WELCOME
ASQ Sponsors a Tour of Stahl’s Classic Car Museum
On September 17, ASQ Detroit enjoyed for the second time a tour of Stahl’s Classic Car Museum. Ted Stahl is Board Chairman of Stahl’s Automotive Foundation and owner of GroupeSTAHL. The company is a global manufacturer supplier of identity for textiles since 1932, recently sponsored a tour of his historical, vintage car museum, located in Chesterfield. Over 50 enthusiasts enjoyed a free, family event. There were approximately 90 classic vehicles, and they are all “road worthy”, which sets this facility apart from other typical museums. Bill Sherwood, museum curator, spoke about the quality aspects of maintaining the collection: humidity and temperature control, sunlight effect on paint, movement of the cars to manage tire flat spots, fuel management, and ancillary fluid management, battery care, etc. All the cars get an oil change every 6 months. Bill fielded many questions from the curious crowd. This living collection features depression era cars. Among the celebrities stands a Tucker. It is one of only 51 produced. Ted’s Tucker was featured in the 1988 movie release, “Tucker: The Man and His Dream,” a Francis Ford Coppola film starring Jeff Bridges. Included also are an Austin Healy, numerous Packards, (the start of Ted’s collection in 1994), Hudson Hornet, Austin Bantam Roadster, Model T Fire Engine with a hand crank siren, a Buick REO Speedwagon pick up truck (which the Rock & Roll band was named after), a WWII General Purpose Willy’s Jeep, (which preceded the Chrysler Jeep), and many more. Historical lineage plaques are featured with each vehicle. Our guide told us the safety modifications to the vehicles do not compromise their value. Vehicle selection and purchase criteria include aspects of rarity and quality, including the paint and chrome. The focus is on uniqueness of early vehicles. This was another great tour, thanks to Steve Leggett, Chair Elect, who coordinated this event!
Download the January/February 2012 Quality Herald.