New England Region - Cadillac LaSalle Club

Happy summer! Boy, did the heat finally arrive or what? I suppose we cannot complain after a rather cold spring. Hopefully, we get some nice days for our many upcoming events again this month. Before I remind you of those events, I will venture off into true editorial country.

As I write this, I am sitting on a Southwest Airlines flight on my way to Las Vegas (and yes, this is a work trip). I don’t mind the travel, but I am getting to despise the actual flying part. With rising fuel prices, the airline industry is broken as it exists in the U.S. Southwest is actually my favorite airline; flights are generally on time, planes are newer and fairly comfortable Boeing 737s, and flight attendants are quite friendly and helpful. Contrast that with American Airlines, now the armpit of industry. But never mind the airlines. What’s up with the passengers? Listen, flying is just as bad for me as it is for you, so get used to it. Don’t bring your monster carryon bag on the plane just to avoid the $25 check-bag fee, then complain that someone else’s bag is taking all the overhead bin space. Don’t harass the flight attendant when she tells you you’ll have to check that oversized monster (how would you like it if your salary was cut by 20% and you were still told to put a smile on everyday and help angry, oversized bag dragging meanies). If you’re sitting in row 32, then your bag belongs near row 32; not in the front by row 5. I am not sure if you really think that is more convenient or if you are just trying to make those of us in the front angry. And don’t make fifteen cell phone calls to complain to your co-workers that we were just delayed another 30 minutes because the plane is broke. The meeting is not that important anyway, and I am sure they can handle things. By the way, I have already been offered peanuts and two drinks just during the time I am writing this; I like Southwest.

I actually do have a car connection coming here, although not Cadillac specific. These passengers have to be the same disrespectful drivers that, when confronted with an oncoming antique car and not enough space to pull out, inevitably choose to pull out. After all, since we are drivers of old cars, we must also drive 15 miles per hour under the speed limit. Actually, I am not sure what’s worse; cut us off and hope our brakes are as good as our reaction time or be tailgated by a monster SUV with a cell phone jabber at the wheel. In all seriousness, it is getting difficult to drive our older antiques on modern roads. Although there are some very appreciative passers-by, there are at least an equal number that have little respect, let alone simple regard, for the older vehicle. Then, there is the breakdown scenario. There are fewer and fewer places to safely pull off the road in the event of an emergency, and even with appropriate safety devices in place, you risk a "near miss" with an oncoming vehicle that has failed to notice that safety triangle, cone, or flare. This presents us with some real decision making when it comes to safety. Is restoring an older car, complete with all its original equipment (like mechanical drum brakes, no turn signals, and dimly visible 6V powered brake lights) sufficient or do we need to consider upgrading to more modern safety systems? Does that devalue the car or the hobby? I want you to weigh in. What do you think of driving your antique Cadillac or LaSalle on modern roads in modern traffic?

So what do we have in store this month? As far as events, there are several. First, the Bay State Antique Auto Club (BSAAC) is hosting its annual car show and flea market at the Endicott Estate in Dedham, MA on Sunday, July 13. For the first time, we will attempt to host a member meeting at a show (details Page 10). The following week, members will enjoy a weekend event at the Stratton Ski Resort in Vermont. And don’t forget about the great cruise nights at Gillette Stadium (Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place) hosted by our friends at the Mass Cruisers. For more events, remember to check our web site (www.nerclc.com) or the list in this issue. Also this month, we prepare for the approaching Grand National and look for nightly, local cruises to show off our cars and get any last minute kinks out before the trip. Hope to see you at an event soon! Happy cruising.