2020 has been a tough year for everybody.  For car fans Covid 19 has pretty much destroyed the ability to go to car shows.  This writer has only been to two shows this year,  so to have a chance to actually go to a show that featured Checkers was a very special event.

This weekend the Gilmore Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan hosted the Little Orphan Auto car show, many orphan cars from all over the Midwest made the trek to Michigan to participate in the show.  More surprising was that the majority of orphan cars at the event appeared to be Checkers!  Checkers from five states: Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Indiana and Ohio were represented and on display.

Kevin Hahn’s A12e

The majority of Checker owners came from Michigan.  ICTA members Steve & Jennifer Fiorenzo along with their children showed their awesome 1965 Marathon.  ICTA Kevin Hahn showed his recently acquired 1976 Checker long wheelbase Marathon. Formally owned by the operators of Midwest Motors a longtime Checker dealer, Kevin’s Checker sported 1976 Michigan Manufacturers license plates.

The Buerkins family displayed two Checkers, a rare Aerobus 15 limo and A12e long wheelbase.  Both of these cars have been restored to “Pebble Beach” concourse standards.

The Veenstra Checker Marathon

Rick Burken displayed a very nice yellow Checker taxicab.  Former Checker employee Mike Skartsiaris displayed and really sharp silver Checker A12e long wheelbase.  David Veestra showed his gorgeous burgundy A12 with a formal roof and oval opera window.  David is in the unique position of being one of the last professionals who uses his Checker in the normal course of his real estate business.  In total eight Checkers from Michigan participated in the show.

Zandra and Tim Bowers from Indiana showed there recently acquired yellow Checker taxicab.  A west coast vehicle, the Bower’s car is very solid.  Joe Fay from Ohio showed the oldest Checker, a rare 1950 Checker Model A4 Taxicab.  John Weinhoeft from Illinois showed his gray Checker Marathon.

About seventy-five cars participated in the show,  with twelve Checkers were on display,  Checker represented the most popular make.   Amazing considering that Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Plymouth are all considered orphan brands.

For complete coverage of the show,  check out the video produced by the ICTA.

In need of attention

Buerkin’s Aerobus 15

Skartsiaris Silver A12e, pre 1968

The Bowers Checker Marathon Taxicab

Burken Taxicab

Weinhoeft A12 from Illinois

Duct Tape Special

1965 Fiorenzo Checker

Fay Checker Model A4 Taxicab

Kevin Hahn’s A12E

David Veenstra’s Checker A12

Buerkin’s A12E