2003 Convention Recap

 The 2003 North Central Regional was hosted by the Thunderbird Midwest Chapter in Brooklyn Park, MN July 31 – August 2. The theme was “Up North” celebrating the northern woods and natural beauty of Minnesota! The weather cooperated holding off  rain until late Saturday afternoon when judging had been completed.

 Over 70 Thunderbirds arrived to the Regional, some as far away as Oklahoma City and a strong contingent from the Winnipeg, Manitoba Club! Concours Director, Dan Likar also attended assisting in the judging process. It was one of the few years where only a few cars were trailed- the majority were driven to the event. And one award we were happy not to give was a “Hard Luck” award. No member it seems had any major “Hard Luck” adventures on the way to Minnesota.

 One of the highlights of the convention was the tour of the John Woodhead Ford collection west of the Twin Cities metro area. Mr. Woodhead’s grand father had started the first Ford dealership in Northern Minnesota after working directly for Henry Ford for several years. Mr. Woodhead’s collection spans the entire range of Ford products from 1903 through today. He carefully picks a particular car that he feels was influential in either its styling, features, or engineering and had those items carry over into later generations of vehicles. His collections includes rare Model T’s from the Brass Era, a Model T Speedster, 1932 Ford V-8, 1940 Ford Coupe, 1946 Ford Sportsman Convertible, and a host of 1950’s through 2002 Ford cars and trucks including, yes, several Thunderbirds of various years. It was interesting to see cars like Ford Escorts and Aerostars from the 1980s, however, these vehicles do represent what a majority of Americans drove then and still do today. His facility was also first rate- completely finished inside with climate controls for temperature and humidity. I think every member there realized this was the ultimate “dream garage”. 

 Other favorite activities for those not scrubbing and polishing their cars, was the Twin Cities Tour of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Mall of America also drew a fair number of shoppers wanting to take advantage of that opportunity.

 Friday night the Up North Theme was in full swing with the Paul Bunyan chorus serenading the dinner attendees with “camp song” style music, followed by a DJ/singer who got everybody dancing on the dance floor.

  Saturday of course was judging day. Judging promptly started at 9am and ended around 3:30. One of Thunderbird Midwest’s own, Wally Warhepa,  brought a replica of the 1959 Hollmann- Moody Thunderbird driven by John Beauchamp in the 1959 NASCAR Season. Wally’s T-Bird definitely drew a crowd the entire weekend.

 Saturday night was the awards banquet. At the banquet, the “Amazing Hondo” kept the group mesmerized with his magic and audience participation!

 The following clubs had a great showing- Chicagoland Thunderbirds, Vintage Thunderbirds of Kansas City, Thunderbird Club of Manitoba just to mention a few. As well as club members from Michigan, Indiana, Missouri and many other states.

 Thank you everyone for a terrific time and we look forward to seeing everyone in Hannibal, MO next year!