After our evening at Flaming River Products we spent the night in Berea just west of Cleveland. On Tuesday morning we headed out on a very special day for me. For the first time in the history of the Road Tour we were going to my hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. We did have a few stops to make before we made it to Classic Automobilia a company nostalgia company that I had started in 1989.
The trip down the Ohio Turnpike lasted about an hour. Our first stop was just north Warren, Ohio to see the incredible street rod collection of Patti and Fred Warren. Patti and Fred have been friends of mine for a long time. Their cars include the 1993 Ridler Winner the "Aero Coupe", ShockWave, the 1933 Ford Roadster that won the famous 50th Grand National Roadster Show, AfterShock, a Ridler contender in 1999, various Street Rodder Magazine cover cars and, for my money, one of the most famous street rods of all-time: The Smoothster. It is an amazing sight to see all of these fantastic cars in one room. The moment was not lost on the Road Tourians. What made it very special was that Fred spent time talking about each car and relating stories about the build-up and history of the vehicle. Thanks Patti And Fred for sharing your breath taking collection with all of us.
From Fred's we traveled across the city of Warren to the manufacturing facility of Backyard Buddy. Backyard Buddy is famous for their high quality American made car lifts that have become so popular. Owner Larry Gross give us a personal tour of their manufacturing plant and showed us what sets their lift apart from all the other that are available. After our tour they fired up the grill and served up hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone.
After our lunch stop at Backyard Buddy it was a short 15 minute drive to my Classic Automobilia showroom in Youngstown. The Road Tourians all seemed to enjoy the diner theme look of the showroom and its display of pedal cars, soap box derby items and automotive collectibles that I have assembled over the past 20 years. The Classic Automobilia line includes the 1932 Ford pedal cars and also the new '34 Hi-Boy which has the look of a 1934 Ford Roadster. From the Classic showroom we made a stop at my home. It was really fun to have everyone see my personal collection of vehicles and I took the opportunity to show off my 1927 full fender T Roadster that is almost completed. My wife Mary Ann had put together some food and desserts that everyone enjoyed. My Mom even stopped by to greet everyone. It was a very special afternoon as all the Road Tourians got a glimpse of my business and my life off the road.
The day wrapped up with a party at the Quaker Steak and Lube in Austintown. This automotive theme restaurant was the perfect place to spend the evening. We were treated to some of their famous chicken wings. I want to thank everyone at the Lube for their hospitality and watch for a Quaker Steak and Lube opening near you.
Another day on the Road Tour, but for me, a very special one! Check back as we continue our trek to Syracuse and their huge Syracuse Nationals and make a stop at one of the most famous natural wonders in the world.
Click on the pages below to view the previous blogs from the Classic Automobilia Tour and all of the other previous Road Tours. - Jerry Dixey