Members of the Society encourage research, preservation, recording, compilation, and publication of historical material of every type. We monitor the worldwide development of the automobile and related items, for their inception to the present. We also assist fellow members in obtaining historical information and material. For all members, the SAH provides camaraderie and the free exchange of knowledge and data. The Society's roster helps members and others locate persons with similar specialized interests. The Society's membership also includes corporations and institutions that actively support the recording and preservation of automotive history.

Cugnot Automobile

Cugnot Automobile
The first vehicle to move under its own power for which there is a record was designed by Nicholas Joseph Cugnot and constructed by M. Brezin in 1769. A replica of this vehicle is on display at the Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers, in Paris. I believe that the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D. C. also has a large (half size ?) scale model. A second unit was built in 1770 which weighed 8000 pounds and had a top speed on 2 miles per hour and on the cobble stone streets of Paris this was probably as fast as anyone wanted to go it. The picture shows the first model on its first drive around Paris were it hit and knocked down a stone wall. It also had a tendency to tip over frontward unless it was counterweighted with a canon in the rear. the purpose of the vehicle was to haul canons around town.

Leland Chapter Officers

John Jos Jendza III (Top Hat John) / Director

Jim Petersen / Associate Director

Victoria Mobley / Secretary/Treasurer





Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Bill Porter / Ninth Annual Concours d'Elegance of Southwest Michigan, August 9 & 10, 2013
submitted by SAH/Leland Member Charlie Henry

Happiness is blue skies, great cars and Bill Porter at the Ninth Annual Concours d'Elegance of Southwest Michigan. The August 9 and 10 event honored Bill as its Featured Designer.

On Friday the 9th, show entrants enjoyed a reception, buffet dinner and an opportunity to meet and talk with Bill. After dinner, he reviewed the history of automotive design in a slide presentation entitled “Bombs and Fins.”

As part of the Saturday concours, show cars paraded before the spectators. The emcee, Ed Lucas, introduced each car and provided background information. Bill then described design features and explained their importance to the automotive industry and trade. During the award presentations, as the winners again passed in review, Bill expanded his commentary on design and style.
 
Proceeds from the Concours d’Elegance of Southwest Michigan benefit Hospice at Home, a local non-profit organization. Hospice at Home provides care to those in need of medical care, but with limited means to pay. The available services include health and wellness training, caregiver classes, grief counseling and pre-hospice programs

Photos of Bill Porter at the concours.
5980 – Title slide of his presentation
5983 – Wound up and steaming all ahead
6018 – With Ed Lucas at the announcer’s table
6024 – Commenting on features of cars passing in review
6026 – Ditto









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