MOON Illustarated Vol.4 - 2009 - Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show

 

Japan, Sweden all over the U.S. Milner's Coupe travles more than most people ever will. 

 

Road & Track 2009 - Side Glances American Graffiti

It's pretty cool to hear a guy who was there back in 1962 when he says "If you want to know what it was like, you need to watch American Graffiti"
Jeff

 

 

 

 

 

AARP 2009 - American Graffiti's Ron Howard From Opie to Oscar

 Has it really been that long? Boy time flies when you are having fun. I remember seeing Milners Coupe and thinking back then "Wow that car is 40 plus years old" Now I am 40 plus years old! Ron Howard is on the cover of AARP and this week we lost Andy Griffith.

Nothing stays the same, Everything changes. Jeff

       

Silverado Express January Vol1 No2 2009 - American Graffiti Lives On For Local Car Collectors

Here is a great little article jammed packed with facts about how Mike landed Bolander's ride from Henry Travers in the early 70's. The article also covers how Glen wanted the Pharaohs Merc. Since he couldn't get the original he did the next best thing he built a spot on copy and even recruited some of the original builders to help with the project. Awesome Job!!!!

Jeff

Rod & Custom July 2009 - Glen Shimmen's American Graffiti Merc.

Ever since Glen Shimmen saw American Graffiti he knew one day he would make his secret dream come true. He wanted to own the Pharaoh Mercury. Unfortunately the original movie car could not be acquired. Glen then did the next best thing. He located some of the men who built the original movie car and learned what it takes to be a Pharaoh.

Oddly reminiscent of the original movie car Glen assembled his 1951 in record time at his shop All Rods and Customs. Glen's goal was to make the Petaluma show. Talk about cutting it close. Some of the trim and mirrors were installed roadside during a break on the way to the show. Glen did have a run in with Holstein but what do you expect look at the crowd he runs with.

What ever happened to the original Pharaoh Mercury?

Well we know Henery Travers put the car up for sale after filming and had no takers. The Merc then spent time as a display at Universal Studio's. Brian Setzer picked it up sometime later. After that is when the story gets a bit foggy. Reports have the car in a lot in the New York area.

The story I have been told is the owners son took his life in the car and that the owner was and is so distraught about the event that he says he will never sell the car and that it will just sit and rot. During a recent conversation with Bo Hopkins he told me that a man in California had bought the car and was in the middle of a complete restoration but I have not been able to verify any of these facts.

Jeff