GGB CAR: The recent news coverage surrounding Zippo’s 75th
birthday celebration included a tidbit of information most readers
probably didn’t know about a Cadillac once owned by founder George
G. Blaisdell.
Although Mr. Blaisdell lost the 1967 Fleetwood Brougham in a
coin toss, it remains in Bradford and can be seen parked in the
driveway at 109 Congress St.
Mr. Blaisdell, or so the story goes, had coffee every morning at
the Congress Street diner. He’d flip a coin with the owner to see
if he’d get a free cup or not.
One day, he reportedly wagered his Cadillac – and lost.
The next day, Mr. Blaisdell had the car dropped off at the
diner. And today, the car has passed to the daughter of the diner’s
owner, Kate Johnson Hoffman who is selling it.
The vehicle has been in storage since 1985 and is reportedly in
mint condition.
“The color is sable black, and the interior is dove gray,
elegantly appointed with embroidered seats. …,” according to a
fact-sheet on the car.
“It is a Sixty Special Series with a 429 C.1 engine, electronic
ignition and auto-level suspension. It has a special vinyl top
(great condition), tilt telescopic steering column, automatic
headlights, six-way electric seat, electric windows and electronic
side vents in the front and back.
“The car has not run since 1985, but it does turn over when the
key is turned. The owner prefers not to run it right now because
the gas and engine fluids are more than 20 years old. This car is
in very good condition. Nothing has been changed; the car is
factory original in nearly every aspect.”
MO ZIPPO: Speaking of George Blaisdell and cars, we got an email
from Barney Snyder of Tucson, Ariz.
“I remember seeing George Blaisdell in his MG sports car. Boy!
Was that ever a neat car,” he writes.
“He wore that hat that golfer like Gene Sarezan wore, and why
not? He was a very avid golfer. He played at the Pennhills Club. I
used to watch him hit practice balls to his caddy. He was an avid
golfer.”
Barney concludes, “I wonder how many large corporations have
tried to buy Zippo out. I’ll bet they have fielded many offers.
Many thanks, George Blaisdell’s family, for resisting what must
have been some pretty generous offers and keeping it in the family
land in Bradford.”
