Sometimes a story comes along that doesn't involve a major victory, achievement or contains some earth shattering information. It's just a 'feel good' feature about someone living life on his (or her) own terms. One such story was recently submitted by one of our readers, Jim Davies, current vice-president of the Yorkton Antique Auto Club.
"A recent visitor to Yorkton was Steven Schonwald of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who left his home on May 5 driving his 1927 Lincoln to see what Canada is about. His interest in our country was stirred after marrying his wife, Susan, a native of Toronto, five years ago. As well, the works of Canadian writers Pierre Berton and Peter C. Newman and the witty stories and books of Stuart McLean of CBC radio's 'The Vinyl Cafe' added to his desire to see Canada at ground level.
Travelling at an average speed of 45 mph (72kph) Schonwald has probably seen more of the country than most of us.
He has owned the car, for 18 years. Schonwald affectionately named the car after Eleanor Roosvelt, a woman of strong convictions. The old Lincoln, referred to at the time as a 'doctors coupe', is stock and original right down to the wood spoke split-rim wheels. Schonwald has clocked over 9,000 miles on the trip so far, avoiding major routes in favour of slower and more interesting side roads. Antique auto enthu-siasts or those who enjoy travel stories can check out reports of Schonwald's adventures on his facebook page.
Building on the success of its WW1 Liberty V-12 aircraft engine, Lincoln developed the narrow 60-degree V-8 side valve ('flathead-style') engine in the early 'twenties.
It dis-places 357 cubic inches (5.9 Litres), initially boasted 80 horsepower and is backed by a 3-speed non-synchromesh transmission. All this and mechanical brakes too!
Schonwald says he averages 10 miles per gallon of gas and travels about 250 miles per day.
In the absence of an oil filter on early cars, he changes the oil every 1,000 miles.
Schonwald has experienced a few breakdowns on his journey. There have been some ignition problems and the starter/generator unit has given up a time or two.
The only concession to original equipment is the previous owners' addition of an electric fuel pump to assist the fuel vacuum tank.
Other old vehicles in Schonwald's collection include a 1923 Dodge Brothers touring car, a 1929 Dodge 1-1/2 ton stake bed truck and a 1928 Lincoln seven-passenger sedan.
Schonwald is already planning his next great tour. This time it will be a drive to the Yukon, in his trusty Lincoln, of course.
