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Day 2:

Tom Meleo Sidetrip Tour

Lindsey, Ca.

Fall 2006

Up Meleo Side Trip 1918 Touring V8

A Man and His Stuff!
After a evening of Mexican Food in nearby Exeter, Ca. and a night slumbering in Lindsay, Tom Meleo led us off to visit and see George Templin’s collection.  This is a man with a thousand interests and seems to remain constantly busy going from one interest to another.  Scale model trains, old Chevy’s, derelict tractors, model Lionel railroading and on and on.
George was born in Long Beach and about 15 years ago relocated to Exeter, Ca.  George, who has one of the lower VCCA membership numbers (200’s) lives on 5 acres adjacent to a orchard of nut trees.  This was a great location to “build” his scale railroad and ran track through his orchard.  Recently he completed a engine turntable (which everyone needs) to rotate his engines on the track.  Rides were waiting for everyone upon arrival.  In the nearby pumphouse (which is a necessity found on many older homes in the area) George has put in a large layout of Lionel Trains where he says he can become “lost” for a whole day sometimes.  A garage nearby houses his machine shop where he is constructing a live steam train engine.  The barn (which is similar to many on older farms) houses a ’48 Packard, a 1925 original Chevy coupe, two (one a reproduction) Mercury-Body Chevy boat-tailed roadster’s, and miscellaneous equipment.  The more you look, the more you find.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
The Mercury bodied boat-tail speedster sits on a 1925 Chevy chassis.
The Chevrolet-Mercury Sportabout (a statement from the Mercury-Body Company)
Grace of the greyhound, modeled on up-to-the-minute lines, which favor the means of pep and power and speed—the new Chevrolet-Mercury Sportabout commands the respect and admiration it so well merits.
Using the dependable and economical Chevrolet Chassis and the Custom-built all-steel Mercury body, this Sportster instantly and irresistibly appeals to the snappy youngster that possesses the increased factor of safety so important in the mind of the grown-up.
Under the long sleek hood, the powerful little motor throbs gently, lazily throttling down to a controlled purr—or springing instantly away from the dangers of a traffic jam, at the lightest touch of the throttle.
Perfectly balanced—low hung and graceful always hugging the road with none of the sway and whip so often found in cars less accurately engineered—the Chevrolet-Mercury Sportabout inspires confidence and pride in its owner—confidence in its unfailing ability to respond instantly to his ever demand/pride in its beauty and exclusive good taste.
Economy, too, has its appeal—and the first cost of the Chevrolet-Mercury is but trifling—the after cost negligible and in performance, 20 to 30 miles to the gallon is the rule—not the exception.
Comfortable and safe—faithful and dependable—above all else, economical—truly a perfect plamate for the boy and girl who love the thrill of the open road and the joys of the great outdoors.
Mercury Body Corporation Louisville, Kentucky
 
 

Up Meleo Side Trip 1918 Touring V8