This site is dedicated to my neighbor and friend, Andrew "Andy" Darico of Vernon, CT and his car. The car is an all original 1951 Ford Victoria 2 Door Hardtop. It is the last new car he bought. A World War II Army Veteran, he chased Rommel across the deserts of North Africa, and then helped rout the Nazi's out of his family homeland of Italy. Click on the thumbnail you wish to see as a larger photo in a new window, and expand the new window for the largest view.
UPDATE 2-26-05.....It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of Andy Darico. I loved him as though he were my Grandfather, and he will be sorely missed. See the text of the obituary below, and please say a little prayer for him as he journeys home to God. DARICO Andrew Darico Jr., 89, of Rockville, husband of the late Mary (Rickes) Darico, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at Woodlake of Tolland. Born in West Hartford on November 11, 1915, he was the son of the late Andrew Sr. and Lucia (Poletti) Darico. He was a lifelong resident of Rockville and was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Andrew proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the African Middle Eastern Campaign as a Staff Sargent with the 3375th Quartermaster Truck Co. He served as an Estate Keeper with the Bissell/Mason family through three generations, where he was considered a "jack of all trades." He could fix or do anything and became very close with Lebbeus Bissell. Andrew was a former member of the Moose Lodge, American Legion of Manchester, served with the Vernon Fire Dept. Co. No. 1 for 25 years, and was an avid outdoorsman. He is survived by his son, Michael Darico of Rockville; his daughter, Jane Lonsdale and his son-in-law, Brian Lonsdale, of Vernon; his brother, William Darico and his wife, Olga, of Vernon; his sister, Emily Darico, also of Vernon; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Peter and Morris Darico. He leaves behind many loving friends and neighbors of all ages and very special "step-children" Tom and Susan Mason. Funeral services will be Monday, February 28, 9:15 a.m. from the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Rd., (Rte. 83) Vernon, with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 10 a.m., at St. Bernard Catholic Church, St. Bernard Terr., Rockville section of Vernon. Interment with full military honors will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Rockville section of Vernon. Calling hours will be Sunday, February 27, 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home Memorial contributions may be made in Andrew's name to the American Cancer Society, Memorial Dept., P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450-1004 or Woodlake of Tolland, 26 Shenipsit Lake Rd., Tolland, CT 06084
The car is equipped with the original flathead V-8 engine, and 2 speed Ford-O-Matic transmission. It is in unrestored condition, in great running order, with 59,000 original miles. I am hoping to get him to take the car to a couple of local shows and cruise nights, and I told him I'd do all the work.
UPDATE..08-08-03: A recent outing with the car revealed no brakes and a very leaky fuel pump. The master cylinder was dry, and the fuel pump gaskets were dried out, both from lack of use. The fuel pump was replaced with an N.O.S. unit, and the brakes gone through. Andy states that the car hasn't run this good in a long time, and that he promises to use it more often.