By Marty Padgett
August 18th, 2005
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Even as
Dream Cruise vehicles, many worth thousands, were warming up for the annual rolling parking lot called Woodward Avenue, the U.S. Postal Service was officially unveiling special postage stamps and postal cards for 37 cents each.
“The five collectible cars. the ‘53
Chevrolet Corvette, ‘54 Kaiser Darrin, ‘52 Nash Healey, ‘53 Studebaker Starliner, and the ‘55
Ford Thunderbird were selected,” said David Failor, executive director of stamp services for the USPS in a phone interview, “because they represent the sporty look that was introduced following World War II. "
These vehicles today, recognized as America’s first sports cars, were unique when introduced and are now highly valued collectible automobiles. The series of five called “America on the Move: '50s Sporty Cars” are available in a booklet of 20 stamps (five designs) for $7.40 and as a booklet of 20 stamped postal cards (five designs) for $9.75. Carl Herman of Carlsbad, Calif., was the stamp designer. Art Fitzpatrick, a long-time advertising designer and illustrator, was the stamp artist.
Patrick Donahoe, deputy postmaster general and COO , U.S. Postal Service, in dedicated the stamps in a special ceremony at the Michigan State Fair in Detroit, said, “These cars are a perfect reminder of the 1950s and America’s optimism that the nation’s future was looking.”
Stamps and postal cards are available at Post Offices and Philatelic Centers starting August 21, 2005. Additionally first-day covers (set of 5) are $3.75; stamped postal cards (Booklet of 20) are $9.75; and other philatelic items will be available while supplies last online at
www.usps.com, or by telephone at 800 STAMP-24. Beautifully framed prints of original stamp art for delivery straight to the home or office are available at
www.postalartgallery.com.
--Marty Bernstein
How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark: Customers have 30 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to: POSTMASTER AMERICA ON THE MOVE: 50s SPORTY CARS 1401 W FORT ST DETROIT, MI 48233-9998 After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by September 19, 2005.
How to Order First-Day Covers: Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to: INFORMATION FULFILLMENT DEPT 6270 US POSTAL SERVICE PO BOX 219014 KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014
Tags: Shoppers, Reviews, Enthusiasts
Posted in: 2005, Ford, Thunderbird
By Paul Eisenstein
August 18th, 2005
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After 25 years covering the auto industry, I've become a bit jaded about driving. Sometimes you need to stifle a yawn when you pick up the keys to the latest sedan or minivan. But not, I must quickly admit, when the keys in hand fire up a brand new
Ferrari F430.
I had the good fortune to tag onto the final stages of a 3-day rally that brought nearly 80 cars and more than 100 Ferraristis to Northern California this week. This was more than just another car show. Participants ran through a series of time trials, slalom courses, with even a few scavenger hunt-style challenges thrown in. Raw muscle won't win a rally. You have to stay on course, and on time. Too early to a checkpoint, and you'll lose as many points as you would being late. The level of competitiveness was as intense as I've ever seen at one of these events. But to Mark Mitchell, an estate planner out of San Juan Capistrano, what else would you expect from a bunch of
Ferrari owners? "Most of the people here are entrepreneurs, and they play a tough game. They play to win. This is just an extension of every-day life."
So reining everyone in wasn't easy as we hit the checkpoint just south of Sausalito. But ultimately, with a little helpful prodding from the California Highway patrol, everyone fell into line. No, not for tickets, but for an incredible, escorted tour across the Golden Gate Bridge. For a few amazing minutes, the rest of busy Southbound US 101 came to a halt, the CHiPs guiding us in two neat and nearly orderly rows across the fog-shrouded bridge. I'd have expected some angry epithets from those forced to wait, and more than a few extended middle fingers, but instead, folks waved, cheered and snapped their digital cameras. All too soon, we were on the city side of the bridge for a rushed lunch at the Sir Francis Drake Yacht Club.
Still on the clock, half the ralliers were out of the dining room and back on the run before the main course was even served. So goes the competitive drive, especially when you're behind the wheel of a car like the F430. We'll have a more complete report later this week!
Tags: Industry
By Marty Padgett
August 18th, 2005
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Straight from DaimlerChrysler, folks:
The Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG today has taken the following personnel decisions:
As previously announced, Dr. Dieter Zetsche (52), at present Head of Chrysler Group, will be appointed Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG as of January 1, 2006. In addition, he will become Head of Mercedes Car Group as of September 1, 2005.
Dr. Eckhard Cordes (54), Head of Mercedes Car Group, will leave the company at his own request on August 31, 2005, after 29 years of service.
Thomas W. LaSorda (51) will become Head of Chrysler Group as of September 1, 2005. On the same date, Eric Ridenour (47) will succeed Thomas W. LaSorda as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Chrysler Group. Ridenour has been appointed as Member of the DaimlerChrysler Board of Management for a period of three years starting on September 1, 2005.
Cordes, appointed last year to the
Mercedes post, was passed over to succeed Schrempp in favor of
Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche. Cordes offered his resignation, insiders say, because he felt he had lost the confidence of the board of directors. Zetsche replaces Schrempp on January 1, 2006.
Tags: Industry
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