Rescued Elegance
Remember rotary-dial telephones, long letters from relatives detailing the latest family happenings, and oversized print newspapers with thick classified sections? Some call the pre-digital era of news and communication a “simpler time,” and there may be a little element of truth to that. Unless, of course, you were anxious to purchase a particular vintage vehicle. That meant scouring those pages of semi-organized local newspaper classified listings. There were other options of course, such as subscribing to our parent publication, Hemmings Motor News, wearing a self-made cardboard sign at car shows and swap meets, or promoting your ownership desires through word of mouth.
One who remembers those days of fastidious automotive searching all too well is Old Lyme, Connecticut, resident Sam Willard. Back in 1966, after completing his military service obligations, Sam was teaching automotive classes at a school in Bristol — about an hour commute northwest of Old Lyme. One day, a conversation with his students turned to the early era of domestic automobile production.
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