Classic Cars in Ashland photo essay

Classic car in Ashland.

Classic Cars in Ashland photo essay

Simple cars and Fancy cars.
14 Photos – starting in 1913.

As I walk around Ashland, unusual cars and trucks catch my eye. I enjoy seeing the extraordinary (like a 1937 Rolls Royce). I also like to notice the seemingly ordinary and find something special in it. I admit that I did not take the photos below from 1913 or 1914, but I think you will enjoy them.

This photo essay features classic cars. Other photo essays will feature cars and trucks that are unusual, artistic, playful, humorous — even ones you will look at and say “Ouch” to yourself.

Let’s go back in time, all the way back to 1913

Classic fire engine in Ashland
Here is a photo of Ashland’s 1913 La France fire truck, taken soon after it was purchased. (this photo is in the Fire Station #1 museum, 2019)

Here is the same fire truck today

Classic fire engine in Ashland
Ashland’s first fire engine, a 1913 La France fire truck, was beautifully renovated and is the feature attraction at the small museum in Fire Station #1. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2019)
The Ashland Fire Department showed off three fire trucks in front of the City Hall fire station, in this undated photo. (this photo is in the Fire Station #1 museum, 2019)

The Plaza — filled with cars — in 1914

Classic car in Ashland.
This is a great Ashland Plaza photo for classic car lovers. I think it was taken in 1914. (postcard from the Sam Whitford collection)

4th of July parades feature
classic cars and trucks

Ashland doesn’t have big car shows like the Medford Cruise, but parades are another good place to spot classic cars.

How about a 1927 Rolls Royce Phantom

Classic car in Ashland.
Ron Rezek’s 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom was a hit in the 2018 4th of July parade. Rezek said, “It was built for a maharajah in India,” according to a 7/4/2018 Mail Tribune article, (photo by Peter Finkle, 2018)
Classic car in Ashland.
This 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom took our Grand Marshals Joyce Epstein and Mary Mastain in style through the 2018 4th of July parade. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2018)
Classic car in Ashland.
Ashland High School representatives to Guanajuato, Mexico rode in the rumble seat in the 2012 parade. Is this a Ford Model A? (photo by Peter Finkle, 2012)
Classic car in Ashland.
Umpqua Dairy was founded in 1931, so they are also a classic. This stylish pickup was in the 2018 4th of July parade. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2018)
Classic car in Ashland.
I didn’t know what make and model of car this was. I thank reader Michael Murphy for letting us know this is a 1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet. I thank reader Meredith Pech for letting us know the classic car was owned and driven by Val Dutson. It was in Ashland’s 2018 4th of July parade. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2018)
Classic car in Ashland.
The Guanajuato Queen rode in style during the 2008 4th of July parade, thanks to driver Ron Rezek. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2008)

You can also see classic cars around town

Classic car in Ashland.
From the left, here is a 1940 Studebaker and two 1941 Studebakers. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2022)
Classic car in Ashland.
This is the cool grille of a 1940 Studebaker. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2022)
Classic car in Ashland.
This is a 1941 Studebaker Champion. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2022)
Classic car in Ashland.
Is a 1960s Chevrolet Corvair with fuzzy dice hanging on the rear view mirror classic enough for you? (photo by Peter Finkle, 2018)
9 Comments
  • Terry Doyle
    Posted at 14:22h, 12 September Reply

    Great pics of the old cars. There is (or was) a beautiful old Packard parked inside the fence across the street from A St. Hardware.

    • Peter Finkle
      Posted at 17:22h, 12 September Reply

      Terry,
      I am glad you enjoyed the classic car photos. The owner told me that was a 1939 Packard in his car repair lot.
      Peter

  • Michael Murphy
    Posted at 09:22h, 08 February Reply

    I think the Guanajuato Queen is riding in a red 1936 Jaguar SS100 3.5 liter roadster

  • Meredith Pech
    Posted at 16:15h, 07 February Reply

    “What model is this one?” Is driven and owned by Val Dutson

  • Michael Murphy
    Posted at 14:21h, 07 February Reply

    The 2018 Ashland 4th of July parade car is a 1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet

    • Peter Finkle
      Posted at 14:27h, 07 February Reply

      Thank you for letting me know the identity of the “mystery” car.
      Peter

  • Linda Kilcollins
    Posted at 04:29h, 06 February Reply

    Ashland needs a classic car show or parade.

  • Andrea Good
    Posted at 23:21h, 03 February Reply

    Thank you! I loved the fire truck! I will send your essay to my friend who loves old cars.

  • Kernan
    Posted at 14:19h, 03 February Reply

    Enjoyed your essay.

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