When the ute didn't sell on eBay a few month ago, a long time friend in the Bay Area told me that it is the kind of car that HAS to be seen to sell. He talked me into bringing it down for the GoodGuys West Coast Nationals. I liked that idea since even if it didn't sell there it would be worth the trip. The show is the best of its type I have ever been to . I have attended it for at least the last 10 years and always have had tons of fun.
My son-in-law and I left Bellingham at 9 PM on Wednesday. He would spend the week end in Santa Cruz surfing. We drove all night and 16 hours later were about 2 hours out of Pleasanton when a wheel bearing fried in the trailer. We were fortunate to find a trailer repair place pretty quickly that got us back on the road in about 3 hours. We arrived in Pleasanton about 6 PM Thursday.
I got to the show fairly early Friday morning and found Steve Hudson right away. It was great to visit with Steve most of the day and to have the two "phantom" Studes parked next to each other. They got MORE than their share of attention
!
I had a huge surprise in the morning when Sam Chakries walked up and introduced himself to me. Sam was Lee's partner when the Ute was built in 1958. Sam is 80 years old, but sharp as a tack and still into hot rods. It was great meeting him and talking with him. He had not seen the Ute for 50 years.
I was off looking at other cars when I got a call from a potential buyer. I returned to the car and we had a deal in about 2 minutes. A collector from the Ft. Worth, Texas area. 40+ collector cars and this is his first Stude (he does have a '57 Packard Wagon).
The Ute goes to a great car guy. It will reside in a climate controlled showroom with his other special cars. He does take them out and play with them somewhat, however.
Now I get to spend today (Saturday) just looking at cars, talking about cars, seeing a bunch of old friends, and making new ones. Sunday with the grandkids in San Jose, and the sprint home on Monday.
Although I'll need another project soon, I plan to complete what is on my plate first. I need to finish sorting out the '63 Daytona, do the brakes on the Packard, then a good restoration on the '62 Lark Regal Hardtop. None of these are "long term" projects and I am sure the "right" bigger project will find me soon enough
.
The Ute was a real "car highpoint" for me. Finding it, researching the history, meeting Lee (and Sam), getting invited to the GNRS, the HRD and TW features, Hot Rod TV...it will be tough for me to top [^]. Lots of good memories. Thanks to the forum for all the help and support.
Dick Steinkamp
Bellingham, WA
My son-in-law and I left Bellingham at 9 PM on Wednesday. He would spend the week end in Santa Cruz surfing. We drove all night and 16 hours later were about 2 hours out of Pleasanton when a wheel bearing fried in the trailer. We were fortunate to find a trailer repair place pretty quickly that got us back on the road in about 3 hours. We arrived in Pleasanton about 6 PM Thursday.
I got to the show fairly early Friday morning and found Steve Hudson right away. It was great to visit with Steve most of the day and to have the two "phantom" Studes parked next to each other. They got MORE than their share of attention
! I had a huge surprise in the morning when Sam Chakries walked up and introduced himself to me. Sam was Lee's partner when the Ute was built in 1958. Sam is 80 years old, but sharp as a tack and still into hot rods. It was great meeting him and talking with him. He had not seen the Ute for 50 years.
I was off looking at other cars when I got a call from a potential buyer. I returned to the car and we had a deal in about 2 minutes. A collector from the Ft. Worth, Texas area. 40+ collector cars and this is his first Stude (he does have a '57 Packard Wagon).
The Ute goes to a great car guy. It will reside in a climate controlled showroom with his other special cars. He does take them out and play with them somewhat, however.
Now I get to spend today (Saturday) just looking at cars, talking about cars, seeing a bunch of old friends, and making new ones. Sunday with the grandkids in San Jose, and the sprint home on Monday.
Although I'll need another project soon, I plan to complete what is on my plate first. I need to finish sorting out the '63 Daytona, do the brakes on the Packard, then a good restoration on the '62 Lark Regal Hardtop. None of these are "long term" projects and I am sure the "right" bigger project will find me soon enough
. The Ute was a real "car highpoint" for me. Finding it, researching the history, meeting Lee (and Sam), getting invited to the GNRS, the HRD and TW features, Hot Rod TV...it will be tough for me to top [^]. Lots of good memories. Thanks to the forum for all the help and support.
Dick Steinkamp
Bellingham, WA
while sad I couldn't be the new proud owner, it looks like the Ute will be well taken care of, if possible Dick, could we get the whereabouts of this Ft. Worth collection? Would be nice to visit, or arrange a visit (if private) to see the custom vehicle that the forum embraced, championed, and adored. 
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