Boys’ Day Out (Cars and Trains)

(Carson City, NV) Hi 86 Lo 45 – I had to get up early this morning to be ready for George to come and pick me up. We had a big day planned. George owns two classic cars, a 1949 Ford and a 1971 Ford Ranchero. He doesn’t maintain them as “show quality” cars that are never driven and are towed to car shows on a trailer (he calls them “trailer queens”). He enjoys his cars by keeping them in good running order and driving them around town. I’ve ridden with him in both of them, and it’s fun to get all the “thumbs up” signs from admirers.

The Karson Kruzers car club had their annual “Run What Cha Brung” car show today here in Carson City, and George entered his ‘71 Ranchero. He enters one or the other of his cars each year, not with any intention of winning anything, but to enjoy the social aspects of showing off his “babies.” So he picked me up this morning and we drove to the local park where well over a hundred beautiful classic cars were arriving. (Click on photos to enlarge them.)



We parked in our assigned spot and spent about 20 minutes wiping and polishing the black paint to a bright shine.

George with his 1971 Ford Ranchero.


After we were satisfied with our handiwork we went to the community building for the free pancake breakfast that was offered to all entrants. Then we walked around the show area to admire all the beautiful and colorful cars that were on display. Here are some of my favorites:

When I was in high school I wanted a Plymouth Roadrunner or GTX more than any other car in the world, so I have to say this ‘69 Roadrunner was my favorite car in the show. It’s a beauty!



But I have to say, I REALLY liked this ‘69 Mustang 351. We spoke with the owner; he bought it brand new as a teenager and has kept it maintained for 45 years. It has the original paint, interior upholstery, and engine. I’m always more impressed with “factory original” cars than those that have been restored with non-factory parts.



You can’t be a muscle car fan and not like the car that started it all… the Pontiac GTO.



Chevy Chevelles were very popular in the ‘60’s, like this immaculate 1966 SS396.



There were two Plymouth ‘Cudas, this standard V-8 automatic…


… and this rip-roaring 4-speed Hemi ‘Cuda. They didn’t build many ‘Cudas with the hemi engine, so I can only imagine how much this car is worth!




I liked this Plymouth Duster 340.


But what I liked even more was the small trailer that it towed to the show. Check out the name! I just had to pose for a picture next to it.



I looked up the owner, gave him one of our Tumbleweed business cards, and informed him he’ll be seeing our lawyer, as we plan to sue him for copyright infringement.    We both had a good laugh.

Of all the cars at the show, I was most impressed the most by these two, both from opposite ends of the car spectrum. First is this 1911 Cadillac that was all original, including the engine, and the leather on the seats. Unbelievable!



And second is this Ford GT. Ford built several hundred of these about ten years ago as a tribute to the famous Ford GT-40 “Ferrari killer” that won the Lemans 24-hr race in 1967.



This is a pure supercar, with a 700 hp Ford V-8 capable of over 250 mph. The owner drives it on a daily basis, and a placard near it said, “If you see this car on a trailer, it was stolen.” Very impressive.

To break up the day we left the car show and went to the Carson City Railroad Museum.



We’ve been to a few railroad museums in our travels, and this was a small one, but still very interesting.







While George and I were out playing Dee and Linda got together at Linda’s house to work on some sewing projects since we don't have a sewing machine.

We got home in time to watch the NASCAR race. While the race was on I got out the grill and cooked up some pork chops.

What a wonderful day this was!