The Hillsborough NJ Memorial Day parade was held on Saturday, May 27, 2023. As has become tradition, the NJ Region of the AACA was invited to have its members drive their collector cars in the parade. About 17 special interest vehicles, all at least 25 years old, participated. The weather was close to perfect, with sunny skies and comfortably warm temperatures. I enjoy this event because it’s local to me. I’ve driven it in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022. In 2018 it was in the Miata, and all other times in the Alfa.
The oldest vehicles in the parade were from the ‘40s, and coincidentally, all were trucks. The 1950s were well-represented, with 7 cars, all from the Big 3. The 1960s cars included a late C1 Corvette, a Ford, two Mercurys, and the lone import in the parade, your scribe’s Alfa Romeo. A single vehicle from each of the decades of the ‘80s and ‘90s rounded it out.
All parades move slowly. This year, the puttering along seemed even slower, and then we came to a complete stop for several minutes. I learned later that one of the lead vehicles (not an AACA car) was tossing candy out the windows, and children were running into the street to retrieve it, which led to a dangerous situation. The parade was temporarily stopped so that this vehicle could be instructed to quit tossing the sweets. I almost brought the parade to a stop myself when a spectator yelled out to me “I like your Audi!”. I hit my brakes and yelled back “it’s an Alfa!”.
For me, as it has been in previous years, it’s all about the spectators. I love seeing people of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds who are now here in the USA and are partaking in this event. I’m glad that the NJ Region has continued its own tradition by participating each year.
THE TRUE COLORS OF OUR COUNTRY AS REPRESENTED BY THESE SPECTATORS:
All photographs copyright © 2023 Richard A. Reina. Photos may not be copied or reproduced without express written permission.
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Richard,
Thank you for your newsletter. As always, I enjoyed reading it.
Hugh
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Hi Hugh, and thanks for reading! It is greatly appreciated. Best, Richard
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Richard,
I’m impressed how you find the time to keep banging these newsletters out.
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“I like your Audi” – That was my laugh of the day moment.
Cool pictures!!!
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Hi, and thanks for your comments, they are appreciated. Best, Richard
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Some great cars, I do like the 57 Chrysler. I would be hard pushed to pick one car to take for a ride.
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Hi Mart, and yes, that Chrysler is a nice one! But you’ll need a bigger garage! Best, Richard
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It’s funny. I have the same 57 ford retractable black and white. Have it for 30 years. I’m in port st lucie, Florida. Looking for some answers on a problem with vapor lock
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Hi Anthony, thanks for reading the blog, and thanks for the comment! I presume you’re referring to my long-departed ’57 Skyliner. RE: vapor lock, I’m no expert, but start by checking all the fuel lines to make sure they are routed as far as possible from any heat source. A common culprit is a fuel line in the engine compartment inadvertently routed too close to an exhaust manifold. Best, Richard
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Hi Richard. I’m going to wrap them with rubber insulation. I’ve had the car 30 years. Changed the gas tank and fuel pump. Never had this problem. Mechanic suggests an electric fuel pump. But it’s difficult to get one under the chassis near the tank. Engine running at 180 Degrees , but like you said the manifolds are hot and it get hot under the hood. I also added Lucas ethanol treatment and next I’ll use ethanol free gas. Not fun car shutting down as your driving. Happened 9 times already. Just been luck I was able to get to the side. Then it takes 45 minutes or so before I can restart.
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Anthony, I think you’re onto something, it’s the fuel that has changed. Here in NJ most fuel is 10% ethanol, and it is not good for our older cars. Sometimes I drive an hour into PA to fill up with non-ethanol, that’s the closest I can find! Good luck with it.
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