Author: Stephen Burton
Tim Johnstone Will Be Missed
Tim Johnstone died October 30 at the age of 77 at his home in McAllen, Texas, after a short and brave battle with cancer.
Tim had a passion for the Model A Ford, this passion obvious when he restored a 1929 station wagon and a 1931 coupe. Tim worked tirelessly for the Model A community. He spearheaded the Rio Grande Valley Model A Club and was a chief judge for the Model A Ford Club of America. In addition, he wrote a quarterly newsletter for station-wagon enthusiasts, Woody Wagons, for more than 40 years Our sincere condolences to his entire family.
My 1930 Model A in Italy
I won a trophy at the car show on Sunday the 23rd June 2019 and thought you might like to look at the pictures. The Ford is registered in the Italian system and I have plates to drive anytime and where ever I choose. Take it out only for special occasions such as pick up the Grand children from school, Club functions and etc. This Ford is causing a lot of commotion here in Vicenza, it’s not uncommon to see an old Ferrari on the streets, but to see this ford is absolutely unbelievable for the Italians. I get thumbs up every where I go and outstanding comments. This is truly a way to share a part of America’s past with The Italian people.
Ron Hatton, USA Retired. Vicenza Italy
MARC Has Partnered With NAPA
Receive a 10% discount off your purchase.
Another Great advantage to being a MARC member!
We are excited to announce MARC has partnered with NAPA to bring you additional savings to help you get and stay on the road with a little extra in your pocket.
To participate in this program, simply download the AITA (American Independent Truckers Association) app from your App Store, you will be prompted to create an account with your email and a password. Bring your phone with your AITA app to your local NAPA store, be prepared with your MARC membership number.
There are no membership cards for this program.
The Bus Line
Restoration of a 1931 Model A Ford Passenger Bus
Click here to view as PDF
Click here to view MAFFI Bus news.
MARC FASHION COMMITTEE
MARC FASHION COMMITTEE:
The MARC Fashion Committee is pleased to announce that we will be piloting a third judging category at the National Meet in Dearborn in August. This category will be a blended category in that the ensemble may incorporate both original and reproduction items for its completion. The criteria for the blended category are as follows:
1. An original major garment must meet the criteria for an original major garment – authentic to the 1928 to 1931 years in style and fabric.
2. A reproduction major garment must meet the criteria for a reproduction major garment – authentic to the 1928 to 1931 years in style and fabric.
3. Any of the other four categories may be either original or reproduction or any combination of both.
4. Ensembles will be judged for the entire authentic appearance, just like a complete original or reproduction ensemble.
We encourage MARC members to consider entering this new category. And we look forward to seeing new faces and new ensembles in our fashion judging in August.
LeBaron Bonney Files for Bankruptcy
March 23, 2019 By Nadeem Muaddi The Hog Ring
LeBaron Bonney Company, one of the auto industry’s oldest manufacturers of interior soft trim for antique cars, has filed for bankruptcy, according to a court filing.
Repeated calls to LeBaron Bonney Company went unanswered on Friday. Attorney Joshua Burnett, who represents the company, also did not return requests for comment.
LeBaron Bonney Company has deactivated its website and most of its social media accounts. What’s more, owner Scott Holbrook’s email address is not functioning.
According to LeBaron Bonney Company’s Chapter 7 court filing, it has assets valued at $500,000 to $1 million, as well as liabilities valued the same.
Chapter 7 is the strictest form of bankruptcy under the Federal Bankruptcy Code. While Chapter 11, 12 and 13 allow for some form of adjustment or restructuring of debts, Chapter 7 mandates that assets be sold to repay debtors.
In most cases, Chapter 7 bankruptcy will close a business for good, as it no longer possesses assets to operate.
News of LeBaron Bonney Company’s bankruptcy comes as a surprise to industry insiders, who’ve noted the company’s recent plans to expand its operation. In 2018, LeBaron Bonney Company was granted approval to open a new plant in Wilton, Maine.
Prior to its closing, the company’s website boasted: “Many of our 35 employees have been with the company over 30 years.”
A storied history
Brothers Lee and Jack Atherton founded LeBaron Bonney Company in 1938 as a bicycle rental business in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. As time passed, the business transitioned to selling maps, model sail boats and other handcrafted accessories. After World War II, the company began producing furniture and providing household upholstery services.
In 1959, Lee purchased a 1930 Model A Deluxe Roadster to restore with his son Barry. While Lee took care of the mechanical repairs, a local auto shop handled the body and paint. However, Lee had a difficult time finding an auto upholstery shop to restore the interior.
When furniture upholsterers at LeBaron Bonney Company suggested they could try duplicating the car’s top and interior trim, Lee agreed. They did such a great job that other Ford owners began asking if his team could upholster their cars.
As demand grew, Lee saw an opportunity to manufacture a line of pre-fabricated interior upholstery kits that hobbyists could install themselves. The company grew from there.
Until recently, LeBaron Bonney Company sold everything from seat covers to carpets in their online store. The store was a go-to destination for auto enthusiasts across the world.
It’s unclear if LeBaron Bonney Company will continue to exist in some form after bankruptcy proceedings are complete. The process can take up to six months.
http://www.thehogring.com/2019/03/23/lebaron-bonney-company-files-bankruptcy/
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Photos From Branson
