"Opening of "Oklahoma Driven" Exhibit"
Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241
03/15/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release
WHERE: Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive
WHEN: Wednesday, March 16th - doors open at 5:00 p.m., opening ceremony at 5:30, ribbon cutting at 5:45.
WHAT: Opening of "Oklahoma Driven." This exhibit features cars, collectors and the birth of the Oklahoma Highway Commission. The cars include a number of very rare automobiles. They include:
- 1899 Knox - Three wheel vehicle steered with a tiller
- 1903 Oldsmobile - Ransom Olds name permeates the early days of the auto industry
- 1909 Ford Model "T" - Wooden body, very rare early production model originally owned by an Oklahoman
- 1909 Buick - Immaculate restoration, body still had ties to those made by carriage makers
- 1910 Selden - Car purchased new by an Oklahoma Citian and driven in Oklahoma City, ultimately stored behind a barn at SW 29th and May, discovered by car collector Don Bolton, very rare automobile.
- 1912 Buick - Different body shape from the 1909 model now looks like a "car" body, unrestored - all original with less than 5,000 miles, extraordinarily rare
- 1931 Ford Model "A" - 1 of only 6,400 manufactured, major changes by Ford because of the depression, most of this model were sold in Europe
WHO: Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Director Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Gary Ridley Car collectors Don Boulton and Jim Bradley, who graciously loaned the automobiles for the exhibit Don Hummer, Sooner Regional Group, Horseless Carriage Club of America Liz Romero from the Oklahoma Division of the Federal Highway Administration Jim Benson, Chairman of the Board, American Council of Engineering Companies of Oklahoma Former Gov. David Walters
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This special exhibit is in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Oklahoma Highway Department, which is now the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The exhibit is a cooperative effort of the Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Oklahoma.
Live Shots are welcome for either the 4p.m., 4:30p.m. or 5p.m. newscasts.The car owners, and OHS and ODOT staff will be available for interviews.
For set up information and to confirm your coverage, call Michael Dean at 522-5241 or 412-7831.
