enlarge 120KB, 800x600
1
1918 Cadillac 57
24 May 2003. Although John and Judy and their car were not on the tour due to a terrible accident in France enroute to Vienna, we all knew they were with us in spirit and via e-mail. I (Mermie) was very happy I had met them prior to the tour at John & Rae Kennedy's "Moat House" near Bracknell, Berks. Photo by John Callesen
| 
enlarge 88KB, 800x600
2
At the Bell in Berks.
Our first day's touring in Berkshiremy birthday, 24th May. Liz's husband Alan is on the left, then Judy, Frank, Liz, Rae, John and I.
| 
enlarge 89KB, 800x600
3
At the Dew Drop Inn, somewhere in Berkshire
25 May 2003. This time the touring was in Cadillac & Ghost, touring the Berkshire countryside, with John Kennedy taking us to all of the local Alpine tests he could findsteep hills to climb and descend, straightaways for speed, even a river to ford. Although I (Mermie) had harbored some uncertainties about meeting a great many strangers on Alpine 2003, within minutes of meeting John and Judy, any trepidations on that matter were laid to rest. This tour was going to be fun.
Photo from John Callesen
|
enlarge 94KB, 600x800
4
Judy and John at Mercier Champagne, Epernay
Behind is Mercier's large barrel that holds 20,000 barrels of wine. It took 18 years to build, has wooden wheels and was towed by a bullock team to Paris to compete for the world engineering prize. It was beaten by the Eiffel Tower. Along the way if it didn't fit between houses Mercier bought them and dismantled them!
Photo by Frank Taliaferro
| 
enlarge 86KB, 800x600
5
7 June 2003
At Moet Chandon's Chateau after being invited to drive through their vineyards.
Photo by Frank Taliaferro.
| 
enlarge 93KB, 800x600
6
8 June 2003 at Châtillon Sur Seine, France
Heading SE to Beaune for the night, we were turning from where the houses are to the left road as a Mercedes came flying over the rise.
Photo by Frank Taliaferro.
|
enlarge 139KB, 800x600
7
8 June 2003
The car is not in good shape at all. It sort of exploded apart. I can't believe the amount of damage in the front half when we were hit on the right rear wheel. Most cars would have been rolled over as we were hit pretty hard.
I am determined to restore it again especially as it stayed on its feet and saved us at the accident.
Photo by Frank Taliaferro.
| 
enlarge 91KB, 800x600
8
Liz's husband Alan and friend Del, brought two transporters 350 miles into France to pick up the Cadillac and Pope Hartford. Car is still at their home near Gatwick.
| 
enlarge 100KB, 800x600
9
Impact was on the right rear wheel, instantly turning the car 180 degrees and throwing us all out.
|
enlarge 111KB, 800x600
10
Del surveys the latest Mercedes that hit us.
| 
enlarge 118KB, 800x600
11
The rear of the Mercedes clipped Frank's Pope Hartford bending the front axle and scrapping the side.
| 
enlarge 88KB, 800x600
12
New radiator is embedded in the headlights. Original motormeter has gone.
|
enlarge 62KB, 800x600
13
Chassis is bent and twisted front to back. Aluminium engine crankcase has torn apart. Have writtten out 6 pages of damage seen in 120 digital photos.
| 
enlarge 80KB, 800x600
14
21 June 2003
Arriving at our home town in NZ after a 50 hour marathon trip out of France. The Rescue Helicopter had hovered outside our home to let the family know we were back and OK, before taking us the last 10 miles to hosptial. We'll never forget that moment, 5 pm 21 June 2003. Structurally we are both coming right after our injuries. I sustained 5 posterior vertebrae fractures between the shoulders plus ribs and body trunk damage. Judy had head injuries with a fracture and 7 stitches. She awaits an operation on her jaw joints.
| |
