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Created by serious people just for fun . . .

On the Greener Side

By: Malcolm Green
A trip to Carlisle All-Fords National, 2005, promised to be the big weekend that all Ford lovers look forward to every June. This year was especially special to Thunderbird lovers because it celebrated 50 years of our love affair with the automobile. Whatever year or years you are attracted to, it was most certainly that they would be on display at this event.

The Thursday morning start was picture perfect, a day that one could only wish for, bright sunshine and the perfect temperature meant a minimum of time to get the T-Bird back to show-ready after the trip from New Jersey. After arriving, registration, photo-op, and proper placement, then final spit and polish of the Thunderbird, you are ready for the ‘World of Thunderbirds’.

The vendors were busy setting up their wares; the buildings ‘Y’ and ‘T’ were filled with special Thunderbirds in ‘Y’, and special Fords in ‘T’. The Car Corral was filling up, with what I felt, an inordinate amount of Thunderbirds.

Unfortunately, the weather deteriorated on Friday to a full day and night of light rain and mist, but you learn at Carlisle, over the years, to ‘make do’. The rain brought the spectators into the buildings and under the tents, with of course, the most famous and busiest being, the International Thunderbird Club tent. Club merchandise was sold, the signing up of new members was brisk, questions were answered, discussions were abound, etc., etc., etc.

Saturday started with the threat of rain, and even several sprinkles, but by late morning the towels had disappeared; the cars adorned and ready for the many spectators that made the journey to see the handsome and beautiful automobiles. The spectators and participants were not disappointed.

ITC’s Don Holton did a spectacular job of coordinating the ‘Thunderbird Evolution’ display. This was a display of each and every year Thunderbird made. Don had gotten commitments and promises from people for every year Thunderbird to be on display, at one time. This has NEVER been done; even Ford Motor Co. could not do it when it tried in 2001. Although mechanical or personal problems prevented several from showing, we all take off our hats to DON HOLTON for this SPECTACULAR SUCCESS!!!

Sunday brought another fine day. Many ITC members were awarded for their cars. The International Thunderbird Club received the “Third Place Club Participation” Award from Carlisle.

Historically speaking, Carlisle Productions started the Ford All-Nationals in 1995 to commemorate 40 years of the Thunderbird. The ITC has participated during ALL of these 11 years.

This year was like all since the event inception in 1995, four days worthy of one’s time investment in your love of Thunderbirds. After the show you ask yourself, where did the four days go? Then you remember how you managed to crunch so much into only four days. See you next year at an event you should NOT miss!