Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
The immediate past president of the Fallbrook Vintage Car Club (FVCC), Fred Ragland, drives a 1939 Packard 110 Sedan that he calls “his gangster car.” It’s a bit shorter than most 1930s gangster cars, but it does a good job pretending to be huge. In the backseat is a violin case that holds a Thompson sub-machine gun replica, and there is a desert water bag of canvas, a window ‘swamp cooler,’ and other accessories to complete the ’30s ensemble.
Since completing the body and framework he did from ’97 through 2003 Fred has driven and shown the car at local and nearby car shows and activities like the Hot Summer Nights Chili Cook-offs. The retired Fire Boat Captain entered the amateur division in 2002 and 2003, won first place awards both years, and returned in 2004 as a judge. The car was there all three evenings. Also, it was at the Reche Club the two years Fred served as head chef for the annual FVCC Kick-off Brunch.
Judged at an Antique Auto Club of America show, the Packard won a “First Junior Award” in 2004. FVCC is an AACA region and members are aware of this essential step to earning Senior and even higher awards in later shows.
Car Club members have enjoyed driving their cars in the Fallbrook Christmas Parades, and dignitaries have ridden in the Packard. In 2004 Fred was instrumental in bringing to Fallbrook a rare 1902 steam-powered American fire engine, drawn by three splendid Percherons and accompanied by a classic Dalmatian mascot. It led the parade to cheers from the crowds along Main Street. With Mark Strikwerda as Parade Marshal it was fitting to have the special fire apparatus here. Mark is the Fallbrook fireman who spearheaded the collection of funds to have an original bronze statue placed at our main fire station in memory of the 347 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. Fred helped solicit funds for this worthy and handsome project.
More next time about Fred and his cars.
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