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Meet Tony Leidig of Algonquin and his shiny red 1964 Ford Galaxie, a man and car to inspire all you frustrated car buffs who plan to one day finish polishing up that treasured jalopy if only you could find the time.It took more than 3,000 hoursover more than10 years and it came right down to the wire — the wire being 4 a.m. last Wednesday — but Tony’s completely restored, spit-polished car of his dreams took “Best in Show” in its first-ever competition against more than 1,000 cars at the 10th annual Ford Galaxie Nationals in Springfield.“I’ve been in love with that car since I was a teenager,” Tony said of the car he bought from a man who once worked near Tony’s after-school job as an auto mechanic. Now a master electrician, husband and father, Tony had many other duties delay the Galaxie’s turn in the sun, but he kept at it.He credits long-time friends John Finnegan Sr., John Finnegan J r. and Chris Finnegan of the Custom Auto Specialties in Addison for much guidance and help. “They were a huge part of this project,” said Tony, who did all the mechanical work and much of the body work. A bit surprised at the top car show honors in his first attempt, Tony said he’s relishing the sense of accomplishment after completing such a long labor of love. “Everything you think will takeAmy MackTalk of the Townous e' worth Jerry 1 turn 1 weati hold tNeeDel McHe ment McHt trol v festive from Banfc tens, lookirGotone hour will take ten,” he said. Not that he’s complaining. “He loves it,” wife Sue laughs. “He’s already getting ready to start onthe next one.”Meanwhile, you just might see a guy with one big grin as hetools around town in his lovingly restored shiny red treasure. Give him a honk and a wave!Mack's lost 8c foundThanks to Patrick Kirmse, of the Friends of the Fox River board of directors, we now know a bit more about the mystery keyfinder who found my colleague photographer George LeClaire’s lost keys in the Fox River andwmailed them to Georges unlisted address. George lost the keys as he shot the Friends plantingwater willows at Southend Park in West Dundee. 1 have talked to the volunteers and board members who were at the planting and know one found his keys and sent them to him,” Patrick said. So we still don’t quite knowwho that person was, but we’re Plai getting closer. Regular readers Algon might recall George would like to to sto thank the person who found the featu keys with a free family portrait. hours Don’t forget we’re also looking day a for the owner of a blue leather Algon photo album left at Cheese- As 1burger in Paradise in Algonquin, new \ Do you know who’s missing 31, resome nice photos of a trip to travel Paris, England and Rome? and CSouthNo rain on this parade and BTheLet's give it up for the Algon- a pastquin Lions and Lioness Clubs ings,who haven’t let a little — OK, a get a lot — of rain dampen their com- requi munity spirit. After torrential www.i downpours forced the cancella- Ha\ tion of the centennial Algonquin Hill Climb last June, organizers • Amy created the recent Hill Climb Wedn Park Family Fest which, you days.. guessed it, also attracted some 931-5 wet stuff. Despite the drizzle, it via m was still a success, organizers tell Suite. me. “When you see the eyes of or by lt;die little ones light up at the vari- amacTony Leidig of Algonquin takes his family for a spin in his restored 1964 Ford Galaxie, which took “Best in Show” at the Ford Galaxie Nationals last weekend in Springfield.
Newspaper Details
Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago
Arlington Heights, Illinois, US
Fri, Sep 29, 2006
Page 288
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IL, USA 02 Sep 2019
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