Jay Leno at Pebble Beach with Pierce Arrow Video

The Nethercutt Model A (dark blue)had a number of authenticity liberties taken during its restoration many years ago. For example, apparently to be able to use P-A wheels and hubcaps (rather than the Chev/GMC truck 14-spoke artillery wheels which are correct), the restorers put a P-A solid front axle dropped about 6 inches under the trailer, which makes it stand 6-12″ too tall. Travelodges were all independently sprung with tubular leading arms and 1/4-elliptic trailing arms–which make them tow especially well. The wood is, I think, too dark and has a high-gloss lacquer finish which photographs beautifully and looks great so long as you don’t remain inside for more than 3 minutes, after which the glare REALLY gets to you. The Servel gas refrigerator is a nice period piece but is not authentic to the Travelodge.

Mr. Leno did not seem to understand that the Model B shown at Pebble is a 85-90%-original condition barn find. The matte aluminum finish on that trailer had been clear-coated. The wood in that trailer is dark from age of the finish, as they all seem to get.

George