On the Road

Scott Parker’s in the house
[May 15, 2008] GRAND BLANC TWP. — Legendary Scott Parker left his mark on the racing world and claimed his fame in the Harley-Davidson Moto-chronicles when he won nine grand national championships (94 national wins).

Racing vintage cars a Zemmer family tradition
[Apr. 10, 2008] Racing is definitely a family affair for the Zemmers. Rick Zemmer made his son Ryan an offer he couldn’t refuse: Stay in college, get your degree and we will continue to support your racing. By Kathy Krzstowczyk

1964 Impala ‘returns’ home
[Aug. 2, 2007] LAPEER COUNTY — When Ferd Ring met his wife Laura for the first time in 1960, he didn’t anticipate a car would ultimately bring them together for what is now 42 years. By Kathy Krzstowczyk

Original owner still driving his 1961 T-bird
[Jan. 4, 2007] On Wednesday, July 12, 1961, 36-year-old Orville Rowden went to Harold Turner Ford in Birmingham and bought a brand new Ford Thunderbird convertible. He still has it today.

1969 Pontiac Trans Am took Firebird even higher
[Dec. 28, 2006] Jeff Bourcier has a thing for 1969 Pontiacs.More specifically, he has a particular fondness for 1969 Pontiacs with Ram Air IV engines. By James McCarter

4-4-2 offers comfort and speed
[Dec. 14, 2006] Ryan Sharhill grew up in the 1960s in the then-working class suburb of Royal Oak, which was located in the heart of the Woodward cruising district. In the late ‘60s everyone seemed to have a cool car and at 16 years old Sharhill, who wasn’t particularly mechanically inclined, decided it was time for him to get one, too.

Santa may need help delivering these gifts
[Dec. 7, 2006] It’s Christmas time, and I know what every car guy wants: a crate engine. He can use it in an existing project or design a whole new car around that sturdy engine Santa leaves under the tree this year.

When a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda comes knockin’ ...
[Nov. 30, 2006] Lloyd James didn’t have to go far to see his 1968 Plymouth Barracuda coupe for the first time. About three years ago James was working on a 1965 Plymouth in his driveway and a guy walked up and asked him if he wanted to buy a Barracuda. By James McCarter

Fleetwood name has a glorious history
[Nov. 9, 2006] Last week’s “On the Road” was about a Cadillac limousine built by Derham Body Company in Rosemont,Pa. Derham was the last ofthe great body builders,companies that fitted custom bodies on a chassis produced by any one ofa number of automobile makers. While Derham was the last coach builder to actually build a car body,the name ofanother great body company is still being used:Fleetwood. By James McCarter

’52 Cadillac Series 75 Derham Limo has been around
[Nov. 2, 2006] Jim Leonard bought his 1952 Cadillac Series 75 Derham Limousine at an auction about 15 years ago. Several things about the car intrigued him. By James McCarter

Builder puts his imprint on classic Studebaker pick up
[Oct. 19, 2006] The great thing about custom cars and trucks is that no two are alike. Every builder approaches a project differently, and the result is like a fingerprint. By James McCarter

1931 Auburn is better than new
[Oct. 12, 2006] Gordon Riewe always has his eyes open for a unique car. Over the years he has owned dozens of rare classics, antiques and custom vehicles. He has particular liking for big convertibles from the 1950s, but he’ll invest in other makes and models if he catches his eclectic fancy. He once even bought an un-restored all-wood 1916 Reo hearse because “I saw it and it was just strange enough that I had to have it.” By James McCarter

Discovery of 1970 RS/SS Z-28 Camaro is a rare find
[Oct. 5, 2006] Ken Trepanier often travels to the southwest to buy vintage automobiles, usually Chevrolet muscle cars. A couple of years ago he was in New Mexico to look at a numbers-matching 1970 Monte Carlo 454 SS. The car was one of many stored in an old airplane hanger. By James McCarter

Little red sports car brings back the memories
[Sep. 14, 2006] Clem Weierstahl was raised near Essen, Germany. So when he recalls the automobiles of his youth, names like Porsche, Jaguar and, of course, Mercedes, come to mind. By James McCarter