It certainly was hot and humid on August 4 as my wife and I set out on a subject-finding mission to nearby Mascoutah. With my deadline for today’s story looming high over my head and not having any idea what my subject car was going to be, I figured the Mascoutah Homecoming celebration would be a good place to find one. I was correct.
There were 163 cars of all types on display, nearly all in immaculate condition and thankfully, under mature shade trees. The car I chose is the 1956 Plymouth Savoy with an interesting story from Perry Reed — but what else would you expect? The car was purchased new by a farmer in Pittsburg, Illinois, and was coated in Plymouth Pearl Gray. As the car began to age and deteriorate, the farmer used it to haul hay out to the fields in the trunk.
Once Perry’s dad Howard got hold of this gem, he began a total restoration with a little help from his friends. Exterior changes included new paint (black and Toyota Supra Radiant Red) while mechanicals including the engine, brakes and undercarriage. The interior was reworked by Ross Page of Upholstery by Page in Herrin, Illinois.
Mike Jude, a friend and owner of Jude’s Auto Body in West Frankfort, Illinois, was also very involved with the project. Howard, who turned 92 last Thursday, is a veteran of the Korean War and World War II, and a recipient of two purple hearts and numerous other medals The result is a very interesting and unique “mild custom” car that you won’t see anywhere else. It is.