Recreating Horatio Jackson’s Journey

Dear Classic Car Enthusiast,

Welcome to the ClassicCar.com e-mail newsletter. This months newsletter is dedicated to Horatio Nelson Jackson, the first man to cross America in a motorcar. 2003 marks the 100 hundred year anniversary for many remarkable accomplishments made in the 20th century. Some 6 months before the Wright Bothers made history at Kitty Hawk in December of 1903, Horatio Nelson Jackson was blazing his way into in history with the first successful trek across the continent by horseless carriage. Background Article: http://www.classiccar.com/articles/horatio_intro.asp

PBS will air a special Ken Burns presentation on October 6th, in tribute to Horatio Jackson’s great journey. ClassicCar.com was able to track down Dayton Duncan, the author of “Horatio’s Drive: America’s First Road Trip” for an exclusive interview. Duncan’s Book is the basis for the Ken Burns film that will air on PBS this week. Get some insight and background on this remarkable story by going to: http://www.classiccar.com/articles/duncaninterview1.asp

Also in this issue, “This Day in Automotive History” highlights E.L.Cord’s dream to own the Duesenberg Company. We have a great “Tech Tip” on prepping your classic for winter driving. Check out our Photo Gallery Spotlight cars. Get your car or truck into the Photo Gallery and enter to WIN!. Vehicles selected for the Newsletter Spotlight will received the “Ultimate Detailing Kit” from ClassicCar.com, so remember to include your email address when submitting your pictures. Register today and win! http://www.classiccar.com/photopost/register.php

The Classifieds Ads sections continues to grow. Now with over 70 partner websites, we selling hundreds of cars each month. If you are looking to sell your classic, there is no better value than to list your ad right here where millions of visitors shop each month for the car of their dreams. Remember, your ad runs until it sells and you can submit up to 10 photos with your ad. See more details here: http://classiccar.chooseyouritem.com/classics/list.html Check out our Classified Ad “Spotlight Bargains” listed below.

In this issue:

* Recreating Horatio Jackson’s Journey
* Readers Corner: Horatio Drive: American’s First Road Trip
* This Day in Automotive History - E.L. Cord
* Tech Tip: Getting Your Car Ready for Winter
* Newsletter Spotlight Cars from the Photo Gallery
* “Spotlight Bargains” from the Classifieds

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Recreating Horatio Jackson’s Journey

Peter Kesling, 71, an orthodontist and antique auto museum owner from La Porte, Ind., restored a 1903 Winton Touring Car and recreated, as nearly as possible, Horatio Nelson Jackson’s 63-day transcontinental journey from San Francisco to New York. Substituting for Sewall Crocker was Charles Wake, an ace mechanic and great-grandson of Winton founder Alexander Winton. A San Francisco Chronicle writer joined in and covered the trip in detail.

Leaving San Francisco on June 17th, the trip took Kesling only 40 days, arriving in New York City 100 years after Jackson. Well-wishers seeing Kesling off in San Francisco included Ken Burns, who directed Horatio’s Drive. Unlike Jackson, who was required to begin with a ferry crossing of Oakland Bay, Kesling crossed the Golden Gate Bridge before heading north into Oregon and proceeding east through Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and into New York.

While Jackson had to cope with no roads, a largely empty countryside, searching out gas from country stores, and waiting on stagecoaches to deliver spare parts, Kesling had other challenges. In 2003 the two cylinder 20 horsepower Winton with a 30 MPH top speed — slowing to 15 MPH on hills — now had to compete with fast moving 18-wheelers and massive SUVs.

Both journey’s were plagued by mechanical failures. A broken axle nearly sent Kesling over a Northern California cliff when a wheel fell off. While Jackson began his trip with a blowout 15 miles from San Francisco, Kesling’s Winton broke its drive chain only 15 miles out, giving Wake a black eye as he worked to make repairs.

Ironically, while just about every part on Jackson’s car broke along the way, said co-producer and writer Dayton Duncan, his drive chain held out until he finished the journey and returned home to Vermont. It broke as his car rolled into the carriage house at his home.

Learn more about Peter Kesling’s Journey by visiting: http://www.classiccar.com/articles/horatio_intro.asp

Readers Corner

Horatio Drive: American’s First Road Trip - Book Titles

* Hardcover Book - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/037541536X/classiccar20/
* Video DVD CD - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000A02Y3/classiccar20/
* Audio CD Book - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0739306359/classiccar20/
* Audio Cassette - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0739307401/classiccar20/

This Day in Automotive History

1926 Cord’s Dream of Grandeur

Automobile manufacturer E. L. Cord had a vision: his company was going to produce the finest and most luxurious automobile the world had ever seen. Already a financial success with his prestigious Auburn and Cord lines, Cord wanted to go one step further. In the early 1920’s, two German-American engineers from Iowa, Frederick and August Duesenberg, had begun to command the automotive world’s attention with their exquisitely constructed racing cars. In 1921, a Duesenberg car won the 24-hour race in Le Mans, France, and in 1924 and 1925 their cars won the Indy 500.

In 1926, E. L. Cord offered to purchase the Duesenberg company, with the sole purpose of obtaining the design expertise of Fred Duesenberg - the one man he believed could construct the grand automobile he envisioned. On this day in 1926, Duesenberg was incorporated into the Auburn-Cord company, and the Duesenberg brothers began working toward Cord’s dream. Two years later, Cord introduced the Duesenberg Model J to the American public.

It was of typical Duesenberg design, but on a grander scale. No other automobile of the time could approach the sheer power of the Model J. The engine displaced 420-cubic inches and sported twin overhead camshafts that operated four valves per cylinders, all adding up to an impressive 165 hp. And in elegance it was incomparable - the chassis was huge and the bodies were custom built by the leading coach-builders of the day.

At a price tag beginning around $17,000, the Model J was a true luxury car, and movie stars and millionaires soon vied for ownership of “Duesies.” But Cord’s Duesenberg line could not survive the difficulties of the Depression, and it folded along with the rest of Auburn-Cord in 1937. Yet, for a short time, Cord had accomplished his dream of grandeur, and the Duesenberg Model J is still widely regarded as one of the finest automobiles ever manufactured.
Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter

Mechanical failure - an inconvenience any time it occurs - can be deadly in the winter. Preventive maintenance is a must. Besides, a well-maintained vehicle is more enjoyable to drive, will last longer, and could command a higher resale price.

Some of the following tips can be performed by any do-it-yourselfer; others require the skilled hands of an auto technician. First things first. Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules.

Engine Performance - Get engine drive ability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather makes existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters - air, fuel, PCV, etc.

Fuel - Put a bottle of fuel deicer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note that a gas tank which is kept filled helps keep moisture from forming.

Oil - Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual - more often (every 3,000 miles) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.

Cooling Systems - The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) DIYers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

Windshield Wipers - Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent - you’ll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.

Heater/Defroster - The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.

Battery - The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Lights - Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

Exhaust System - Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floor boards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly. Cold weather will only make existing problems worse. A breakdown - never pleasant - can be deadly in the winter.

Tires - Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressures once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended.
Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.

Carry emergency gear: gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, and a flash light. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.

Photo Gallery “Spotlight Cars & Trucks”

* 1968 Dodge Charger:
http://www.classiccar.com/photopost/showgallery.php?stype=2&si=slow68&cat=500&sort=1&ppuser=517
* 1966 Chevrolet Truck:
http://www.classiccar.com/photopost/showgallery.php?stype=2&si=slamd66&cat=500&sort=1&ppuser=330
* 1970 Ford Mustang:
http://www.classiccar.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=149&password=&sort=7&thecat=517

ClassicCar.com Bargain Classics

* 1972 Chrysler New Yorker 4 Door - $3,000
http://classiccar.chooseyouritem.com/classics/files/20500/20846.html
* 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu 2 Door Coupe - $4,900
http://classiccar.chooseyouritem.com/classics/files/59000/59461.html
* 1951 Chevrolet Bel-Air 4 Door - $5,000
http://classiccar.chooseyouritem.com/classics/files/29500/29674.html
* 1963 AMC Rambler Classic 4 Door - $2,500
http://classiccar.chooseyouritem.com/classics/files/30000/30058.html