Speedster Fraternity,
I have news to share with the group in the next day or two that you will be surprised and elated to recieve! Stand By!!
Toid
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Speedster Fraternity,
I have news to share with the group in the next day or two that you will be surprised and elated to recieve! Stand By!!
Toid
I have news to share with the group in the next day or two that you will be surprised and elated to recieve! Stand By!!
Toid
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2008 1:59 pm Post subject:
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It is time for the BIG REVEAL!!!!
Friends,
I am extremely humbled to inform you that I have been given stewartship of a very special Speedster. As you know,Jim Ward was a man with great enthusiasm and zeal for life. His endominable spirit and optomistic outlook on life inspired us all. Jim loved people and was a devoted husband, father, and friend. We will all agree that he touched our lives, and we were enriched for having known him. Most of us never had the oppurtunity to meet him face to face,but through his interaction on this site we were able to get a view into the window of his soul. He was a decent,caring human beeng that I believe served us well with his wit, compassion and insights into the important things in life. He loved God, family, and freinds above all else. Never was an unkind word spoke about Jim. He was a man of honor and humility. His courage and faith were unmatched. His legacy will now live on,as the mantle has been passed to me! Words are insufficient to convey how fortunate I feel to be blessed with the high honor of being entrusted by Gayla to carry forward Jims memory. She too is an extraordinary woman. I had the oppurtunity to spend several days to get to know her,and Jim a little better through her expressions of love for him.
The car is magnificient!! I have in honor of Jim and Gayla obtained vanity plates for the car that read " RUBY 1". That was there pet name for the car. Jim's Speedster set the gold standard for all other cars! Since first I saw photo's of his car it was the object of my affection. I have been able to orchestrate ,with divine intervention the procurment of this automobile.
At a later time I will outline just how the entire sequence of events played out. God surely had His hand in this , and His stamp of approval upon it!
For now suffice it to say, I could not be happier. I flew out Oklahoma last week,and drove "RUBY 1" back to NJ. 1500 miles. Thanks to everyone who prior to this reveal, kept it confidential. I wanted to wait until I got the car home so that I could properly gather my thoughts and give Jim the respectful recognition of which he was so deserving.
Thanks to Al Merklin,Gordon Nichols,Justin Froelich,Cal Monsima, Ben Gulley for your help and assistance in making sure that the trip was a "Happy Time" for Al. You all went far beyond what I could have ever thought or imagined to take care of and look out for me. We have so much talent within our group that I am in awe regarding your talents and caring. This club is comprised of the best people on the planet,bar none!!
I pray that I will be found a worthy stewart of Jim's Legacy,and acknowledge that he will be my co-pilot. Rest peacefully, our friend! God continue to encourage and hold Gayla in His everlasting arms.
Toid
_________________
2005 Intermeccanica 1956 "Pre-A" Speedster, Tubular Chassis, 2110cc CB Performance Motor.
Custom Made Air Filters With K&N Elements. IM "Big Pipe"HP Exhaust System, Carrera Center Tip,Ceramic Coated Black.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is time for the BIG REVEAL!!!!
Friends,
I am extremely humbled to inform you that I have been given stewartship of a very special Speedster. As you know,Jim Ward was a man with great enthusiasm and zeal for life. His endominable spirit and optomistic outlook on life inspired us all. Jim loved people and was a devoted husband, father, and friend. We will all agree that he touched our lives, and we were enriched for having known him. Most of us never had the oppurtunity to meet him face to face,but through his interaction on this site we were able to get a view into the window of his soul. He was a decent,caring human beeng that I believe served us well with his wit, compassion and insights into the important things in life. He loved God, family, and freinds above all else. Never was an unkind word spoke about Jim. He was a man of honor and humility. His courage and faith were unmatched. His legacy will now live on,as the mantle has been passed to me! Words are insufficient to convey how fortunate I feel to be blessed with the high honor of being entrusted by Gayla to carry forward Jims memory. She too is an extraordinary woman. I had the oppurtunity to spend several days to get to know her,and Jim a little better through her expressions of love for him.
The car is magnificient!! I have in honor of Jim and Gayla obtained vanity plates for the car that read " RUBY 1". That was there pet name for the car. Jim's Speedster set the gold standard for all other cars! Since first I saw photo's of his car it was the object of my affection. I have been able to orchestrate ,with divine intervention the procurment of this automobile.
At a later time I will outline just how the entire sequence of events played out. God surely had His hand in this , and His stamp of approval upon it!
For now suffice it to say, I could not be happier. I flew out Oklahoma last week,and drove "RUBY 1" back to NJ. 1500 miles. Thanks to everyone who prior to this reveal, kept it confidential. I wanted to wait until I got the car home so that I could properly gather my thoughts and give Jim the respectful recognition of which he was so deserving.
Thanks to Al Merklin,Gordon Nichols,Justin Froelich,Cal Monsima, Ben Gulley for your help and assistance in making sure that the trip was a "Happy Time" for Al. You all went far beyond what I could have ever thought or imagined to take care of and look out for me. We have so much talent within our group that I am in awe regarding your talents and caring. This club is comprised of the best people on the planet,bar none!!
I pray that I will be found a worthy stewart of Jim's Legacy,and acknowledge that he will be my co-pilot. Rest peacefully, our friend! God continue to encourage and hold Gayla in His everlasting arms.
Toid
_________________
2005 Intermeccanica 1956 "Pre-A" Speedster, Tubular Chassis, 2110cc CB Performance Motor.
Custom Made Air Filters With K&N Elements. IM "Big Pipe"HP Exhaust System, Carrera Center Tip,Ceramic Coated Black.
Awesome to hear Al! Ironically I was actually wondering where Jim's car ended up a while back. In the early spring before I decided to redo my car I was considering a Spyder or finding a more recent used IM. I always admired Jims car. I think it's one of the best looking speedster replicas EVER! So glad to hear it's going to a good home and even more excited that it'll be at Carlisle so I can see it in person.
In my opinion, the best done Speedster to ever grace this website. From the company, to the color, to the motor, to the wheels, with all the tasteful personal touches ordered by Jim, as close to perfection as there can be.
Allan - Congratulations on bringing 'Ruby' to her new home! That car is one of my all time favorites (the other is Dale Bates' car).
Peace - Out!
Peace - Out!
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Images (2)
Excellent, Al!
Congratulations, Al. Enjoy the drive! Jim's car has found a very worthy home.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jim when he was at Knotts....
He was a class act and deserved better than he got...
His car reflected the same. I especially liked the bend in the roll bar to match windshield profile....and the bee hives of course..
He was a class act and deserved better than he got...
His car reflected the same. I especially liked the bend in the roll bar to match windshield profile....and the bee hives of course..
Al,
When you have time can you post LOTS of pictures of your/Jim's car. Seeing the pics Jim I. posted makes me want to see every inch of that car. Please. Thanks.
When you have time can you post LOTS of pictures of your/Jim's car. Seeing the pics Jim I. posted makes me want to see every inch of that car. Please. Thanks.
Mickey,
In order to view the collection of photo's of Jim's Speedster,go to the "search" button. Put in the word "dubudee",go to the bottom of the page to the "Anything Goes" category and click on the "Speedster
Art" post. Jim wards post will come up. Just click on "dubudee" under his name,and the gallery of magnificient pictures will appear.
Enjoy!! I am one lucky dude!
In order to view the collection of photo's of Jim's Speedster,go to the "search" button. Put in the word "dubudee",go to the bottom of the page to the "Anything Goes" category and click on the "Speedster
Art" post. Jim wards post will come up. Just click on "dubudee" under his name,and the gallery of magnificient pictures will appear.
Enjoy!! I am one lucky dude!
Congratulations, Allan. You've acquired a great car with a wonderful history.
The fact that you honor that history makes you the perfect owner of Jim's "Ruby."
The fact that you honor that history makes you the perfect owner of Jim's "Ruby."
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I have always wondered what happened to Jim's car. I had hoped that someone who really loved driving adventures would own her and that somewhere, on some back road, Jim's car was carving turns, enjoying the view, living...
Al - I'm really glad you have her. Best of all, you didn't indignify her by sticking her on some transport, you drove her home.
Good on ya.
angela
Al - I'm really glad you have her. Best of all, you didn't indignify her by sticking her on some transport, you drove her home.
Good on ya.
angela
Well you and Ruby made it home:) It was difficult not saying anything here even though you confided in me many weeks prior.
It went to the right individual ....What a car !
AL stayed at my home on the last leg of the Oklahoma to NJ run and I got to drool over the car here :) Congrats Al !
~ Alan
It went to the right individual ....What a car !
AL stayed at my home on the last leg of the Oklahoma to NJ run and I got to drool over the car here :) Congrats Al !
~ Alan
Good for you, Al!
Hope to cross paths with you some day and get to see Ruby again.
Jim was an inspiration and Gayla is a saint.
Congratulations.
Hope to cross paths with you some day and get to see Ruby again.
Jim was an inspiration and Gayla is a saint.
Congratulations.
Footnote: As a rank newbie with a car on order, I needed to decide what color to have my car, and a host of many other items, including driving lights. I knew I wanted/needed driving lights. When the builder asked what sort of driving lights did I have in mind, I went off to decide about that. I saw a shot of this car's front, and said: Yes, those are the driving lights for me. So I sent the builder the pic and said: "Like these." BwaaHaaaHaaa! What a joke that was on me. These Hellas (I'm pretty sure that is right) are what in other circles would be called antiques. They have long since been discontinued in manufacture, and they are worth a mint on the market, if you can find them -- which you pretty much can't. Obviously, I settled for less style. I also learned that there is attention to detail in the Speedster business -- and then there is Ward's car. Never seen the car, but heard much about it, and here we have, as some smart guy once said: " . . . the rest of the story." Al: good show and I hope to see you and the car in person some day: Carlisle '09? That would be cool.
Congratulations, Al. It couldn't have gone to a better home.
Are you going to make a brass plaque to mount in it, with Jim and Gayla's names and the build date?
Are you going to make a brass plaque to mount in it, with Jim and Gayla's names and the build date?
AL,
I am sure that Jim has a big smile on his his face as he looks down on you and "Ruby." A lot of us were concerned about what would happen to Jim and Gayla's car. No need to worry about it now! Enjoy the hell out of it and drive that great car. I can still remember seeing the car for the first time, Angela and her son in the Spyder and I had arranged to meet Jim, Scott Sloan and a Speedy driver from Seattle at the rest stop on I-5 just South of Medford. We were on our way to Knotts in 05 and Jim was driving it on the maiden voyage. He pulled to a stop next to me, hopped out and insisted I climb behind the wheel. The grin on his face was a mile wide!
Bruce
I am sure that Jim has a big smile on his his face as he looks down on you and "Ruby." A lot of us were concerned about what would happen to Jim and Gayla's car. No need to worry about it now! Enjoy the hell out of it and drive that great car. I can still remember seeing the car for the first time, Angela and her son in the Spyder and I had arranged to meet Jim, Scott Sloan and a Speedy driver from Seattle at the rest stop on I-5 just South of Medford. We were on our way to Knotts in 05 and Jim was driving it on the maiden voyage. He pulled to a stop next to me, hopped out and insisted I climb behind the wheel. The grin on his face was a mile wide!
Bruce
Al,
Glad to hear you made it home. Al got to make an unexpected stop my house to repair a broken altenator stand.
Truly a exceptional car. Immaculate in all details. SWEET!Sweet! SWEET!
Glad to hear you made it home. Al got to make an unexpected stop my house to repair a broken altenator stand.
Truly a exceptional car. Immaculate in all details. SWEET!Sweet! SWEET!
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Those pictures bring back both good memories, and sadness. Jim is certainly missed.
Congratulations on Ruby Al, take good care of her.
Congratulations on Ruby Al, take good care of her.
Allan---what a story--- congratulations on getting this great car and thank you for "the rest of the story".
When I started my quest to find and own a Speedster I was thrilled to find this site and I read every post on here. Jim was a prolific poster and very interesting member and I read about his long drives. Part of what I read led me to drive my Vintage from Hot Springs to Carlisle this year and most recently the Tail Of the Dragon in the Smokie mountains. I thought about Jim as I made these drives totaling almost 4,000 miles----and I never met him in person---just the happy, smart, interesting posts he made.
Now you have that georgeous car. Wow. A moving story about sort of continuimg Jim Ward's legacy and that is so moving to me. Enjoy it and know that we are so happy for you and to hear this story. I hope we see you and that beautiful car at Carlisle next year---no doubt Jim would want his car there! Congrats, Allan.---Jack
When I started my quest to find and own a Speedster I was thrilled to find this site and I read every post on here. Jim was a prolific poster and very interesting member and I read about his long drives. Part of what I read led me to drive my Vintage from Hot Springs to Carlisle this year and most recently the Tail Of the Dragon in the Smokie mountains. I thought about Jim as I made these drives totaling almost 4,000 miles----and I never met him in person---just the happy, smart, interesting posts he made.
Now you have that georgeous car. Wow. A moving story about sort of continuimg Jim Ward's legacy and that is so moving to me. Enjoy it and know that we are so happy for you and to hear this story. I hope we see you and that beautiful car at Carlisle next year---no doubt Jim would want his car there! Congrats, Allan.---Jack
Congratulations Allan. You are the custodian of one special car that means very much to so many people. You've begun chapter two of it's legacy the way Jim would have loved... driving it from OK to NJ. Way to go! Hope we get to meet some day.
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Al's first day with Ruby...
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/justinfro/DSC00756.jpg
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http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/justinfro/DSC00756.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/justinfro/DSC00760.jpg
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Bruce - I remember THAT day! Met up with you guys (and Jim) at the rest stop enroute to Knotts. That drive down to Redding was awesome! Jim and Ruby, carving the turns in the canyon thru Dunsmuir. Then we all stopped for gas in Redding.
What an adventure! Here's to more of them! Enjoy the drive Al.
angela
What an adventure! Here's to more of them! Enjoy the drive Al.
angela
Good on you, Al! Can't wait to see her in six months or so.
I'm glad that you got that car. Jim's pictures and discussion of his travels in Ruby were a big part of my decision to pull the trigger on an IM and use it as a touring car. I'm sorry I never got to thank him for his inspiration. Enjoy!
Danny,
So who's counting the days to Carlisle? Lane, countdown please! What a treat to have a place to hang out for the weekend and enjoy the company of Speedsterphiles as wonderful as our group! Look forward to seeing new Mid-West and West Coasters as well!! More Egg Sammiches are consumed by our group then any other in Carlisle history. Arrangements are preliminarally being made to set a New Guiness Book Of World Records for the most Egg Sammiches consumed at a car event. Judges will include Frank "Chicken Lips" Perdue,Coronel Sanders,and Rabbi Rosenbaum(to keep eveything Kosher) you know on the up and up!! Paramedics will be standing by for the possibility of a Cholesterol overdose!
I love "Ruby" and look forward to driving to Carisle, to the specticle know as the Largest Import and Replica Car show on the planet!!I can't wait for you all to see this magnificient Speedster.
Drool Bibs are mandatory. No exceptions, Lane! A "Jim Ward Tribute Run" might be a thoughtful and respectful jesture. What do you think Wild Bill? Doable? This could be an incentive to have some of Jim's Friends join us at Carlisle! I'm just sayin! Furthest travelled award given every year! Angela,John,Stan,any takers?
So who's counting the days to Carlisle? Lane, countdown please! What a treat to have a place to hang out for the weekend and enjoy the company of Speedsterphiles as wonderful as our group! Look forward to seeing new Mid-West and West Coasters as well!! More Egg Sammiches are consumed by our group then any other in Carlisle history. Arrangements are preliminarally being made to set a New Guiness Book Of World Records for the most Egg Sammiches consumed at a car event. Judges will include Frank "Chicken Lips" Perdue,Coronel Sanders,and Rabbi Rosenbaum(to keep eveything Kosher) you know on the up and up!! Paramedics will be standing by for the possibility of a Cholesterol overdose!
I love "Ruby" and look forward to driving to Carisle, to the specticle know as the Largest Import and Replica Car show on the planet!!I can't wait for you all to see this magnificient Speedster.
Drool Bibs are mandatory. No exceptions, Lane! A "Jim Ward Tribute Run" might be a thoughtful and respectful jesture. What do you think Wild Bill? Doable? This could be an incentive to have some of Jim's Friends join us at Carlisle! I'm just sayin! Furthest travelled award given every year! Angela,John,Stan,any takers?
I believe the count is six and a half months, Al. I can't count that high in days yet.
Actually, the rained out Carlisle Fri. nite cruise was The George Brown/Jim Ward Memorial Cruise.
~WB
~WB
Al,
Congratulations on being the new owner of such a great car! I'm sorry I never got to meet Jim personally, but I could tell by his posts here , that he was a class act gentleman. He seemed to know his time here may be short....you could just tell that he was enjoying the time he had left. We all miss his presence here. I must say from the first time Jim put pictures of his car on this forum.....I sat here and drooled over those pictures. Thinking...Now thats the way I would want to build one if I could afford to. This is my all-time favorite speedster replica bar none! You sound like a Class-act guy yourself Al. I feel Jim would be very happy knowing his car was in loving hands. Good luck and my God continue to bless you and your family.
Mike Carter
Congratulations on being the new owner of such a great car! I'm sorry I never got to meet Jim personally, but I could tell by his posts here , that he was a class act gentleman. He seemed to know his time here may be short....you could just tell that he was enjoying the time he had left. We all miss his presence here. I must say from the first time Jim put pictures of his car on this forum.....I sat here and drooled over those pictures. Thinking...Now thats the way I would want to build one if I could afford to. This is my all-time favorite speedster replica bar none! You sound like a Class-act guy yourself Al. I feel Jim would be very happy knowing his car was in loving hands. Good luck and my God continue to bless you and your family.
Mike Carter