New Additions to the Woodland Automobile Collection at Estrella Warbirds Museum

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever

And this car is beautiful. The latest addition to the Woodland Automobile collection at Estrella Warbirds Museum was built in 2005, however the original was introduced in 1964 to compete in international endurance racing, winning at Le Mans.

Vehicle Type: Ford GT

Year Built: 2005

Built by: Ford

Suspension: 4 Wheel Independent, Double Wishbone, Coil-over Monotube Shock Absorbers, Front and Rear

Engine: All Aluminum Ford 5.4L, DOHC, Supercharged V-8, Dry-Sump Oil System, Rated at 550 horse power

History: The original Ford GT, GT-40, as it became known as it stood only 40 inches tall, was introduced in 1964 to compete in international endurance racing. The GT-40 first won at Le Mans in 1966 and repeated in 1967, 1968 and 1969. It also had wins in the Daytona 24 hour and Sebring 12 hour races as well as Riverside, California and numerous other tracks/races during it's career. In order to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Ford Motor Company, a street version retro-copy of the GT-40 was commissioned. These cars were built starting in late 2004 though 2006 and were sold as 2005 and 2006 Ford GT's. The retro-version stands 4 inches taller, 44", than the original GT-40. It has the latest in suspension design and aerodynamic and down force design. The engine, running gear, brakes, etc., are all the latest high tech components currently available. This allows the 2005/2006 Ford GT the capability of running 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, almost 130 mph in the quarter mile, and it has an ignition "chip" to prevent it from exceeding 205 mph as any faster speeds would test the tires dependability.

Owner: Woodland Family Collection

1942 Harley-Davidson WLA Restoration Completed

The 1942 HD WLA on loan to the Estrella Warbirds Museum was recently restored to original condition. This 1942 Harley-Davidson ® WLA, US Army Motorcycle was recently rebuilt and restored by the EWM restoration crew. As was common with many of the military motorcycles after World War II, this one was sold for civilian use. It's first private owner lived in Poland. After some initial customizing, it was purchased by a British gentleman who painted and chromed it to his liking. When he was through with it, it was shipped to Los Angeles where it was purchased by an individual friend of a museum member who convinced him to put the WLA on a long term loan to the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles. Included with the loan was a donation of $3,000 to purchase new parts, paint and original accessories.

The EWM restoration crew put in the time and effort needed to bring it back to the original Harley-Davidson® military configuration, including the Thompson .45 caliber sub machine gun, a frequent companion of military motorcycle riders. For more information visit www.ewarbirds.org.

REMEMBER

Each month (on the second Thursday of the month) Estrella Warbird Museum invites members of the museum and their guests to a complimentary viewing of movies at the museum’s Thomson Hall. Hot dogs and popcorn available at 6 pm for a $3 charge prior to the movie beginning at 6:30 p.m.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Estrella Warbird Museum, located by the Paso Robles Airport at 4251-A Dry Creek Road, is open Fri/Sat/ from 10 – 4 or Sunday 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Gift Shop hours are the same as above.

Monthly Dinners at the museum are open to the general public for a $15.00 charge. Reservations required. Please visit our website for information on Dinner Menu and Guest Speaker.

Please visit our website at www.ewarbirds.org for additional information.

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Comments

[Patrick Gauer]

Le Mans can turn cars into something quite historic, no? Aside from the power displayed in the cars that race there, the vehicles come with a design that latches onto our thoughts with their allure. Anyway, that GT seems to be a beautiful addition that would fit in well with the museum.

[Erwin Calverley]

Cars are pretty beautiful, aren't they? Restoring an old car or motorcycle, making them look and feel that they're back to peak performance is an impressive sight. It's often fun to see the final results!