420 lbs.
* How fast is this car? Top speed 155 km/p (96 mph).
* Engines available. 4 Standard engine options. 1) 235.5-cu.in a 6 cylinder. 2) 265-cu.in V-8 "Turbo Fire". 3) 2 x 283-cu.i V-8's a " Turbo - Fire" twin barrel carburetor & a "Super Turbo Fire" 4-barrel carburetor.

In March 2017, the '57 Chevy landed at Port Botany in Sydney from the USA.
Here we are trailering it out of the Customs clearance facility. It still
has its original Ohio number plates on it.
Photo: Steve Core  

Modifications that were carried out by the previous owner.

* 350-cu.inch 5.7 litre Chevrolet engine.
* 400 Turbo Hydro Transmission.
* 3.55 Ratio differential.
* Headers powder coated.
* 650 Edelbrock Carburetor.
* Rack & pinion power Steering.
* Classic Instrument Gauges. (after market).
* Front Disc brake conversion.
* Mag Wheels.
* Huge Aluminium radiator.

Production numbers for the 1957 Chevy Bel Air 2-Door Sedan: 62,751. Total.
Who designed the '57 Chevy? Designer. Clare R Mackichan. (1954).

What does Bel Air mean? It's French, meaning literally "beautiful air".

Successor: Chevrolet Impala in 1975.

Manufacturer: Chevrolet. (General Motors).

So for now my fellow classic car enthusiasts, I hope that you have enjoyed my story about my 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

Cheers for now.

Warbo