If you’re a car buff you owe it to yourself to mosey on down to America On Wheels Museum for a rare opportunity to see a 1929 Chevrolet Series AC International powered by a “Stovebolt Six” engine.
This unique Chevy actually started out in 1928 when extra length was built into the engine compartment of that model to accommodate the larger six, which then became known as the Stovebolt Six. But the engine didn’t debut until the 1929 model year.
The history of the overhead-valve engine was that in various forms, would propel a ’29 Chevy at more than 60 mph. That was pretty fast for its time. Guess folks back then were impressed with speed and performance as we are today.
Chevy would eventually sell over 600,000 new 1929 six cylinder cars in less than five months. But because of a stock market crash in October 1929, it would be many years before Chevy would again sell that many cars in so short a time.
In addition to this rare vintage car, the museum has other Chevy’s on display in celebration of Chevy’s 100th birthday. However, the entire “100 Years of Chevrolet” collection will be moving out in March 2012. So don’t delay in paying them a visit.
Also celebrating 100 years is Brockway Motor Company, a builder of custom heavy-duty trucks that was originally based in Cortland, NY. It was founded as Brockway Carriage Works in 1875 by William Brockway, according to Linda Merkel, Executive Director at AOW.
Brockway’s son, George Brockway, later turned the carriage business into a truck maker in 1909. And if you’re a retired and long-time Allentown Mack Truck worker, you may remember when Mack, back in 1956, bought Brockway Motor Company or, Brockway Trucks, as most retirees would refer to them. Brockway remained a division of Mack until its closing in 1977.
In remembrance of this local truck maker, the town of Cortland holds an annual Brockway Truck Show and has plans for an eventual museum.
Until then, AOW will have a 1910 Brockway Motor Wagon on display in the museum’s North Gallery.
AOW is located on Front Street by the Hamilton Street Bridge in Allentown.
Incidentally, every Thursday, during February, has been designated Senior Appreciation Day when seniors will get free coffee and refills with their $5 admission.
For more information and special events check www.americaonwheels.org. And to automatically receive automotive news and reviews from Nick Hromiak, click on the “Subscribe” notation on this page.
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