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Citroens Converge on Carlisle!
May 28, 2009 by Denis
By Les Woods
Forty five Citroens made their way to Carlisle, Pennsylvania for the annual Import and Kit Car Nationals the weekend of 15 – 17 May, 2009. A wonderful array of models were present, including D models (ID and DS), SM, CX, XM, 2CV sedans, two 2CV AK 400’s (Truckette model), one Dyane, and no fewer than two H Vans!
For those who arrived on Friday, Brad Nauss made dinner reservations at Gilligan’s Bar and Grille in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania owned by fellow club member, George Lois. I can personally testify that the food was delicious and the conversation flowing!
Early Saturday morning, French cars began lining up in their designated areas on the show field. Citroens were the most well represented, but Renaults, Peugeots, and one Simca were also present, each marque in its own area.
The advantage to arriving early, of course, is that one gets first crack at the parts for sale in the flea market! While French car parts are relatively scarce, they are out there, though it may require patience and perseverance to find them. Often, they are off in a corner of a booth, or in a box labeled “miscellaneous.” Last year, for example, I chanced upon two NOS mufflers for a Renault 10, and while the seller recognized them as exhaust parts, he hadn’t a clue as to what they actually fit. So, it’s usually worthwhile to look carefully, and not be dissuaded from looking if the sign at the entrance says something discouraging, like “MG Parts!”
Former club president Erik DeWidt hosted this year’s seminar under the club tent on the subject of the long-term restoration history of his beautiful 1950 TAV 15/6. Erik enlightened and entertained, with stories of the painful foibles associated with repeated engine rebuilds followed by challenging rallies in Europe. However painful the foibles may have been at the time, it was apparent that Erik takes great pride in owning the big six cylinder Traction.
Club president Judy Reiter hosted the annual meeting of The Citroen Club of North America following the seminar, at which time she repeated what she had announced in her President’s Message in the last issue of Citroenthusiast: that she was stepping down as club president, in an effort to streamline her own life. She discussed various matters of club business, the most significant of which was the return of Citroenthusiast to an editorial staff and publication here in the US, and the birth of our new club blog, Citbitz.com. She reminded us of the dedication and hard work of Denis Foley and Carol Hansen in producing Citroenthusiast and making Citbitz.com the fastest growing Citroen site on the web.
She thanked John McCulloch and George Dyke of Ontario, Canada for their hard work in producing the newsletter over the previous 5 years, and congratulated them on the introduction of their new newsletter, Citroenvie.
Kim Walter shared registration forms for the annual Citroen Rendezvous at Saratoga Springs, New York, and reminded us that early registration discount rates require that the forms be received by Driveshesaid! no later than June first. If you have never been to Saratoga for this event, it is the supreme North American Citroen event. Ever growing and evolving, it is not to be missed!
When the nominations for the office of club president were opened, Vera Beltrante of Philadelphia nominated this writer, Les Woods, of Takoma Park, Maryland and Ken Betsch of Reading, Pennsylvania, nominated Brad Nauss, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Brad quickly declined, saying he had family obligations which were his top priority, and could not serve. With no other nominations and no objections, Judy announced Les Woods would be the new club president.
Brad Nauss’ hard work included handling reservations for our annual banquet at Sunnyside Restaurant in Carlisle. We were treated to good food, warm camaraderie, and great door prizes courtesy of vendors and friends in the club. Brad Nauss of Brad Nauss Automotive presented Judy Reiter with a beautiful plaque in recognition of her many years of dedication and service as club president. Judy assured us that she would continue an active presence in the club, including hosting the monthly club breakfast at La Madeleine Restaurant in Rockville, Maryland. Those of us who know her personally take comfort in this because we cannot imagine our club without her!
The next order of business was the presentation of the People’s Choice Awards. Judy Reiter and Brad Nauss presented the awards.
The People’s Choice Awards winners were:
Best Traction: Richard Pazar, 1953 11CV
Best A Series: Jorge and Carmo Tavares, with their red and white Dolly
Best D series: George Dyke, 1972 DS-21 Pallas
Best SM: Dave Burnham, 1972 SM Automatique
Best CX: Dale Martin, 1985 CX GTI Turbo (Series One)
Best Miscellaneous Citroen: Joe Petry, red Sapeur Pompier H van, (as Judy Reiter tells us, a virtual tie with the “new kid on the block” red H Van belonging to Roland Sotello!)
Best of Show: Carlos Pinto, “Hands Off” 2CV, tied with “The Rat Mobile” belonging to John McDermott.
Following the banquet, many of us made our annual trek to “Massey’s Frozen Custard” for sinfully rich dessert!
What a wonderful way to end our Spring meet…
It simply doesn’t get better than walking among beautiful French cars, while eating delicious ice cream and spending time with Citroen friends we know and love.
CLICK HERE for photos of Carlisle shared by Jorge and Carmo.
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