WESTERN NATIONAL FORD V-8
MEET TACOMA, WASHINGTON

Some 300+ Flatheads of Ford’s finest assembled at the Tacoma Sheraton Hotel for a 7 day spree, reliving the V-8 era by presenting their steeds in a display competition.

Russ Broyles drove his ‘41 Ford V-8 pickup, touring some 1500 miles, along with Bob & Lorraine Kane in their ‘53 Mercury, from Sacramento to Tacoma, WA., then the return trip back to Sacramento. When asked, “Did you have any trouble on the trip?” “No, neither Bob nor I had any trouble along the way and the weather was perfect.”

It seems to me both Bob & Russ have earned THE FIRST ANNUAL EARLY FORD V-8 CLUB OF AMERICA, SACRAMENTO REGIONAL GROUP #4 FIRST PLACE TOURING AWARD, having completed that journey in a manner Henry expected.

We are not alone in the award consideration for traveler Russ, with some 20 other V-8 trucks up for judging. The silver & black self restored, used Palm Iron Works service truck with a custom ordered factory column shift to permit passengers to slide across that bench seat when the passenger’s door was blocked by a long load of steel hanging from bed to front fender; was awarded 2nd place over all in the Touring Division. When asked, “How did you find out about the award?” “The first I knew was when my name was announced at the Lemay 2000 Car Museum during the Touring Award Presentation. It was a huge surprise!”

That Palm Iron pickup was also selected, along with 40 other BEST OF SHOW VEHICLES to be put on display for the day on Broadway, in downtown Tacoma, celebrating the Western National Early Ford V-8 Club of America 2006 Annual meet.

Now for the Trailer Hauling V-8 Category. All was not lost! Both Dan Schwartz, with his ‘40 convertible and Ted Johnson, with his Bob King Professionally restored red ‘41 Ford V-8 pickup, now wearing decorator while walls, also earned recognition for their restorations. Unfortunately, a careless last minute hydraulic spill around the master cylinder deprived Ted of a 1000 point award. In the Concourse Division, by the count of one, Dan Schwartz, having repeatedly knocked their socks off with another Dearborn Award Judging, brought handily home the bacon again!

Also included in the judging was a Modified Division, Bow Tie engines and alike. No other contestants were present. Andy, where were you?

Surprise visitors to Tacoma included members Ruth Anne & Connie Rose, who flew in from Sacramento for the event. When asked how was the event over all, Russ’ response was “Fantastic, wonderful, well organized! Every day was well planned and well administered.”

 Congratulations to all !