Flathead Lake Cruise
Written by Keith Fudge

Talk about your ideal day!  Recently, Dennis Gage and the crew had the chance to hang out in one of the most beautiful places on the planet:  the Big Sky Country of Montana.  Now, if this wasn’t cool enough, he also got to see some great cars and spend the day cruising through this gorgeous countryside.  This little get together is called the Flathead Lake Cruise, and you are about to meet some of the folks who make it happen!

First, Dennis spoke with cruiser, John Cotton, the owner of a sweet 1971 Pantera!  These cars were produced from 1971 to 1974.  John told Dennis that this one is an “early” 1971 and one of the first three to arrive in the United States.  John also said that he has owned the car for a year and a half and that this car is one serious driving machine!  He then took the time to show Dennis some of the “improvements” that he has made, including custom paint with gold leaf trim, a high-rise Spider intake, and 302 high performance heads to the original 351 Cleveland!  After hearing about it and seeing it, Dennis hitched a ride in the Pantera until the first pit stop of the day. 

After cruising for a time, the crew pulled over at a sweet scenic overlook to admire the natural beauty of Flathead Lake.  It was at this stop that Dennis met Tyler Watson, the owner of an awesome 1957 Ford Fairlane.  This red and white two-toned beauty is a 20-year restoration that still looks fabulous!  Tyler told Dennis that most folks don’t realize that the ’57 Ford actually was more popular and outsold its competitor, the legendary ’57 Chevy!  Restoration for Fords has been difficult because of the lack of reproduction parts, Tyler added, but he said that now some reproduction parts are being made.  This car is mostly stock in appearance except for some added chrome on the tail light rings and a crushed velvet interior.  The most significant upgrade is under the hood in the form of a Ford 427 taken from a 1964 Galaxie!  If the big block isn’t enough by itself, this one is outfitted with a three-deuce setup from a 1962 406 Ford!  Well, one thing was apparent; Dennis had found his next ride on the cruise.  So he and Tyler hopped in the Fairlane and the gang took off again!

At the next stop, Dennis found Larry Goins and his stunning Cobra replica.  Larry has been making these cars since 1988 in Dillon, Montana.  These replicas look astoundingly original at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals that they are some four inches wider and five inches longer than the production Cobra.  They are also equipped with adjustable suspensions complete with readouts.  Powered by a 351 Ford SVO Crate engine, these smooth rides have what it takes to turn heads and get their owners down the road in a hurry!  At this pit stop, Dennis also spoke with Gary McGraw, the owner of a cool yellow street rod.  Featuring a pickup truck bed, this radical rod is the cat’s meow!  Powered by a 292 cubic-inch, stroked Flathead V-8, Gary said that this car features parts from all across the U.S.  He even found some of them on eBay.  With a classic 1940 Ford interior featuring tuck and roll upholstery, this car is truly a step back to the coolest era of hot rodding!  Next up was an incredible ’58 Corvette!  Owned by Griff Davies, this yellow roadster is, in his own words, “not close to stock.”  Mounted on a custom frame with a 1987 Corvette suspension system, this rad roadster also features air-ride and a host of high-tech goodies such as computers that control the suspension and fuel injection.  Powered by a LT1-based 383 cubic-inch engine, this bad boy is also supercharged and conveniently runs on pump gas.  What a ride!  Finally, Dennis had the chance to visit with Robin Ellenwood and have a look at his 1932 PB Plymouth.  This bad boy is the definition of Mopar street rod and features a 360 cubic-inch, 360 horsepower Mopar power plant!  Built for comfort with Dodge Daytona seats and all the amenities, this car looks as good as it drives and runs.  It sports custom blue paint that Robin did himself.  Mopar to ya, Robin!

Dennis and the crew had a great time in Montana on the Flathead Lake Cruise! The scenery and the cars and their owners were simply outstanding!  That’s it from Big Sky Country in Montana.  So until our next visit, “Honor the timeless classics.  Happy Motoring!”