SAAC Forum

Nancy (my wife) lost her battle with MS on Easter Monday 2024... this year I am fundraising and Walking in Memory of her  and that 28 year fight.

Our Team is participating on Sunday 4/21/24 at Washington Lake Park here in South NJ (3 weeks after the Funeral)
As many of you know, Nancy was hit hard by Multiple Sclerosis... diagnosed back in the mid-90s while still in her 30's, and now it has claimed her life.
For anyone that isn't familiar, this is a nasty disease that that impacts the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system - and is mainly found in women ages about 25 to 50. There is no current prevention or cure.
For our family, 2023 was tough, and 2024 is brutal - highlighting how MS is not only an awful disease, but also makes recovery from other issues very difficult. I hope that funds raised will help fund research that finds a cure.
If you are interested in further details, you can visit the National MS website.
Thus my annual fundraising via Walk MS - I'm hoping that we can "knock it out of the park" this year in Nancy's Memory.
To make a donation - Simply click on the link - or contact me.
https://events.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=393788

(Hopefully nothing here is out of line)
Thanks, Mark
(adding some pix this year showing some of our 44-year love affair)

I copied and pasted this from the Rootes Review (Tigers East/Alpines East Club newsletter) with the blessing of one of the movie's main driving force. Of course, they need some money to finish up and have the intended great result.
Of course, the Trailer starts with Ol' Shel himself 
They're making a 60-minute a documentary for the Tiger's 60th birthday next year.
Everybody who is anybody (and still alive) will be in it!
View the trailer here: https://bit.ly/3OYBrSB
Back the film - Kickstarter.com campaign ends late October. Here's the link: https://bit.ly/3KPW0PJ

There is much more info at the Kickstarter link.
I've pledged and hope that others will think it is worthwhile as well.

Greetings - 2023 WALK MS season is here. Our Team is participating on Sunday 4/23/22 at Washington Lake Park.
As many of you know, my wife Nancy has been hit hard by Multiple Sclerosis. Nancy was diagnosed back in the mid-90s while still in her 30's, and it continues to worsen. This year marks 17 years in a wheelchair ☹️
For anyone that isn't familiar, this is a nasty disease that that impacts the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system - and is mainly found in women ages about 25 to 50. There is no current prevention or cure.
For our family, 2023 has been tough - highlighting how MS is not only an awful disease, but also makes recovery from other issues very difficult. I hope that funds raised will help fund research that finds a cure.
If you are interested in further details, you can visit the National MS website.
The thing that stands out to me the most is the need for research $$. Thus my annual fundraising via Walk MS.
To make a donation - Simply click on the link - or contact me.
https://mssociety.donordrive.com/participant/88209
Any and all donations will be helpful and appreciated. photo below from last year.
Thanks

The Simeone Museum's MkII was out on the back lot for a demonstration day yesterday - the "Sports Car Championship 1965 – Ford vs. Ferrari" event was packed.
It seemed like Kevin (Museum curator) was tip-toeing around a bit easier than usual - he's been known to hang the tail out with that car... and I once saw him go a full 180 with it.
After the drive yesterday, Kevin said something about needing tires... later we got a look at why:


Would anyone on here know how to help them get appropriate tires for this historic piece? (I'd bet that they try not to spend big except when absolutely necessary).

This Simeone Museum Event will Explore Development of the Ford GT. The program will feature three noted authorities on the marque: former driver for Shelby American and owner of the Lola, Allen Grant; author of Ford Racing Century and builder of the Kar-Kraft continuation Mk IVs, Mike Teske; and the author of the most comprehensive history of endurance racing, Time and Two Seats, Janos Wimpffen. Historian/photographer Harry Hurst (long-time friend of the Museum) will moderate.
Should be a great time 
I'm sure that many who are "in the know" are fully aware of this gathering, but for everyone else - here is the Museum's page for the Event:
https://simeonemuseum.org/museum-news/developing-the-ford-gt/
These are the Museum's 2 cars:

I hope that this finds you safe and healthy. The National MS Society has cleared the way for a return to "in-person" Walk events this year, after the last 2 years of "virtual" walking.
As many of you know, my wife has been hit hard by Multiple Sclerosis. Nancy was diagnosed back in the mid-90s while still in her 30's, and it continues to worsen.
For anyone that isn't familiar, this is a nasty disease that is mainly found in women ages about 25 to 50. There is no current prevention or cure.
There is plenty of further info on the National MS Society website, if you'd like to learn more.
The thing that stands out to me the most is the need for research $$...That is the reason I fundraise by doing the Walk MS event once per year.
To make a donation - Simply click on the link below, or contact me directly.
Thumbs up to those who have already donated - you know who you are  (if you helped in other years, you should have an email - maybe in "junk" folder?)
Click here to visit my personal fundraising page for 2022:
https://mssociety.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=88209
We're grateful that SAAC members have been extremely generous in the past, and are hoping for more of the same 
Any donations will be helpful and appreciated.
Thanks, Mark

I'm looking for a new Explorer, and prefer to get the tow package - in order to be safe & correct for towing a car trailer. It would be my open trailer, maximum weight 5400#.
In today's market, inventory is very slim. Our local dealer has little stock, and requiring the "Class III Tow Package" is eliminating most of what is around.
The salesguy noted that the regular XLT includes "TRAILER SWAY CONTROL" (per the window sticker)...

Does anyone know - or know how to find out - other than the actual hitch (and possibly the exterior plugs) - easily added via aftermarket - what else is included with the Tow Package?
Is a special brake controller needed to integrate with that "sway control"? Is the under-dash wiring included?
Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I hope that this finds you safe and healthy. The ongoing pandemic certainly continues to have its impact on nearly everything.
As many of you know, my wife has been hit hard by Multiple Sclerosis. Nancy was diagnosed back in the mid-90s while still in her 30's, and it continues to worsen.
For anyone that isn't familiar, this is a nasty disease that is mainly found in women ages about 25 to 50. There is no current prevention or cure.
There is plenty of further info on the National MS Society website, if you'd like to learn more.
The thing that stands out to me the most is the need for research $$...That is the reason I fundraise by doing the Walk MS event every year.
The National MS Society is doing its best to stay on track while keeping everyone safe, and also complying with various Federal and State orders. Thus our local Walk MS event has been switched to a "virtual" event (again), altho officially it is set for 5/1/2021. Apparently there are various interpretations of a virtual walk... I will walk the prescribed 4 miles around our neighborhood - with social distancing, or by myself.
To make a donation - Simply click on the link below, or contact me directly.

Click here to visit my personal page:
https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app30052a?px=4766859&pg=personal&fr_id=31731&et=7i4wU3QUF0VnvZXlqESeQg&NONCE_TOKEN=4B462375831E50DB691735CAACFF603C
we're grateful that SAAC members have been extremely generous in the past, I'm hoping for more of the same 
Any donations will be helpful and appreciated.
Thanks, Mark

Back on forum 1, there was a fun thread about what your elder family drove...

I was recently given a print of this photo, circa 1953. I guess near the end of the $$  line for a coal yard in Philly. At one time it was a pretty successful business.
That's my grandmother with the truck, she ran the business after my grandfather died (maybe around '44?).

I'm curious if any SAAC-ers can identify the brand of truck? ... realizing that it is not a great photo.
I remember my Dad telling me about driving those old trucks with mechanical brakes (not necessarily this truck) and learning to rub up against the curb to help stop 
Thanks.

I hope that this finds you safe and healthy. The current pandemic has certainly left us in a brave new world situation.
As many of you know, my wife has been hit hard by Multiple Sclerosis. Nancy was diagnosed back in the mid-90s while still in her 30's, and it continues to worsen.
For anyone that isn't familiar, this is a nasty disease that is mainly found in women ages about 25 to 50. There is no current prevention or cure.
There is plenty of further info on the National MS Society website, if you are interested. The thing that stands out to me the most is the need for research $$...Thus - I fundraise by doing the Walk MS event every year.
The National MS Society is doing its best to stay on track while keeping everyone safe, and also complying with various Federal and State orders. Thus our local 4-26-2020 Walk MS event has been switched to a "virtual" event. I'm not 100% sure what that is supposed to mean, but it is my intent to "stay the course". I'll walk the prescribed 4 miles around our neighborhood - with social distancing, or by myself.
To make a donation - Simply click on the link below, or contact me directly.

Click here to visit my personal page:
https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=31249&pg=personal&px=4766859
Any donations will be helpful and appreciated.
Thanks, Mark

I can't take credit for finding the articles, but here are a couple from "less well known" sources:
https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/ford-v-ferrari-carroll-shelby-dallas/

https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/features/ford-vs-ferrari-gt40-le-mans/
also great period photos - including one of those Transporters - in ^^^ this article.

Ford v Ferrari related articles continue to pop up... I had not seen this one until yesterday:
https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a29798198/ford-gt40-mk-ii-le-mans-analysis/

Stated to be from the October 1966 issue, it was well done 

the fallout from Ford v Ferrari continues. This Hagerty article tells the story of the first two [prototype] Tigers, at that time code-named "Thunderbolt":
https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2019/12/04/before-le-mans-ken-miles-and-carroll-shelby-built-first-sunbeam-tigers?fbclid=IwAR3rAykB_S2TuVnFSCKipNNgPinkzv3lQCjKN_oqD-9kwxkgsZTHyUjpazk

Would someone please explain how much difference there is (was?) between the GT40 MkIIs as built/raced by Shelby American vs the "lightweight" cars run by Alan Mann at LeMans in 1966?
(I'm especially wondering about this after seeing the Movie a couple of times and trying to explain to non-car folks about the yellow Mk II XGT-1  that we visit at the Simeone Museum)
Thanks.

According to the good Doctor, the Simeone Foundation Museum (Philly) has been recognized as the Official Museum of the new Movie.
The Museum will have special exhibit (11-15 now extended thru 2-16-20) devoted to the resident cars "related to" the movie as well as a Demonstration Day on 11/23/19 featuring those cars. Info copied and pasted from website. Hope to see you there 

"After you see the film, discover the true history behind the legendary rivalry. Ford v Ferrari, the Official Exhibition will expand on the story told in the soon-to-be blockbuster film. Developed in cooperation with 20th Century Fox, this exhibition will feature props from the film and some of our favorite stars from the film, the cars behind the story. Featured exhibition cars will include:
1958 Aston Martin DBR1
1959 Ferrari 250 GT Interim Berlinetta
1963 Ferrari 250P
196? Ferrari 365P (guest)
1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe
1965 Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster
1966 Ford GT40 MK II
1967 Ford GT40 MK IV"
and
"To celebrate the opening of the movie Ford v Ferrari and our Ford v Ferrari temporary exhibition, we are changing our final demo day from our tradition of voting for your favorite collection cars to one more in line with the opening of the film. Saturday, November 23rd will now include most of the cars featured in the above exhibition"

https://www.simeonemuseum.org/

It's hard to be sure what might be useful info for others, but there have been a number of tire discussion threads.
I applied through Classic Motorsports Magazine and was selected for a new part time job – Tire Tester for Vredestein... the Sprint Classic radials are intended for older / classic "sports cars", and available in my preferred [and hard to find] 205/60-13s (for the Tiger).
This is a modern high performance / "V" rated summer tire with classic looks, available in a range of 13-14-15 & 16 inch sizes to suit our old cars. These are rated Traction A / Treadwear 220 / Temperature B.
The prices are very reasonable as well.
I've only been on one ride so far, but they were smooth and quiet up to [& well beyond ] the posted highway limit. I'll follow up once they are broken in and I can push them around some curves.

There were a few other cars included in the discussion, and that 917LH can certainly attract some attention - but I mainly went to see the examples of Ford Total Performance.
The McLaren (720S) was a special guest, and was driven pretty hard on the back lot... the owner told me that he was able to get very close to triple digits before braking - wow  ... looked like it was shot out of a cannon.
The Museum guys stated that if there is enough "demand" on Social Media (Instagram and Facebook), they think that a special pre-screening of the new Ford vs Ferrari movie there in the main space.


comment here about getting the movie:
https://www.facebook.com/SimeoneAutomotiveMuseum/photos/a.205702870048/10157116702320049/?type=3&theater
https://www.instagram.com/p/By-g5aClVV5/

Rob Ida will bring his new Ford GT to compliment the Museum's cars at the LeMans [Part 1] Demonstration Day on Saturday 5/25/19.
I thought that this might be of interest to some other locals. The GT is not mentioned on the website (link below), but there are multiple posts on the Museum's Facebook and Instagram pages about the visitor.
I've never seen one of these new cars "up close and personal"... or run - thus planning to go 
https://www.simeonemuseum.org/event/le-mans-part-one-patriotic-pride/

I've signed up for a Walk MS event here in South NJ for 2019.
Maybe it's some kinda cosmic coincidence, but this year it falls on "Cobra Jet Day" - 4/28 
As many on here know, my wife has been hit hard by Multiple Sclerosis.
For anyone that isn't familiar, this is a nasty neurological disease that is mainly found in women ages about 25 to 50. There is no current prevention or cure, leaving loved ones and care-givers feeling mostly helpless.
Nancy was diagnosed with MS back in the mid-90s - while still in her 30s. At first there were only minor troubles, but since 2006 she has been in a wheelchair and has continued to lose more function over time   
There is plenty of further info on the National MS Society website, if you are interested.
We attended to the Delaware Valley Chapter MS Society "Convention" a while back... the thing that struck me the most was the need for research $$.
Thus - I fundraise by doing the Walk MS event. To make a donation - Simply click on the link below,  or contact me via PM or email:
https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=30565&pg=personal&px=4766859

Any donations are helpful.
We have been blown away by support of SAAC-ers for past events and are very appreciative 
Thank you for your consideration,
Mark

AutoWeek's email provided the link for this 60's-era video about the River Rouge complex... wow
https://autoweek.com/article/classic-cars/check-out-how-fords-river-rouge-plant-built-cars-1960s?utm_source=DailyDrive20190403&utm_medium=enewsletter&utm_term=headline-center&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=awdailydrive