By Lynn Nagle Special/Chatham This Week
Published here:
The light misting rain didn't dampen the spirits of car enthusiasts wanting to see the ninth annual OLG Classic Car Cruise on May 27.
Thousands huddled under umbrellas and wrapped themselves in rain gear and blankets to line the parade route last Friday evening.
Many sat inside their vehicles to watch the procession as it passed city streets, weaving along King Street.
And these car and motorcycle fans weren't disappointed. Many of the convertible-styled cars even left their tops down as they drove through the gentle rain.
And, although there are many fine details available for the eye to see, there are often stories about the cars and the drivers that aren't visible.
The crowded main street of downtown Chatham Kent are lined with hundreds of vintage automobiles from across Ontario, drawing thousands of visitors who enjoyed the sun drenched day.
Dennis Jackson of Leamington drove his Heinz-styled 1949 International KB1 truck to the event. Jackson, who worked for the H.J. Heinz Co. of Canada for 46 years and still works as a Heinz ambassador, says the truck is the largest item in his Heinz memorabilia collection.
Inside the truck he has seven different horns. He says that the kids really like the horns.
"Gotta keep them happy," says Jackson.
Ray and Gail Foster from Ruthven found their 1955 Fairlaine Ford in Oklahoma. It was originally used as a Rum Runner car and still had the tap and lines installed in it when they acquired it in 1999. Oklahoma was known to be a "dry state" between 1907 and 1959. The illegal liquor trade however flourished during that same time period.
Maryanne Statton, from London saw a Zimmer in Florida and just had to have one. They found her 1986 Zimmer in New York.
On Saturday, Rob Myers of RM Classic Cars drove his 1949 Delahaye 175 S Roadster to the car show and parked it in front of the Retro Suites. The Delahaye is one of only 51 built with that particular chassis. The car door, which is hinged opposite from conventional vehicle doors, was one of the Delahaye's details that quickly drew a crowd. The car was originally owned by Diana Dors, known to be the "English Marilyn Monroe" in the 1950s.
Helen Chesterfield from Merlin came in her 1957 Cadillac, which had a trunk filled with some of her Elvis memorabilia.
Rob Myers is seen exiting the 1949 Delahaye 175, which made a rare public appearance at Saturday's Retrofest Classic Car show.
Tyler Pink's 1955 Lincoln still has its original factor paint. The Lincoln had 26,000 miles on it when he bought it. Pink's son Steve was happy to show how the Lincoln's emblem covers the trunk lock, lifting to allow access so the key opening.
Tyler Pink with son Steve and daughter Libby show off their 1955 Lincoln, which still has the original factory paint.
Overall, Kent Historic Auto Club members were pleased with the success of the 2011 Retrofest.
As the car fans travelled back a few decades, many recalled a moment with a similar car or motorcycle. For a second or two Retro Magic transports them to a different time, place and memory.
No comments:
Post a Comment