Author Archives: Ron Kowalke

RMdeDion

De Dion steamer sells for $4.2M

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It takes about one minute to pronounce the name of the oldest known operating motorcar: 1884 De Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos steam runabout, and it took about 19 more minutes on Oct. 7 for this historic car to reach a record selling price of $4,200,000.

Ezra Brooks #21 sprint car decanter from 1971. Features a removable tail section with cork stopper.

Collecting Curiosities: Whiskey on wheels

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In his decades of searching through automotive swap meets, antique shops and estate sales across the country, editor Ron Kowalke has come across many interesting items — both automotive and non-automotive related. In his new web-exclusive column, Collecting Curiosities, he will share his automotive findings -- and focus equally on both the collectible subject...

Built in 1964 and drag raced primarily at Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, Wis., this 1938 Fiat had a best elapsed time of 9.80 in ’67. In its current race trim, it features a Hilborn-injected 301-cid Chevy V-8 mated to a Hurst-shifted three-speed transmission. The Fiat’s rear bodywork has a Simpson parachute built into it.

Scenes from the Shakedown

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Many of those who yearn for the simpler, more pin-striped days reflected in the 1950s and ’60s have an annual gathering spot in Symco, Wis., to relive those days of poodle skirts and flathead-powered deuce coupes. The event is called the Symco Shakedown, and the third annual show was held Aug. 12-13.