In my spare time, when I’m not twisting wrenches on my 6207 Club Coupe or another old automotive toy, I enjoy a day on the lake fishing for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Such was the case in mid June when I was invited for a couple of days of fishing on Great East Lake which borders New Hampshire and Maine. We had a pleasant afternoon of fishing, then headed out for a light supper at Poor Peter’s Pub … a local watering hole with very good comfort food. Upon approaching the restaurant, I was surprised to see a white ’49 Club Coupe out front … in of all places, rural Maine. As you all know, other than at car shows, we seldom see another vintage Cad, so this was surprising to say the least.
Upon closer inspection, this was no ordinary ’49 Coupe. It had a rally style ram front bumper, bucket seats with racing type belts and a roll bar. Also, heavy duty steel wheels that looked sort of NASCAR and plaques front and rear with “Peking to Paris Rally”. Now my curiosity was peaking so I had to find the owner and chat with him about this car. I asked the waiter and he directed me to a group of 60-something gentlemen enjoying their dinner and beer. I proceeded to inquire about the car and of course, mentioned my involvement with the best Cadillac ever made. Long story short, this is a specially modified 6207 Coupe that will be running this rally in the Fall of 2010. When you access the website (below) for the Team and the Rally, you will see the many exotic countries they will be navigating … including Mongolia and Iran! This famous event, first run in 1907, requires the car to run the original motor and brakes, along with certain other OEM parts, but does allow some latitude on other systems.
I will be following their progress on this incredible adventure and hope many of you will do so as well. I’m so glad they chose our favorite Cadillac to challenge the Asian and European countryside and elements.
Peking to Paris in a ’49 http://cschwager.wordpress.com/2010/05/13/the-preparation/