Also on display is Mr. Kamps’ beer can opener from the brewery down the road.
Joe Taylor, of Manhattan Beach, submitted the following notes with the entry of his 1949 Ford woody station wagon in the upcoming Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance.
Documents show that Ford #3703349 was sold at Gateway Motor Company of Livingston, Montana, January 22, 1949. The car was purchased by Mr. George Kamps, a local dairy and cattle rancher. Mr. Kamps used the wagon for family outings and light errands. Amazingly, the wagon remained in the Kamps/Alkire family circle until 2002 when it was pushed to the road and sold to a passing California motorist.
The California resident totally dismantled the wagon but was unable to finish the project. The car was then sold to the Taylor family in boxes in May 2004.
Contact with the Kamps/Alkire family was reestablished after documents were discovered in the car. Using a surviving, original photograph provided by the Kamps family, together with correspondence from surviving members of the family, a restoration was begun. New wood replaced the old and original portions of paint and parts were kept on the car to preserve its originality. The wagon sits today as the Kamps family rembers it.
The wagon is displayed with the surviving photograph, original check written to Gateway Motors, a Gateway Motors Farmers Pocket Ledger (signed by Mr. Kamps), and license frame and plate. Also on display is Mr. Kamps’ beer can opener from the brewery down the road, found in the wagon during restoration.
Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance
Joe Taylor’s Ford woody is among over 100 automobiles that will be on display at 2011 Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, September 18. The marque features California Design & Style, automobiles representing the birth of the California car culture, including Darrin Coachworks and Packard Darrins. American and European Classics will also be on display, plus Woodies, Shelbys, and Hot Rod Legends from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes. Adult tickets $35 in advance, $40 day of. Children under 12 free. To purchase tickets in advance log onto www.pvconcours.com or call 866-522-7746.
