Pensacola News Journal from Pensacola, Florida • 47

i P. Sunday, July 2, 1972 Popular Hobby Wmfcsfle- Cars -7 4 I i By ALLAN JACKSON Ntwt-Jaiinttl Stiff Wrtltf Collecting vintage automobiles is an increasingly popular hobby, both across the country and in Pensacola. And the fad is turning out to be more than fun. As a hedge against inflation it's a good investment. As Interest grows among Americans the vintage car business is growing into a multi-million dollar annual market.

Sales of antique, classic and special interest cars, long out of production, were estimated at more than a million dollars in 1971. The total is expected to jump to between two and three million this year, according to U.S. News and World Report. Collectors paid more than 3360,000 for 72 old cars recently auctioned off by Southby, Parke-Bernet galleries from the James C. Leake collection in Muskogee, Okla.

A 1930 boat-tailed Packard was sold for $51,000, while $60,000 was paid for a 1936 Bugatti. A 16-cylinder 1931 Cadillac went for $32,500. One of the leading collectors of the Pensacola area is Bryant Liggett, builder-contractor and former mayor. He does his restoring work himself and always has several cars in various states of repair. Liggett is also past president of the West Florida Region of The Antique Automobile Club of America, an organization that has approximately 40 active members in the area.

Liggett says a man must be dedicated to undertake the exacting task of restoring a classic or antique car. He estimates that under the best circumstances it takes a part-time restorer at least two years for a complete restoration. Liggett says the most satisfying experience of his years as a collector and restorer of antique cars came when his 1930 Packard Sedan took first place in a national competition. He is presently working on a 1917 Packard twin-six touring car and a 1930 Packard roadster. The former mayor would like to encourage budding car collectors, but says the days of finding a mint vintage car under some farmer's haystack are long gone Right now Liggett and other members of the West Florida Region club are looking forward to their fifth annual classic car show that will be held in the Car City area later this year.

They expect cars to be entered from the whole southeast region. The prices paid at auctions across the country have amazed even experienced car buffs. At a spring sale in Pennsylvania $606,525 was paid for 109 automobiles. The big boom in classic cars began about five years ago. Dealers say steadily increasing prices of old vehicles, about five to ten percent a year, have contributed to a quickening interest in the market by collectors and investors.

High quality autos are said by many buyers to be a relatively inflation-proof purchase, according to U.S. News and World Report. William E. Bomgardner, manager of the national headquarters of the Antique Automobile Club of America in Hershey, says the demand for classic cars is a case of a very small supply and a group of buyers that's increasing very fast The club is typical of the growth pattern. In 1959, when the organization opened its national center, membership was 7,000.

Today it has climbed to more than Turn to 2D yf. v3 and Sound -v. BRYANT LIGGETT EXAMINES ENGINE ON HIS VINTAGE HARMON TOURING CAR to spite of age. the ancient speedster can stiU cndse at turnpike speeds Set to Enter July 4 By BETTY JACKSOM NtwvJavrMl stiff Wrttw When the Escambia County School Board holds Its budget hearings July 31, the public will find this district school system on its best fiscal footing in recent times. Work on the $38 million budget was completed well ahead of deadlines and represents the largest projected expenditures for public education la the history of Escambia County schools.

An estimated $2.5 million in new money is anticipated from state funding sources enlarge this year by the Florida Legislature. Escambia County tax support, amounting to 10 mills, is expected to increase by 5 per cent in the wake if Escambia County's growth in the value of its taxable property. But the bright fiscal outlook for Escambia County schools goes beyond the increase in tax revenue and the man credited by school authorities for improving the financial perspective is W. J. Darden, deputy superintendent for financial affairs.

Next week Darden leaves this school system and will join the staff of the Florida State Department of Education as director of elementary and secondary education. He is satisfied that his revisions in school administration will serve as a solid financial base and feels his major goals have been accomplished. School Board Chairman Peter Gindl and Superintendent J. E. Hall agree that probably, for the future, Escambia County's school fund management can only improve, but they are dubious about filling Darden's shoes.

Both are profuse in their praise for the man who joined the Escambia County school system in 1968 when the system became entangled In a tragic and almost incredible financial fiasco. In that year, the school system transferred its bookkeeping records from the Pensacola Junior College to the Escambia County Data Processing Center and in the changeover vital records were lost. In March 1969, Darden moved from the instructional side of the county school system into his present position as deputy for finances. "The school board bad to bring in an accounting firm to reconstruct the books," he recalls. After the firm's work was completed, Darden estimates that another year was spent straightening out the whole bookkeeping process.

Finally this year he was able to put new budgetary practices into effect and to iniatlale new controls over spending. The results of his work are now being evaluated by the state auditor general's staff and audit reports for the year 1970-71 should be available shortly. But the success of his new fiscal policies already has prompted praise from many corners. Board Chairman Gindi predicts that his services will be missed during the next few years. "He has done an outstanding job for Escambia County," he commented.

Superintendent Hall said the state will greatly benefit fc 3 (71 1 pa FINANCIAL HEAD W. J. DARDEN authors bright fiscal outlook from Darden's administrative skills and knowledge. "His efforts," he said, "will leave a lasting imprint on the schools of this county. "Under his leadership our entire financial system has been reworked to provide us with more positive and effective control of our finances and our funds." "During the past three years we have earned more than a quarter of a million dollars through wise investment of funds until they are needed to pay our expenses." Darden pioneered the development of a "pay as you go" accounting system in Escambia County which drew praise from State Education Commissioner Floyd Christian.

A full cash accrual accounting system has since been ut Into operation throughout the state. In a "farewell" interview, Darden sat relaxed behind a tidy desk and spoke of his regrets over leaving Escambia County. His voice is soft and he twists his horn-rimmed glasses in the corner of his mouth. He is still concerned about classroom shortages in Escambia County. He fathered and actively campaigned for a $13.8 million bond issue that was defeated at the polls in May 1972.

Afterwards, he devised another plan whereby $4.81 million was derived from a bond and revenue certificate sale based on capital outlay approprations anticipated from the state. With these funds, ten major additions are underway at middle and senior high schools. This expansion program will take these grade levels off double sessions next year. Tura to 2D REP. ROY HESS not expected to rua GROVER ROBINSON III prepares for House seat judgeship in the First Judicial Circuit Pensacola restaurant owner Luther Gandy was still undecided as to which of the three House seats he will seek in the Pensacola metropolitan area.

Cantonment Justice of the Peace E. G. Archer declared for the Group 3 seat on the new Escamoia County Court. His opponent is Asst. State Atty.

Frank Bell of Pensacola. Century Justice of the Peace B. G. Ward prepared to announce for the Group 4 post on the Escambia Court on July 8 at the Holiday Inn on U.S. 29 north.

Brownsville Justice of the Peace Jack Thompson is already seeking the post as a Democrat. By BOB DUKE 0vtmwwit Affair editor Two new Democratic candidates are scheduled to enter legislative contests on Independence Day, the Fourth of July. Pensacola attorney James Johnston will declare for West Florida's District 2 Senate seat, while retired Navy Cmdr. Jack Hall will announce for the District 2 House post in the Pensacola metropolitan district. Hall has slated a press conference at the Old Firehouse Restaurant Tuesday at 3 p.m.

His campaign theme will be "Bring It on Home to Pensacola and Tell It Like It Is." The retired officer will compete with Rep. Gordon Tyrrell, Brownsville barber Roland Davis and, possibly, Myrtle Grove contractor G. T. Farrington for the District 2 House seat. Meanwhile, Johnston, who will issue his announcement without pomp or ceremony, said "it Is only fitting that I enter the Senate race on Independence Day, the most patriotic day of the year.

It will symbolize my own love for my country." He will vie with Crcstvtew Sen. William Dean Barrow, Milton City Councilman Alan Rep. Jim Reeves for the District 2 Senate post, which carries a two-year term. Sens. John Broxson of Gulf Breeze and W.

D. Childcrs of Pensacola are already locked in battle for the four-year term in Senate District 1. Mcnwhile, there were these other developments on the West Florida political front: Pensacola attorney Grover Robinson III was preparing to enter the competition for the District 1 House seat in the Pensacola metropolitan area. In the contest now are school principal Bill Marshall, former Pensacola Patrolman R. W.

(Smokcy) Peadcn and Sheriff's Sgt. Russ Swinncy. Rep. Roy Hess, the District 1 incumbent, is not expected to seek reelection. Pensacola attorney Calvin Wilson, an avowed conservative, was entertaining the possibility of running for the District 1 House post on the Democratic ticket.

He is the first Democrat to express interest in the seat. However, Rep. Tom Tobiasscn will definitely run for the post under the Republican banner. Constable Clyde Touart and Sheriff's Criminal Investigator Duerwood Willis officially announced for Escambia sheriff, leaving seven other prospective aspirants still to declare: former Constable Tommy Ray, acting Sheriff Royal Untrcincr, Constable Al Harrison, Sheriffs Lt. Floyd Rose, Suspended Sheriff William E.

(BUI) Davis, retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Marvin Hamlin and former Deputy Sheriff C. W. (Bub-bal Solari.

Veteran Rep. Wayne Mixon, D-Marianna, announced for reelection to the District 7 House seat. He faces opposition from John Grace of Marlanna in the Sept. 12 Democratic primary. Former Pensacola Junior College student George Anderson of Cantonment declared as a Democrat for the District 4 House seat in North Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and part of Walton counties.

His Democratic opponent will be Rep. Edmond Fortune of Pace. Retired Navy Chief Ed Nugent of Pace will run on the GOP ticket. Asst. State Atty.

Clyde Wells of DeFuniak Springs entered the Democratic competition for the Group 5 circuit Wednesday Session Set Sqiyaire Chess Club Set July 13 With interest rising in chess due to the world championship matches between American Bobby Fischer and Russian Boris Spassky, a group of Pcnsacolians have decided to organize a chess club. A organizational meeting is planned July 13 at John Waite's home, 1813 Maxwell at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in becoming a charter member can call Mike Henderson, 4330041, be binding on either the fire fighters or the city. The council has reserved unto itself the final say on any wags increase for fire fighters. Chandler says be will set a date for a third session to allow members of the public to present their view' on the salary issue.

The committee is under a man date to submit its recommendation to council by the end of the month unless both parties agree to an By EUGENE BOG AN Nf.JflMl Staff Writ Firemen and city officials arc preparing to square off, hopefully in a polite manner, at Wednesday's sec ond session before the three-man special citizen's study committee set up to review salary requests of fire fighters. The first session, held last Tuesday night went smoothly enough. The two sides gave separata one-hour presentations to the committee, headed by Dr. Ralph Chandler of the sonnet official. Willett was chosen by the firemen and Lamb by the city manager.

The two parties appointed Dr. Chandler as the third member and chairman by mutual agreement Firemen agreed in advance to accept the committee's findings as binding, prior to presenting a request for a $10,140 salary for rank and file veterans. City Council action establishing the committee procedures specified that its recommendations would not University of West Florida. At Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. session In City Council Chambers the two parties will be allowed to question the statistics and arguments used in the first session.

In addition, the committee members, who listened without comment for the greater part of the first hearing, will probe the positions of the two sides with their own questions. Sitting with Chandler on the tribunal are Henry Wilktt banker, snd Robert 8. Lamb, Industry per.