Old Cars Weekly July 1, 2022

This year, the Iola Car Show marks 50 years, of which I’ve attended nearly half. Like everyone who attends the Iola Car Show, I remember my first show very well. In the summer of 2000, I was a wet-behind-the-ears summer intern working in Krause Publications’ toy division. I hadn’t sought to work at a toy-related publication, but when the posting for an editorial intern at Krause Publications’ Toy Shop magazine was posted at the university I attended, I recognized the magazine’s Iola address from Old Cars, of which I had been a subscriber for years. Even though I had never witnessed the enormous Iola Car Show, or even been to Iola, the tiny village and Old Cars were somehow already fused together in my brain. After a stop at the local…

The Lichty-Otto connection I know the accolades for Bob Lichty will be pouring in now that he is gone. I would like to acknowledge his input and guidance that led to the “Otto Mechanic” feature. Almost 40 years ago, at a local swap meet, Bob suggested I do a comic strip based on the everyday dealings of a hobbyist-mechanic. He was so genuinely positive and encouraging that I did the first sketches that very night. Somehow, it worked out. I’d like to think that, even though he is gone, Bob’s influence can still be felt in those “Otto Mechanic” cartoons. Thanks, Bob. Jay Piersanti, “Otto Mechanic” creator Driving a 1961 Cadillac Great “Austin to Austin, Cadillac Style,” article in the May 15, 2022, issue of Old Cars. It brought back many pleasant memories that I…

Former Old Cars staffer Bob Lichty passes CANTON, Ohio _ Robert C. “Bob” Lichty, a former ad manager and art director at Old Cars, and long a prominent figure in the old car hobby, died suddenly May 31. He was 75. At the time of his death, Lichty was the owner of Motorcar Portfolio in Canton, and had been buying and selling classic cars throughout a career that spanned more than 50 years. Lichty worked for Hemmings Motor News and twice had stints as a staffer with Old Cars in Iola, Wis. — the first coming in 1973. He also worked for Carlisle Events and The Blackhawk Collection before moving to Ohio. “I think having a love and passion for whatever you do almost guarantees that you will find a path toward a…

“This truck is sitting without wheels behind a commercial truck repair and parts warehouse in Duluth, Minn.” reports Steve Isola. “With right-hand drive, it looks to be a 1960s post office truck. A small plate on the dash reads ‘A Product of Dyna Truck Division.’ The grille is unlike any I’ve seen on a postal truck in my lifetime, going back to the ’50s. I don’t think it is Jeep. Could it be a Toyota-owned company? I cannot find a photo of anything like it in my searching. I do see reference to Toyota Dyna, but no photo of a truck like this. Someone may have used it over the years as a storage shed. Now it may be awaiting its appointment with the crusher.”…

Being helpful. That’s the purpose editor John Byrden sticks with in every issue of Sallee Speaks, publication of the LaSalle Appreciation Society. He has a worldwide scope, too, all centered on LaSalles. Little wonder, since Byrden is based in Australia, but has loads of U.S. input. With the world as his beat, Byrden admirably covers the field. A recent issue included upgrades to a 1940, examination of two museum gems from 1931 and 1933, internet finds, recent pricing on models, a major auction, how a member found the LaSalle of his dreams when reducing the field to potential models of select years, LaSalle treasure hunting on eBay, crankshafts, plus news on acquisitions in Germany and Great Britain. But the reader’s attention is focused on two points. The first is made on the…

Q. Until recently, I lived in a home built in 1897. I lived in the home for just shy of 40 years, and these were found and always stored in the attic. What make and model old car would you believe they go to? It was suggested a Model T Ford. Any clue, any value? Know of anyone that might be interested in them? I would love for them to be put to good use. I know the glass has value in itself, but what about the frames? They are pretty solid for the most part. Your help and opinion will be appreciated. — Linda Schumacher, via email A. Indeed, the two pieces at left look like Model T Ford items. Because the glass has perpendicular corners, I believe they are from…