Huntingtown, MD – America has, for the most part, become a disposable society. However, there are still some steadfast preservationists among us and they like to proudly display their work. The best examples in the Southern Maryland area are always to be seen at local car shows. One of the best events for local car enthusiasts marked its 15th year Saturday, July 1. The Calvert County Night Thunder Cruisers annual Car, Truck and Bike Show was held at Huntingtown High School. Proceeds from the event—entry fees, vendor fees and admissions—are going to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Although the skies were mostly cloudy the weather was no problem for the many attendees.
There were vehicles of every variety—from classic cars dating back to the 1930s to modern day muscle cars—in virtually every parking spot on the high school’s front lot. Some of the owners even provided documentation about their prized possession. Craig Collins has dubbed his 1968 Chevy II “Novacane.” He printed summaries about the vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, exterior, suspension and interior, further noting “700 hours of labor went into Novacane. This car is truly my second love.”
In her summary of her 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe V-8, Amy Thorn stated that the now 70-year-old vehicle has travelled 4,788 miles since being rebuilt. The cost of a Ford Super Deluxe Coupe in 1947 was $1,280, Thorn reported.
Some eye-catching cars at the show included a 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz owned by Dan Ruby. The vehicle was one of only 815 of that make and model, according to the owner. The web site Classic Cars.com described the 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz as “supreme among the chrome monsters of the 1950s.” The web site lists one model for sale at a cost of over $186,000.
Another fine specimen was a red 1969 Chevy Corvette Stingray that the owner boasted had 520 pounds of torque and 600 horsepower.
The Calvert Night Thunder Cruisers gave awards to the top 70 vehicles and top five motorcycles and an award to best in show. Upcoming car shows in the area during July include one Saturday, July 8 at St. John’s Church in Hollywood; again at Huntingtown High sponsored by Carroll Western United Methodist Church, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and the NFE Sunday Afternoon Car and Bike Show July 23 at 5 p.m. at Bramley Inn in Bushwood.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
