Tales of the Whittier Chapter in the 1950s
Ken Stutzman was a member of the FCCA’s Whittier Chapter from the early through the late 1950s. In the attached stories, he tells of his adventures with this most interesting chapter. His words capture the essence of a truly unique period in sports car history. Whittier, by the way is a small city near Los Angeles, California.
I was a member of the Whittier FCCA at age 18. I was the other person involved in getting the Coke for Pete Woods at the Torrey Pines race that Ken wrote about. I believe the red MG belonged to Andy Cummings, who later had a a blue Austin Healey and then a Porsche 4 cyl coupe, baby blue in color. I had a 1952 MG MKII which I drove in ralleys, including the one to Death Valley. On of the speakers we had at the meeting in the basement of Sears was a hypnotist. I am 75, and yes, those were great times. I think I have a dash plaque from the Death Valley Rally, if I can find it.
Hi Bill. Great to hear about your experiences with the Whittier Chapter of FCCA. The 1950s and 1960s were indeed special times in the world of sports cars!
Bill Wilkman
FCCA Historian
I recently acquired a red 49 MG TC with an FCCA plaque for a first place finish in “The Berry’s Rally” Feb. 1952.
The winners name on the plaque is Fred Kopp.
The car came to me from the LA area and hasn’t run since 1985.
There is no sign that this car has ever been restored, and certainly has been stored in a dry area.
If there is any further history available on Mr. Kopp andor the Berry’s Rally, it would be great to hear.
Mario Langsten
603.228.2888