Puttkammer Wins Mayor's Choice Award

Mackinac Island resident Charles Puttkammer's 1919 vintage Rolls Royce Silver Ghost won the Mayor's Choice Car, pre-World War II award at the 2009 Antiques on the Bay in St. Ignace Saturday, June 20. A 1919 vintage Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, owned by Charles Puttkammer of Mackinac Island, captured the Mayor's Choice award for a pre-World War II car at the 2009 Antiques on the Bay in St. Ignace Saturday, June 20. Mr. Puttkammer's classic car was entered in the 13th annual event and was the first time he placed the vehicle in competition since he bought it in 1998.

After purchasing the vehicle, he replaced the engine block and had other mechanical work done on the car over a six-year period by Bob Jefferson, a well recognized Rolls Royce restoration expert in West Brookfield, Massachusetts.

A town car is out of place in this area of the country, Mr. Puttkammer noted.

"It was clearly meant as a luxury conveyance for a wealthy owner who wanted to be transported in stately style," he said. "Having a car such as this is a rather expensive, and might I say, foolish indulgence, but once you have an interest, its hard to let it go."

The car has a French body and original French brocade upholstery. Unquestionably, he said, the car is a pretty valuable vehicle. The value of a classic vehicle, said Mr. Puttkammer, is subjective and based on its rarity, attractiveness, and the amount invested in restoration.

"Owners of a Model T or Model A Ford and I share the pleasure of having something most people look at with appreciation," he said. "You talk to old car people and you have a bond."