Here is the guy that took our picutures on the overpass Gary.

 

Here is the overpass at the top of Jellico Mt.

 

 

 

Paul Jordan pulled off I-75 in Tennessee along with us
while our Crossfire convoy from up north was traveling down to the Dragon.
He took a lot of pics and is putting together a story about our Crossfires and our forum in a AUTO magazine.
It will also tell the story of the Dragon meets we have every spring and fall.


This is Paul Jordan - Freelance writer & photographer (Retired from 30 years with GM)



These pics are just a few that may appear in his story about the Crossfires.

 

Here is "PROOF" I was at the Dragon...

http://www.current.net/james1549/dragon.html

 

A follow up from Paul (Writer and Photographer):

Gary!... The more I see these 'Crossfires', the more I like them. I did a little 'research' and have the 'bare bones' for an article in 'Old Autos'. Again, that is not to say they will publish it! This 'newspaper'- magazine is more about old vehicles than new but they really have an 'open mind' to all 'passion' and I think an article like this will be of interest to Canadian Crossfire owners and every-one else!

You did mention the number of Crossfires in the U.S. and Canada over the phone, I just can't remember that...could you send it to me?
I do have the total production figures for all 6 years. It is a little fuzzy whether there was a '03 model....did they start with '03 or 04?

I just finished a huge project today and did not have time to 'get to ' my brothers for the picture work I need to do. I have not 'forgotten' and do want to swiftly get them out to 'you all'. I will also send you the Crossfire article when it's finished!

I seem to be working harder now than before I 'retired'!
Paul.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by VALKRYDERGUY

An encounter with a freelance writer and photographer on the way to the Dragon........

Paul Jordan pulled off I-75 in Tennessee along with us
while our Crossfire convoy from up north was traveling down to the Dragon.
He took a lot of pics and is putting together a story about our Crossfires and our forum in a AUTO magazine.
It will also tell the story of the Dragon meets we have every spring and fall.
__________________________________________________ ___________________________________________


Update on our story.........

Here is the story to be submitted to a auto magazine in Canada.
It was written by Paul Jordan....

Freelance writer & photographer (Retired from 30 years with GM)




Here's the story....

I was on the second hour of the second day of my Oshawa to Tampa, Fla drive, Friday, Oct. 31. Good weather ahead, a fairly empty interstate (I-75) and I anticipated a 'good driving' day. Suddenly one of 'those' magical moments arrives in the 'guise' of one little, beautiful Chrysler Crossfire passing by.
Amazement as a 'second' Crossfire blows by!!! What's the chance of that? Two! These darn things are pretty 'rare'! By the time the forth Crossfire passed I knew 'something' was up. Happily, I 'fell' in behind the 9th Crossfire and increased speed to 'keep up'. I fired up the cannon digital camera and patiently waited for something to happen.

We were all rolling through the end of Kentucky and entering Tennessee (darn that would have been a 'good shot' of the state 'welcome sign'). With too much to do, balancing C.D.'s, camera, a 'curvy interstate, and a 'full' bladder of coffee, I realized I better do something as I-40 was soon coming up and not 'everyone' is heading to Florida. I passed by the last two Crossfires waving from the left lane. No recognition. Bless the young, a couple in the forth Crossfire up rolled down their window and I yelled 'I write for a Magazine and would like to talk'!). The ole walkie-talkies did 'their thing' and we, as a group pulled over. Fortunately, this was in a desolate area with the exception of a 'new' overpass.

I do tend to 'get excited' and ran from car to car like a nut explaining and meeting every-one. Happily, from doing 9 Hot Rod Power Tours I recognized a 'perfect' spot' for photos and all the Crossfires parked on top of the overpass, cross-ways with the Smokey Mountains as 'back-ground'. Hoods were opened, closed, owners stood with their cars, and 'group' shots were taken. Email addresses were 'exchanged' as were business cards (hey, Murray, how about some?) and phone numbers. They explained that their destination was 'Tail of the Dragon', in Fontana Dam , North Carolina, an amazing 318 curves in a 11 mile 'stretch' where enthusiastic drivers 'go Nuts'. Unfortunately, a few die every year!

This group explained some of the quirks of the Crossfire. I found it interesting that Chrysler dealers usually don't like them because of the Mercedes influence and Mercedes the same because of the Chrysler involvement. Many mechanics 'shy' away from them because of the highly technical mechanics and customers 'stay away' because of identity 'indecision'. This is a design that is 'in your face'...one that is either 'loved or hated! Of course, I 'Love' them!

Any-one interested, Website: WWW.crossfireforum.org

The 'beauty' of these clubs is the 'shared' knowledge and information (and most important, PASSION!!). With the availability of this, one could purchase a Crossfire (which are 'inexpensive' compared to 'what one gets') with-out worry.

Chrysler Crossfire is a rear wheel drive sports car marketed as both a coupe and a roadster. Debuting in 2004 it is built for Chrysler by Karmann at Osnabruck, Germany. It is powered by a Mercedes-Benz sourced 215 bhp (@5700 r.p.m.) 3.2 litre V6. The top speed is 155 MPH....
electronically limited! 0 to 62 M.P.H. in 6.5 sec.s with 27.2 M.P.G.! (gas tank is 15.9 U.S. gallons). Not enough???? Need more? The SRT-6 option is a supercharged 3.2 liter V6 pushing 330 H.P.! Good God, gramma, hang onto your scarf !!!

The last Crossfire was produced in December 2007. Due to slow sales the MSRP has dropped significantly. Go in with 'cash' and tell them I sent you and receive a free hat!

The Platform is shared with the Mercedes SLK and the transmission is either a 6 speed manual (my choice!) or a 5 speed autostick. The front wheels are 18 inch and the rears are 19 inch, all on excellent looking aluminum 'mags'. Visibility is restricted and the ride is a bit harsh. The steering wheel 'intrudes' on the tummy but then again, try a '61 Corvette for days at a time! My dogs would also complain about the lack of interior 'room' but as long as they are going 'somewhere' they really don't care.

I'm including my Photos, they are self-explanatory.

Paul Jordan.

 

Great story ! Way to go guys ! sure dose make our cars look and sound great but we already know that ! one way or the other it ;s pretty cool !

 

I liked it too.

Looking forward to seeing this in print...

 

Man that's awesome!!! I can't wait to go next year!!! BTW what are the tentitive dates???

 

Date is set April 3,4 & 5, 2009

Go to this link and post you are coming and I will add you to the list at the beginning of the thread.
All the info you need is in the first few posts.

 

UPDATE !!!
OUR STORY WAS PRINTED.
I JUST RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE WRITER "PAUL"

Hey, Gary!

I just received my issue of 'Old Autos' today and guess what!!! They used the 'Crossfire' piece!!! The only disappointment is that they didn't include your Crossfire Club and Email address for our Canadian Crossfire owners. I'm going to include it in the 'letters' section for the next issue. I know I included it in the copy I sent them so they must have edited it out. I think that was very unfortunate as that address was very important for anyone thinking of joining your club.

Gary, what usually happens is that in a couple of weeks, three issues will come in the mail. I am going to send you one of those issues.
Again, I will send the www.Crossfireforum.org address to them to publish next issue, out in three weeks. I'm really hoping that you will get a few Canadian owners to join your club. Clubs always add much enjoyment to ownership of any vehicle. I'll be in touch,

Paul-

 

It's been a while since I've been online, but that trip looks like an awesome time! I might have to think about the spring!

 

Ya should definitely join us.....
Spring 2009-Tail of the Dragon/Smokey Mountain meet April 3, 4 & 5

 

Is there any way we can get a copy?
willing to pay shipping and price of magazine.
woudl kill to have a copy.

 

I will be contacting the publisher of Old Autos to see about getting a bunch of these December Additions.

 

I did the Dragon in my Z71 Suburban last Spring...does it count?

 

Does it count for what?

 

Do'n the Dragon.
Y'all are gonna have a tough time against me in April since I've had more practice in the 'burb on the Dragon than you've had in your Crossfires on the Dragon. In fact, I bet several Dragon virgins will show up to challenge the 'burb.