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Depression-era vehicle gets third-generation makeover

Very few American families were making big purchases during the Great Depression of the 1930s, especially for costly items like automobiles. But despite the extreme economic conditions, Jeff Kelch's great uncle Bill Gribble saved enough to purchase a new Chrysler for him and his wife, Essie.

“Bill was a master tool-and-die maker at a business that was thriving,” Kelch said. While his Uncle Bill had the funds, he still wasn't going to be ostentatious with his new acquisition.

“He didn't want anything flashy,” said Kelch, of Lake Barrington. Other more streamlined, art deco-inspired models were available, “but he didn't like that ‘modern stuff.' ”

The stately 1934 Chrysler CA coupe that Kelch's great uncle settled on was bought from Caldwell Motor Sales in Urbana, Ohio, for $700 cash. It was used infrequently around town, but it was used occasionally for one of Uncle Bill's favorite pastimes.

“He loved baseball. His longest trips were driving to Cincinnati to watch the Reds play,” Kelch said.

Gribble passed away in 1966 and the vehicle's fate was about to change drastically. “Uncle Bill owned two cars, the '34 and another '49 Chrysler. Aunt Essie rarely drove and wanted them gone.”

It didn't take long for a buyer to quickly purchase the '49 and Kelch is certain the '34 wouldn't have lasted much longer. “It was tucked away in the garage and for the most part, out of sight.” That gave Kelch's dad, Bud, time to ask Essie for it.

In 1967, Kelch's father Bud performed an overhaul on the coupe, which was just one of many activities that introduced young Kelch to the love of vintage motoring.

“My parents were very active in a local car club. I have so many great memories of going with them to the various gatherings and meet-ups. It was a major part of their social life. Going to parades, cruises and shows were regular activities.”

Keeping and using the vintage vehicle was made easy, thanks to the family business.

“We owned an auto-parts store. We knew the local body shop guys and other friends who could help with maintenance (on the Chrysler),” Kelch said.

Being a lifelong enthusiast, Bud hung onto the Chrysler coupe until 2007. At that point, the vehicle had been relegated to storage in Kelch's brother's Ohio barn.

“The mice were starting to get to it,” Kelch said. “I really wanted to get it back out on the road.”

The car was cleaned up and is mostly original. Another prompting to release it from hibernation was the opportunity to showcase it on the silver screen.

Kelch found out producers were looking for old cars for the filming of the period gangster flic “Public Enemies.” Kelch and his ride were on set for ten days during the 2008 production of the major motion picture.

Since then, Kelch had the vehicle repainted in Cobalt Blue and has focused on adding chapters to the Chrysler's story.

“My dad was adamant about it staying in the family, and I am, too,” he said. “I'm going to keep passing it on.”

Jeff Kelch of Lake Barrington says both his father and great uncle had a passion for older automobiles.
Kelch's great uncle, Bill Gribble, shown with the Chrysler in the late 1940s.
Jeff Kelch plays near the Depression-era Chrysler in the summer of 1967, when his father had begun the vehicle's first restoration.
The original receipt shows that Gribble purchased the car for $700 on July 7, 1934.
Kelch's uncle occasionally drove the car to Cincinnati in the 1930s and 1940s to watch the major league Reds play baseball.
In recent years, Kelch has had the black Chrysler repainted Cobalt Blue.
The Chrysler and its engine are still in mostly original condition.
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