65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
Announcements => Events & Event Pictures => Topic started by: Brian on February 25, 2016, 08:47:49 AM
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Thought I would start a thread and see who all is planning to be at the 2016 BCA 50th anniversary meet in Allentown, PA the last weekend in July? Hollie and I are planning to be there with the 66 Skylark since it is 50 this year.
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I'm in. It's almost local at 52 minutes away.
I'm finding sketchy details..... is there a show everyday at the Bulgary complex?
Best address for the complex I found is:
550 Union Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18109
Google presently shows it as its former life as a drive-in theater!
Closest landmark is Coca-Cola Park (baseball). Also close to Lehigh Valley International Airport.
I'll most likely take my blue '66 for the show.
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Link to the brochure for the show:
http://www.buickclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2016brochure.pdf (http://www.buickclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2016brochure.pdf)
Looks like the show is just on Saturday at the Bulgari complex. There are lots of organized tours and other events going on wed-fri. Looks like a cruise-in to the Dorsey Amusement park and Wildwater Kingdom on Thursday.
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:snorting: See you there - I'll be with a 65 Wildcat
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Great looking car Walt!
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With July fast approaching, thought I would bring this topic to the top.
There has been a lot of planning involved and it should be quite the event marking the 50th year of the BCA.
Unfortunately I will not be able to attend. :crybaby2:
Loren
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Here is an update as of May 15, 2016 for this upcoming event.
1132 Registrants
512 Buick's
90 Outdoor vendor spaces
27 Indoor vendor spaces
665 BCA Banquet
359 BHA Banquet
147 Dorney Dinner
Loren
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I will be heading out to Allentown from NYC/Long Island, a 2 1/2 hour trip in my white 65 GS convertible, I will be there from July 27th to the 30th. Hope to meet some of our registry members during this historic BCA event. now we just need 4 days of good weather !!!!! :sunny:
See you soon.. Tony G
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Posted on the aaca site:
http://forums.aaca.org/topic/257368-2016-buick-club-of-america-50th-anniversary-event/?page=11 (http://forums.aaca.org/topic/257368-2016-buick-club-of-america-50th-anniversary-event/?page=11)
Here are the show field hours currently planned for Allentown:
Show Field/ Meet Site Hours:
Wednesday, July 27: 7 am - 6 pm
Thursday, July 28: 7 am - 6 pm
Friday, July 29: 7 am - 6 pm
Saturday, July 30: 7 am - 3 pm
For any music fans, there's a great facility nearby with FREE concerts Thurs-Sat.
Friday night the 29th is Davey Knowles, a rockin Blues guitarist. I saw him in the past and will make this show too.
Full schedule here:
http://www.levittsteelstacks.org/line-up/concerts/ (http://www.levittsteelstacks.org/line-up/concerts/)
The music shows are at an arts complex built at the former Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces. Tours of the furnaces are avail. Neat place, it's well worth a visit!
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Got us a room in the Hampton Inn and Suites in Bethlehem. Says it is 5-6 miles from the show. We plan to arrive Thursday evening.
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This sure looks like a great event, wish we were attending. May need to give it another look.
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Anyone going east planning on making the Buick-Olds race day and car show at Norwalk on Sunday July 24th.
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This sure looks like a great event, wish we were attending. May need to give it another look.
Jim, it's right next to the Allentown airport (ABE). :icon_biggrin:
Just saw that the movie 'Two Lane Blacktop' is playing nearby on Sunday night at the Steelstacks complex:
http://www.steelstacks.org/event/2632/two-lane-blacktop/ (http://www.steelstacks.org/event/2632/two-lane-blacktop/)
And Brian, did you make it to Jim Thorpe last year? If you would like to visit again, that weekend there is a dam release for some white-water rafting, and also a train/mountain bike combo:
http://www.poconowhitewater.com/lehigh-gorge-dam-release/ (http://www.poconowhitewater.com/lehigh-gorge-dam-release/)
http://poconobiking.com/trails/bike-train/ (http://poconobiking.com/trails/bike-train/)
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How many of our registry members are registered for the BCA Allentown show ?? Im packing up my GS tomorrow to leave on Wednesday morning. I should be pulling into Allentown around 1pm. Im bringing my white GS, so if anyone wants to get together and talk GS come over . My cell # will be on the GS if im not near the GS .
Loren sent me some registry literature to hand out and i made several small 65GS.com posters out of them that i will be displaying in front of my GS, i have several extra posters that I will give out if you would like to put them in your window they are 8 1/2x11. Also i had some time this weekend to get a box of some 65 skylark parts together that i really don't need and i'm willing to sell . I need the space for my current GS project. Im also bringing a Buick accessory console, from a 1960's big series Buick it's all black with the Buick logo on the lid, in good condition, asking $200.
We should have a lot of fun, see you in Allentown... Tony G
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All
I'm in Allentown anyone else here yet?
Milton
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All
I'm seeing the most BUICK swap stuff in a long time.
Milton
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I was there today with my blue '66. Show field was very sparsely populated, maybe 5%. Was a great opportunity to check out the Bulgari complex, the resto shops and his private collection of cars. It's a beautiful facility.
I had my blue '66 there, also saw Jimmy's green '66 vert, John's (Kooch66) red '66, and did see Tony's white '65.
Only met a few folks as it was HOT and people weren't sitting out in the sun by their cars.
They actually have assigned parking spaces, with the owner and car type printed on tags staked on the show field.
When I arrived, I got a 'golf cart escort' to my personal show space!
Was pleased to see that Brian was assigned the space next to mine. :thumbsup: See you tomorrow Brian!
I saw about a dozen spaces assigned to '66 Skylarks/GS's and about the same for '65's.
The '66 row is up on the hill, and the '65's are in a row parallel and lower on the hill.
Milton, do you have a car there, which one?
I'm sorta local and commuting the hour or so to and fro.
I gotta sort through my pics, I'll try to get some up later.
** be sure to pick up your 'special gift' between noon and 1pm. Mr Bulgari himself was handing them out today.
Here's a NY Times story on Mr Bulgari's complex:
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/10/12/automobiles/rough-gems-brought-to-a-fine-polish.html?_r=0 (http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/10/12/automobiles/rough-gems-brought-to-a-fine-polish.html?_r=0)
Looking forward to meeting you guys on Thursday :occasion14:
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Just finished loading the car in the trailer about 15 min ago. We plan to leave here at 7:30 in the morning. Mapquest says an 8 her drive, but with stopping for fuel/food/bathroom along the way, guessing it will be more like 7 pm when we arrive tomorrow. We will most likely eat and turn in for the evening, then see everyone on Friday morning. We are staying at the Hampton Inn on Gateway drive in Bethlehem. Right now the weather is not looking good for getting the car out of the trailer on Friday...
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All
Actually got in last night.
Hotel turned out to have a corporate customer base and they gave our room away and I wound up sleeping on the couch. Ugggg.
New hotel tonight for less money and a smile on my face.
Everything else has been very good.
Planned on bringing my white 65 GS but it was setting in a puddle of transmission fluid when I opened the garage door in the pole barn. I don't think it is truly anything big but I was out of time for a cross country trip so hoped a plainer.
I seen a real nice Verde green 66 convert at registration so I assume it was Jim I also seen a red 66 that was probably John. I haven't seen Tony yet or Walt's blue 66.
Based on the show location tags we should have a lot of really good viewing and chatting.
I'm on a tour Thursday and working in Show Registration Friday morning.
I'm signed up for both banquets but could easily drop the one Thursday evening for a 65GS event/get together. If others are signed up for Thursday night that could work well also.
In any case I'm really a looking forward meeting up with you..
You can find me in one of the 65GS.com hats.
Mdkd
Milton
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Thank you to those in attendance for sharing info, stories, and pictures for those of us who at this time are destined to live vicariously through you! Much appreciated! 👍
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All
Not sure what I was thinking. It was probably sleeping on the couch last night or what but I am available after the AACA tour on Thursday and Friday afternoon/evening.
Thanks
Milton
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If you guys do get together tonight, send me a pm on here and let me know the details in case we get there in time to join you. Heading out from here in NC in about an hour.
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All
Mr & Mrs. Stone and Milton Dale are registered for Saturday banquet table 83 for those interested in joining.
Milton
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How's it going there today?
Mark
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It was awesome. Great turnout of cars and spectators for the final day. The staff and volunteers treated us very, very well. Even the mayor of Allentown was at the entry gate shaking our hands as we arrived!
The threat of rain cut things short at about 1pm, 2 hours before the scheduled closing time. I got caught in a downpour leaving town but it was dry roads for the rest of my 1 hour drive home.... gave my car a good 'blow-dry'.
Great to meet board members Brian and Milton, as well as a bunch of V8Buick guys, and many non-net folks. The man himself, Dennis Manner, stopped by our cars and chatted with us about nailheads for about a half hour.
Time to relax and sort some pictures!
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Pictures....I'll start with some shots of the Bulgari complex, the layout and the main lodge. The lodge is constructed of century+ old lumber from area barns. It served as the hospitality area for BCA members. The free refreshments and air conditioning provided quite a relief from the summer heat.
In it's former life, the 26 acre site was a drive-in movie theater. The movie screen has been restored and word has it, is still being used as a 'big-screen' tv! Most of the complex was built/rebuilt in the past two years. Everything from the lodge to the shops and landscaping are top-notch.
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65 GS's....
Tony brought his white GS and displayed 65GS.com info. Unfortunately, I didn't get to meet him this time.
The green GS now resides in Pa, it's a low-mileage beauty!
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65 Skylarks....
Another light green beauty belongs to a local guy. He also owns a few 65 GS's that are being restored.
"Shangri-La' is a blast from the past, I first saw this car at the 1982 Buick meet at Island Dragway in NJ.
And a Astro blue vert...
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A good turnout of 66's.
My Astro blue that I bought in 1982 for $200. (Ahhh the good old days!)
Brian's 66 Skylark that once belonged to his grandfather.
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Just one of Jimmy's HUGE collection of 66 GS's. This one features a 4 speed.
John from V8Buick brought his 4 speed fire red GS and his Wildcat GS.
A blue mist 4 speed vert belongs to a local guy. Don't recall if he's the original owner or bought it when it was a few years old.
And another astro blue 66, this one a Special Deluxe. The owner did an extensive restoration/repair after his daughter wrecked the car in '94.
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Mr Bulgari has a huge collection of cars in this location.
The complex features 3 workshops and 3 show rooms.
One shop is dedicated to body work, one to mechanical, and the third to interiors.
Employees were on hand to describe the work they do.
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One of the showrooms is dedicated to Buicks, primarily from 20's to 40's...
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Some pics from the other 2 showrooms featuring various makes including Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles, Nash, Hudsons, and others.
I'm not very familiar with cars from this era but I was extremely impressed with the fantastic styling details on these cars.
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More...
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Also on the site was the Historic Vehicle Association. About a dozen cars there, several interesting Buicks including the Buick Bug, the Y-job, and the new Avista concept car.
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Mr Bulgari himself took the Y-job out for a cruise around the show field, followed by the Buick bug and Avista:
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Great photos Walt! :occasion14: Thanks for sharing them with us to live ever so vicariously through them. :icon_biggrin:
That Shangri-La owner, aka Jim Ramsey is quite the character!
I met Dennis Manner at a BPG event a few years ago. Very nice and knowledgeable man. He was rather impressed that I drove my former Bamboo Cream car down from Winnipeg with the 3.90 gears. That trip was about 1200 miles EACH WAY!
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Walt thanks for the photos .
Looks like a great time . Some really nice cars there !
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I met Dennis Manner at a BPG event a few years ago. Very nice and knowledgeable man. He was rather impressed that I drove my former Bamboo Cream car down from Winnipeg with the 3.90 gears. That trip was about 1200 miles EACH WAY!
Have told many people about that trip you took Tom and they were all very impressed. :cheers2:
Thanks for the picture show Walt. Much appreciated and a great job. :occasion14:
Dan
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:thumbsup:
Thanks for the pictures Walt.
Loren
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Great pictures, thanks Walt! Nice to see a couple of "red motor" Gran Sports too!
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Dear Walt, Tom, John, Dan, Loren, Jim and fans of 1965 Buicks in all the splendor . . .
Thanks Walt for all the great pictures! :thumbsup:
But, but, but . . . so there wasn't a single 1965 Buick wagon to be seen? (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/sad.gif)
My trusty wagon wasn't at all ready for a trip of that distance and right now she might not be able to get off the driveway soon. The city is finally supposed to repave our street and work could start as early as Wednesday! She certainly isn't going to venture into a construction zone! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek2.gif)
Isn't there always . . . . . something!!! :angryfire:
Oh well, . . . . Edouard
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Thanks for all the great pics Walt! You did an excellent job describing the show and cars that were there. Great to finally meet you in person after all these years. Hollie and I had a great time at the show--it was much more than we ever expected!
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Wonderful pictures Walt! Thanks for capturing the event for all of us that would have liked to join. Glad you all had a great time in a great place!
Chuck
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I am only 45 min from Allentown. I have been communicating with some of you for over 10 years. It would have been nice to meet some of you and attend, but had plans with the family to see Gettysburg and Antietam over the past few days. So, with a heavy heart I salute you:
https://vimeo.com/176923479 (https://vimeo.com/176923479)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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All
More to come but my iPhone pictures won't load into 65GS.com until I get home and shrink them.
Great pictures Walt and really great to meet you, Tony and other new people at the Nationals.
Milton
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Walt. Thanks for sharing your photos with us. Great looking cars, all of them. Being able to walk thru Mr. Bulgari's collection of cars would have been great. Sorry I missed it.
Glenn
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Another "Thanks" to Walt for taking and posting all the pictures. Well done!
Mark
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But wait, there's more!
The local newspaper has 74 pics here:
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-allentown-buick-club-gathering-20160730-story.html (http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-allentown-buick-club-gathering-20160730-story.html)
And a 2 minute video from one of the TV stations:
http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-lehighvalley/Hundreds-of-Buicks-roll-into-Allentown-for-car-show/40950680 (http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-lehighvalley/Hundreds-of-Buicks-roll-into-Allentown-for-car-show/40950680)
I also have some more pics I'll get posted.
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Got this pic this morning from Brian - his 66 Skylark won (or tied for) the "Spirit of the 60s" award in Allentown.
Does anyone know if Nicola Bulgari had a hand in the trophies chosen for these?
Wow.
Mark
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Wow indeed! Congratulations Brian!
Chuck
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This 66 Skylark and I go Waaay back:
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Congrats Brian!!
That's a heck of a trophy!
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Congratulations Brian!
This 66 Skylark and I go Waaay back:
Thanks for sharing the pictures! I see that you have had a relationship with your Buick very much like the one I have with my trusty wagon!
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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Looks like a fun time!! Very nice cars and pictures. Walt your Astro blue 66 looks awesome. Can't wait to put mine back to that color.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Brian, congratulations! Love the old photos of you and your '66.
Walt, thanks for posting photos from the event. There are more photos posted on the BCA website. What an amazing complex and venue for the Nationals. Wish that I could have been there.
John
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Congrats Brian!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Congratulations Brian, Wow!
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Thanks everyone! I was completely blown away when I won that. Was not expecting to win anything at the show. There were a lot of 60s Buicks there that I thought were nicer than mine!
Check out this panoramic pic of the show field that someone posted on the BCA forum:
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Congratulations Brian !!!!!!! It was the best BCA meet I have ever attended, the Buicks were great and the people even better. It was great meeting everyone, and i did take photos so i will post some of them ASAP. Tony G
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Dear Brian and mid-60s Buick "longroof" fans, . . .
Check out this panoramic pic of the show field that someone posted on the BCA forum:
Hurray! :glasses9: Just a bit off to the right from center is what I think is a 1965 Buick Sportwagon! :icon_thumright: Not a single Buick Skylark or Special wagon to be seen though. I suppose they are waiting for my trusty wagon to show up! . . . :laughing7:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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Way to go, Brian! Glad I could help with parts for your 4 barrel conversion.
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Here is a link to the BCA forum with more pictures.
http://forums.aaca.org/topic/280223-photos-taken-at-allentown/ (http://forums.aaca.org/topic/280223-photos-taken-at-allentown/)
Loren
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Hey Walt, sorry i did not get to meet up with you, I tried to stay out of the sun. I was in one of Mr B's buildings , the Flea Market area. or drinking lemonaid in the hospitality room. The only time i walked to look at Buicks was early in the morning when it was cooler. it was just too hot for me...You did a great job taking photos of this once in a lifetime event, Thanks... Tony G
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All
Found my 2016 BCA Nationals pictures and thought I should throw them up on the site.
First group is the Tony G group and proof he was promoting the 65GS brand.
Thanks Tony
Milton
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All
This is Tony G engine.
Milton
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All
Race car of old 2016 BCA Nationals.
Milton
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All
Walt's group. (edit.... this is Jimmy's car)
Sorry Walt I meant to return for better pictures of your car.
Milton
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Thanks Milton for the pictures. I had hoped to have been there, but more important matters to do.
Loren
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Thanks Milton for all the neat photos! :hello2: Better late than never! :icon_thumright:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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All
Nice 65 Skylark 2016 BCA Nationals.
Milton
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All
Brian Stone and his well deserved trophy at the 2016 BCA Nationals
Congratulations again Brian.
Milton
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Thanks for the pictures Milton, and congratulations Brian!
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All
Race car of old 2016 BCA Nationals.
Milton
That would be Jim Ramsey's race car. I believe he's owned it since the 70's.
Thanks for all the photos Milton. :thumbsup:
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Thanks for the photos Milton, Its hard to believe that all that fun is just about a year old already. But I will be back in the Allentown PA area this August 4,5,6 for the big Macungie Show/Swap Meet, if anyone is planning to go & wants to meet up with me & talk Buick just let me know. I will be bringing my 65 Buick Special this year..
Tony