–By MN Citroën Club President, Michael Barone–
Despite an uncertain weather forecast, the season’s first InterMarque Picnic took place at Cherokee Park under the indomitable auspices of the Citroën Club of Minnesota. That marque predominated, though the assembly also included a Triumph Spitfire and MG TD, and a Nash Metropolitan (owner present, car in absentia).
Somehow, though storm clouds seemed present everywhere else, the west side of St. Paul was spared any precipitation throughout the afternoon, which evolved into a dazzlingly sunny day, overall perfect picnic weather. A good time was had by all, and the party didn’t disband until after 4PM.
Though lacking any representation from Mercedes-Benz, Austin-Healey, Jaguar, Volvo, Sunbeam. Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen, Saab, Borgward, Morris, Lotus, Ferrari, Lloyd, Rolls-Royce, Datsun, Peugeot, or Fiat, the Citroën folk were in full force with a varied array of cars…three 2CVs (including a beautifully reconditioned maroon/black Charleston, retrieved by Dean Anderson from the stash of the late Doran Gerstein), one each of a DS21 Pallas (1971), SM (1973) , Traction Avant Legere (1951), and a Mehari (!).
The pride of the day was a gorgeous red 1939 Traction Avant Cabriolet (rumble-seat roadster). This car has been in Minnesota since the mid ‘60’s, and has been hibernating in Howard Lake for the past several decades, largely unknown to the metro-area Citroënistes. Contact was made a year ago, though only in the past week was it clear that long-time owners Ken and Sally Custer would be able to bring the car ‘out for show’. And we were very glad they did!
A more detailed history of this rare automobile’s provenance will be forthcoming. And hopefully, for the next InterMarque Picnic, more marques will be forthcoming, too! You missed a convivial collection of folks and fine food (a Café Latte Chocolate-Chocolate cake added to the groaning board of delectable on the table). Come one out next month! VIEW UPCOMING DATES, LOCATION INFO, AND SPONSORING CLUBS HERE.