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Wooden
Keels & Classic Wheels
Written by Keith Fudge
Located just east of Houston on Galveston Bay
is Seabrook, Texas. Seabrook is the home of the Lakewood Yacht Club and
the location for the Fifth Annual Wooden Keels and Classic Wheels Convention.
Hemming’s My Classic Car’s Dennis Gage spoke with the Event
Chairman, Bob Fuller, who detailed the growth in registration since the
inception of the first show. “During the first year we had approximately
100 cars and 45 boats. This year we had entries of 245 cars and 56 boats.”
With the many fine examples of classic cars and boats, Dennis couldn’t
resist talking to several owners about their own special modes of transportation.
One of the many fine examples of restoration
was Steve Ditsler’s, or should we say Jacqueline Ditser’s, 1940
Cadillac. The Caddy is powered by a 472 c.i. Cadillac engine that makes
slightly over 400 hp. The restoration of the interior has remained primarily
loyal to factory specs although the original mohair seat covers have been
retooled in leather. However, the original design and pattern of the seats
(large buttons and all) have been retained. Steve restored the Caddy for
his wife and lovingly refers to it as “Jily’s 1940 Caddy,”
which is richly embroidered on the spare tire cover. When Dennis asked
about the significance of the emblem, Steve told him that “Jily”
stood for “Jacqueline, I Love you” and that it was a special
message from Steve to his wife. A special message for a special car indeed!
Another “landlubber” that captured
Dennis’s attention was Don Baker’s 1956 Mercedes Benz 300 SL.
From its characteristic Gull Wing Doors to the optional factory luggage,
this classic auto turned heads from land and sea alike. Powered by a straight
six MB engine, the 183 c.i. makes 240 hp. Concerning the cosmetic restoration,
Don stated that the paint had just been freshened and that the interior
leather had recently been re-dyed. An ultimate auto collectable, this
300 SL is an outstanding example of great car from a special era in automotive
development.
Finally, Dennis acquired his “sea legs”
and looked at a remarkable boat produced in the mid 1960s. Dennis spoke
with Paul Hastings, the owner of a 1964 Italian Riva Aquarama. Purchased
in 1985, this wooden craft is used regularly by Paul and his wife on river
cruises. The Riva is powered by dual 283 c.i. Chevrolet/ChrisCraft engines
and has a cruising speed of 36 miles per hour and a top speed of 44. Paul’s
“ride” is certainly a class act on the water, or even on the
trailer for that matter. A rare mixture of surf and turf transportation
enthusiasts made this year’s Wooden Keels and Classic Wheels Event
a success with the largest turnout in show history.
If you would like to know more about next year’s
show, please contact Wooden Keels and Classic Wheels at (281) 474-2511,
find information on the web at www.lakewoodyachtclub.com.
Whether by land or sea, this show is a perfect example of those who “honor
the timeless classics.” Happy Motoring!
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