The PBY Memorial just added an extra level of authenticity to its exhibits, thanks to the Whidbey Cruzers Car Club.

Members of the group purchased a 1946 Ford automobile, refurbished its exterior and painted it haze gray, said Bruce Biddle, auto technical adviser of the Whidbey Cruzers. The group has offered to loan the car to the PBY Memorial Foundation as a static display.

According to Biddle, the car is a very realistic replica of the ones used to ferry military officers about during World War II.

“War theater cars were nearly always gray or brown in color,” said Biddle. “Sometimes, they would even paint over the chrome to prevent reflections that could attract enemy attention. Blackout conditions, which definitely would have been observed on Whidbey during the war, would also have mandated blinders over the headlights as well.”

The Ford was in poor condition when they bought it, according to Biddle.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have many people helping us out with the restoration,” said Biddle, who was at the North Whidbey Car Show last Saturday at Windjammer Park.

Biddle was handing out flyers and answering questions about the restoration process and history of the vehicle.

He is a member of the PBY Memorial Foundation, and believes the ‘46 Ford will be a good addition.

“When you see war movies, this is the type of car that would be transporting the commanding officer,” said Biddle. “The Navy or Army would paint the letters as you see them on the passenger door. A flag would also be attached.”

The ‘46 Ford will be displayed in the parking lot of Simard Hall, (Bldg. 12), on the Seaplane Base.