Photo Tony Parks.
Local Lion Ralph Heaslip, earned a “Top 10” at the car show, with his 1931 Model A Ford, 2 DR sedan with rumble seat (14,000 miles). He has had it since 1991 and also has a 1968 Mustang 2 DR coupe
On Saturday July 8, 2017 classic car enthusiasts gathered in Millbrook to display and enjoy over 100 beautifully restored cars of yesteryear. From Model T Fords to late 80’s pick-up trucks, there was a wide range of interesting vehicles on display.
Photo Tony Parks.
Public fascination in these cars and trucks is still strong, and a steady flow of people filled the main street, taking pictures and sharing memories of their favourite rides.
Owners are usually happy to answer questions about their cars; all have stories to tell. Most have bought and sold several vehicles over the years and a few have owned their classic since new.
Grant Moffatt of Hastings, for example, is the proud owner of a gorgeous 1966 Chevy Impala SS. He bought it new 51 years ago and the dark blue two-door hard-top is still in show-room condition. Parked beside Grant Moffatt’s Super Sport was his buddy Roger Swan of Bowmanville with his black 1966 Chevelle SS-396. Swan also owns a T-Bird and an Olds, but he says the car makes him “feel 18 again!”
Harold Prentice of Millbrook bought his 1966 Dodge (Coronet 500) four years ago. His mint- condition car is all original thanks to North Carolina and the salt-free winters. Harold also owns 1979 and 1977 motorcycles. Rangco Bronsema, who started the Bethany car show 45 years ago, was on hand with his 1940 Dodge 2-door. Now he likes to visit other local shows, enjoying the comradery and talking cars. His black sedan is a beauty.
Don MacPherson of Bethany brought his 1930 Buick (McLaughlin) Victoria 5 seater coupe – a show room condition rarity that was built in Oshawa 87 years ago. The gold paint really sets off the massive chrome lights and radiator. George and Anne Kennedy of Canton brought their 1947 Mercury Coupe for the day. This has been a family hobby for 45+ years.
Dave Jones, Bethany, proudly displayed his mint 1966 Chevy Caprice (gold with black vinyl roof). Jack Cross, Bridgenorth, brought his 1972 Chevy Nova SS, 2 DR, one of several Nova’s featured on Saturday. Rick Doucet, (Oshawa) brought his 1956 Ford F100.
Ed Haass of South Monaghan, owner of a 1960 Chevy and 1978 truck, brought his 1955 Chevy Belair which is a great example of one of the most popular cars of the 1950’s. The cream and red soft-top was a crowd favourite.
A personal favourite was Bill Tighe’s (Ajax) 1966 Plymouth Satellite 2 DR 318, looking as good as the day it rolled off the line 51 years ago – all original. Bill & Jean Kimbale drove up from Newcastle in their 1963 Ford Galaxie 500. Built in Oakville, they brought it back from Kelowna, BC.
Todd Doyle of Oshawa once shared a Ford Thunderbird with his mother. When she caught him speeding, she sold the car—so he bought another 1970 T-bird of his own, and displayed it here in Millbrook at the show.
One highlight of the show’s shine was Judy & Bernie Card’s 1914 Model T. The car is a great representative of Henry Ford’s most famous inventions. A few lucky visitors were able to sit in the car for pictures and to test the “duck” horn.
Bob and Lou Bomhof, Millbrook, drew attention with their 1956 Ford Crown Vic, glass top, one of only 603 built. They have owned it since 1972 (restored 1980). People always asked during the 8 years he worked on the car, “Are you not sick of him always in the garage?” Lou says she always knew where he was, not out drinking/gambling. Cars run in their family, and daughter, Terri, owns a ’67 Mustang. Bob says they have driven to shows as far away as Pennsylvania for the past 14 years.
Food and cold drinks were provided by the Millbrook Lions Club and breakfast and coffee was available at the Legion. Vintage music (to match the classic cars) was provided by D.J.s Frank and Randy Hewitt of Peterborough. The great tunes and the sunshine added to the success of the day.
The Millbrook District Lions thank all those that helped make the 2017 car show such an amazing event.
By Tony Parks
