This is how I spent my Spring, and Summer. This is the last engine Ernie Foster rebuilt. Ernie passed away a few days after we fired the engine for the first time. I only knew Ernie for 5 months but had made a friend for life. I am very sad this friendship was so short lived. Ernie was a wealth of knowledge and I am fortunate to have known him. When I first met Ernie I was on a hiatus from work, I explained to Ernie that back in the mid 80's I worked for Mike Fennel and had overseen many restorations during my years there, then I asked if I could come to the shop and help work on my car, he said NO!. After a month Ernie had allowed me to paint many of "My" own parts, and I was now allowed to work side by side with his technicians' assembling the engine and installing it. Ernie had even offered me a job. I miss our conversations and visiting at his shop. Ernie reproduced Packard 12 heads and Lincoln heads, the next car in line at his shop was a 32V Stutz Roadster, an Auburn 12 Convertible Coupe was nearing its complete restoration. Rest in Peace Ernie Foster
The last photo is Ernie Foster and his Technician Joey.
Nice tribute to your friend and mentor Ernie Foster. Do his memory an honor by passing on the knowledge he imparted to you to a younger generation of Classics and Packards enthusiasts. That's the best way to remember and perpetuate his memory.
Lovely '35 Packard and its engine to behold.
Steve
Posted on: 2015/8/29 12:49
.....epigram time..... Proud 1953 Clipper Deluxe owner. Thinking about my next Packard, want a Clipper Deluxe Eight, manual shift with overdrive.