18th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show focuses on trucks; supports Seniors Around Town | Orinda – Lamorindaweekly
| Published August 31st, 2022 |
| 18th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show focuses on trucks; facilitates Seniors Close to Town |
| By Sora O’Doherty |
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| Theme, Keep On Trucking, entry, 1948 Diamond T one-ton pickup truck owned by Lawrence and Sarah Siegel of Orinda. Photo Sora O’Doherty |
| B. C. Forbes once said, “There is more credit plus satisfaction in being a first-rate truck driver than a tenth-rate executive. ” Fortunately, Lawrence Siegel doesn’t have to choose, being the very satisfied owner of a business, Cuesta Antiques, and a vintage pickup truck: his prized Diamond To. If you missed it in Orinda’s 2022 Fourth of July parade, you’ll have another chance to view this elegant vehicle in the eighteenth Orinda Traditional Car Display on Saturday, Sept. 10 from ten a. m. to 2 p. meters. The show will feature vintage pickup trucks (stock and custom or resto-mod). There will also be all other types of vehicles, including some exotic, electric vehicles.  This year’s theme, “Keep On Truckin’! ” is well embodied simply by Siegel’s lovingly restored vintage vehicle. Amtszeichen acquired his truck about a decade ago. At the particular time, he saw this advertised within Hemmings auto trade classic book. The truck, which was located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, was about 60% restored, but had no wood and no hubcaps. The man who had begun the restoration experienced died, and his son needed money for college. Siegal bought the particular Diamond Capital t for $35, 000, and reckons that he has invested that much and more within completing the restoration, although, he notes, restoration of a vintage vehicle is always ongoing. Siegel great wife own and run Cuesta Antiques in Lafayette, and a person can often find the particular Diamond Big t parked near Whole Foods. Siegel says the truck attracts the lot associated with business with regard to the shop. Siegal has always had a vintage vehicle of some type. He’s participated in many car shows, including every one that has been held in Orinda. “We like in order to participate in the community, inch he stated. Siegel and his wife have lived within Orinda regarding 35 years. The pickup truck stays pretty close to home. The particular farthest Siegel has driven it was in order to Napa to work on the truck’s unique bed made of wine barrel slats, which he installed over the particular original steel bed. The bed is made of French oak, while the wooden sides are Sapele Mahogany from Brazil. Amtszeichen kept the particular original commercial license plates on the Iowa farm truck. While Ford plus Chevrolet got pickup trucks back in the particular day that carried loads of a half or three-quarters of the ton, the Diamond T hauled an amazing one ton. To cope with that will heavy load, the vehicle originally acquired springs so firm, Siegel says, “your teeth would chatter. ” He made adjustments in order to soften the particular ride. He was able to find original Coker replica tires, and restored the original wheel rims and hub caps. The particular Diamond To now offers a 1995 Chevy Corvette engine, which usually replaced the original Hercules engine. It runs on premium 91 octane gasoline, and the tank holds 15 gallons. Amtszeichen loves the art deco appearance of the truck, which is, he states proudly, “a chick magnet! ” Really, the truck is a people magnet, with folks always stopping to admire the particular handsome truck. Most don’t recall Diamond T trucks. Siegel’s model 4116 has been manufactured between 1939 and 1948. The company had been later bought by Freightliner in 1969. Diamond Ts were plantation trucks, and so are rare in California. Siegel says there are perhaps 15 or 20 in good condition in the U. S. He’s had offers, yet isn’t ready to part with his Gemstone T, “the Cadillac of trucks, inch as it was known. The Capital t in the name of the particular truck is for its designer, the founder from the Chicago company, C. A. Tilt. Most associated with the trucks were painted fire-engine red, but Siegel’s truck experienced the California option, which features paint in moleskin (tan) plus Rootbeer (brown). Siegel, who for numerous years a new successful luggage business, crafted a leather valise which he has attached to the running board of the truck for extra storage. It fits with the look from the truck perfectly. The old truck provides some distinctive features no longer found upon modern automobiles. For example , the particular split windshield opens intended for ventilation, within addition in order to side vents. Siegel grew up in Piedmont and met their wife Sarah at Piedmont High. Sarah is an artist, specializing in the plein air style. When he was young, Amtszeichen and his friend might go to Emeryville and look at all the particular truck dealerships. “I saw the Diamond T there, ” this individual says, “and I thought it had been the best-looking pickup truck of all. ” The particular car show is the particular Orinda Association’s primary fundraiser for Orinda Seniors About Town, which usually provides a variety of services to get Orinda’s senior citizens. The display also raises funds pertaining to other local charities, within aid of local seniors and the broader community. Funds come from the particular entry fees for vehicles, as nicely as by donations. Even if you do not enter your vehicle? within the Orinda Classic Car Show, you can support the work of the “Seniors Around Town” program by making a donation. More details about the car show, which includes how to donate, may be found around the vehicle show website: www.orindacarshow.com |
