Latest news with #FordModelA
Irish Independent
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Wicklow car show welcomes 195 vintage vehicles, motor bikes and tractors
The show displays also included a line-up of ten magnificent Ford Model A cars. The venue for this year's show changed from Kilmacanogue GAA Pitch to St. Marys GAA pitch in Enniskerry, which proved to be another fabulous location. Even though the show didn't start until 12 noon, cars were already arriving from 9am and continued to do so throughout the day. By midday, the field was alive with families and children engaging in a variety of free games on offer, while parents enjoyed entertainment from the Mad Drama group Rathdrum, Tracy Carrick's Irish dancers, Majorettes from Wicklow and Arklow Ukulele Band. Brendan Power was MC and sound engineer for the day. There were plenty of stalls to browse through, while a special first responders demonstration also took place regarding CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Ann Nolan of Garden of Ireland Vintage Car Club said: 'There was a fantastic display of cars, motor bikes and tractors. Some beautiful cars were from the early 1900 and are still going strong. The cars that won prizes on the day were Gerry Moore who won the overall Tom Kennedy Memorial perpetual Cup, Gerry Tutty who won the Paul Donnolly perpetual cup for his 1930 Ford Model A Sedan, Kieran Cussen won the Noel Kavanagh Perpetual Cup for best modified car for his BMWE46-330. "Meanwhile, Ger Mulvey won the best tractor for his Ferguson. Other winners on the day was Martin Fleming for his 1918 Ford Model T, Colm O'Neill for his 1963 Peugeot 403 and Joe Delaney for his 1972 Beautiful Honda 50. 'A fantastic amount of money was raised on the day for The Make-A-Wish foundation and other local charities. Thanks to John Linnane Motors Rathnew for his sponsorship of this event, to St. Mary's GAA club for the use of their facilities, enabling us to provide free refreshments on the day, and to all who helped on the Saturday and Sunday.'
TimesLIVE
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
43rd Cars in the Park returns to Zwartkops Raceway on Sunday
South Africa's largest classic car show, Cars in the Park, takes place on August 3 at Zwartkops Raceway. In its 43rd edition, the event is hosted by the Pretoria Old Motor Club, which celebrates its 60th anniversary next year. The club's origins date back to a chance meeting in Pretoria in 1966. Steffan Stander, driving his 1930 Ford Model A through Arcadia, spotted an older Model T heading in the opposite direction. He followed it and flagged down the driver near Loftus Versfeld stadium. The driver was Erwin Kuschke, and the two struck up a conversation that led to a lasting friendship and the founding of the Pretoria Old Motor Club. Though Kuschke passed away some years ago, his sons Philip and Emil remain active in the country's classic car scene. Stander, 84, owns the same Model A and will be showcasing it in the event's Special Invites section. His son Neil will display his own Model A alongside a pristine 1967 Ford Mustang he restored himself. Special Invites celebrate key eras of motoring history This year's Special Invites display at the Zwartkops pit area will feature standout vehicles across four themed categories, offering a curated look at South Africa's motoring heritage. The first category focuses on Vintage cars built before 1930. Among the highlights are: a 1928 Chevrolet Phaeton owned by Francois van Staden; a 1925 Citroën B12 Torpedo belonging to Shaun Spaans; and a 1926 Pontiac presented by Taco Kamstra; a variety of Ford Model T and Model A vehicle; and a rare 1930 Willys Sedan owned by William Watson. The second category covers vehicles built between 1931 and 1945. These include: a 1933 Rolls-Royce from the collection of Bob Bouwmeesters; a 1937 Citroën Coupé/Faux Cabriolet owned by long-time Citroën Club member Joyce le Roux; a 1937 Cord 812 belonging to Sakkie van der Wat; a 1937 DKW F7 from Corne Fourie; and a 1940 Lincoln V12, one of the earliest American V12-powered cars brought by Justus de Waal. Another section is dedicated to South African homologation specials, or limited production vehicles from the 1970s to the 1990s built to meet street-legal requirements while remaining eligible for motorsport. These include rare examples of Cortina and Capri Perana models and the Toyota TRD, developed locally with rallying in mind. Three vintage Velocette motorcycles will also be on display, brought by classic bike enthusiast Tom Linley. Feast of Fords with historical depth Across from the Special Invites section, positioned on the ridge near the top entrance to Zwartkops, well-known motoring enthusiast Colin Lazarus will exhibit part of his Ford collection. This includes: a 1966 Ford GT40; a 1957 Ford Thunderbird; several examples of the modern Ford GT supercar; and a classic 1960s Thames car transporter. Lazarus, who owns Lazarus Motor Corporation in Centurion, has a long connection to the Ford brand. He took over the family's Bronkhorstspruit dealership as a young man in the late 1970s and has remained a dedicated collector and supporter of the old car movement. Broader celebration of car culture 'This year our main theme is 'The History of the Motor Car',' said event organiser Frik Kraamwinkel. 'South Africa is fortunate in having played a unique part of the history, being a manufacturer of vehicles dating back to 1923 when the first Fords were assembled here. Our decision some years ago to open the event to all sorts of interesting collectable cars has resulted in our admitting cars right up to 2025, as long as they have a special interest to car enthusiasts.' More than 100 car clubs will take part in the event, filling the infield area of the Zwartkops circuit. The Lions Club will again assist with food and beverage sales, and more 160 vendor stalls will offer everything from clothing and memorabilia to motoring accessories and refreshments. More than 2,500 vehicles are expected, ranging from vintage classics and modern collectables to high-performance cars such as Ferraris and Porsches. Classic motorcycles will also be on show. Media partners and ticket information This year Cars in the Park welcomes a new sponsor in the form of All Things Motoring, a television show hosted by Michael Pashut and aired on Ignition TV. Long-time partner Pretoria FM continues to support the event through on-air interviews and promotional content in the lead-up to Sunday's show. 'We're grateful to Pretoria FM for their ongoing support,' said Kraamwinkel. 'Radio remains a vital part of our strategy to raise awareness in the region, and we're equally pleased to have All Things Motoring on board this year.' Gates open to exhibitors from 6am and the public can enter from 8.30am. Tickets are available online through iTickets at R130 for adults, with free admission for children under 12. Tickets will also be sold at the gate for R150. Exhibitors arriving in classic or collectable vehicles will be admitted free of charge along with one passenger. Any additional passengers will pay the standard entry fee.
Borneo Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Iowa farmers call for building trade ties with handshakes, not tariffs
People shop at a Walmart store in Rosemead, California, the United States, on May 15, 2025. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) MANNING, United States (June 10): The Renze family's fleet stretches from six-monitor John Deere tractors to a pristine 1929 Ford Model A, a symbol of a time when farming was hands-on, not high-tech. At 97, Melvin Renze, the family patriarch, still drives his Ford down Main Street to Deb's Corner Café. On other days, he wanders into the fields, running his fingers through the soil and offering advice to his sons: 'You ought to do this, or that!' 'I'm busy all the time,' he said. 'I was born a farmer. It's in my blood. If I had a do-over, I'd do exactly the same. I like farming. I did like farming.' The Renzes have farmed in western Iowa for generations, managing thousands of acres of farmland and a significant number of livestock. Melvin's son, Scott, stays in the field, dealing with unpredictable markets, precision technology and the ripple effects of U.S.-China trade friction. His brother, Randy, took a different path, branching into international agribusiness. Despite the support of advanced technologies, such as GPS-guided tractors, cloud-connected feeding systems and data-informed crop decisions, their concerns revolve around cost, policy consistency and international cooperation. Randy Renze speaks in an interview with Xinhua in West Des Moines, Iowa, the United States, on May 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan) FLICKER OF RELIEF A temporary 90-day suspension of tariffs between the United States and China in May brought a flicker of relief. But Randy, who spent 34 years navigating global trade standards at leading tractor maker John Deere, sees a more complicated picture. 'When tariffs were imposed the first time, it cost John Deere. It cost the American farmer,' he told Xinhua in a recent interview. 'Those soybean markets we lost, someone else filled.' Scott felt the impact firsthand. 'By spring, we've already spent hundreds of thousands on seed, fertilizer and chemicals,' he said. 'No policy from Washington is going to stop us short-term. But next year? We'll have to rethink everything.' Noting that a single breakdown can cost tens of thousands of dollars, Scott said: 'With tight margins, even a 10-percent drop in prices can shake everything (up) — land payments, equipment loans and family income.' Today, most of their corn heads to nearby ethanol plants; some goes to livestock feed; the rest is exported. However, tariffs are rebalancing that mix, Scott said. China was once the largest buyer, but now 'I can't tell you the amount. We're constantly renegotiating,' he added. Technology shapes every aspect of their operation. The Renzes manage a digital command center and use apps to track weather, monitor soil, mix cattle feed and hedge commodity prices. 'We're not just farmers anymore. We're managers, marketers, engineers,' said Scott. Still, it's not necessarily easier. 'Physically, sure. It's less labor. But mentally, it's exhausting. You're troubleshooting tech, watching markets, managing risks every day,' he added. 'WE HEDGE, WE WATCH, AND WE ADJUST' Every growing season is a gamble. 'Some years, you make 100 U.S. dollars an acre. Another year, you lose 50 dollars,' Scott said. 'One hailstorm, one drought, and everything changes,' he added, noting that insurance only offers limited safety, as coverage is costly and incomplete. That's farming in 2025: sophisticated, strategic and still uncertain. Despite that, Scott stays committed. 'We've got apps, data, tech. We do everything right. But we can't control tariffs, politics or the weather. So we hedge, we watch, and we adjust.' Asked whether tariffs come up often in conversation, Scott shrugged. 'Tariffs? That's beyond our control. We leave it to the government and hope they manage it well,' he said. 'We just try to survive it.' Even with the help of high-tech machinery, managing thousands of cattle and vast stretches of land comes with real pressure. 'Farming today isn't blue-collar or white-collar,' Randy said. 'It's both. You need the brains and the back.' The same tech that boosts efficiency also drives up costs. 'That planter? 300,000 dollars,' said Scott. 'We'll spend another 15,000 dollars a year just to maintain it.' Competition from Brazil, Argentina and elsewhere is also mounting. 'You've got to be the best. Efficient, informed and relentless,' he said. Tariffs are now another variable. 'Tariffs won't affect the next two to five months,' Randy said. 'But come next season, it'll impact what we plant and what we sell and buy.' U.S. President Donald Trump shows an executive order on 'reciprocal tariffs' at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on April 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) BUILDING TRADE TIES WITH HANDSHAKES Randy has visited China many times, working with farmers, officials and engineers. That experience taught him patience and pragmatism. 'China takes the long view,' he said. 'Thousands of years of history puts a few years of friction into perspective.' Randy sees people-to-people diplomacy as vital, especially when politics turn tense. 'You don't build trade relationships with speeches. You build them over years through handshakes, visits, and showing up,' he said. 'That work doesn't stop just because leaders change.' He was frank about the U.S. administration's trade policies: 'There was a lot of disruption,' he said. 'Tariffs were imposed without much planning. Markets were lost. Costs rose. Relationships strained.' Instead of fine-tuning agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement or joining alliances like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, 'we scrapped and restarted,' he said. 'It may look strong on paper, but it makes long-term planning impossible for companies and farmers alike.' DEEPER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING NEEDED Randy still has the old slides from John Deere's presentation in China, photos with Chinese friends and every business card he received. On his wall hangs a map of China, marked with stickers from every city he has visited. 'It wasn't just business,' he said. 'It was relationships, understanding and trust.' He hopes Chinese friends can understand American farmers, as well as their resilience, hopes and joy over a good harvest. What's needed, he said, is deeper mutual understanding. Now retired, Randy volunteers at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines, capital of Iowa. 'I grew up in industrial agriculture. The Prize is about developing countries,' he said. 'It's been fascinating — a way to give back.' Through that work, he has expanded his knowledge of global food issues, China-Iowa ties and agricultural diplomacy. 'We can be part of the solution,' he said. 'I hope we continue to be.' agricultural China farmers tariffs
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Two Classic Automobiles Headline Compass Auctions' No-Reserve Estate Sale in Chattanooga
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector Two unique antique automobiles, a 1930 Ford Model A and a Mercedes-Benz Gazelle Kit Car, are set to be auctioned without reserve through Compass Auctions. The estate vehicles, both carrying significant collector appeal, will be sold as-is with estate documentation. The 1930 Ford Model A, an icon of early American automotive engineering, remains a prized piece among vintage car enthusiasts. Registered under VIN A3727794, the black, manually shifted coupe represents Ford's first true successor to the Model T. Though currently non-operational, the odometer reading of just 1,837 miles suggests the vehicle may have been stored for much of its life. Its bill of sale and estate paperwork add to its provenance, making it an enticing project for restorers or collectors seeking authenticity. Joining the auction lineup is a Mercedes-Benz Gazelle Kit Car, a stylish replica of the classic pre-war roadsters. Featuring an automatic transmission and finished in beige, this kit car is designed to evoke the timeless elegance of 1920s and 1930s European motoring. While its exact mileage is unknown, the vehicle reportedly turns over but does not currently start, making it another potential restoration opportunity. Sold under VIN R536BG0186, the Gazelle Kit Car offers bidders a chance to own a piece of vintage-inspired automotive craftsmanship at an accessible price point. Compass Auctions' LIVE End of Month Auction is a LIVE ONSITE & ONLINE BIDDING event. Our auction staff will perform the auction live and you are welcome to listen in and place bids on our online platforms. We offer a selection of fine items from municipal and county governments, vehicles, contractor-grade tools, job completion surplus, industrial equipment and machinery, heavy equipment, trailers, work trucks, and more! Our selection is tremendous, and we will be adding to the catalog daily - keep checking back! For questions, please email info@ or call 423-702-6180. STEVEN W. HOLT #6210 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Gene Winfield, Hotrod Pioneer, Designer Of Movie And TV Cars, Dies At 97
Read the full story on Backfire News Gene Winfield, a movie and TV car designer many revere for pioneering hotrod and lowrider methods used by many builders today, died recently at the age of 97. Among the productions Winfield worked on are notable entries like Blade Runner, RoboCop, and even the original Star Trek television was also a celebrated hotrod builder, something which is common among the old school movie/TV car builder crowd. In fact, he's recognized as one of the pioneers of hotrod and lowrider culture. That's why some have referred to him as 'the King of Customs.' At least until right before the very end, Winfield was still building cars and going to events, socializing with other gearheads. The man loved speed and performance, he himself barely slowly down even in his elderly years. Born in Springfield, Missouri, Winfield grew up during the Great Depression as the youngest of six children. Seeking greater economic prosperity, his family moved to Modesto, California An enterprising youth, he opened his first automotive shop at the ripe age of 15. Shortly after, he bought a 1928 Ford Model A coupe. After joining the Navy at the end of World War II, Gene returned home and got into the hotrod scene, chopping his brother's '41 Plymouth convertible. It didn't take the man long to build a huge reputation. With that came Hollywood studios wanting him to use his creativity and fabrication skills to build custom vehicles for television shows and movies. That was how his work reached a more mainstream audience and will continue living on in those beloved productions. Back on February 27, Winfield's Custom Shop posted on Instagram about his declining health, revealing his wishes that his museum remain intact instead of the different cars being sold off for big money. He passed away on March 4. Image via winfieldscustomshop/Instagram,IMDB
