FLEETWOOD AUTO BODY

The Fleetwood Auto Body shop was built in 1909 in my old Home town of Fleetwood, PA.  Known for being the producer of the Cadillac Fleetwood body years ago this is the place where it all started.  It was the top producer of Fleetwood car bodies and wood that were then shipped off by rail to Detroit for further assembly.  The railroad off to the left is where all the car bodies were loaded and shipped out.  The tracks are still used to this day, but nothing from this old building.  When I was in HS, we used to play around this building just for the fun of it.  I’m also told that the place is Haunted!  Lights come on, strange noises, and voices are heard at night.  The Fleetwood Police have even been called here for strange things that have happened.  They find nothing.

Purchased then by Fisher Auto Body in 1925, it remained in business until later years when the Garden State Tannery took over some of the building that is no longer here.  Where you see the blue buildings in the background off to the right is where the Tannery used to stand.  The Tannery was in business tanning leather until it caught fire and burned to the ground on Dec. 23, 2003.

I remember the Tannery quite well.  The area used to have a bad smell from all the chemicals that were used to Tan Leather and other products they made.  It employed many people of Fleetwood and from the surrounding area until it went up in flames.  It was a bad fire.  Engine Company’s from all of the outside area’s responded to try and put this huge fire out.  There must have been 10 or more Engine Co’s here all fighting the fire, but nothing seem’d to put it out for a day or so.  The chemicals fueled the fire that could be seen for miles away.  Finally, the fire was contained and put out but not without destroying the whole place.  There was nothing left but the brick walls.  In time the fire gutted building was torn down.  Surprising that no one was hurt during the fire.

This is a Image of the 1929 Cadillac Fleetwood V-8 that was built by Fisher Auto Body, originally Fleetwood Auto Body.  This is a outstanding looking car from day’s gone by.  They just don’t make them like this anymore!  Oh Yes.  This is not my Image.  It’s almost UN-believable that a famous car body came from my old home town!  How bout’ that.

1949 Ford Sedan

This was just one of the many great cars from long ago.  No air-conditioning, seat belts, or child proof seating.  An open window was your air that you had.  No FM Radio or Tape Player.  Did not exist in this year.  I was only 2 yrs. old when this car came out.  Of course, there were no colors like this, either.

GO FOR A RIDE?

A 2016 Chevrolet Corvette.  702 HP engine.  Price?  $114,000

On Sunday there was a car show up at a place called Cabelas, who is a very large Outdoor Store that supplies all kinds of hunting, fishing, shooting, and cloths for the outdoor person.  I’ve been up to this huge store a number of times, and think that the products for sale a very expensive for my taste.  However, most people must not think so.  They do a outstanding business here.

So, I thought I’d take a run up here to see what the Car Show has.  Lot’s of Cars here from the 50’s & 60’s, as well as a few from the present day.  It was nice to walk around and see all these different cars, even though it was very windy.  There were about 40 different cars on display.  Most of them were in outstanding shape and took a long time to be restored back to their original glory.  Alot of money and time go into restoring these old cars.

A 1963 Chevrolet Impala.

Thanks for taking a trip back in time.  Remember that all Images are the sole property of Les Barr and may not be copied unless given my permission.

Les

NEW CAR ON THE BLOCK

 

After a few months of looking around at all the different types of car’s that are offered for sale, we decided on this used 2015 Chevrolet Impala Limited, which is called a Impala LS.  We decided to buy this, with the help of our bank we deal with, since the price was pretty good.  This is the 3rd time we have gone back to the same dealer that we used twice before.  We have always been treated good here at this Dealership.  The Sales staff is always nice and does almost everything for us that we ask.

This car is much more advanced than the old 2001 Impala that we had for over 12 yrs.  The old car gave us good service, but before it would start giving us trouble we decided to get rid of it, thus getting a better price for our trade in.  This car has all kinds of different “bells & whistles” that keep the driver informed on what’s going on.  It has OnStar, Bluetooth, and Sirius Radio that we can use free for 3 months.  After that we will have to decide what we want to keep, before being charged every month for one service or the other.  OnStar is a computerized service that let’s you press a button in the car, and it will connect to a operator that will help you for what you might want.  There is allot more that it does, but it’s too long to describe.  Bluetooth will dial a number for you just by pressing a button on the steering wheel, then you can talk to your party without holding a phone.  I also just love the color RED.  It’s my favorite for many years.  This car should last us for quite a few yrs.

Just for the fun of it let’s go back in time.  This is a 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS (the SS stands for Super Sport).  There have been many changes since this model came out back then.  This 64’ Chevy was a very popular car back then, and it is still sought after by car collectors.  These cars had no air-conditioning, and none of the fancy stuff we have today.  Technology has not advanced quite yet.  Still, it was one of the great cars of the 60’s that lead up to what we have today.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

Les