The Sun Classified-Section A Page 2 E/N/C/V ads.yoursunnet Saturday, December 28, 2013 Longhorn bull, rare 1914 Chevy and classy chopper 've known Rick Treworgy, owner of the Muscle Car City Museum in Punta Gorda, for over 15 years and have seen a lot of unusual "things" he's had. In addition to collec- tor-type cars and trucks, from a 2014 Corvette to a 1914 Chevrolet, there's a large jet-powered racing boat and a big motorcycle with a V8 engine. Look around the museum and you'll see a 4-foot-long scale model World War II Tiger German tank, lots of metal, special edition 8-inch to 2-foot-long models of old rare vehi- cles, as well as popular later-year autos. The late 1920s motor home is one of a kind, and several race cars are outstanding, too. However, nothing equals a life-size Texas longhorn bull, known as T-Bone, given to him for Christmas by his fiancee, Dina Modesto, who is also the manager of the museum com- plex. When I saw it atop the stake bed of a 1930 one-ton truck near a group of early Chevys, I wondered about using this unique gift in a col- umn. Dina cooperated with me by email as to how it happened. That email is as follows, word for word: "What do you get a man who has over 200 classic cars ... why a longhorn steer, of course! Blame it on my country upbringing, but I miss my cow, Baby. She was an awesome animal. We could ride her like a horse and even lay on her belly to take naps! She came to you when you called her and she was as warm SDon and Lee Royston and lovable as any man's best friend." "So when it came time to consider a Christmas present for my beloved, I thought 'COW' Of course, I meant a real one but that joke turned into a mad hunt for a life-size longhorn steer for Rick's estate. He loved the idea and he is now the proud owner of T-Bone, an 11-foot-long, 6-foot-tall, 110-pound Fiberglass longhorn steer. We are sure the grandkids will have a great time 'riding' T-Bone and it brings back fond memories of the farm. But it does beckon the question: What about next year?" How about that! Lee and I always enjoy ev- erything Dina sends us and our personal visits with her. The next time you go to the museum, diner, gift or speed shop, ask to meet this versatile lady. She's a real people person and is very proud of being at the helm of this great facility. While I was in the museum car display area checking out the longhorn bull, a "new" maroon-and-black 1914 Chevrolet Royal Mail Roadster caught my attention in an unusual way. A couple had just walked in and as the man headed toward the Corvettes, his lady friend called out in very Rear of the 1914 Chevy, note the round gas tank. PHOTOS BY LEE ROYSTON Texas Longhorn Bull named "T-Bone" on stake bed of the 1930 1-ton truck. proper English, "Jeffrey, come here and look at this cute little car." Standing nearby, I introduced myself to them. Both were from Britain and fascinated to see all the vehicles. They proceeded throughout the building while I took photos and made notes of the oldest automobile on exhibit. Rick's owned it for some time. He just recently had it painted and upholstered, then brought it on the floor and parked it next to the entry wall. The chevy is a sporty model with an exposed round gas tank and fold-down windshield. The four large front and rear springs provided a soft ride compared a to Ford, and its 171-cu. in. 26 HP OHV four-cylin- der engine gave it good performance. A tough three-speed transmis- sion and cone clutch contributed to its "get up and go." Starting the engine could be a problem unless you were experienced in hand-cranking. There were top and side curtains that helped keep out rain. They were left off the display car for now to allow visitors to look at the interior. This model served as a positive image of early Chevys. Now 99 years old, it's still an eye-catcher. By the way, I took this delightful couple into Rick's office and, as usual, he happily greeted them and an- swered their questions. How often can visitors do that at other quality museums? None I know of in the USA! *9 9 The final feature item today is the best built and wildest chopper I've ever seen. It took six months for the owner, Mark Anderson, and Steve Ehrie of Panther Cycle Co. of Punta Gorda, to assemble it. Some interesting specifications include an overall length of 9 feet, 10 inches using a custom 131 cu. in. Merch performance engine from Canada. The super-charger, installed by Panther, makes for 200 horse- power that along with a 0.6 speed tranny creates one fast machine. Carolina customs made the special chassis and all chrome was done by Space Coast Chromers. Those wild thorn design wheels were chosen by Mark as was the tear-drop gas tank and stainless steel exhaust. Both he and Steve say everything involved in this Custom Pro Street Bike is the best of the best available, including the flashy special mixed gold colored paint. Its nickname is Gold Standard. Very deserv- ing for sure! Words and Lee's photos simply cannot do it justice. You need to personally see this "wow" machine, and you can at the Salvation Army Fund Replenishment Car/ Truck/Bike Show Jan. 18 at Muscle Car City. Lee and I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! Don Royston is pres- ident and co-founder of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America SW Florida Region and may be reached at 941- 575-0202 or leekr42@ embarqmail.com. 1914 Chevrolet Royal Mail Roadster -the oldest automobile in the museum. |1. ...... Mark Anderson owner of"Gold Standard,"'the gold chopper. Merch performance supercharged, 131-cu. in., 200 HP engine of the chopper. Mark Anderson on his 9'10" long chopper nicknamed "Gold Standard." UPCOMING EVENTS Today: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free Open Cruise In at Home Depot, 3941 Tamiami Tr./ Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda by the Veteran Motor Car Club of America. Open to all vehicles of any year, make or model. Free OJ, coffee and doughnuts to show participants, 50/50 raffle, door prizes. Information, 941-626-9359. *Monday: Veteran Motor Car Club of America SW Florida Region general membership meeting for January will be held at 7 p.m. in the Medical Office Building, 713 E. Marion Ave., fourth floor, Punta Gorda. Interesting speakers and refreshments. No need to have been in the military or a member. All nonmodified vehicle enthusiasts are invited and welcome. More information, 941-626-4452. Saturday, Jan. 4:9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free Open Cruise In, Towles Plaza, 2705 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, hosted by the Veteran Motor Car Club of America. All models, years and makes including modi- fied welcome. Professional DJ music, coffee and doughnuts to show participants, 50/50 drawing. No preregistration nor to have been in the military. Info this month only, Lee, 941-626-9359 or 941-626-4452. Please note: Muscle Car City, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, the fifth annual Salvation Army Fund Replenishment Car Show hosted by the Veteran Motor Car Club of America has been moved to Jan. 18,10 a.m. to 1 p.m., due to conflicting events. (The event will return to it usual date of the second Saturday of January in 2015.) Thirty trophies to be awarded (one 4-foot high), door prizes, open to all years, makes and models cars/ trucks/motorcycles. Entry by voluntary donation, free to the public. Come out and help this worthwhile organization, which assists the needy all year long. Information, 941-575-0202 or 941-575-5959. Save this date: Saturday, Feb. 8,2014 Sun Newspaper's Mid-Winter Collector Car Show and Open House, free to car participants and the public. Details to follow. Information for Collector Car Events: Larry Day of Lee County has Cruise In and show information from Naples to Sarasota. Email him at lwnkday@aol.com to get his free email newsletter with all the details. Also for similar but somewhat different hobby happenings, log onto www.musclecarcity.net or www.Flacarshows.com. You may also contact the DJ's: Tom's Traveling Tunes-941-240-5799 and Lance "Cruzin'to the Hop"941-371-1061. Close up of the Texas Longhorn Bull named T-Bone. Steering Wheel of the 1914 Chevy Roadster.