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
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
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
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
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)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)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)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)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) 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
From the left, here is a 1940 Studebaker and two 1941 Studebakers. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2022)This is the cool grille of a 1940 Studebaker. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2022)This is a 1941 Studebaker Champion. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2022) Is a 1960s Chevrolet Corvair with fuzzy dice hanging on the rear view mirror classic enough for you? (photo by Peter Finkle, 2018)
Michael Murphy
Posted at 09:22h, 08 FebruaryI think the Guanajuato Queen is riding in a red 1936 Jaguar SS100 3.5 liter roadster
Meredith Pech
Posted at 16:15h, 07 February“What model is this one?” Is driven and owned by Val Dutson
Michael Murphy
Posted at 14:21h, 07 FebruaryThe 2018 Ashland 4th of July parade car is a 1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet
Peter Finkle
Posted at 14:27h, 07 FebruaryThank you for letting me know the identity of the “mystery” car.
Peter
Linda Kilcollins
Posted at 04:29h, 06 FebruaryAshland needs a classic car show or parade.
Andrea Good
Posted at 23:21h, 03 FebruaryThank you! I loved the fire truck! I will send your essay to my friend who loves old cars.
Kernan
Posted at 14:19h, 03 FebruaryEnjoyed your essay.