ARIZONA'S CLASSIC CARS

ARIZONA CLASSIC CARS Elegant Autos and Some Not-So-Classic Vintage Veterans

1910 PEERLESS Raceabout Model 6-66 This was the "top of the line" super sport produced by Peerless when with the other two "P" cars Packard and Pierce-Arrow, they were the recognized elite of American motordom. The massive showpiece was resplendent with brass trimmings and was powered by a huge T-head six cylinder engine. It was priced at $7,800.00 when new. Note circular windshield (left). Owned by Tom Barrett, Scottsdale, Arizona

Special Editorial Assistance by Niblack Thorne

Our Random House Dictionary defines classic as (1) of the first or highest class or rank a classic piece of work. (2) serving as a standard, model or guide (5) of or adhering to an established set of artistic or scientific standards or methods, (7) of enduring interest, quality and style: a classic design classic clothes.

Almost any group of sophisticated adults over fifty will have some knowledge of what the automotively oriented intellectual refers to as "Classic Cars" enough at least to concur that "They just don't build them like that any more." And that statement must stand as a qualified fact which only the Classic Car artist can improve upon, because the true Classic Car buff rebuilds the old classic relic into something beyond the conception of the most renowned original creator.

In general terms a Classic is as impossible to define as a beautiful woman. Basically it's a personal thing and cannot be reduced to any simple formula. The Antique Automobile Club of America limits its classic list to 16 American and 14 foreign makes, generally "not less than 30 years nor more than 45 years old." The Classic Car Club of America, however, allows a broader field of acceptance by consideration of any of the quality cars produced from 1925 to 1942 inclusive.

In Arizona those guide lines are not specific nor acceptable to the dedicated and confirmed enthusiasts, who, to satisfy certain high standards of individualism, will take a dilapidated conglomeration of scrap iron and decomposed upholstery and after a months' long process of matching and restoration, and without any apologies to anyone for the cost involved, unveil a Classic masterpiece that must stand as a complete work of art, and perform as an engineer's dream. The accompanying portfolio shows several outstanding examples of Arizona's increasing treasure of Classic Automotive Americana, representing a degree of quality unsurpassed by the pageant of man's quest for the Utopian means of transport.

1947 CADILLAC Convertible Phaeton. Not officially classified as a “Classic Car,” this one of Cadillac’s finest “vintage” models, generally considered to be the best designed body to project the true Cadillac image. Full power features included top, seats and windows, and of course the Hydra-matic transmission. Restored and owned by Niblack Thorne, Scottsdale, Arizona 1919 PIERCE-ARROW six passenger Touring Car. One of the most distinctive of the great high-quality American autos. Powered by a big six-cylinder T-head engine with 24 valves and twin ignition, power and stamina were notable in this series. The body is all cast aluminum, 14-inch thick, not including fenders and hood. Headlamps were built on the fender crowns. German silver was used for the radiator shell and many other parts. Seats and door panels represent 286 square feet of black leather. Restored and owned by Phil Schneider, Phoenix, Arizona.

1930 CORD Brougham. The first American front-wheel drive car designed for highway use. Known as the L-29 it had one outstanding distinguishing feature possibly for sheer simple classic beauty was the most beautiful machine ever put on the road. Mechanically the L-29 was a classic failure and the series died after less than 4500 had been delivered in three years. In 1935 however the Model 810 started a great, famous and cherished line of American cars featuring innovations years ahead of their destined times. Owned by Ted DeVries, Wickenburg, Arizona.

1936 AUBURN Speedster. The special boat-tailed design by body designer Goedon Buehrig marked this model as the flamboyant sports car of swingers of the depression era. Its straight eight, supercharged Lycoming engine was capable of reaching 110 miles per hour on the "straightaway." This outstanding restoration is owned by Niblack Thorne, Scottsdale and is a veteran award winner wherever it is shown and it "runs like a dream."

1937 CORD Phaeton. Model 812 was the last word in innovational automotive engineering until 1937, and also the last of the E. L. Cord empire. Distinguished by its "alligator head" hood, front-wheel drive, and many other firsts, the 812 is powered by a supercharged V-8 Lycoming engine, with supercharger. Since fewer than 2500 810 and 812 Cords were sold in two years of production, they are prized highly by collectors. Owner Niblack Thorne of Scottsdale, who furnished pertinent data and photographs for this feature is at the wheel. Photograph by Barrett Scudder.

1915 MERCER Victoria Sporting. Owned by Roger W. May, Mesa.

CANYON de CHELLY

The canyon in the heart of Navajoland is truly a classic in Arizona's Gallery of Natural Wonders. It is spectacular... it is beautiful... it is majestic. This land of great silence is the home of the gods of the Navajos. The population of Canyon de Chelly never exceeded 500 people at any one time, so in the drama of human history its significance is minimal.

The spire called Spider Rock looms in the foreground of Willis Peterson's masterful photograph, which must stand as a classic interpretation of fine art photography.

Lower . . . Photographer June Payne has caught the subtle play of light on the animate forms in an enchanted byway of the lower canyon.

1912 SIMPLEX. "Idle Idol" is the title of artist Ron Roesch's painting of the supersporting vehicle of its time. The Simplex was a masterpiece in metals and precision manufacture, using the finest Krupp chrome nickel steel forgings. Cylinders were made of "gun-metal." Detailing throughout set a standard of quality which is not even closely approached today. Water color painting, courtesy Gold Key Art Gallery, Scottsdale.

1912 FORD Model T. This was the super deluxe "Brass T," one of the last cars assembled by hand, before the famed Ford assembly-line mass production became a new cliche in the industrial world. Owned and restored by Robert H. Bennett and son Robert J. Bennett, Scottsdale.

The REO motor was a huge twin block engine with ample working space on all sides.

Above 1931 ROLLS ROYCE P-1 Derby Speedster. This one was the last of 5 built by American Rolls Royce in Springfield, Mass. Owned by Tom Barrett, Scottsdale.

Photograph by Henry Austin Clark Opposite Page, top, 1939 LAGONDA. Made in Great Britain, designed by W. O. Bentley. Powered by 6 cylinder engine. Custom body by H. J. Mulliner. Owned by Tom Barrett.

Photograph by Henry Austin Clark Opposite Page, center, 1927 BUGATTI 35. French made racing model. Water color by Ron Roesch. - Courtesy Gold Key Art Gallery, Scottsdale Opposite Page, lower, 1937 LINCOLN Model K, 4-door convertible. Body by LeBaron. Saddle-leather interior. White Persian lamb rug. Owned by Russell C. Jackson, Scottsdale.

Below 1940 PACKARD DARRIN. Model named for "Dutch" Darrin, famed Packard designer. Owned by Hugh Hamilton, Scottsdale.

Photograph by Mrs. Hamilton

Photography by Niblack Thorne Unless Otherwise Credited With Special Editorial Assistance by Niblack Thorne 1910 FIAT. One of the best known foreign road speed event cars, this was a rugged powerhouse on wheels. Water Color by Ron Roesch Courtesy Gold Key Art Gallery, Scottsdale.

1934 DUESENBERG Model J. Powered by an engine of almost racing specifications, this was the most wanted car of the people, who could afford the very best. Owned by Tom Barrett, Scottsdale. Photograph by Markow.

Below 1939 DELAHAYE Model 135 M convertible. Body was installed by Vandel-Plas of Belgium, on the French made chassis. The car was then shipped to New York, and returned to Great Britain by its British owner. It was then returned to America after the war. Owned by Russell C. Jackson, Scottsdale.

"This fine old world of ours is but a child Yet in the go-cart."

REFLECTIONS ON INEVITABLE, UNRELENTING CHANGE

"Our little systems have their day; They have their day and cease to be."

"Far as the future vaults her skies, From this my vantage ground To those still-working energies I spy nor term nor bound. As we surpass our father's skill, Our sons will shame our own; A thousand things are hidden still, And not a hundred known."

This is artist Berke's first exposure to ARIZONA HIGHWAYS readers, and we are proud to add this distinguished modern master to our Gallery of Western American Masterpieces. "Sam's Barn" expresses the coming shadow of the machine age across the Old West, and is one of a series of Ernest Berke's interpretations depicting the development of the American West which will illustrate a book to be published by Doubleday. We will announce prior to publication date. Berke's paintings and sculptures are in the world's finest collections. He is currently showing at the Kennedy Galleries, New York City; Desert Southwest Art Gallery, Palm Desert, California; Trailside Gallery, Jackson, Wyoming, and Main Trail Gallery, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Natural window in the northern Arizona section of the Navajo Indian Reservation. The opening measures some 60 feet at its widest part.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSEF MUENCH

ARCHES NATIONAL MONUMENT

Near the old pioneer town of Moab, Utah. Unlike Rome, famed for its fallen arches, this unforgettable part of our land has more natural stone arches, windows, spires, and pinnacles than are to be found anywhere in the United States. Landscape Arch, the longest known natural span in the world is 291 feet long. For the adventurous traveller who dreams of discovering a piece of this earth yet unfound, there is such rough terrain that it has never yet been thoroughly explored.