· May 25
This falls in the category of “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”. I’ve seen some bizarre customs made by combining various vehicles but this one takes the cake. The Anycar II from 1973. This is your brain on drugs….
RumbleFeed — the car community feed
Share something worth the scroll.
· May 24
Had a great week on the Bentley Drivers Tour in Upstate NY. Watkins Glen track and town. About 45 cars…….REAL W O Bentley’s, not the post RR purchase cars known as the silent sports cars…..aka junk. Had a chance to put 400 miles on a 8 Litre, 200 miles on a Speed Six, and 100 miles on a Blower 4 1/2. Yes, I had a great week. Photos, video, and story to follow.
· May 24
The Indianapolis 500. Memorial Day.....Race Day..... something from my childhood to mark the Calendar each year. If you haven't been, go see it some year. It is modern and technologically advanced, but I still see in it the early years and the history. You can't be a car lover and not appreciate all this race has meant for early automobiles. The Makes, drivers, owners, stories.
Marmon, Delage, Duesenberg, Mercedes, Peugeot, Miller, All crossed the checkered flag before 1930. I had the privilege to see the 1915 pace car owned by Allen Strong at a lecture years ago, and it is just another piece of the story that is the Indianapolis 500.
Hoping all the race fans today can tune in. If you're not a fan, do some reading about the early years. From track founder Carl Fisher leading the start of the first race in a Stoddard Dayton, up till today. I think you'll find it interesting.
https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/history/first-500
Marmon, Delage, Duesenberg, Mercedes, Peugeot, Miller, All crossed the checkered flag before 1930. I had the privilege to see the 1915 pace car owned by Allen Strong at a lecture years ago, and it is just another piece of the story that is the Indianapolis 500.
Hoping all the race fans today can tune in. If you're not a fan, do some reading about the early years. From track founder Carl Fisher leading the start of the first race in a Stoddard Dayton, up till today. I think you'll find it interesting.
https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/history/first-500
· May 24
Guess I've been asleep for a couple years.
Holy sweet merciful crap, when did core Model T Ford carburetors become gold?
Went looking for a decent, used Holley NH to rebuild for a customer's car. How is a beaten up core, missing parts worth $200 Canuckistan pesos on eBay?
I need to hit some more swap meets.
Holy sweet merciful crap, when did core Model T Ford carburetors become gold?
Went looking for a decent, used Holley NH to rebuild for a customer's car. How is a beaten up core, missing parts worth $200 Canuckistan pesos on eBay?
I need to hit some more swap meets.
· May 23
Chandler car #2
Here's a picture of the second 'production' 1913 Chandler Model 14 car from Motor Age in 1927. A few interesting notes about the car at this time: It's been modernized a bit with the addition of a bumper, deletion of the cowl lights and exterior door handles, and a new one-man top with Chandler 'bow tie' rear window.
"Mileage over 285,000 and still going strong."
"Mileage over 285,000 and still going strong."
· May 23
Col. King Stanley and his long history with Chandler and Cleveland cars
This image depicts a stereotypical Western character alongside a couple of men in suits. A stylishly dressed woman listens from inside an automobile adorned with illustrations and sign lettering on its side. In the background, on the corner of Clay Street and Van Ness Avenue, stands the Claus Spreckels mansion, which was restored after being destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. However, it later succumbed to the forces of progress.
Colonel King Stanley, who already possessed a distinguished name, was also known as “Old Dead Shot.” He claimed that this was an honorific nickname bestowed upon him by “Indians of the frontier.” Occasionally, his story specifically mentions that he received it after successfully escaping the Battle of Wounded Knee.
Stanley had transformed into a traveling entertainer, crisscrossing the country in various automobiles. His likeness and colorful descriptive text were prominently displayed on the sides of these vehicles:
Col. King Stanley, Old Dead Shot
Traveler
Trailblazer
Explorer
Lecturer
En Route from Here to There.
The Macon Telegraph described Stanley’s typical attire: “…heavy boots that lace to the knee, a red and black hunting jacket and other typical Western apparel, and all that topped by a huge sombrero.” A rattlesnake skin cravat also had a prominent place in the colonel’s wardrobe.
In 1924, the Chandler-Cleveland Motor Car Company decided to hire Stanley to promote its new model, which boasted a unique “One-Shot” lubrication system. The company provided him with a 1925 Cleveland Six and added their own message to his usual artwork: “Old Dead Shot and his ‘One Shot.’” What better way to showcase the reliability of an automobile than to have a droopy-mustachioed, suspender-and-boot-wearing trick-shot western scout drive it across the country?
At the age of 71, Stanley embarked on a journey from South Carolina to San Diego, visiting dealerships along the way. This was a far cry from his previous solitary life as a scout. He was accompanied by his wife of two years and a mechanic named “Nebraska Bill” Spohn, who ensured that the Cleveland ran smoothly.
In some ways, the little details we learn about Col. Stanley’s spouse are more intriguing than his exaggerated tales of Indian-fighting. Grace Raymond, formerly known as Grace Raymond, was a lawyer and “newspaper woman.” She was often referred to as Stanley’s “radio wife” because the couple had their first marriage broadcast live on radio, which was supposedly the first-ever live radio wedding. It’s possible that she played a crucial role in securing Stanley’s “one-shot” gig.
The Stanleys’ journey around the United States was celebrated as their million-mile honeymoon. At every stop, they were captivated and complimentary of the towns or cities they visited. After making a pleasant remark about the local climate or hospitality—Macon, Georgia, was called “the City of Chivalry,” and Phoenix, Arizona, the “City of Smiles”—Stanley would share a witty quote about his automobile’s innovative technology. He confidently asserted, “If I am not mistaken, the new lubrication system will significantly extend the life and serviceability of the Cleveland motor car.”
For a storyteller like Colonel Stanley, staying on script for the motor company was essential, likely aided by the guidance of newspaper automobile editors and dealership representatives. Instead of recounting tales of the Wild West, the focus shifted to Stanley’s claim that his car was so easy to drive that he had never even broken a tube in the five-tube radio set installed in it.
Sometimes, the newspapers faced challenges in determining the most compelling angle for the story. Was Stanley a renowned figure? Was the car unique? Was it the honeymoon angle? Or perhaps the durability of the tires on a long-distance trip? To further complicate the marketing strategy, some dealerships introduced a gimmick that offered $100 credit on a new car to citizens who spotted Stanley, turning it into a human scavenger hunt story.
Despite these challenges, the promotion achieved significant visibility. Stanley’s trip with the Cleveland Six was featured in newspapers across the country. During his visit to San Francisco, after being spotted by John P. D. Chadwick during one of the scavenger hunt promotions, the seasoned scout led a caravan of fourteen Cleveland cars through the city streets and was awarded a key to the city.
Colonel King Stanley, who already possessed a distinguished name, was also known as “Old Dead Shot.” He claimed that this was an honorific nickname bestowed upon him by “Indians of the frontier.” Occasionally, his story specifically mentions that he received it after successfully escaping the Battle of Wounded Knee.
Stanley had transformed into a traveling entertainer, crisscrossing the country in various automobiles. His likeness and colorful descriptive text were prominently displayed on the sides of these vehicles:
Col. King Stanley, Old Dead Shot
Traveler
Trailblazer
Explorer
Lecturer
En Route from Here to There.
The Macon Telegraph described Stanley’s typical attire: “…heavy boots that lace to the knee, a red and black hunting jacket and other typical Western apparel, and all that topped by a huge sombrero.” A rattlesnake skin cravat also had a prominent place in the colonel’s wardrobe.
In 1924, the Chandler-Cleveland Motor Car Company decided to hire Stanley to promote its new model, which boasted a unique “One-Shot” lubrication system. The company provided him with a 1925 Cleveland Six and added their own message to his usual artwork: “Old Dead Shot and his ‘One Shot.’” What better way to showcase the reliability of an automobile than to have a droopy-mustachioed, suspender-and-boot-wearing trick-shot western scout drive it across the country?
At the age of 71, Stanley embarked on a journey from South Carolina to San Diego, visiting dealerships along the way. This was a far cry from his previous solitary life as a scout. He was accompanied by his wife of two years and a mechanic named “Nebraska Bill” Spohn, who ensured that the Cleveland ran smoothly.
In some ways, the little details we learn about Col. Stanley’s spouse are more intriguing than his exaggerated tales of Indian-fighting. Grace Raymond, formerly known as Grace Raymond, was a lawyer and “newspaper woman.” She was often referred to as Stanley’s “radio wife” because the couple had their first marriage broadcast live on radio, which was supposedly the first-ever live radio wedding. It’s possible that she played a crucial role in securing Stanley’s “one-shot” gig.
The Stanleys’ journey around the United States was celebrated as their million-mile honeymoon. At every stop, they were captivated and complimentary of the towns or cities they visited. After making a pleasant remark about the local climate or hospitality—Macon, Georgia, was called “the City of Chivalry,” and Phoenix, Arizona, the “City of Smiles”—Stanley would share a witty quote about his automobile’s innovative technology. He confidently asserted, “If I am not mistaken, the new lubrication system will significantly extend the life and serviceability of the Cleveland motor car.”
For a storyteller like Colonel Stanley, staying on script for the motor company was essential, likely aided by the guidance of newspaper automobile editors and dealership representatives. Instead of recounting tales of the Wild West, the focus shifted to Stanley’s claim that his car was so easy to drive that he had never even broken a tube in the five-tube radio set installed in it.
Sometimes, the newspapers faced challenges in determining the most compelling angle for the story. Was Stanley a renowned figure? Was the car unique? Was it the honeymoon angle? Or perhaps the durability of the tires on a long-distance trip? To further complicate the marketing strategy, some dealerships introduced a gimmick that offered $100 credit on a new car to citizens who spotted Stanley, turning it into a human scavenger hunt story.
Despite these challenges, the promotion achieved significant visibility. Stanley’s trip with the Cleveland Six was featured in newspapers across the country. During his visit to San Francisco, after being spotted by John P. D. Chadwick during one of the scavenger hunt promotions, the seasoned scout led a caravan of fourteen Cleveland cars through the city streets and was awarded a key to the city.
· May 23
2026 Bentley Tour, Day 2
· May 23
Before I forget it all I wanted to do another topic on Brewster Fords. Brewster was very high end coachbuilder that was bought by RR of American in 1928 and helped them go bankrupt. Inskip bought them back in the 30s and tried to keep the company afloat by building a less expensive car on a Ford Chassis. Yesterday I got to meet a very knowledgeable Brewster owner who is doing a mechanical refresh on his car. He showed me some things I did not know:
1. Brewster lengthened the Ford chassis by 14.5 inches and then reinforced it (see photos. You can see the cut in the chassis) This was to accommodate the bigger bodies and extensive cowl.
2. The factory engines were dressed up like the high end cars of the day. The heads polished with touches of chrome on the accessories.
3. The wheels were not Ford but Kelsey Hayes which were more substantial.
1. Brewster lengthened the Ford chassis by 14.5 inches and then reinforced it (see photos. You can see the cut in the chassis) This was to accommodate the bigger bodies and extensive cowl.
2. The factory engines were dressed up like the high end cars of the day. The heads polished with touches of chrome on the accessories.
3. The wheels were not Ford but Kelsey Hayes which were more substantial.
· May 23
Stearns Knight Out and About
A topic for posting pictures of Stearns out in the wild. Here is 11961 attending a car show and wining best of show last weekend. Tom Slatton purchased this car in 1968 and restored it. Bill Frye did the recent mechanical restoration.
· May 23
1902 Capitol Chariot Steam Car
Not a Doble but stupid cool. The Bonham's auction at the National Auto Museum (formally Harrah's) keeps getting better and better. Check this thing out. Maybe Chris can explain how it works.
https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/32353/lot/50/1902-capitol-chariot-steam-car-chassis-no-dmv02611nv/
44.5ci Double-Acting Twin-Cylinder Steam Engine
6bhp at 160psi Steam Pressure
Chain Drive
Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Axle Mechanical Brake
Powered by a then-thoroughly understood double-acting two-cylinder steam engine, Goodwin's "Capitol" Chariot had an obscure early history but, according to his family, from whom the Harrah's Automobile Collection acquired the vehicle, it was built in 1889, patented, and offered to the public in 1902. The public, having by 1902 a range of other options in self-propelled vehicles, did not warm to Frank Goodwin's steamer and it remained in the family's barn until granddaughter Sheila Goodwin's offer to sell it to the HAC was accepted.
It remains today as it was acquired and displayed at the Harrah's Automobile Collection and the National Automobile Museum for over fifty years, an artifact with righthand drive tiller steering, an imaginatively carved wooden body with glass mirror panels, solid tires and a cyclops candle headlight.
Seating is imaginative, with three-abreast forward-facing seating on the main body and one more upholstered seat, a rear-facing perch atop the front-mounted boiler that must have been welcome during the depths of Little Ice Age winter but known as "the Hot Seat" in warmer seasons.
https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/32353/lot/50/1902-capitol-chariot-steam-car-chassis-no-dmv02611nv/
44.5ci Double-Acting Twin-Cylinder Steam Engine
6bhp at 160psi Steam Pressure
Chain Drive
Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Axle Mechanical Brake
Powered by a then-thoroughly understood double-acting two-cylinder steam engine, Goodwin's "Capitol" Chariot had an obscure early history but, according to his family, from whom the Harrah's Automobile Collection acquired the vehicle, it was built in 1889, patented, and offered to the public in 1902. The public, having by 1902 a range of other options in self-propelled vehicles, did not warm to Frank Goodwin's steamer and it remained in the family's barn until granddaughter Sheila Goodwin's offer to sell it to the HAC was accepted.
It remains today as it was acquired and displayed at the Harrah's Automobile Collection and the National Automobile Museum for over fifty years, an artifact with righthand drive tiller steering, an imaginatively carved wooden body with glass mirror panels, solid tires and a cyclops candle headlight.
Seating is imaginative, with three-abreast forward-facing seating on the main body and one more upholstered seat, a rear-facing perch atop the front-mounted boiler that must have been welcome during the depths of Little Ice Age winter but known as "the Hot Seat" in warmer seasons.