From the desk of the Editor
June 2010
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The Ron Freeman Project(s)
July 2010
by Len Rickards
Debates regarding the earliest date of falconry will rage on for as long as there is an interest in raptors. It is reported that around 2200 B.C. Princes of the Hiu Dynasty received these birds of prey as gifts and it was likely they weren´t used to learn to speak "Polly wants a cracker". Ford Motor Company waited a few thousand years longer to introduce their version of the Falcon in 1960 A.D.
Falcons were enjoyed by royalty and nobility from all continents although an image of Queen Elizabeth behind the wheel of the little Ford version is not in any history books. Even William Shakespeare penned references to falcons albeit not the gasoline powered econo-transport devices but the rodent fueled masters of the sky.
It is reported that Chrysler and Ford both were interested in using the Falcon moniker with Chrysler having completed the initial research. As indecision nibbled away at the clock in Chryslertown their Big Three competitor registered the name with the American Manufacturers Association twenty minutes sooner claiming they were unaware of the conflict.
While not genetic manipulation, Ford engineering was able to cross species by transforming their aviary Falcon tribute to the equine Mustang while maintaining its ability to fly. The Mustang galloped down its own path and created the pony car segment while its direct ancestor continued until it evolved into a nameplate for the low cost version of the Fairlane.
Henry VIII had mews (falconry houses) at his palatial estates and Las Vegan Ron Freeman´s garage functions similarly at his castle.
A 1965 two door station wagon is tucked away anticipating Ron´s interpretation of the Practical Handbook of Falcon Husbandry and Medicine as the old bird waits to receive organs transplanted from late model Dearborn offerings. Currently its pulse is pushed by six aortas but a fuel injected V8 will be transferred from storage to the front haunches of the Ford.
The ancient cross-over was discovered by accident while on a work assignment in California. Tired, neglected and missing a few feathers lost to rust the car was basking in the driveway at the house of an older couple. The wagon´s plumage is a matte yellow as its former sheen was dissipated by sunshine and age.
Always interested in Ford´s Falconry Ron saw an older woman working in the front yard of her home and stopped to ask if it was for sale. The time had come to bid it farewell as it no longer was of useful service so following an exchange of silver certificates it was transferred it to the Freeman estate.
Purchased on the birthday of Ron´s wife, Lupe, he was a quick thinker and presented the aging Ford as her gift. Not quite in the same manner that a stray cat will leave a fresh kill at your back door but with the promise that some day it will be a fun and beautiful vehicle to drive. The possibilities are many with uniqueness unmatched so put that in your scepter and smoke it Queen Mother!
In the driveway is the 1964 pickup version, a Ranchero wearing a coat of primer, that serves as Ron´s trustworthy daily driver. Originally used by the U.S. Navy as a utility truck at Alameda Naval Air Station it was born with a 260 cubic inch V-8 with two-speed automatic slushbox. In the 21st century the thrust of a 5.0 roller motor paired with a 5 speed manual hints at the raptor being injected with aviary steroids.
Not one to have a bias for airborne animals, the Freemans have a taste of sea with a bright red 1965 Stingray sharing the Falcon aerie. A vividly intense red that is bright enough to leave a comet-like trail in its wake the convertible probably has admirers lining up for a cruise like kids waiting for teacup rides at Disneyland. This is the only 1960s vehicle that is not on the Freeman´s waiting list for a Ford powerplant.
Automotive enthrallment was ensconced in the DNA of the residents from Winston-Salem North Carolina where Ron spent his youth in the 1960s. During this time NASCAR was caught between its moonshine ancestry and transitioning into a recognized form of professional motorsports. Its stars of the era, The Petty family, Junior Johnson and others, were simply local residents to their neighbors.
When asked if NASCAR contributed ingredients to his vehicular stew Ron replied, "Oh, a little bit. I went to school with Richard Childress. His sister was in my class and I used to ride to school with him in the mornings sometimes until he scared the fool out of me and I quit riding with him." Apparently Richard´s later signing of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. did the same for him as he relinquished personal aspirations of being a race driver.
As a traffic engineer the Freemans call southern Nevada home. This southwest location is perfect for visiting their children and grandchildren located in Houston, Denver and the bay area of California. If Falcon Airlines should ever become a travel option Ron would likely be the first customer, of course they would have to be Boeing 707´s and Douglas DC-8´s.
