About a week ago I had been watching the weather and hoping to have an "open house" gathering. We wanted to celebrate the unveiling of my friend Lonnie Gilbertson's new 55 Chev "G***er", that he started 14 months ago. The car has been a fun project, Lonnie and I have been working on projects together for the last fifteen years This was no exception, I conducted a lot of the raw fabrication of the ch***is, along with the roll cage, and suspension and he finished it to perfection! Last Sunday night, we made the decision to have the event on the 4th, some great cars and good friends showed up, here are some pics.
We had some special guests, Tony Thacker and Ron Huegli, Tony moved up to Oregon to head up the new racing museum in Wilsonville. Tony (former Director of the NHRA Museum), will serve as Executive Director and Ron will serve as Curator (along with driving the "Tiki Warrior" Funny Car). After a short speech from Tony, I presented them with the Simpson face mask that ED McCulloch wore, when he raced "The Northwind" AA/FD in the mid 60's. My brother had owned it for about 40 years!
Thanks Marty for hosting an amazing event....we certainly had fun! I regret not putting on Ed McCulloch's fire mask....he was my idol! Maybe someday...thanks again you are a true hot rod phenom! Jim Enger
Jim, I am glad you enjoyed your self, it is people like you, that made it a great day! You have been handling my upholstery work since 1975, and I appreciate what you do. As I remember you have been driving that '33 everyday since 1981, you are the true Hotrodder!
Love the 55 and the track roadsters are just awesome Marty!! Looks like you all had a great day in the sun.
RetroSteel and fleet-master, we had 82 degree weather, that can be rare this time of the year around here. We had a good variety of cars, and with only 6 days notice, I was pleased with the turnout.
Wow! sounds like a good time. Great bunch of cars and people. Anymore pics of that red oxide 32 5 window?
I was too busy to get better shots of the cars (besides not being good with a camera), the car belongs to a friend of mine, he collected parts and worked on it a long time, the "Cad" mill sure completes the package.
Totally understandable, looked like you were busy. Lots of neat cars there. Your friend did a great job on the 5 window, love the hard chop.
Wow. Looks like a great day with lots of people and their automobiles. Thanks for sharing the story and pictures. Some great looking cars.
I saw this car at the Portland Trans show, didn't know it was Lonnie's, I took a picture of the engine and its the desktop on my computer, I grew up in Lonnie's neighborhood and he always had the coolest cars and liked to help the young guys out, I bought a 4:11 posi from him for my '56 Chevy when I was in high school, real nice guy! Don Burgoyne
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